Faeries have been a part of most folklore and cultures dating back centuries, their names and characteristics the only differences. And even then, they’re quite similar. There is something so magical about small sprites and dangerous elves that sparks our imagination and reading voraciousness. Give me a fantasy novel and tell me we’re going on a journey to a fae land, and I’m canceling plans— immediately. Let’s take a look at the Bookstr team’s favorite fae to read and watch over and over again.
Dulcie, Dulcie’s Taste of Magic by Gail Herman
Dulcie is a baker fairy from the Disney Faries book series. In her feature book, Dulcie is overworked, and another baker is stealing her job as head baker. To get her job back, she looks up an old comfort cake recipe. Dulcie’s determination and patience to remain the head baker are inspiring. Even though this is a simple book, it teaches the reader to appreciate things that others do. This book, and the other books in the series, are excellent in giving more world-building to the Disney Fairies.
—Emalee Pennington, Editorial
Cardan Greenbriar, The Folk of the Air series by Holly Black
When we first meet Prince Cardan of Elfhame in The Cruel Prince, he certainly lives up to his titular nickname. He is a self-centered bully with a superiority complex and an alcohol problem. However, as the series progresses, we learn that Cardan’s behavior stems from a tragic childhood and an absence of companionship. Once he allows his emotional armor to fall, Cardan grows into an intelligent, charming, and even loving person. Arguably one of the best radical character developments written in the last decade, Cardan is sure to make readers alternately want to punch him or swoon over him, or at least forget about the fact he has a tail.
—Cara Hadden, Editorial
Queen Lurline, Queen of the Fairies, Wizard of Oz series by L. Frank Baum
Queen Lurline, ruler and creator of the fairies in the land of Oz, is responsible for enchanting Oz centuries earlier. This made Oz into a Fairy country that she now rules alongside King Pastoria. This makes Queen Lurline fundamental in the foundational myth of Oz, making her an incredibly powerful character.
—Madison Weir, Editorial
Rowan Whitethorn, Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas
Rowan Whitethorn is a centuries-old Fae warrior prince from the Throne of Glass book series. Rowan is seen as cold, standoffish, and even cruel when he first appears in the third book. But like all good enemies-to-lovers stories, the readers and the heroine learn to love him for the “territorial fae bastard” he is. Rowan’s strength and unflinching loyalty, combined with some rather cool wind and ice powers, make him one of the best fae characters in any Sarah J. Maas series. And, let’s not get started on his tattoos *wink*.
—Kassady Cheyunski, Graphics Team
Sookie, Sookie Stackhouse Series by Charlaine Harris
Sookie is half-fae and half-human. She is the main protagonist in the series. I love her because she is strong-willed and confident. She falls in love easily but stands her ground. I’m a sucker for confident women. She’s loved vampires, werewolves, and the occasional human. She doesn’t find out until later in the series that she is half-fae, which causes a rift between her and her beloved vampire, Bill Compton; it’s the main reason he’s so attracted to her— fae blood is like heroin to vampires.
—Sam C. R. Barnette, editorial
Stella, Fate: The Winx Saga, Netflix
Stella is not only a light fairy in this saga but also the Crown Princess of Solaria. She is one of five fairies that Winx focuses on in this series and my personal favorite! The cold and sassy personality that she puts on display during the first few episodes can easily make her a character to hate; however, I knew there was more to her.
As the series proceeds, we learn why she is the way she is—a bad relationship with her mother, high expectations, and a constant inner battle between who she is and who she wants to be. Stella is not only a pretty face with an exceptional wardrobe, but she is also a wonderful friend that goes above and beyond for those she chooses to trust.
—Melanie Cornejo, Social Team
Suriel, A Court of Thornes and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas
If there were ever a more feared malevolent creature more starved for friendship than the Suriel, I’m not sure I’ve seen one. When I tell you that he is, hands down, my favorite character in the ACOTAR series, I mean I would stab Tamlin to save Suriel. His scary demeanor and reputation had no chance of ill intent against Fayre after she saved his life, something no other would have done. So like the snarky badass he is, he adopts her and becomes her faerie godfather dropping all the tea for her obliviousness. SJM has a way of making you bleed for her characters, though, as Lahabah from Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood is a close second.
—Kristi Eskew, Editorial
So what do you think? If your favorite faerie on the list, or did we add some new material to your TBR?
Want to read more about Bookstr Team favorites? Click here.
How about fantasy recommendations? Try these.