Scan barcode
the_jesus_fandom's review against another edition
5.0
(Scroll down for review of full series)
Really funny, actually!
The climax was pretty cliche, but that was kind of the point and it was still enjoyable.
Even though it's about fairytales, there are some pretty scary monsters, so it's not for younger children.
(LOVED the banter and the sibling relationship. This book would honestly be great as a TV series.)
FULL SERIES REVIEW
This review was originally published on homeschoolingteen.com. You can also watch the video version of it here.
Sometimes, reading can be a bit tiring. I’ll still want to enjoy a story, but I don’t want to put in as much effort as I usually do. Thankfully, I’ve found a solution: books that don’t take themselves all too seriously. No long words unless the book is trying to be funny, worldbuilding that doesn’t require me to picture a whole ecosystem in my head, and characters who are ridiculously funny and stupid. That about sums up all of Kyle Robert Schultz’s books, collectively titled the Afterverse. What the books “lack” in difficulty, they make up for in quantity: as of this writing, there 5 series (all in the same world and story), making up a total of 18 short stories and 7 books. Thankfully, they read away easily!
Since the stories don’t really follow the same people, I’ll give a quick description of the main series around which all other books and stories revolve: Beaumont & Beasley. Every different series in the “universe” can be read and understood separately, so there is no need to read them all. Nick Beasley is a private detective in 1922 E.A. (Ever After). His main job involves proving to people that they are not, in fact, cursed, but simply unfortunate. Magic is not something he believes in, and fairy tales are – according to him – a thing for the uneducated masses. However, when the Earl of Whitlock enlists his help solving a mystery, he and his brother Crispin are pushed nose-first into the actual truth behind the city’s modern exterior.
What I loved about the Afterverse books was, first of all, the humour. First of all, the chapter titles (“Ouch”, “Logic and Proportion”, “Otter-nal Love”) were so dumb they were hilarious. Characters were clumsy dolts, but not in a contrived or annoying way. I could still see myself in them. There was also a lot of banter between characters. Something I did start to notice, however, when I read the companion series Crockett & Crane, was that the banter was virtually unchanged between the main male and female protagonists. The dynamic between Todd and Amy in those books was pretty much the same as the dynamic between Nick and Cordelia in Beaumont and Beasley.
Just because a book is light reading does not mean it should underperform in the emotion and plot areas. The Afterverse books do not disappoint. The plot becomes a lot more complicated when the author introduces the infamous time-travelling trope. Personally, I never try to understand what’s going on and just roll with it when people start jumping, so I really have no idea how coherent it is. I will say, however, that it causes some gut-punching emotional reveals. Book 3 of Beaumont and Beasley, The Stroke of Eleven, really went all in trying to make me cry. Because of the heavy emotional plotlines and pretty scary scenes, I would say these books are 13+.
What I did not appreciate was how often and in what way the possession trope was used. I don’t mind when characters get possessed, as long as it is seen as a bad thing. This was not so in the books: possession is a useful tool to be more powerful, and Nick’s curse manifests itself as a person in his dreams – a person he will have to “kill” to get rid of the curse. I really dislike this trope because it undermines the sanctity of the body, treating it like it’s some object to rent out. By having spirits just come in and take over the body as if it were a machine implies that the body is not important: it’s just a vessel your spirit is using. This is not a Biblical approach, and it also sends the message that opening yourself up to outside influence is a good idea. I don’t necessarily believe the author holds this low view of the body simply because he uses a trope, I’m just saying the trope itself inherently invokes this worldview.
All things considered, I’d say Kyle Robert Schultz’s books are suitable and fun for people over the age of 13. There are some parts that I don’t like as much, but the humour and emotional stakes are amazing, largely due to the amazing protagonists. Although there are quite a few books, it’s not necessary to read them all; separate series and books can be appreciated on their own. Not only that, but the books are easy reads. I’d say they’re the perfect lazy read for when you don’t have the energy for something intellectual.
Really funny, actually!
The climax was pretty cliche, but that was kind of the point and it was still enjoyable.
Even though it's about fairytales, there are some pretty scary monsters, so it's not for younger children.
(LOVED the banter and the sibling relationship. This book would honestly be great as a TV series.)
FULL SERIES REVIEW
This review was originally published on homeschoolingteen.com. You can also watch the video version of it here.
Sometimes, reading can be a bit tiring. I’ll still want to enjoy a story, but I don’t want to put in as much effort as I usually do. Thankfully, I’ve found a solution: books that don’t take themselves all too seriously. No long words unless the book is trying to be funny, worldbuilding that doesn’t require me to picture a whole ecosystem in my head, and characters who are ridiculously funny and stupid. That about sums up all of Kyle Robert Schultz’s books, collectively titled the Afterverse. What the books “lack” in difficulty, they make up for in quantity: as of this writing, there 5 series (all in the same world and story), making up a total of 18 short stories and 7 books. Thankfully, they read away easily!
Since the stories don’t really follow the same people, I’ll give a quick description of the main series around which all other books and stories revolve: Beaumont & Beasley. Every different series in the “universe” can be read and understood separately, so there is no need to read them all. Nick Beasley is a private detective in 1922 E.A. (Ever After). His main job involves proving to people that they are not, in fact, cursed, but simply unfortunate. Magic is not something he believes in, and fairy tales are – according to him – a thing for the uneducated masses. However, when the Earl of Whitlock enlists his help solving a mystery, he and his brother Crispin are pushed nose-first into the actual truth behind the city’s modern exterior.
What I loved about the Afterverse books was, first of all, the humour. First of all, the chapter titles (“Ouch”, “Logic and Proportion”, “Otter-nal Love”) were so dumb they were hilarious. Characters were clumsy dolts, but not in a contrived or annoying way. I could still see myself in them. There was also a lot of banter between characters. Something I did start to notice, however, when I read the companion series Crockett & Crane, was that the banter was virtually unchanged between the main male and female protagonists. The dynamic between Todd and Amy in those books was pretty much the same as the dynamic between Nick and Cordelia in Beaumont and Beasley.
Just because a book is light reading does not mean it should underperform in the emotion and plot areas. The Afterverse books do not disappoint. The plot becomes a lot more complicated when the author introduces the infamous time-travelling trope. Personally, I never try to understand what’s going on and just roll with it when people start jumping, so I really have no idea how coherent it is. I will say, however, that it causes some gut-punching emotional reveals. Book 3 of Beaumont and Beasley, The Stroke of Eleven, really went all in trying to make me cry. Because of the heavy emotional plotlines and pretty scary scenes, I would say these books are 13+.
What I did not appreciate was how often and in what way the possession trope was used. I don’t mind when characters get possessed, as long as it is seen as a bad thing. This was not so in the books: possession is a useful tool to be more powerful, and Nick’s curse manifests itself as a person in his dreams – a person he will have to “kill” to get rid of the curse. I really dislike this trope because it undermines the sanctity of the body, treating it like it’s some object to rent out. By having spirits just come in and take over the body as if it were a machine implies that the body is not important: it’s just a vessel your spirit is using. This is not a Biblical approach, and it also sends the message that opening yourself up to outside influence is a good idea. I don’t necessarily believe the author holds this low view of the body simply because he uses a trope, I’m just saying the trope itself inherently invokes this worldview.
All things considered, I’d say Kyle Robert Schultz’s books are suitable and fun for people over the age of 13. There are some parts that I don’t like as much, but the humour and emotional stakes are amazing, largely due to the amazing protagonists. Although there are quite a few books, it’s not necessary to read them all; separate series and books can be appreciated on their own. Not only that, but the books are easy reads. I’d say they’re the perfect lazy read for when you don’t have the energy for something intellectual.
rusticreadingal's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 Stars
The Beast of Talesend was an all-around good time. It's such a fresh and clever twist on the classic fairy tale.
Taking place almost two thousand years after “ever after”, most people have stopped believing in magic. They don't believe that the fairy tales ever actually happened. Foremost of them all is private investigator Nick Beasley who's famous for debunking anything that could be remotely construed as magic. He doesn't believe in all that nonsense... well... that is until he's turned into a beast himself. What follows is a witty and wild adventure that I didn't want to end.
With a cast full of charmingly quirky characters, spectacular world building, and many laugh out loud moments, The Beast of Talesend is a must read for anyone who enjoys fairy tale retellings. I highly recommend it!
The Beast of Talesend was an all-around good time. It's such a fresh and clever twist on the classic fairy tale.
Taking place almost two thousand years after “ever after”, most people have stopped believing in magic. They don't believe that the fairy tales ever actually happened. Foremost of them all is private investigator Nick Beasley who's famous for debunking anything that could be remotely construed as magic. He doesn't believe in all that nonsense... well... that is until he's turned into a beast himself. What follows is a witty and wild adventure that I didn't want to end.
With a cast full of charmingly quirky characters, spectacular world building, and many laugh out loud moments, The Beast of Talesend is a must read for anyone who enjoys fairy tale retellings. I highly recommend it!
sarahed's review against another edition
5.0
This was an awesome fast-paced adventure read. It was set in the style of a detective novel, but takes a unique twist when the PI who debunks magic for a living gets turned into a monster. Great chemistry between the monstrous lead and Lady Cordelia. Interesting links and tributes to various fairy tales throughout. Recommended.
carina_shephard's review against another edition
5.0
First read 2019: 4/4.5 stars
Re-read 2021: 5 stars
After a rough week, rereading The Beast of Talesend was a breath of fresh air. I enjoyed it significantly more on the reread.
Notable Stuff:
-Cordelia is epic. I want to be like her when I grow up and casually throw rolls at people.
-Yay for fairytale twistiness!
-I haven't gotten to the third book in the series yet (deep sadness, and not for a lack of desire on my part!) but there was quite a few references that I picked up that are mentioned in blurbs for later books. Like the Dragon Delusion, which I'm almost certain is the name of another book? Will have to check.
-So many great lines. The humor is spot on.
- All the characters are unique and amazing. Crispin.. Cordelia... oh yeah, and Nick...*heart eyes* Even the villains are interesting. Speaking of which...
-That ending! Did not see that coming. Gave me chills.
-If you're like me on my first read through and mildly enjoyed this book but it's not on your Absolute Favorites list, go ahead and read the next book. The Tomb of the Sea Witch is even better, in my opinion.
Re-read 2021: 5 stars
After a rough week, rereading The Beast of Talesend was a breath of fresh air. I enjoyed it significantly more on the reread.
Notable Stuff:
-Cordelia is epic. I want to be like her when I grow up and casually throw rolls at people.
-Yay for fairytale twistiness!
-I haven't gotten to the third book in the series yet (deep sadness, and not for a lack of desire on my part!) but there was quite a few references that I picked up that are mentioned in blurbs for later books. Like the Dragon Delusion, which I'm almost certain is the name of another book? Will have to check.
-So many great lines. The humor is spot on.
- All the characters are unique and amazing. Crispin.. Cordelia... oh yeah, and Nick...*heart eyes* Even the villains are interesting. Speaking of which...
-That ending! Did not see that coming. Gave me chills.
-If you're like me on my first read through and mildly enjoyed this book but it's not on your Absolute Favorites list, go ahead and read the next book. The Tomb of the Sea Witch is even better, in my opinion.
briannadasilva's review
4.0
This book surprised me, for someone who typically doesn't care for fairy tales and is (admittedly) suspicious of indie books.
It was very clever, subversive, and deliciously entertaining, playing off of tropes while also providing a breath of fresh air.
There were a couple info-dump dialog moments that I thought could have been cleaned up, but otherwise the writing was sharp and witty. The characters weren't super deep, but they were enjoyable and worked for the genre.
It's a short read too, and has a story structure that could translate almost effortlessly into movie format. Reading it, in fact, did feel like watching a fun, lighthearted adventure movie.
For those who care for such things, it was also a very "clean" story. Like one of those endearing PG movies that a family could enjoy together.
In short, this was fun. I recommend it.
It was very clever, subversive, and deliciously entertaining, playing off of tropes while also providing a breath of fresh air.
There were a couple info-dump dialog moments that I thought could have been cleaned up, but otherwise the writing was sharp and witty. The characters weren't super deep, but they were enjoyable and worked for the genre.
It's a short read too, and has a story structure that could translate almost effortlessly into movie format. Reading it, in fact, did feel like watching a fun, lighthearted adventure movie.
For those who care for such things, it was also a very "clean" story. Like one of those endearing PG movies that a family could enjoy together.
In short, this was fun. I recommend it.
karireads's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Light and easy reading, funny and thoroughly enjoyable. I laughed out loud several times, and that's rare for me when reading. Will definitely be reading more.
sorayacorcoran's review against another edition
5.0
Great read for YA!
I enjoyed the writing style and the sarcasm. Fairy tale retellings are really fun and Kyle's take on it is delightful to read. Nick, Cordelia, and Crispin are all good characters I could continue to read about and the magic system is intriguing.
I enjoyed the writing style and the sarcasm. Fairy tale retellings are really fun and Kyle's take on it is delightful to read. Nick, Cordelia, and Crispin are all good characters I could continue to read about and the magic system is intriguing.
justcatherine's review against another edition
4.0
I was reallly hoping that the stories would be standalone. Nope. I'm committing to a series here if I want answers! The setting details were laid out neatly in a non-boring, lecture-y way and the protag's POV is funny with a nice sarcastic element. This was a fun, quick read and I clicked right over to book 2 ;)
kitkatmichelle's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars
Delightful romp of all delightful romps! XD
...with just the right touch of emotional.
Delightful romp of all delightful romps! XD
...with just the right touch of emotional.
purplepenning's review against another edition
3.0
The Beaumont and Beasley books by Kyle Robert Schultz are a series of fun, quick, twisted fairytales set, mostly, in an alternate version of early 20th-century Britain. The main characters are a reinterpretation of Beauty and the Beast, and interact with the Little Mermaid, Cinderella, and more. The bicker-banter humor of the main protagonist (detective-turned-Beast Nick Beasley) and friends is mostly fun but definitely started to wear me down. The fairytale interpretations are clever, though — and there's a sardonic dragon with a heart and hoard of gold who eventually appeared enough to keep me reading. The series isn't finished yet, however, and I'm not sure I'll remember to check back for the finale. Which is too bad — the dragon's story still interests me and there's some big, timey-wimey, fabric-of-reality stuff I'd like to see resolved. Overall, I'd rate the series at a 3 but the short stories fare better ("The Last Days of Lady Cordelia" is masterfully creepy and "The Janus Elixir" gives us a good dose of that sardonic dragon (Malcolm Blackfire) and his assistant.