Books have been around for thousands of years. Over those many, many years, stories have changed as the world has changed. However, finding inspiration for new stories can still be hard. We often seek original ideas. But occasionally, retellings are a great option. Not remakes, but retellings; stories that are inspired by great tales of the past. If you are a writer looking for inspiration for your next fantasy novel, here are four books from the past that deserve a modern fantasy twist!

Disclaimer: Please be aware that, like many older books, these books contain out-of-date social, cultural, and political views.

Mara, Daughter of the Nile

Mara, Daughter of the Nile is a thrilling tale of love and political intrigue during ancient Egypt’s reign of Queen Hatshepsut. Mara, a slave girl with reading, writing, and language skills, is roped into being a spy for both sides of a harrowing political plot as she fights for freedom. But when she begins to fall for one of the spies she works for, she is forced to choose between freedom and love.

This book has been a personal favorite for a while, but lately I have been looking at it through the lens of a fantasy writer. I have come to the conclusion that Mara, Daughter of the Nile, has the makings of an epic fantasy adventure fraught with plot twists, romance, and suspense that would spread like wildfire through the world of fantasy readers! I have tucked this book away for inspiration in my writing, but one of the most amazing things about retellings is that every author comes up with their own unique version. If you are looking for a romantic tale filled with suspense and politics, this story might just be your next muse!

The Count of Monte Cristo

Another book with a bit of romance and a lot of intrigue, The Count of Monte Cristo tells the story of a young sailor framed for a crime he didn’t commit. Arrested during his engagement party, he is sent to prison with hopes of release, only to find himself imprisoned in the Château d'If, a prison island. During his fourteen years in prison, his plans for revenge take shape, and those from his past never see him coming.

This book is already massive, and it is waiting for an epic fantasy retelling! My dream for this one is for Brandon Sanderson to write a retelling inspired by this book. With its tale of love and revenge, and the clever tricks of the main character, this story has the makings of a truly epic fantasy! If you are looking for a story to inspire a grand fantasy adventure, check out this crime and revenge story laced with hope, with love at its core.

The Captain’s Dog

The Captain’s Dog is a book about Lewis and Clark's mission to map North America, but told from the perspective of their dog. This charming tale offers a unique take on the historical account of both the good and the bad of early colonization of the Americas. If you are looking for an animal perspective tale to tell, this one has the makings of a super fun animal-themed retelling. I can just imagine a fantasy story about a dragon telling people how he helped his master map a land filled with magic. With a modern take and some fantastical twists, this little book could be an excellent source of inspiration for a fun fantasy tale sure to entertain all ages.

Robinson Crusoe

Again, this is a book with epic proportions that needs a modern twist, made even better with a dash of fantasy. Robinson Crusoe tells the story of a boy becoming a man when he is determined to become a sailor rather than follow in his father’s footsteps as a priest. But his adventures land him stranded on an uninhabited island, left to fend for himself as he waits for rescue.

If you are looking for something to inspire a more character-driven tale, Robinson Crusoe might be a great book to check out for inspiration. Focused entirely on Robbinson Crusoe and his life and travels, this book has many elements that could be great inspiration for an epic fantasy tale. Shipwrecks, being stranded on a perilous island, a main character who is learning who they are and what they are capable of, this story is filled with themes that would fit the fantasy genre.

The Phantom of the Opera

Last but definitely not least on this list is the Phantom of the Opera. This book tells the tale of a deformed man with a melodious voice who falls in love with Christine, an Oprah singer he is training in secret, but expresses his love in all the wrong ways when he kidnaps her. While this story is dark, it has all the makings of an epic fantasy novel! I have always thought that this book would be a great source of inspiration for a memorable fantasy villain. The setting and drama are perfect for a fantastical tale with an emotionally deep antagonist that fantasy audiences will not soon forget.

Have Fun!

Finding inspiration can be a fun process! You don’t even have to read these books. You could just read the blurbs or take what you learned in this article and go from there. Actually, not reading the books, or reading them and then waiting a few months to create a story with them in mind, is better, as it helps ensure your ideas stay original while still allowing inspiration to take hold of your imagination. And as always, have fun and happy writing!