stories within stories within stories
this is a collection of books that contain more stories within their stories, almost like an endless corridor of doors that lead to more doors or an infinite matryoshka doll
(always open to suggestions!!)
created by rainwilder
last updated August, 2026
Comments
Kissing the witch by Emma donohough might fit. It’s a sapphic fairy tale retelling which each tale woven to the next tale and character and each chapter starts with the last character asking the new character to tell her story
adding right away!!
The book Red Rabbit by Alex Grecian features excerpts from the novels the MC reads throughout the book (and yes, I was very sad to learn they were not real books because they were very captivating stories). I'm not sure if that exactly meets the criteria because the excerpts aren't fully fleshed out stories, so please feel free to disregard!
that sounds exactly like it fits with this list thank youu (also adding this to my tbr cause it sounds really interesting)
omg it's so good, I really hope you enjoy!
afterworlds by scott westerfeld is an older book but it has a story within a story and i remember LOVING it!
The Fisherman by John Langan is like a Russian nesting doll of stories! So many branches and mini stories within the main story.
I would like to believe The End Of Mr. Y qualifies.
oooh that sounds really good adding it to the list and to my tbr🙂↕️🙂↕️
Gonna read all of these thank you very much.
Great list! This Princess Kills Monsters by Ry Herman would fit :)
Bookception!
The kingkiller chronicle by Patrick Rothfus will be a trilogy (if he ever releases the third book 😅) that I think should qualify. It's the story about a guy who tells the story of his life, and in it he tells many stories. It's great.
Oh is this the reason I’ll like another classic SFF book. I’m READY
adding it right away thank you🥰🥰
In To Shape A Dragon’s Breath, characters sometimes tell stories!
