Step into the enchanting world of Disney’s Twisted Tales, where your favorite fairy tales take daring detours into ‘what if’ territory! This young adult series reimagines classic Disney stories with bold twists, darker themes, and deeper character arcs that captivate both longtime fans and new readers. Written by authors like Liz Braswell, Elizabeth Lim, and Jen Calonita, Twisted Tales transforms familiar narratives into thrilling adventures that challenge expectations and spark the imagination.
From Aladdin’s lamp falling into the wrong hands to Ariel facing a world where Ursula reigns, these novels blend fantasy, adventure, and a touch of darkness to create stories that feel both nostalgic and refreshingly new. Whether you’re a Disney devotee or a lover of inventive retellings, Twisted Tales offers a magical journey through reimagined worlds.
How Twisted Tales Began
The Twisted Tales series, launched in 2015 by Disney-Hyperion, was born from a simple yet brilliant idea: what if one pivotal moment in a Disney classic changed everything? Authors Liz Braswell, Elizabeth Lim, Jen Calonita, and others were tasked with reimagining iconic animated films, drawing inspiration from their love of fairy tales and fantasy. The goal was to craft standalone young adult novels that retained Disney’s magic while exploring darker, more complex narratives, appealing to teens and adults alike.
The series started with Liz Braswell’s A Whole New World, a retelling of Aladdin where Jafar seizes the lamp. Its success paved the way for more books, each tackling a different Disney film with a unique ‘what if’ premise. The authors’ passion for storytelling and Disney’s timeless characters gave rise to a series that’s both a love letter to the originals and a bold reimagining.
The Heart of Twisted Tales
The Twisted Tales series spans over 20 books, each diving into a beloved Disney universe with a twist. Take A Whole New World by Liz Braswell, where Jafar’s control of the lamp turns Agrabah into a dystopian nightmare, forcing Jasmine and Aladdin to become freedom fighters. In Reflection by Elizabeth Lim, Mulan embarks on a perilous journey through the Underworld to save Shang, blending Chinese mythology with emotional depth. Part of Your World by Liz Braswell imagines Ariel failing to defeat Ursula, leading to a battle to reclaim her voice and kingdom. Jen Calonita’s Conceal, Don’t Feel explores a Frozen-inspired world where Anna and Elsa grow up apart, unraveling their bond in a heart-wrenching new light.
Themes of empowerment, resilience, and identity weave through the series, with heroines like Mulan, Ariel, and Cinderella facing tougher challenges and moral dilemmas than in their animated counterparts. The darker, edgier tone—think villains winning or heroes facing impossible odds—adds suspense and stakes, while lush settings, from Neverland to Maldonia, immerse readers in vivid worlds. The series’ standalone nature makes it easy to jump in, though fans often find themselves hooked on every twist.
The writing style balances Disney’s whimsical charm with young adult sensibilities, offering rich character development and intricate plots. Whether it’s Wendy teaming up with Captain Hook or Meg becoming a Greek god, each book delivers a fresh perspective on familiar tales, making them accessible yet sophisticated.
Why Twisted Tales Resonates
Twisted Tales has carved a niche in young adult fantasy by blending nostalgia with innovation. Its appeal lies in reimagining beloved characters in ways that resonate with modern readers, exploring themes like self-discovery and defying fate. The series has inspired graphic novels, an adult coloring book, and an anthology of short stories, cementing its cultural impact. Fans on platforms like Goodreads praise its creativity, with over 80,000 reviews highlighting its ability to surprise and delight.
By giving heroines agency and villains new depth, Twisted Tales challenges traditional fairy tale tropes, making it a standout in Disney’s literary universe. Its growing fanbase and upcoming releases through 2026 show its lasting allure for readers craving reimagined magic.
- About Twisted Tales
- Launched: September 2015
- Books: Over 20 novels, plus an anthology and graphic novels
- Authors: Liz Braswell, Elizabeth Lim, Jen Calonita, Farrah Rochon, and more
- Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Adventure
Ready to explore a Disney world where the story takes an unexpected turn? Grab A Whole New World and dive into the thrilling magic of Twisted Tales!