Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.67 AVERAGE
3.67 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
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
Jennifer Donnelly is incredible, every time. She brings to light what it is to be a woman in new ways that make it strike home more profoundly.
A gender swapped retelling of Beauty and the Beast? Sign me up! Beauty and the Beast is my favorite fairy tale, and new adaptations of it are always welcome. I really liked this overall. The swap so interesting, and the details of the curse were a welcome change from the traditional story that everyone knows. I especially loved the conclusion of the story, with the breaking of the curse. There was one small thing about it that confused me, but I suspect that I either read something wrong earlier in the story or maybe it was a typo that will be corrected in the final book.
The only thing I didn't like in the book were the scattered "fairy tale" chapters, the ones that weren't directly part of the story, but more "this is a metaphor, learn something." You could cut out every single one and not lose a thing in my opinion. But they are short, so not a huge deal. If you're a fan of retellings and Beauty and the Beast, keep an eye out for this one when it comes out.
The only thing I didn't like in the book were the scattered "fairy tale" chapters, the ones that weren't directly part of the story, but more "this is a metaphor, learn something." You could cut out every single one and not lose a thing in my opinion. But they are short, so not a huge deal. If you're a fan of retellings and Beauty and the Beast, keep an eye out for this one when it comes out.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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
Bittersweet and strange… Magic to sever you into pieces and then make you whole again. I loved how Arabella felt distinct from both Sophie and Isabelle, Jennifer Donnelly’s other two fairytale heroines. But also how, in this gender-swapped retelling, Arabella is not reliant on her love interest to save her, but on herself. The imagery of Despair as a curse unto itself we cast upon ourselves was so poignant, and of Death as the ambiguous, inscrutable clockmaker, spoke to me so eloquently. I thought it was also very impressive of Donnelly that she was able to make each minor character a developed person though they don’t have so much time on the page. Her interludes can be didactic, but they’re good at keeping up the tone of the story without breaking the pace. I didn’t necessarily like it as much as Stepsister and Poisoned, but it still so swirling with magic… Dare to cross the bridge?
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was drawn in by the gender bent beauty and the beast plot-line and was pleasantly surprised by the twist to the classic story. This is an interesting take on how our emotions challenge and change us and how we have to embrace all of ourselves, including the ugly emotions, to feel and learn from life.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
I absolutely LOVED this book! I love a good beauty and the beast retelling, but this was so much more. gender roles were reversed, making a little more unique. The curse was a little different. the story slowly reveals its truths and secrets. it's not about loving another but about truly loving oneself and accepting all your emotions. such a great message.
I really just couldnt get behind this book, I started to grab me in but I have too many books I want to read right now to suffer through one.. as sad as it is I am hanging this one up
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
A refreshingly unique take on the Beauty and the Beast tale. I love the focus on female empowerment and overcoming difficult emotions.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
I ate this book up in a day. I adored this modern retelling of Beauty And The Beast.
Three key things that stood out to me:
Engaging Writing
More detail on the cause of the curse than is elaborated on in the movie.
Engaging side characters that truly enhance the spot.
Three key things that stood out to me:
Engaging Writing
More detail on the cause of the curse than is elaborated on in the movie.
Engaging side characters that truly enhance the spot.