Once Upon a Dark Night: Gothic Fairytale Fiction
Forests, Fantasy and Foes - oh my! This is the ultimate list of shortform horror you would not read nowadays to your kid, of modern day novels with fairytale vibes, AND of literary classics that ingulge in innocent heroines, triple tasks and a bit o' incest. Get all your red painted roses, deep dark woodland paths, gingerbread cannibals houses, feminine rage and sentient objects right here. Don't forget to leave your reccs in the comments!
created by Sunflower_Witch
last updated August, 2026
Comments
The language of thorns by Leigh Bardugo is very fitting for this list!
Ooh, is that the one about cultures in the Grishaverse? Love Leigh, she's incredible🖤
Yesss it is and she’s very incredible! The stories take place in the grishaverse but they’re all dark versions of classic fairytales. It’s my fave short story book
Ooh! I'll have to check it out! Adding😁
