There’s something timeless and captivating about the story of Beauty and the Beast. These Beauty and the Beast retellings know just that. It’s a tale that reminds us that true beauty lies within, and that love has the power to transform even the darkest of hearts. Whether you’re drawn to the enchanting castles. The grumpy yet lovable Beast, or the brave and compassionate heroine. This classic fairy tale inspires authors to reimagine it in unique and magical ways.

The original story of Beauty and the Beast dates back to the mid-18th century, most notably popularized by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve. It tells the story of a young woman who agrees to live with a hideous beast in exchange for her father’s freedom. Over time, she discovers that the Beast’s frightening exterior hides a kind and noble heart. The unforgettable fairytale has since been retold countless times. Each version offers a fresh perspective on love, sacrifice, and inner beauty.

If you’re a fan of Beauty and the Beast, you’re in for a treat! I’ve put together a book list of highly-rated retellings across different genres — from fantasy to contemporary romance to historical fiction. So cozy up with a warm cup of tea, and let’s dive into these enchanting stories.

P.S. Several of these book recommendations are available on Kindle Unlimited.

16 Magical Beauty and the Beast Retellings You Need to Read

1. Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast by Robin McKinley

In this classic retelling, Beauty is a young woman with a deep love for books and learning, who volunteers to live in the castle of a Beast to save her father. As she spends more time with the Beast, she discovers that his gruff exterior hides a kind heart. McKinley brings rich detail and a dreamy atmosphere to this heartfelt story.

2. The Courtship of Mr. Lyon by Angela Carter

Part of The Bloody Chamber, this short story follows Beauty, a young woman who is brought to the home of Mr. Lyon. A mysterious and reclusive man who resembles a beast. As Beauty adjusts to her new life, she realizes that Mr. Lyon’s curse may not be as permanent as it seems — if only she can find a way to break it.

3. Rose Daughter by Robin McKinley

In this second retelling by Robin McKinley, Beauty chooses to live with the Beast in his enchanted castle after her father stumbles upon it. However, this version heavily emphasizes the magical roses surrounding the castle and the slow, natural development of love between Beauty and the Beast.

4. Beast by Donna Jo Napoli

Set in ancient Persia, Beast is told from the Beast’s point of view. Following his life as a prince cursed to become a lion. When he takes refuge in a hidden castle, he meets a young woman named Beauty. As he grapples with his curse, he must convince Beauty to look beyond his appearance. Or he risks being trapped forever.

5. Beastly by Alex Flinn

Set in modern-day New York City, this contemporary retelling follows Kyle Kingsbury. A rich and arrogant teenager who is cursed to become a beast after humiliating a girl at school. Desperate to break the curse, Kyle hides away in his apartment until he meets Lindy, a kind and bookish girl who may be his only hope for redemption.

6. Belle by Cameron Dokey

In this short and sweet retelling, Belle is the daughter of a merchant and a skilled woodcarver. When her father unknowingly angers the Beast, Belle volunteers to take his place in the castle. As she spends time with the Beast, she learns to see past his monstrous appearance and uncover the man within.

7. Heart’s Blood by Juliet Marillier

Caitrin, a young scribe fleeing from an abusive past, finds herself taking refuge in Whistling Tor, a crumbling manor inhabited by Anluan, a cursed and reclusive chieftain. As Caitrin works to unravel the mysteries of the cursed land, she slowly begins to fall for Anluan, even as the darkness of his curse looms over them.

8. Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

Nyx has been raised her entire life knowing that she will be married off to Ignifex. A powerful and cursed ruler responsible for the suffering of her kingdom. Determined to destroy him and free her people, Nyx unexpectedly finds herself falling in love with her monstrous husband — even as she plans his demise.

9. Uprooted by Naomi Novik

Agnieszka is taken from her village to serve the Dragon. A powerful and grumpy wizard who protects the valley from an evil Wood. As she learns more about magic and the curse that haunts the land, Agnieszka discovers a growing bond with the Dragon — one that echoes the Beauty and the Beast tale.

10. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Feyre, a mortal huntress, kills a faerie wolf in the woods. She is then taken to the Spring Court as punishment. There, she meets Tamlin, a High Fae who is cursed to wear a beastly mask. As she spends time in his court, she discovers there is more to him — and his curse — than she realized.

11. Bryony and Roses by T. Kingfisher

Bryony, a practical and sharp-witted gardener, stumbles upon an enchanted manor during a snowstorm and seeks shelter. There, she meets the Beast — a lonely, cursed man. As she works to unravel the curse, Bryony realizes her growing affection for the Beast.

12. A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer

Harper, a teenager with cerebral palsy, is pulled into the cursed kingdom of Emberfall. There, Prince Rhen transforms into a beast at the end of each season. Tasked with breaking his curse, Harper must navigate palace politics, growing danger, and a budding connection with the cursed prince.

13. The Beast’s Heart by Leife Shallcross

Told from the Beast’s perspective, this retelling offers a deep dive into the emotional torment and loneliness the Beast experiences. It follows his growing affection for Beauty and his desperate hope that she might break his curse.

14. Entreat Me by Grace Draven

Louvaen agrees to stay with a cursed nobleman to protect her sister from an unwanted marriage. As she spends more time in the castle, she learns of the Beast’s tragic past and slowly begins to fall in love with him.

15. The Fire Rose by Mercedes Lackey

Set in 20th-century San Francisco, this historical retelling follows Rose Hawkins, a scholar hired to assist Jason Cameron, a man cursed to turn into a beast. The story merges rich historical detail with elements of magic and romance.

16. The Beast’s Garden by Kate Forsyth

Set in Nazi Germany, Ava marries Leo, a high-ranking officer, to protect her family. However, Leo is not the monster she expected. And their growing love reflects the heart of Beauty and the Beast.

Which Beauty and the Beast Retellings are Your Favorite?

I hope this book list introduced you to some new and exciting Beauty and the Beast retellings! Whether you love dark fantasy, historical fiction, or contemporary romance, there’s something here for everyone.

I’d love to hear from you — have you read any of these books? Or do you have a favorite Beauty and the Beast retelling that I missed?

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Happy reading, bookworms!