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chocobro's review
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
runawaytrain's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
The writing is beautiful but I felt no connection to the characters or their development.
wildfaeriecaps's review against another edition
4.0
This was so delightful to read. I loved everything about it. Beauty and the Beast retellings are a favorite of mine and this one now lives in my top 5 favorite. The tech/magic/fantasy/scifi thing that happens in this story.. it's just perfect.
wannabekingpin's review against another edition
4.0
all reviews in one place:
night mode reading ;
skaitom nakties rezimu
About the Book: In a world broken by misused magic and science, constructs and viruses lurking just outside the safety of village boundaries, everything must be prayed for. And everything answered – has a price. Young woman named Yen was such a price, given to the Dragon spirit as payment for another life saved. Believing herself to become dinner, young woman spent her days and nights worrying and dreaming of escape. Away from these magical walls of the palace. Away from that magnificent library. Away from that beautiful being…
My Opinion: A strange and unusual tale with very familiar tones to it. Smooth story with little but impactful worldbuilding, left me wanting more but not in a bad way. Interesting, if simplistic characters, easy to care and worry for. And that Howl’s Moving Castle, that Beauty of the Beast vibe, couldn’t have asked for a better note to end Pride Month with. A fine, easy, short read.
night mode reading ;
skaitom nakties rezimu
About the Book: In a world broken by misused magic and science, constructs and viruses lurking just outside the safety of village boundaries, everything must be prayed for. And everything answered – has a price. Young woman named Yen was such a price, given to the Dragon spirit as payment for another life saved. Believing herself to become dinner, young woman spent her days and nights worrying and dreaming of escape. Away from these magical walls of the palace. Away from that magnificent library. Away from that beautiful being…
My Opinion: A strange and unusual tale with very familiar tones to it. Smooth story with little but impactful worldbuilding, left me wanting more but not in a bad way. Interesting, if simplistic characters, easy to care and worry for. And that Howl’s Moving Castle, that Beauty of the Beast vibe, couldn’t have asked for a better note to end Pride Month with. A fine, easy, short read.
em_harring's review against another edition
4.0
This is my first de Bodard book and I've already borrowed another from my library.
I was like "hell yeah" as soon as I found out this was a sapphic, Vietnamese retelling of Beauty and the Beast. What more could we want, really? Coming in at just over 100 pages via e-book, this is a pretty self contained novella, though of course I wanted more because of how rich the world and characters are. I think for the space given to the narrative, everything is described and explained beautifully. The descriptions and writing really shine, especially the way that de Bodard writes Vu Côn. There are moments that I would love to see explained in a further story––particularly the relationship between Yên and Vu Côn.
Overall, would highly recommend if you're looking for a quick fantasy read!
I was like "hell yeah" as soon as I found out this was a sapphic, Vietnamese retelling of Beauty and the Beast. What more could we want, really? Coming in at just over 100 pages via e-book, this is a pretty self contained novella, though of course I wanted more because of how rich the world and characters are. I think for the space given to the narrative, everything is described and explained beautifully. The descriptions and writing really shine, especially the way that de Bodard writes Vu Côn. There are moments that I would love to see explained in a further story––particularly the relationship between Yên and Vu Côn.
Overall, would highly recommend if you're looking for a quick fantasy read!
colorfulleo92's review against another edition
4.0
My Love for beauty and the beast retailings felt more for nostalgic reasons lately. I pick them up for time to time hoping I will have the same excitement as I had years before but often finish them with a disappointing feeling. But this one was a clear winner for me. It had enough of the "classic" detailed yet had some new and exciting ones that made it an entertaining read. Only draw back is that I wanted it to be a full novel but it was definitely a good read
kvinnsogboker's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
ripavengers's review against another edition
4.0
Beauty and the Beast retellings are more miss than hit but this was an interesting take on it. I’m not sure how I feel about the main relationship but there was more autonomy and less maliciousness involved which I appreciate.
mrswythe89's review against another edition
5.0
An intense, atmospheric read from a brilliant writer.