Tell a Fairy Tale Day is a perfect opportunity to revisit the magic of once-upon-a-time. But fairy tales aren’t just for princes saving princesses anymore. Today, they’re about breaking boundaries and retelling old stories with new voices.

For queer women, lesbians, and the LGBTQ+ community, these stories let them see themselves in magical and romantic tales. Here are five beautifully reimagined lesbian fantasy books that center on queer love, identity, and adventure.

 

1. Ash by Malinda Lo

Malinda Lo’s 'Ash' is a spellbinding retelling of Cinderella with a queer twist. This lesbian fantasy book tells the story of Ash.

She deals with a harsh stepmother and the sadness of losing her father. She clings to the fairy tales her mother once told her, dreaming of escape into the magical world. Her encounter with Sidhean, a mysterious fairy, seems like a promise of that escape.

Book cover of "Ash" by Malinda Lo, featuring a young woman in a white dress curled up against a dark background. The title is written in elegant purple script. Lesbian fantasy book retelling of Cinderella.

But when Ash meets Kaisa, the King’s Huntress, everything changes. Their growing friendship teaches Ash about love, courage, and the beauty of life beyond her grief.

This story is different from traditional fairy tales. The focus is not on rescue. Instead, it is about choosing love and accepting who you are.

'Ash' challenges norms and offers a tender, empowering tale of self-discovery. A must-read for anyone seeking lesbian fantasy books that feel both timeless and refreshingly new.

 

2. Kissing the Witch: Old Tales in New Skins by Emma Donoghue

Emma Donoghue creates magic and sensuality in 'Kissing the Witch.' This book has thirteen fairy tales. Each tale connects and presents a queer, feminist viewpoint.

These aren’t your typical princess stories. Here, Cinderella finds solace not in a prince but in the arms of her fairy godmother. Beauty sees herself reflected in the Beast, understanding love beyond appearances.

Cover of "Kissing the Witch: Old Tales in New Skins" by Emma Donoghue. Features elegant cursive typography on a purple background with a stylized hand holding a rose. Lesbian fantasy book with feminist and queer retellings of classic fairy tales.

Donoghue’s lyrical storytelling is captivating, giving age-old characters new voices filled with longing, courage, and freedom. Each story connects to the next, creating a web of powerful women who choose their own paths. A beautifully written exploration of love and identity exists.

It resonates with queer readers looking for lesbian fantasy books. They want to see themselves in the magic of fairy tales.

3. The Sleeper and the Spindle by Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman’s 'The Sleeper and the Spindle' mixes Snow White and Sleeping Beauty. A dark and magical lesbian fantasy book exists. On the eve of her wedding, a young queen sets out to rescue a princess cursed to an eternal sleep.

But this isn’t a tale of damsels in distress. Armed with courage and curiosity, the queen becomes the hero of her own story.

Cover of "The Sleeper and the Spindle" by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Chris Riddell. Features an ethereal illustration of two women in an almost-kiss, with a bold red flower. Queer retelling of Snow White and Sleeping Beauty. Lesbian fantasy book with dark magic and gothic artwork.

Gaiman subverts traditional gender roles, showing strength and tenderness in complex, nuanced ways. The bond between the queen and the sleeping princess is subtle and powerful, hinting at queer love without labels.

Enhanced by Chris Riddell’s hauntingly gorgeous illustrations, this reimagined fairy tale challenges expectations and celebrates self-discovery and independence. A must-read for those who crave magical stories with a touch of queer romance.

 

4. Sappho's Fables, Volume 1: Three Lesbian Fairy Tale Novellas by Elora Bishop and Jennifer Diemer

'Sappho's Fables' takes beloved fairy tales and spins them into lesbian fantasy books full of magic and heart. Volume One has new versions of Snow White, Rapunzel, and Hansel and Gretel. Each story includes queer romance and deep emotions.

Cover of "Sappho's Fables: Three Lesbian Fairy Tale Novellas" by Elora Bishop and Jennifer Diemer. Features green vines and pink flowers on a whimsical background. Lesbian fantasy book retelling Snow White, Rapunzel, and Hansel and Gretel with queer romance.

In 'Seven,' Snow White does not rely on a prince for rescue but finds love with Catalina, her stepmother’s new bride. 'Braided' presents Rapunzel cursed to live in a tree, longing for freedom and love with Gray, the witch’s daughter. 'Crumbs' reinterprets Hansel and Gretel with Greta’s journey of survival, identity, and unexpected love.

These writers craft these stories beautifully, making them tender and empowering. They celebrate lesbian love without hesitation, offering queer readers the fairy tales they’ve always deserved. A stunning collection reclaims old narratives and gives them new, powerful voices.

5. Seven: A Lesbian Snow White by Jennifer Diemer

When Catalina, Neve’s stepmother, sees the love growing between them, they must fight fate. They will work together for their freedom.

Cover of "Seven" by Jennifer Diemer, part of Sappho's Fables. Features a silhouetted woman in a dark dress walking through an eerie, purple-tinted forest. Lesbian fantasy book retelling Snow White with a romantic, gothic twist.

This isn’t just about breaking curses; it’s about breaking boundaries. Diemer’s poetic language and atmospheric storytelling create a mesmerizing world where love transcends fear and tradition.

"Seven" is a dark and romantic story. Proudly queer, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves fantasy. This book shows how love can change us.

 

Conclusion

Fairy tales inspire hope, magic, and love. For too long, they’ve only shown one version of that story. These lesbian fantasy books are different. They show new endings where women choose each other, fight for love, and find happiness.

This Tell a Fairy Tale Day, celebrate by reading stories that understand you and love you back. These stories remind you of the magic in being yourself. These books aren’t just retellings—they’re revolutions of love and identity. Dive in, dream expansively, and believe in the power of queer fairy tales.