Maybe you've already found enough to keep you occupied until the show returns in late September. But if you're like me, you may not have a lot to occupy your mind between now and then, or maybe you just miss the show. So here's a list of books, films, and television series that might be able to satisfy a wistful Oncer while waiting for the return to Storybrooke, and (cringe) Queen Elsa....(no offense to the Frozen fans).
Recommended Books for Oncers:
1. The Outlaws of Sherwood by Robin McKinnley (see also Rose Daughter and Beauty for Beauty and the Beast retellings). For Robin Hood fans (hoodies?) McKinnley's story is a fun and multi-character approach to the legend that tries to deconstruct the myth to find the ordinary man. If you like female outlaws, some violence, and delicate romance, you'll like this book. A quick and easy read, even if the ending is a bit unrealistic. If you like a bit more history in your historical fiction, try Hood (Stephen R. Lawhead).
2. The Lunar Chronicles - If you're one who doesn't mind sci-fi (or the occasional, ok, blatant Sailor Moon reference) when dealing with fairy tale favorites, you may like this so far three-volume series. The books reuse Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Rapunzel to tell a connected story of a cyborg who will one day be queen. Each book focuses on a different heroine. I predict Oncers will love Scarlet (the second book) best, especially those who miss Ruby/Red.
3. The Book of Lost Things - John Connolly. For those who enjoyed the creepiness of the second half of season three, this may be the book for you. It includes a lot of fairy tales as you've probably not heard them before, but beware the down-right horror of some of them.
4. Wicked - Gregory MacGuire. If you at all enjoyed Zelena, or you haven't somehow heard of the musical, try this one on for size. Not a terrible adaptation, though a bit bizarrely plotted. The Wicked Witch was never quite so sympathetic until MacGuire got hold of her. (Confessions of an Ugly Step-Sister isn't bad either for those who liked the Red Queen.)
5. The Lookingglass Wars - I haven't read this myself but the series is highly recommended by many as a wonderful Alice adaptation. Perhaps it would soothe those disappointed Wonderland fans or anyone who just misses Jefferson.
6. The Shadow of the Bear - Regina Doman. If you don't mind a delicately handled adaptation from a Catholic author, or if you would like a story that takes its characters' faith seriously without being preachy, this is a good choice for Snow fans. The first book is based on the fairy tale of Snow White and Rose Red, but is mainly centered on the Snow character, with the sequel a solid Snow White adaptation in its own right.
7. Cruel Beauty - Rosamunde Hodge. A weird little number, biting, dark, and a bit twisted, but if you happen to like those traits in your Beauty and the Beast retellings, this is something you might really enjoy. I have to say this is certainly the only B&B retelling I've read that gives the "beast" a personality anything close to that of Once's Rumpelstiltskin. Beauty, however, is closer to Lacey than Belle, so be warned (or be delighted, depending on your preference).
Recommended Movies and TV for Oncers:
1. SyFy Alice (miniseries). For Jefferson fans for sure, this adaptation takes an adult Alice through a really unique and modern twist on Wonderland. One of the biggest draws for this series is that this version of Alice is basically the brunette clone of Emma Swan, complete with judo skills and a fear of commitment, not to mention parental abandonment issues and love triangles. And Hatter is a fantastic foil for her.
2. Robin Hood (BBC TV). I've never watched it, but I know the first season I supposedly very good. A sort of Robin Hood reimagining that is vaguely reminiscent of the treatment A Knight's Tale gave Chaucer. Warning: Character death.
3. Peter Pan (2003). Yes, it's a kids movie in some respects, but it's also the best and most loyal (in spirit) adaptation of the story I've ever seen. Jason Isaac's Hook is incredible and sexy too.
4. Neverland (TV series). Though it wasn't around for long, this series proved an innovative reimagining of the story with a wonderfully twisted relationship between Peter and Hook. If you are at all a fan of Once's young Balefire and Hook, you will probably enjoy this quite a bit. The story focuses equally on protagonist and eventual antagonist. They both start out in Victorian London as friends and business associates (think Dickens' Fagin and the Artful Dodger). Their relationship becomes complicated when a freak magical accident places ishthem in an alternate world. Lady pirate captains, realistic Native Americans, and sexy Rhys Ifans (Hook) make this a fun series.
5. Cinderella 2000 - a weird British miniseries/short film version of the story that isn't really set in any time or place. It's probably a love/hate pick, but if you don't mind the sometimes terrible graphics (hey, if you watch Once, it's no biggie, right?) and the often weird choices, this could be a lot of fun. It is certainly different.
6. The Tenth Kingdom (miniseries) - a fun and light-hearted adventure with a jaded heroine a la Emma Swan. Lots of different fairy tales included, but the Big Bad Wolf gets the most screen time. Don't worry; you'll want him to.
7. Snow White and the Huntsman/Mirror Mirror - two very different Snow White interpretations, both with strengths and weaknesses. The first is dark but confusingly plotted; the second is fun but ridiculous.
8. Fairy Tales (2008) - miniseries of four tales adapted to modern settings. Some of these interpretations are dark, some funny, all romantic. Each episode feels like a short film, and I have to say that the Rapunzel adaptation was quite funny.
9. Arabian Nights (miniseries) - Though Once really only started exploring this territory with Once in Wonderland, any Oncer will probably enjoy this creative retelling of A Thousand and One Nights. Many tales are creatively woven into the romantic story of the two leads. Some great actor cameos too.
10. Penny Dreadful (current tv series) for those whose favorite episodes involved Dr. Whale, this series is highly recommended (definitely for adults) and centers on Victorian vampires, mystics, and Dr. Frankenstein.
Can you recommend any other adaptations that would be appealing to Oncers? Let me know.
Recommended Books for Oncers:
1. The Outlaws of Sherwood by Robin McKinnley (see also Rose Daughter and Beauty for Beauty and the Beast retellings). For Robin Hood fans (hoodies?) McKinnley's story is a fun and multi-character approach to the legend that tries to deconstruct the myth to find the ordinary man. If you like female outlaws, some violence, and delicate romance, you'll like this book. A quick and easy read, even if the ending is a bit unrealistic. If you like a bit more history in your historical fiction, try Hood (Stephen R. Lawhead).
2. The Lunar Chronicles - If you're one who doesn't mind sci-fi (or the occasional, ok, blatant Sailor Moon reference) when dealing with fairy tale favorites, you may like this so far three-volume series. The books reuse Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Rapunzel to tell a connected story of a cyborg who will one day be queen. Each book focuses on a different heroine. I predict Oncers will love Scarlet (the second book) best, especially those who miss Ruby/Red.
3. The Book of Lost Things - John Connolly. For those who enjoyed the creepiness of the second half of season three, this may be the book for you. It includes a lot of fairy tales as you've probably not heard them before, but beware the down-right horror of some of them.
4. Wicked - Gregory MacGuire. If you at all enjoyed Zelena, or you haven't somehow heard of the musical, try this one on for size. Not a terrible adaptation, though a bit bizarrely plotted. The Wicked Witch was never quite so sympathetic until MacGuire got hold of her. (Confessions of an Ugly Step-Sister isn't bad either for those who liked the Red Queen.)
5. The Lookingglass Wars - I haven't read this myself but the series is highly recommended by many as a wonderful Alice adaptation. Perhaps it would soothe those disappointed Wonderland fans or anyone who just misses Jefferson.
6. The Shadow of the Bear - Regina Doman. If you don't mind a delicately handled adaptation from a Catholic author, or if you would like a story that takes its characters' faith seriously without being preachy, this is a good choice for Snow fans. The first book is based on the fairy tale of Snow White and Rose Red, but is mainly centered on the Snow character, with the sequel a solid Snow White adaptation in its own right.
7. Cruel Beauty - Rosamunde Hodge. A weird little number, biting, dark, and a bit twisted, but if you happen to like those traits in your Beauty and the Beast retellings, this is something you might really enjoy. I have to say this is certainly the only B&B retelling I've read that gives the "beast" a personality anything close to that of Once's Rumpelstiltskin. Beauty, however, is closer to Lacey than Belle, so be warned (or be delighted, depending on your preference).
Recommended Movies and TV for Oncers:
1. SyFy Alice (miniseries). For Jefferson fans for sure, this adaptation takes an adult Alice through a really unique and modern twist on Wonderland. One of the biggest draws for this series is that this version of Alice is basically the brunette clone of Emma Swan, complete with judo skills and a fear of commitment, not to mention parental abandonment issues and love triangles. And Hatter is a fantastic foil for her.
2. Robin Hood (BBC TV). I've never watched it, but I know the first season I supposedly very good. A sort of Robin Hood reimagining that is vaguely reminiscent of the treatment A Knight's Tale gave Chaucer. Warning: Character death.
3. Peter Pan (2003). Yes, it's a kids movie in some respects, but it's also the best and most loyal (in spirit) adaptation of the story I've ever seen. Jason Isaac's Hook is incredible and sexy too.
4. Neverland (TV series). Though it wasn't around for long, this series proved an innovative reimagining of the story with a wonderfully twisted relationship between Peter and Hook. If you are at all a fan of Once's young Balefire and Hook, you will probably enjoy this quite a bit. The story focuses equally on protagonist and eventual antagonist. They both start out in Victorian London as friends and business associates (think Dickens' Fagin and the Artful Dodger). Their relationship becomes complicated when a freak magical accident places ishthem in an alternate world. Lady pirate captains, realistic Native Americans, and sexy Rhys Ifans (Hook) make this a fun series.
5. Cinderella 2000 - a weird British miniseries/short film version of the story that isn't really set in any time or place. It's probably a love/hate pick, but if you don't mind the sometimes terrible graphics (hey, if you watch Once, it's no biggie, right?) and the often weird choices, this could be a lot of fun. It is certainly different.
6. The Tenth Kingdom (miniseries) - a fun and light-hearted adventure with a jaded heroine a la Emma Swan. Lots of different fairy tales included, but the Big Bad Wolf gets the most screen time. Don't worry; you'll want him to.
7. Snow White and the Huntsman/Mirror Mirror - two very different Snow White interpretations, both with strengths and weaknesses. The first is dark but confusingly plotted; the second is fun but ridiculous.
8. Fairy Tales (2008) - miniseries of four tales adapted to modern settings. Some of these interpretations are dark, some funny, all romantic. Each episode feels like a short film, and I have to say that the Rapunzel adaptation was quite funny.
9. Arabian Nights (miniseries) - Though Once really only started exploring this territory with Once in Wonderland, any Oncer will probably enjoy this creative retelling of A Thousand and One Nights. Many tales are creatively woven into the romantic story of the two leads. Some great actor cameos too.
10. Penny Dreadful (current tv series) for those whose favorite episodes involved Dr. Whale, this series is highly recommended (definitely for adults) and centers on Victorian vampires, mystics, and Dr. Frankenstein.
Can you recommend any other adaptations that would be appealing to Oncers? Let me know.
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