Books like 'Half Upon a Time'
Readers who enjoyed Half Upon a Time by James Riley also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
fantasy action / adventure mystery comedy retellings magic humor fairy-tale children dragons
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Wild Side by Shayne Silvers
Rated: 4.59 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsTo become a Godkiller you have to awaken the monster inside you… Almost a year has passed since Nate’s ex-fiancée woke up a Greek god intent on world domination and war. The problem? He doesn’t know which god. And the promised war hasn’t started yet... -
![Ptolemy's Gate by Jonathan Stroud]()
Ptolemy's Gate by Jonathan Stroud
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 62 ratingsNathaniel 17 treats Bartimaeus worse than ever. The long-suffering djinni is weak from too much time in this world, near the end of his patience. Rebel Kitty 18 hides, stealthily finishing her research on magic, demons, and Bartimaeus. She has a daring plan that she hopes will break the endless cycle of conflict between djinn and humans... -
![The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer]()
The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer
Rated: 4.26 of 5 stars · 67 ratingsAlex and Conner Bailey's world is about to change, in this fast-paced adventure that uniquely combines our modern day world with the enchanting realm of classic fairy tales.The Land of Stories tells the tale of twins Alex and Conner... -
![How I Took the King on a Bone-a-Fide Quest of Piracy, Piemu and Profit : Bone 2 by A.J. Sherwood, Cait Wade]()
How I Took the King on a Bone-a-Fide Quest of Piracy, Piemu and Profit : Bone 2 by A.J. Sherwood, Cait Wade
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsRibs located! Penalty activated if you refuse. Proceed with quest? (YES) (no) But the ribs are in the middle of a barbarian village. Historically speaking, fireball would fix– Charred bone. No. Time to do this the hard way... -
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![Searching for Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede]()
Searching for Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 48 ratingsKidnap a dragon? How daring!How stupidCimorene, the princess who refuses to be proper, is back--but where is Kazul the dragon? That's what Cimorene is determined to find out. Luckily--or perhaps not-so-luckily--she's got help: Mendenbar, the not-very-kingly King of the Enchanted Forest, has joined her in her quest... -
![Tales From the Hood by Michael Buckley]()
Tales From the Hood by Michael Buckley
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsThe Fairy-Tale Trial Of The CenturyIn Ferryport Landing, everyone gets a day in court- even the Big Bad Wolf. Mr.Canis is put on trial for past crimes, and Mayor Heart's kangaroo court is determined to find him guilty. It's up to the Grimms to uncover evidence to save their friend, though Sabrina starts to wonder whether they would all be safer with the Wolf in jail... -
![You Have to Stop This by Pseudonymous Bosch]()
You Have to Stop This by Pseudonymous Bosch
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsThe finale to the New York Times bestselling Secret Series! I always feared this day would come. A secret is meant to stay secret, after all. And now we've come to this: the fifth and final (I swear!) book in my saga of secrets... -
![Once Upon a Crime by Michael Buckley]()
Once Upon a Crime by Michael Buckley
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsSabrina and Daphne's adventures continue in their hometown of New York City as they bring Puck to Faerie to cure the wounds. With the help of Granny Relda, the girls must figure out who killed Puck's father, King Oberon, while navigating the warring factions of Everafters that make their homes in every neighbourhood of New York City... -
![Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede]()
Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 71 ratingsCimorene is everything a princess is not supposed to be: headstrong, tomboyish, smart - and bored. So bored that she runs away to live with a dragon - and finds the family and excitement she's been looking for... -
![The Son of Sobek by Rick Riordan]()
The Son of Sobek by Rick Riordan
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 47 ratingsIn this audio e-book short story narrated by Rick Riordan, Carter Kane is investigating rumored sightings of a monster on Long Island when he runs into something else: a mysterious boy named Percy Jackson. And their meeting isn't exactly friendly. . . . Includes a sneak peek chapter from HOUSE OF HADES, Book Four in the Heroes of Olympus series... -
![Whatever for Hire by R.J. Blain]()
Whatever for Hire by R.J. Blain
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsWarning: This novel contains excessive humor, action, excitement, adventure, magic, romance, and bodies. Proceed with caution. Fetching a cat out of a tree should’ve been a quick, easy fifty bucks in Kanika’s pocket. Instead, following one stray thought, the devil pays her a visit and leaves her with a debt to repay... -
![Darke by Angie Sage, Mark Zug]()
Darke by Angie Sage, Mark Zug
Rated: 4.24 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsIn the sixth book of the Magykal series, Alther Mella has been Banished, a Darke Domaine engulfs the Castle, and a Darke dragon is on the loose. Septimus Heap must use all of his skills to save the Castle and the Wizard Tower from destruction: He must enter the Darke. But he cannot do this alone... -
![The Ring of Solomon by Jonathan Stroud, Simon Jones]()
The Ring of Solomon by Jonathan Stroud, Simon Jones
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 41 ratingsIt is 950 B.C.E., and King Solomon rules Jerusalem with a steely hand; a hand on which gleams a magic ring of immense and unforgiving power. Solomon has just begun work on his marvelous temple, charging Khaba, a formidable magician in his royal court, to oversee its construction. The workforce is an ill-behaved bunch of demons, a particularly unruly djinni named Bartimaeus among them... -
![In a Glass Grimmly by Adam Gidwitz]()
In a Glass Grimmly by Adam Gidwitz
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 21 ratingsMore Grimm tales await in the harrowing, hilarious companion to a beloved new classicTake caution ahead—Oversize plant life, eerie amphibious royalty, and fear-inducing creatures abound.Lest you enter with dread.Follow Jack and Jill as they enter startling new landscapes that may (or may not) be scary, bloody, terrifying, and altogether true.Step lively, dear reader . . -
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![The Kingpin of Camelot by Cassandra Gannon]()
The Kingpin of Camelot by Cassandra Gannon
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsThe Queen: Guinevere must save Camelot. Ever since Arthur died, the evil Scarecrow has been trying to marry her and gain the crown. If she and her daughter are going to survive his mad schemes, Gwen needs to find Merlyn’s wand. Fast. Unfortunately, the only man strong enough to help her on her quest is Kingpin Midas, a flashy, uneducated mobster dealing with a curse... -
![The Sapphire Manticore by Marie Andreas]()
The Sapphire Manticore by Marie Andreas
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsMurderous magic, vanished races, killer relics, and drunken faeries--who knew the end of the world would look like this? The story that began in The Glass Gargoyle, The Obsidian Chimera, and The Emerald Dragon continues...Taryn St. Giles thought she knew all about elves... -
![Demon Dentist by David Walliams]()
Demon Dentist by David Walliams
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsThis New York Times bestseller from David Walliams, the UK’s #1 bestselling children’s author and “the heir to Roald Dahl” (The Spectator), launched his books stateside in a big way!Walliams makes going to the dentist a wacky adventure with his signature humor—this is one dentist appointment you don’t want to miss.Something strange is happening in Alfie's town... -
![Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe by Carlos Hernandez]()
Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe by Carlos Hernandez
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsSal and Gabi have to try to make everything right with our world when there is a rogue Gabi from another universe running loose.Sal Vidon creates wormholes. But Sal's father, a calamity physicist, is trying to shut down all the wormholes Sal creates, because Papi thinks they are eroding the very fabric of our world... -
![Unlocking the Spell by E.D. Baker]()
Unlocking the Spell by E.D. Baker
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsNow that Annie has helped her sister Gwendolyn (a.k.a. Sleeping Beauty) wake up from the 100-year curse by finding her beloved prince, you would think that things would get back to normal. Think again! That beloved prince, Beldegard, is stuck in the body of a bear and the only way that Annie can be free of the two irritating lovebirds is to help-by finding the evil dwarf who cast the spell... -
![The Time Paradox by Eoin Colfer]()
The Time Paradox by Eoin Colfer
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsArtemis’s mother has contracted a deadly disease—and the only cure lies in the brain fluid of African lemurs. Unfortunately, Artemis himself was responsible for making the lemurs extinct five years ago. Now he must enlist the aid of his fairy friends to travel back in time and save them. Not only that, but he must face his deadliest foe yet... his younger self... -
![The Wide-Awake Princess by E.D. Baker]()
The Wide-Awake Princess by E.D. Baker
Rated: 4.12 of 5 stars · 25 ratingsIn this new stand-alone fairy tale, Princess Annie is the younger sister to Gwen, the princess destined to be Sleeping Beauty. When Gwennie pricks her finger and the whole castle falls asleep, only Annie is awake, and only Annie-blessed (or cursed?) with being impervious to magic-can venture out beyond the rose-covered hedge for help. She must find Gwen's true love to kiss her awake... -
![Second Hand Curses by Drew Hayes]()
Second Hand Curses by Drew Hayes
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsWhen your fairy godmother threatens to enslave you with a curse - when a malevolent piper solves your rat problem but steals your children - when you seek revenge on the prince who turned you into a frog - who can you turn to in your hour of need? The band of scoundrels known far and wide as the Bastard Champions - the swashbuckling trio who travel a world of legend, seeking adventure and... -
![Iorich by Steven Brust]()
Iorich by Steven Brust
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsHouse Jhereg, Dragaera's organized crime syndicate, is still hunting Vlad Taltos. There's a big price on his head on Draegara City. Then he hears disturbing news. Aliera--longtime friend, sometime ally--has been arrested by the Empire on a charge of practicing elder sorcery, a capital crime.It doesn't make sense. Everybody knows Aliera's been dabbling in elder sorcery for ages... -
![The Name of This Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch]()
The Name of This Book Is Secret by Pseudonymous Bosch
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 33 ratingsWarning: this description has not been authorized by Pseudonymous Bosch. As much as he'd love to sing the praises of his book (he is very vain), he wouldn't want you to hear about his brave 11-year old heroes, Cass and Max-Ernest. Or about how a mysterious box of vials, the Symphony of Smells, sends them on the trail of a magician who has vanished under strange (and stinky) circumstances... -
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![Alcatraz Versus the Scrivener's Bones by Brandon Sanderson]()
Alcatraz Versus the Scrivener's Bones by Brandon Sanderson
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsThe Evil Librarians are still up to their antics and it's up to Alcatraz Smedry to put a stop to it! This second book will take Alcatraz and company on an exploration of the Library of Alexandria, which -- despite Librarian rumors -- was never destroyed. It is a mysterious place and everyone knows that it holds dark secrets... -
![Two Necromancers, an Army of Golems, and a Demon Lord by L.G. Estrella]()
Two Necromancers, an Army of Golems, and a Demon Lord by L.G. Estrella
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 11 ratingsTwo necromancers, an army of golems, and a demon lord – it sounds like a recipe for trouble, and for Timmy, it definitely is. To earn his pardon and avoid horrible torture and/or gruesome execution, Timmy has to complete every mission the Council throws his way, most of which seem to involve extremely scary things trying to kill him. At least he’s got help – sort of... -
![The Opal Deception by Eoin Colfer]()
The Opal Deception by Eoin Colfer
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 42 ratingsThe evil pixie Opal Koboi has spent the last year in a self-induced coma, plotting her revenge on all those who foiled her attempt to destroy the LEPrecon fairy police. And Artemis Fowl is at the top of her list.After his last run-in with the fairies, Artemis had his mind wiped of his memories of the world belowground. But they have not forgotten about him... -
![The Eternity Code by Eoin Colfer]()
The Eternity Code by Eoin Colfer
Rated: 4.05 of 5 stars · 67 ratingsThirteen-year-old criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl has constructed a supercomputer from stolen fairy technology. In the wrong hands it could be fatal for humans and fairies alike. But no need to worry, Artemis has a brilliant plan. He's not going to use the computer; he's just going to show it to a ruthless American businessman with Mafia connections. His bodyguard, Butler, will be with him... -
![Who Let the Gods Out? by Maz Evans]()
Who Let the Gods Out? by Maz Evans
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA shooting star crashes to earth and changes Elliot's life forever. The star is Virgo - a young Zodiac goddess on a mission. When the pair accidentally unleash the wicked death daemon Thanatos, they turn to the old Olympian gods for help...Categorized as:
children friendship humor magic myths retellings action-adventure ancient-civilization -
![Summer's Crossing by Julie Kagawa]()
Summer's Crossing by Julie Kagawa
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 38 ratingsA Midsummer's Nightmare? Robin Goodfellow. Puck. Summer Court prankster, King Oberon's right hand, bane of many a faery queen's existence—and secret friend to Prince Ash of the Winter Court. Until one girl's death came between them, and another girl stole both their hearts... -
![Blue Moon Rising by Simon R. Green]()
Blue Moon Rising by Simon R. Green
Rated: 4.09 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsRupert didn't especially want to be a prince. And he certainly never asked to be the second son of a royal line that really didn't need a spare. So he was sent out to slay a dragon and prove himself-a quest straight out of legend... -
![Once Upon a Curse by E.D. Baker]()
Once Upon a Curse by E.D. Baker
Rated: 4.07 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsMany years ago a slighted fairy placed a curse on a beautiful young princess--a curse that caused her and all her female descendants to turn into mean, ugly witches if they ever touched a flower after turning sixteen. Now, Princess Emma, who is about to turn sixteen herself, is determined to break the spell once and for all... -
![The Lost Colony by Eoin Colfer]()
The Lost Colony by Eoin Colfer
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 42 ratingsTen thousand years ago, humans and fairies fought a great battle for the magical island of Ireland. When it became clear to the fairy families that they could never win, they decided to move their civilisation underground and keep themselves hidden from the humans. All the fairy families agreed on this, except the eighth family, the demons... -
![The Arctic Incident by Eoin Colfer]()
The Arctic Incident by Eoin Colfer
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 43 ratingsArtemis Fowl wants to find his father, held hostage in Russia; Holly Short wants to find who’s supplying the goblins with human technology; Foaly wants to find out who’s disabled all the LEP Technology and pointed the finger at him. Artemis has received a ransom demand for his father but is captured by the LEP who suspect him of supplying the goblins with dangerous Human technology (batteries)... -
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![Dragon's Breath by E.D. Baker]()
Dragon's Breath by E.D. Baker
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 36 ratingsEmma and Eadric have no sooner turned back into humans (from being frogs) than Emma's mother is in a panic, Aunt Grassina is distracted because she's found her true love turned into an otter, and Emma's magic is so out of control she sends herself to the dungeon by mistake... -
![Myth-Fortunes by Robert Lynn Asprin, Jody Lynn Nye]()
Myth-Fortunes by Robert Lynn Asprin, Jody Lynn Nye
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsImmortality -- it sounded like a great idea! Aahz falls for the offer of a piece of the rock, literally, when he invests in a scheme to build pyramids. He is so enthusiastic about the concept that he ropes in everyone else he knows to invest -- in tombs lower down than his, of course... -
![Path of Secrets by Kenley Davidson]()
Path of Secrets by Kenley Davidson
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA Retelling of Little Red Riding Hood There are no wolves in the woods, they said.You’ll be completely safe, they said.They lied.Batrice Reyard has everything she’s ever wanted—a fabulous job, an understanding mentor, and the freedom to be herself. Or so she thought…Suddenly, she’s being sent off to visit her ailing grandmother for the sake of keeping up appearances... -
![Once Upon a Marigold by Jean Ferris]()
Once Upon a Marigold by Jean Ferris
Rated: 3.96 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsChristian is gaga for Princess Marigold. But he's just a commoner, and no match for royalty. Heck, he lives in a cave with a troll! And now he's discovered another reason to put his love-soggy heart on ice: Queen Olympia is scheming to take over the kingdom--and she'll bump off her own daughter to do it... -
![Goblin Quest by Jim C. Hines]()
Goblin Quest by Jim C. Hines
Rated: 4.01 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsJig is a scrawny little nearsighted goblin-a runt even among his puny species. Captured by a party of adventurers searching for a magical artifact, and forced to guide them, Jig encounters every peril ever faced on a fantasy quest... -
![The Atlantis Complex by Eoin Colfer]()
The Atlantis Complex by Eoin Colfer
Rated: 3.98 of 5 stars · 48 ratingsARTEMIS FOWL’S CRIMINAL WAYS HAVE FINALLY GOT THE BETTER OF HIM . . .Young Artemis has frequently used high-tech fairy magic to mastermind the most devious criminal activity of the new century. Now, at a conference in Iceland, Artemis has gathered the fairies to present his latest idea to save the world from global warming.But Artemis is behaving strangely - he seems different... -
![Circle by Mac Barnett]()
Circle by Mac Barnett
Rated: 3.93 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsMac Barnett and Jon Klassen deliver the final tale about Triangle, Square, and Circle.This book is about Circle. This book is also about Circle's friends, Triangle and Square. Also it is about a rule that Circle makes, and how she has to rescue Triangle when he breaks that rule... -
![Goblin Hero by Jim C. Hines]()
Goblin Hero by Jim C. Hines
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsAfter barely surviving an adventure he never wanted, the scrawny little nearsighted goblin called Jig is now known as Jig Dragonslayer, and has the power of healing, thanks to the forgotten god he worships. But being a hero isn't all it's cracked up to be. Not when the goblin leader wants him dead, and everyone else actually expects him to keep doing heroic-and incredibly dangerous-things... -
![The Trolls by Polly Horvath]()
The Trolls by Polly Horvath
Rated: 3.92 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsAunt Sally is beyond any of Melissa, Amanda, and Pee Wee's expectations. She has come all the way from Vancouver Island, Canada, to take care of the children while their parents are away, and right from the start Aunt Sally enchants them with tales of her childhood with their father... -
![The Road to Farringale by Charlotte E. English]()
The Road to Farringale by Charlotte E. English
Rated: 3.90 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsOld Magick. New World.In 2017, little remains of magick save scattered, beleaguered pockets of magickal community and scholarship - and a vast, but rapidly decaying, heritage... -
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![Twelve Days of Faery by W.R. Gingell]()
Twelve Days of Faery by W.R. Gingell
Rated: 4.02 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsKing Markon of Montalier is at the end of his tether. His son, Prince Parrin, is afflicted with a rather nasty curse that slaughters, maims, or brutally attacks any woman with whom he so much as flirts. After the rumour that sweeps around the kingdom, promising that any woman breaking the ‘curse’ will be eligible to marry the prince, there is no shortage of willing volunteers... -
![Red Heir by Lisa Henry, Sarah Honey]()
Red Heir by Lisa Henry, Sarah Honey
Rated: 3.97 of 5 stars · 23 ratingsImprisoned pickpocket Loth isn't sure why a bunch of idiots just broke into his cell claiming they’re here to rescue the lost prince of Aguillon, and he doesn’t really care. They’re looking for a redheaded prince, and he’s more than happy to play along if it means freedom. Then his cranky cellmate Grub complicates things by claiming to be the prince as well... -
![The Sasquatch Escape by Suzanne Selfors, Dan Santat]()
The Sasquatch Escape by Suzanne Selfors, Dan Santat
Rated: 3.88 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsBen Silverstein is set for boredom in his grandpa's rundown town of Buttonville. Until he and reckless Pearl Petal take a wounded baby dragon to the only veterinarian, Dr. Woo at her "Worm Hospital" -- actually for creatures from an imaginary world. After Ben leaves the front door unlocked, the intrepid pair must rescue the escaped giant stingy and very hairy sasquatch... -
![Harry Plotter and The Chamber of Serpents, A Potter Secret Parody by M.J.A. Ware, M.J. Ware]()
Harry Plotter and The Chamber of Serpents, A Potter Secret Parody by M.J.A. Ware, M.J. Ware
Rated: 3.88 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsAusten comes to England knowing as an American he'll stick out at his new school. But when an errant owl lands him at Hogwarts he's in for more than he expected. Any proceeds from the sale of this book will be given to the Children's Charity Lumos... -
![Red Hood's Revenge by Jim C. Hines]()
Red Hood's Revenge by Jim C. Hines
Rated: 3.93 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsWars may end. But vengeance is forever. Roudette's story was a simple one. A red cape. A wolf. A hunter. Her mother told her she would be safe, so long as she kept to the path. But sometimes the path leads to dark places. Roudette is the hunter now, an assassin known throughout the world as the Lady of the Red Hood. Her mission will take her to the country of Arathea and an ancient fairy threat... -
![Magic Kingdom for Sale/Sold by Terry Brooks]()
Magic Kingdom for Sale/Sold by Terry Brooks
Rated: 3.91 of 5 stars · 41 ratingsLandover was a genuine magic kingdom, complete with fairy folk and wizardry, just as the advertisement had promised. But after he purchased it for a million dollars, Ben Holiday discovered that there were a few details the ad had failed to mention. Such as the fact that the kingdom was falling into ruin. The barons refused to recognize a king and taxes hadn't been collected for years...
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