Betsy Cornwell pens young adult fantasy novels, often twisting classic fairy tales into something new. Her stories usually feature determined girls, magic woven into everyday life, and a touch of social commentary.
If you are searching for authors who create worlds with a similar feel, here are some writers you might want to discover.
Readers who enjoy Betsy Cornwell’s fairytale reimaginings might also appreciate Marissa Meyer. Meyer writes creatively reworked stories filled with fantasy, adventure, and strong characters.
Her book “Cinder” offers a unique take on “Cinderella,” set in a high-tech futuristic society. In this version, the main character, Cinder, is a talented cyborg mechanic fighting prejudice and uncovering dangerous secrets.
As Cinder meets Prince Kai, she finds herself drawn into a conflict involving an intergalactic threat and political intrigue. Meyer’s fresh spin on classic tales makes her a great pick for readers craving clever retellings with vibrant storytelling.
Readers who enjoy Betsy Cornwell’s blend of vivid storytelling and imaginative retellings might appreciate Renee Ahdieh. Her novel “The Wrath and the Dawn” is a reimagined take on the classic tale “One Thousand and One Nights.”
It follows Shahrzad, a courageous young woman determined to outsmart a murderous king. Each night, she tells the king enchanting stories to delay her execution and unravel secrets behind his past.
Ahdieh skillfully weaves romance, suspense, and Middle Eastern folklore into the story. Her writing brings to life vibrant characters and settings, making “The Wrath and the Dawn” captivating from the first page to the last.
Books by Sarah J. Maas offer immersive worlds full of magic, action, and romance. If you enjoy Betsy Cornwell’s imaginative storytelling, you’ll likely connect with Maas’s vivid fantasies.
In “Throne of Glass,” the first book of her popular series, Celaena Sardothien is a talented assassin chosen by the crown prince to compete in a dangerous competition. She battles trained killers and confronts dark mysteries within the kingdom’s castle.
As you follow Celaena through richly detailed adventures, you’ll discover a narrative filled with intrigue, suspense, and compelling characters.
Laini Taylor crafts imaginative stories filled with magic, romance, and fascinating characters. Readers who enjoy Betsy Cornwell’s vivid storytelling and unique blend of fantasy and real-world themes might also appreciate Taylor’s enchantment-filled worlds.
Her novel “Daughter of Smoke and Bone” follows Karou, a blue-haired art student in Prague, whose life is a blend of ordinary college days and mysterious errands for her guardian, Brimstone—a peculiar creature who trades in teeth and wishes.
When Karou encounters Akiva, an angelic stranger entwined in an ancient conflict, she begins to uncover the truth about her own origins and the war that could tear apart two worlds. This novel offers readers dreamy settings, surprising twists, and richly developed characters.
Books by Leigh Bardugo offer a fresh twist on fantasy adventure, perfect for readers who enjoy Betsy Cornwell’s magical storytelling. In “Shadow and Bone,” Bardugo introduces Alina Starkov, an orphan who discovers she has an extraordinary power.
Alina’s gift draws attention from the dangerous and powerful Darkling, who wants to use her abilities for his own mysterious plans. Alina faces tough choices, unexpected betrayals, and complex friendships as conflict brews in a world split by darkness.
Leigh Bardugo’s vivid characters and rich world-building keep you absorbed from start to finish.
If you enjoy Betsy Cornwell’s imaginative stories filled with fairy tale charm and strong characters, Rosamund Hodge could be your next favorite author.
Her book “Cruel Beauty” is a bold, dark retelling of “Beauty and the Beast,” set in a world shaped by curses and mysterious bargains. The protagonist, Nyx, has been raised for a single purpose: to marry—and then betray—the evil ruler who keeps her land captive.
But when Nyx reaches the dark lord’s castle, she finds herself drawn to secrets more complicated than she anticipated. With romance tangled in mystery and magic shaded by darkness, “Cruel Beauty” offers a fresh, captivating twist for lovers of enchanting fiction.
Naomi Novik creates imaginative fantasy worlds filled with magic, adventure, and relatable characters. Her novel “Uprooted” tells the tale of Agnieszka, a young woman forced to leave her home village to serve the mysterious wizard called the Dragon.
What begins as a strange and uneasy arrangement soon develops into a thrilling partnership. Together, they must protect their valley from an ancient dark force hidden in a forbidden forest.
Fans of Betsy Cornwell’s sparkling characters and enchanting storytelling will find plenty to enjoy in Novik’s magical and beautifully crafted tale.
Robin McKinley is a wonderful storyteller known for crafting imaginative retellings of classic fairy tales with strong, vivid characters. If you enjoy Betsy Cornwell’s creative blend of fantasy and folklore, Robin McKinley’s “Beauty” might appeal to your taste.
This story reimagines the classic tale of “Beauty and the Beast” with charm and depth. McKinley introduces us to Beauty, a courageous and compassionate heroine who willingly enters the enchanted castle of a mysterious beast to save her father.
Through her eyes, we explore magical rooms, enchanting gardens, and slowly unravel the truth behind the Beast’s curse. The beautiful writing and richly detailed world draw you into a fairy tale that feels both familiar and fresh.
Readers who enjoy Betsy Cornwell’s imaginative fairy tale retellings and intriguing characters might appreciate Holly Black’s captivating approach to fantasy storytelling. Holly Black is known for blending elements of folklore and contemporary life.
Her book “The Cruel Prince” follows Jude, a human girl raised in Faerie who desperately wants to belong among its ruthless inhabitants. To earn her place and protect her siblings, Jude enters a dangerous game involving palace intrigue, vicious politics, and escalating betrayals.
The story explores themes of power, identity, and what it means to be human amid faerie cruelty and splendor.
Stephanie Garber is an author known for her magical worlds full of mystery, romance, and enchantment. If you enjoy Betsy Cornwell’s imaginative storytelling, you might also appreciate Stephanie Garber’s novel “Caraval.”
This book follows Scarlett Dragna, who has always dreamed of experiencing Caraval, a legendary event filled with elaborate performances and thrilling challenges.
When Scarlett and her sister Tella finally receive invitations, the game quickly becomes more dangerous than Scarlett expected. As the line blurs between real life and the magical illusion, Scarlett must navigate secrets, love, and betrayal to save her sister.
Garber’s vivid descriptions and atmospheric world make “Caraval” an exciting adventure.
If you enjoy Betsy Cornwell’s unique blend of fantasy and folklore, Juliet Marillier will likely captivate you too. Marillier is known for her graceful storytelling and deep-rooted connection to Celtic mythology.
A great starting point is her book “Daughter of the Forest,” the first novel in the Sevenwaters series. The story follows Sorcha, a brave young woman whose brothers are cursed by a wicked sorceress.
The only way Sorcha can save them is to weave shirts from a plant that leaves her hands raw and bloodied, all while staying completely silent.
With challenges steeped in magic, love, and sacrifice, this tale offers an enchanting journey through Irish folklore that holds readers until the very end.
Readers who appreciate Betsy Cornwell’s blend of folklore, romance, and thoughtful storytelling might also enjoy Maggie Stiefvater. Her novel “The Scorpio Races” combines myth and reality on a remote, windswept island called Thisby.
Each year, riders race dangerous water horses from the sea for glory and survival. The story follows two riders, Sean Kendrick and Puck Connolly, as they risk everything in this legendary event.
Both compelling characters encounter challenges of loyalty, courage, and longing in a tale alive with suspense and vivid emotions. Fans of Cornwell’s poetic writing and atmospheric settings will find much to appreciate in Stiefvater’s imaginative storytelling.
Books by Victoria Aveyard often blend fantasy, adventure, and strong, determined characters who face tough choices. If you enjoy Betsy Cornwell’s imaginative stories, you might also appreciate Aveyard’s “Red Queen.”
This novel tells the story of Mare Barrow, a teenage girl who lives in a world separated by blood: those with silver blood possess supernatural powers and rule as the elite, while ordinary red-blooded folks live in oppression.
Mare discovers she has incredible powers, despite her common Red blood, which challenges the strict divisions of her society. Aveyard explores themes of power, rebellion, and identity, set within palace intrigue and intense conflicts.
“Red Queen” grabs your attention with its fast-paced plot twists, surprising betrayals, and vivid storytelling.
If you enjoy Betsy Cornwell’s blend of fantasy, romance, and thought-provoking ideas, then Jessica Khoury’s novels may resonate with you too. Khoury mixes fresh fantasy elements and engaging storytelling in her book “The Forbidden Wish.”
This novel reimagines the classic Aladdin tale from the perspective of Zahra, a powerful jinni bound inside a magical lamp. When Aladdin releases Zahra, their destinies become tightly linked.
A spellbinding romance emerges alongside dangerous quests, magic, and ancient mysteries, all wrapped up in themes of power, freedom, and choice.
The characters are memorable and the world is vivid, making it an exciting read for fantasy fans who appreciate Cornwell’s inventive storytelling.
Readers who enjoy Betsy Cornwell’s imaginative retellings of classic fairy tales might also appreciate Melissa Bashardoust’s fresh storytelling style.
In her novel “Girls Made of Snow and Glass,” Bashardoust reimagines the tale of Snow White through the eyes of two complex female characters: Mina, the stepmother with a heart made of glass, and her stepdaughter Lynet, born from snow and magic.
This story explores themes of family, identity, and self-confidence, focusing on the complex bonds between women. Bashardoust’s writing is clear and vivid, full of compelling imagery and emotional depth, ideal for readers who love creative twists on traditional fairy tales.