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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
I picked this one because it is my favorite of the classic fairytales--I don't know, I just have a thing for "appearances can be deceiving" morals. But what made this stand out was they pulled this with the heroine--Beauty is really only called that because of something smart alecky she said as a girl. Even more than the Beast is her transformation, one that I've always empathized with; that from a prickly and clever girl into a confident woman.
This is also an introduction to a writer that worldbuilds without rambling; something I'll admit to being more than annoyed with. Exposition is flowing, and goes with the action and feels natural. Not only that, it's interesting because the characters within the world are interesting. It doesn't suffer from the typical fairytale problem of only using the older siblings as plot devices, nor does it make them perfect.
My only complaint is the ending felt a little rushed, as if breaking the spell just sped everything up. It felt abrupt and I wanted more. But considering the author had another re-write of this I have a feeling she knew this.
Verdict? I need more McKinley, even though I'd already been told this five billion times. I'm getting to it!
This is also an introduction to a writer that worldbuilds without rambling; something I'll admit to being more than annoyed with. Exposition is flowing, and goes with the action and feels natural. Not only that, it's interesting because the characters within the world are interesting. It doesn't suffer from the typical fairytale problem of only using the older siblings as plot devices, nor does it make them perfect.
My only complaint is the ending felt a little rushed, as if breaking the spell just sped everything up. It felt abrupt and I wanted more. But considering the author had another re-write of this I have a feeling she knew this.
Verdict? I need more McKinley, even though I'd already been told this five billion times. I'm getting to it!
That was signature Robin McKinley loveliness. Beautiful and luxurious to listen to.
Not as good as [b:Rose Daughter|8089|Rose Daughter (Folktales, #2)|Robin McKinley|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1398552029s/8089.jpg|2321287], but still this is an enjoyable diversion. I was disappointed in the end, I really was hoping for, and felt the characters deserved, something fuller and more detailed.
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Actual rating: 3.5
It was nice book to read, but I expected more action. It was original book in different words tbh
It was nice book to read, but I expected more action. It was original book in different words tbh
read as part of a children's lit course
I enjoyed this retelling. It becomes a coming of age story and Beauty really becomes beautiful. She makes the Beast become beautiful too.
I enjoyed this retelling. It becomes a coming of age story and Beauty really becomes beautiful. She makes the Beast become beautiful too.
I first read this book as a girl of 13. I've revisited this book 4-5 times since then, most recently as a girl of 41. I love this story, now and then.
I received this book as a gift from my friend who read it when she was younger and thought I would love it. She was right! I still love YA/Children's fairytales. Like movie Belle, "I couldn't put it down."
A much beloved book from my childhood. A lovely retelling of the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale. I love her lush descriptions and juxtaposition of the family's happy country life and the strange pristine beauty of the Beast's castle.
I would have liked the end to have been a bit meatier, it's a fairy tale after all. Still lovely after all this time.
I would have liked the end to have been a bit meatier, it's a fairy tale after all. Still lovely after all this time.