11 Fairy Tale Books for Adults to Enjoy when They're Still Young at Heart ...

The Sleeper and the Spindle is a retelling of the classic Sleeping Beauty, written by the masterful Neil Gaiman. It is an illustrated edition, making it a perfect gift for adults who still have a soft spot for fairytales. The book is a dark and twisted fairytale, with Gaiman's signature style of writing and his knack for creating unique worlds. It is a must-read for any fan of fairytales, and is a great addition to any bookshelf.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern is a captivating novel that transports readers into a world of enchantment and wonder. Set in the late 19th century, the story follows the mysterious Le Cirque des Rêves, a traveling circus that appears without warning and only opens at night. As the circus travels around the world, two young magicians, Celia and Marco, are unknowingly pitted against each other in a fierce competition to prove who is the best. But as their rivalry intensifies, so does their love for each other. Filled with beautiful imagery and intricate storytelling, The Night Circus is a must-read for anyone who loves a touch of magic in their books.

Angela Carter's The Bloody Chamber masterfully reinvents classic narratives with a feminist slant that will resonate with many. Her prose, both lush and seductive, invites the mature reader to delve into the psychological depths of these tales. From the visceral terror experienced by the naïve bride in the title story to the empowered heroines found throughout the collection, Carter's work is not merely about the macabre but also about transformation and liberation. This book, ripe with haunting elegance, is a testament to the enduring power of fairy tales to challenge and enthrall.

The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black is a modern fairy tale that takes place in a town where magic and fairies coexist. The story follows siblings Hazel and Ben, who have grown up in a town where a horned boy sleeps in a glass coffin in the forest. The townspeople have made a bargain with the fairies to keep the town safe, but when the horned boy wakes up, everything changes. The book explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the consequences of making deals with supernatural beings. It is a dark and captivating tale that will appeal to adults who still have a love for fairy tales.

The Ladies of Grace Adieu, written by Susannah Clarke, is a collection of fairytales set in 19th-century England. It follows the same magical realism style as Clarke's previous novel, Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, which has since been adapted into a BBC series.

The collection consists of eight stories, all of which feature a unique blend of fantasy and realism. In these stories, Clarke paints a vivid picture of a world where magic and the supernatural are commonplace. Characters include a young girl who is able to travel through time, a man who is able to transform himself into a bird, and a mysterious stranger who appears to have a connection to the supernatural.

The stories are written in a style that is both whimsical and darkly humorous. Clarke's writing is often described as being both beautiful and haunting, and her characters are both relatable and mysterious.

The Ladies of Grace Adieu is a perfect read for adults who are still young at heart. It's an enjoyable collection of fairytales that will transport readers to a world of fantasy and magic. For those who are fans of Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, this book is a must-read.

The Djinn in the Nightingale's Eye is a collection of adult fairytales by the acclaimed British author A.S. Byatt. It was first published in 1994 and has since become a classic of the genre. The stories are set in a variety of exotic locations, from the Middle East to Japan, and explore themes of love, loss, and the power of imagination. Byatt's writing is characterized by its lyrical beauty and dark humor, and the stories in this collection are no exception. The Djinn in the Nightingale's Eye is an enchanting read that will appeal to adults of all ages.