Unique Cinderella Retellings in Fantasy and Sci-Fi

“Cinderella is Dead” by Kalynn Bayron turns the classic tale on its head. It’s been 200 years since Cinderella found her prince. However, for the girls in Lille, the story is not a fairy tale but a nightmare. Each year, girls are forced to appear at the Royal Ball, where men select brides based on a mere glance.

Sophia knows the brutal truth behind the glittering facade. She refuses to comply, fleeing the ball and setting off a chain of events that could topple the kingdom. Along the way, she seeks to uncover what really happened to Cinderella and find a way to end the oppressive system.

“Midnight Wings” by Ariele Sieling launches readers into the heart of an interstellar city, reimagining Cinderella not with glass slippers, but with the thrum of spaceship engines. This tale is set in a vast, space-faring city, a melting pot of humans, robots, and the enigmatic living metal, journeying across galaxies. Here, our heroine isn’t chasing a prince’s heart but aims to soar above the stars as the winner of a fighter pilot competition hosted by the prince himself.

Unlike traditional “Cinderella retellings,” this story blends science fiction with fairytales, weaving together elements of evil queens, charming royals, and women seizing control of their destinies. Our protagonist navigates a world where magic meets machinery, her ambitions set on the skies rather than a royal ball. With each trial, she confronts not just rivals but also the societal confines meant to keep her grounded.

“Rogue Princess” by B.R. Myers crafts a thrilling adventure in the stars, giving the classic Cinderella story a bold, sci-fi twist. In this universe, a princess flees not from a midnight bell but from an arranged marriage designed to save her planet. Her goal is freedom and a chance to determine her own destiny in the vast expanse of space.

However, her path collides with a commoner who has his own reasons for escaping the planet’s confines. Together, they embark on a journey filled with danger, discovery, and an unexpected bond. As they navigate through royal plots and interstellar threats, they uncover secrets that could shake their world to its core.

“Cinder” by Marissa Meyer transforms “Cinderella retellings” into a futuristic adventure. Set in New Beijing, Cinder, a skilled mechanic and cyborg, faces societal prejudice. When Prince Kai crosses paths with her at a market stall, their fates intertwine.

However, Cinder’s mysterious past collides with global intrigue and the looming threat of war. Amidst a deadly plague, she uncovers her true identity, potentially holding humanity’s salvation. Embracing her powers, Cinder could alter Earth’s destiny against its adversaries.

“Geekerella” by Ashley Poston is a modern Cinderella retelling with a geeky twist. Elle dreams of escaping her stepfamily’s cruelty by attending the ExcelsiCon cosplay contest. However, her world collides with teen heartthrob Darien Freeman, who is cast as the lead in her favorite sci-fi series’ reboot.

As Elle and Darien navigate fame, fandom, and their own insecurities, their lives become intertwined through a series of coincidences. Despite the odds, they find solace and connection in their shared passion for the Starfield universe.

“The Prince and the Dressmaker” by Jen Wang is a delightful graphic novel that reimagines the Cinderella story. Set in Paris, Frances, a talented seamstress, is hired by Prince Sebastian to create dazzling dresses.

However, Frances soon discovers that Sebastian has a secret: by night, he becomes Lady Crystallia, a fashion icon adored by the city. As their friendship deepens, Frances struggles to hide Sebastian’s dual identity.

“Stepsister” by Jennifer Donnelly is a bold retelling of Cinderella from the perspective of her stepsisters. After Cinderella’s magical transformation, the spotlight fades, leaving her stepsisters, Isabelle and Octavia, to face societal judgment.

However, when Isabelle discovers the chance to change her fate, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and redemption. With the help of Fate herself, Isabelle learns that true beauty lies within.

“The Fairy Godmother” by Mercedes Lackey offers a fresh take on traditional fairy tales. Elena is a struggling orphan who unexpectedly discovers she’s destined to become a fairy godmother.

However, Elena’s journey to master her newfound powers is fraught with challenges. Alongside her companions, she must navigate political intrigue and dark forces threatening the kingdom.

“The Stepsister Scheme” by Jim C. Hines breathes new life into the Cinderella narrative, focusing on her stepsisters Danielle, Talia, and Snow as they embark on a daring rescue mission. When Cinderella is abducted by an evil sorceress, the trio must set aside their differences and journey through a fantastical realm to save her. Along the way, they encounter allies such as Red Riding Hood and Sleeping Beauty, forming a formidable team of heroines.

As they navigate through treacherous landscapes and face off against powerful adversaries, Danielle, Talia, and Snow confront their own insecurities and past traumas. Despite their initial animosity towards each other, the stepsisters learn to trust and rely on one another’s strengths, forging a deep bond rooted in solidarity and determination.

Euphemia Reeves, a lowly housemaid, lands a baffling predicament: a clueless faerie godfather! Desperate for dashing Mr. Ashbrooke’s love, Effie battles harsh social shackles. But hope arrives in the form of Lord Blackthorn, a faerie with an unusual offer: 10,000 stitches on his beloved jacket in exchange for aid.

Whispers warn of faerie bargains, but Effie, yearning for escape, dives in. With just 100 days and a needleful of fate, she confronts love and magic’s complexities. Deeper in the faerie realm, Effie learns happiness hides twisted turns, where “good intentions” sting.