The Ultimate List of Beauty and the Beast Master Index of Books, Retellings & Fan Fiction


The Beauty and the Beast Retelling Index

An ultimate (and evolving!) list of Beauty and the Beast retellings, fractured fairytales, and fan fiction

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Beauty and the Beast, Warwick Goble

There are more Beauty and the Beast retellings than anyone quite expects.

  • Some follow the structure closely: a beggared father, a rose in exchange for time and attention, a transformation, enchanted castles, love breaking the curse.

  • Some borrow a few fragments: the curse, seeing beyond the obvious, love overcoming an unsurmountable situation.

  • Some explore tangential characters in Beauty and the Beast lore.

There’s a variety for each of us, and the lore continues to evolve and keep me on my toes. I’ve loved tracking this enchanting tale over time.

This index is an ever-growing list of Beauty and the Beast retellings categorized by genre. Currently at 94 books.

It’s not definitive - that might be an impossible task! It’s also not ranked. But…

I take notes so that you can find just the right BATB retelling for your current mood! 🌹

 

🌿 How to Use This Ultimate (but growing) List of Beauty and the Beast Books

Browse here for Beauty and the Beast books by primary genre and author and use it like a reference tool. This list is the long view, organized simply by primary genre - either fantasy or romance - and then alphabetically by author. Publication date in parentheses.

Note, there are a wide variety of sub-genres between fantasy and romance included in this master list. If you're interested in which books are closed-door romances or those more on the dark side, stop by The Rose Archives on The Borrowed Rose Stubstack to browse a growing list of genres.

Same for specific recommendations - head to The Rose Archives for sorts by tone, common elements and audience.

✨ For example, cozy, darker selections, classic bones or plot lines around roses - you’ll find these distinctions in The Rose Archives.

Ok, here we go:

 

🪄 Beauty and the Beast Fantasy

Stories that make the most of fairytale magic, enchanted castles and fantastical elements. Most BATB retellings live on this list.

 

💖Beauty and the Beast Romances

Retellings and inspired tales that focus on the romance of Beauty and her Beast without (most) fantastical elements. You’ll find historical and contemporary romances in this list, along with a handful that we’ll consider magical realism.


🖋️ A note on reviews: I don't offer them. See here for why.

Do you have a favorite Beauty and the Beast book? Would love to hear about it in the comments.


So many Beauty and the Beast Book Options!

How about a recommendation on which to try first?


Or what about a set of 6 recommendations for you with this Beauty and the Beast Starter Pack?


🌹Happy reading, Friends.

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