The mystical world of faeries and the beauty of the natural world have captivated storytellers and readers for centuries. Rooted in folklore yet evergreen in appeal, stories about faeries often intertwine their magic with the rhythms of nature, creating enchanting narratives that blur the line between reality and fantasy. For lovers of magical realism, mythology, or nature-inspired storytelling, this list features seven incredible books that will transport you into the ethereal realm of faeries while celebrating the power and mystery of the natural world.

From timeless classics to contemporary masterpieces, these tales are bound to ignite your imagination and reconnect you with the magic that lies just beneath the surface of our everyday lives.

1. “The Secret Commonwealth” by Philip Pullman

Part of Pullman’s celebrated The Book of Dust series, this story takes readers into a universe where magic and nature are intertwined. Set in a world where daemons are physical manifestations of a person’s soul, The Secret Commonwealth follows Lyra Silvertongue as she uncovers secrets about alternate realms and the mysterious interactions between humans, daemons, and mystical forces.

Why You’ll Love It:

Pullman’s masterful storytelling immerses readers in a multiverse that feels both familiar and otherworldly. His depiction of faerie-like magic is subtle yet profound, and his observations on human nature through the lens of magical realism make this book an unforgettable read.

Perfect For Fans Of:

Complex world-building, philosophical undertones, and a touch of mystery.

2. “The Wildwood Chronicles” by Colin Meloy and Carson Ellis

This lushly illustrated series follows Prue McKeel, a young girl who ventures into the Impassable Wilderness, a hidden forest filled with talking animals, magical beings, and natural splendor. The Wildwood is home to creatures and characters that feel like they’ve stepped straight out of a fairytale, with themes of bravery, growth, and harmony between nature and humankind.

Why You’ll Love It:

The gorgeous illustrations by Carson Ellis bring the Wildwood to life, while Colin Meloy’s lyrical storytelling captures the spirit of adventure and the wonder of nature. This is a tale for readers who love getting lost in magical forests and meeting fantastical creatures.

Perfect For Fans Of:

Immersive settings, intricate friendships, and whimsical storytelling.

3. “Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell” by Susanna Clarke

Set in an alternative 19th-century England, this epic novel explores a world where magic once thrived but has now faded into obscurity. Enter Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, two magicians who reignite the art of English magic, only to find themselves entangled with the mysterious and dangerous faerie realm.

Why You’ll Love It:

Susanna Clarke’s writing is full of wit, elegance, and subtlety. The faeries in this story are not the harmless, glittery beings of popular culture but enigmatic and morally ambiguous creatures rooted in folklore.

Perfect For Fans Of:

Historical fiction with a fantastical twist, richly woven plots, and dark faerie lore.

4. “Spinning Silver” by Naomi Novik

Inspired by Eastern European folklore, this spellbinding novel reimagines Rumpelstiltskin with a fresh, feminist perspective. The story focuses on three resourceful women whose fates become entwined with a faerie-like being called the Staryk, a winter king who rules over an icy realm and leaves frost and silver in his wake.

Why You’ll Love It:

Naomi Novik’s prose is lush and atmospheric, vividly bringing to life the harsh winters, magical forests, and glittering otherworld of the Staryk. The book weaves themes of resilience, transformation, and the fine balance between human and supernatural worlds.

Perfect For Fans Of:

Folklore retellings, strong female protagonists, and immersive, wintry settings.

5. “Good Faeries/Bad Faeries” by Brian Froud

This visual masterpiece is a must-have for anyone fascinated by faeries and their place in the natural world. Brian Froud, one of the foremost illustrators in the genre, explores faeries through intricate artwork and accompanying text. The book portrays faeries as complex beings, with distinct temperaments and connections to nature.

Why You’ll Love It:

The art is both enchanting and unsettling, capturing the duality of faeries as creatures of light and shadow. Froud’s insights highlight their deep roots in folklore and their symbiotic relationship with the environment.

Perfect For Fans Of:

Visual storytelling, folklore enthusiasts, and aspiring artists seeking inspiration from faerie mythology.

6. “The Hidden People” by Alison Littlewood

Set in Victorian England, The Hidden People explores the darker side of faerie tales. A young man named Albie travels to a rural village after learning of his cousin’s mysterious death. He uncovers local folk beliefs about “changelings” and the “hidden people,” rumored to be the cause of her demise.

Why You’ll Love It:

This book blends historical fiction with gothic fantasy, immersing readers in the eerie superstitions of rural England. It’s an atmospheric tale that challenges the line between myth and reality.

Perfect For Fans Of:

Dark, brooding stories, gothic aesthetics, and suspenseful mysteries intertwined with folklore.

7. “The Faerie Handbook” by The Editors of Faerie Magazine

A treasure trove for fans of all things whimsical, this stunning book combines essays, recipes, poetry, and guides on faerie lore. From tales of famous faeries in global mythology to herbaceous concoctions inspired by faerie gardens, The Faerie Handbook is a magical companion for anyone seeking a deeper connection to nature and enchantment.

Why You’ll Love It:

This book isn’t a singular story but a compendium of faerie-inspired wonder. It invites readers to incorporate a little magic into their daily lives, whether by recreating faerie folklore crafts or exploring the natural world with a new sense of awe.

Perfect For Fans Of:

Coffee-table keepsakes, crafting inspiration, and magical realism brought into everyday life.