When you think of pirates, you probably think of Peter Pan or Pirates of the Caribbean. However, these 5 novels I’m about to share with you are more than just your innocent, family-friendly adventures. As an avid fantasy reader, it is exhilarating for me when characters are being remade and brought from other tales into new adaptations of stories, because I get to know those characters all over again for the first time, and in a new realm. Inspired by The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan, and other classic tales, these stories give an exciting twist to some of our favorite fairy tales and are sure to be new additions to your TBR!
Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller
The first novel in this exciting trilogy, Tricia Levenseller brings to life seventeen-year-old Alosa who is on a special mission to retrieve a hidden map that is the ultimate answer to finding a legendary treasure trove. But she has to let herself be captured by her enemies so that she can search their ship for any clues and answers. Not expecting to let anything to get in her way, she stumbles upon the crew’s first mate, Riden, who is, of course, ruthlessly handsome and charming. While he may stand as a distraction, Alosa is determined, stubborn, and much too cunning to let something as silly as a potential romance stand in her way to attaining her ultimate wealth.
Reviewers on Goodreads often rated this novel with 4-5 stars, praising it for its similarity to the film Pirates of The Carribean, the exciting relationships that take place all throughout, and the strong female lead, Alosa. Who doesn’t love a female protagonist that takes charge of the story?
“I am me because I choose to be me. I am what I want. Some people say you have to find yourself. Not I. I believe we create ourselves to be what we want.”
Tricia Levenseller
Wendy, Darling by A.C. Wise
Everybody knows the classic story of Peter Pan and Wendy; an innocent tale of two adolescents that became great friends, but eventually turned their heads to reality. In this story, however, not all is as it should be. Wendy is a survivor of her Peter Pan, and now that she is grown, it is not her that he is after anymore, but her daughter, Jane. Forced to go rescue her daughter from what she believes is a dark, dangerous place, Wendy has no choice but to face what may be a traumatizing past back in Neverland. The first novel in this duology, Goodreads reviewers are loving this dramatic retelling of the beloved Peter Pan and Wendy because of its dark, spooky twists.
“She cannot, and will not, deny Neverland”
A.C. Wise
Hooked by Emily McIntire
Once again inspired by the characters of Wendy and Peter Pan, James has it out for Wendy’s father, Peter. As he plans his demise against Peter, James uses Wendy to get closer and closer until he can finally strike against her father. But things become more difficult for James once he sees Wendy for who she truly is. Will James finally get his long-awaited revenge against Peter, or will Wendy be his ultimate weakness and downfall? Check out this dark twist of a classic that Goodreads reviewers are deeming as a 5-star “true villain love story.”
“Darling, if I’m the dark, then you’re the stars.”
Emily McIntire
To Kill A Kingdom by Alexandra Christo
Inspired by the beloved tale, The Little Mermaid, we are introducecd to the tragically beautiful siren princess, Lira, whose mission is to hunt after princes to prove her worth as a siren. But after defying her mother, the Sea Queen, she is turned into that which they loath more than anything: a human. During her time as a mortal, Elian comes into the picture as a young prince and skilled siren hunter. As Lira and Elian cross paths, they find themselves playing a dangerous game with one another. In her novel where all isn’t as it should be, Alexandra Christo delivers themes of mythology, vengeance, and romance.
“I’ve made a mistake. It started with a prince, as most stories do.”
Alexandra Christo
Fable by Adrienne Young
After witnessing her mother’s fatal drowning and being abandoned on a dangerous island by her father, seventeen-year-old Fable learns she can only rely on herself to attain freedom and go after her father and his crew. Along the way, Fable finds support in West, a young trader who will help her get to the Narrows where her father is. But after learning that her father and his crew have become more deadly due to their trading, Fable and West must learn how to survive and rely on only each other as they attempt to escape the island. In her daring and adventurous novel, Adrienne Young explores themes of rebellion, romance, and what it takes to finally be free.
“She was the pattern of stars that he navigated by, the sum of all directions on his compass. And he was lost without her.”
Adrienne Young
From mermaids, to sirens, to pirates and more, these 5 novels are sure to give you an exciting thrill as you venture into these unique, fantastical realms.
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