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alyxbrett's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
- 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
smartie_chan's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
tense
slow-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
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual harassment
josb's review against another edition
4.0
Novella sized fairytale book that followed a fairytale world on the brink of destruction and the small amount of inhabitants left pulling off one last plan.
I found the introspection bit too wordy at times. I understood the questions and theories being presented but it felt like there were times it was just pushed that little too far and lost my attention.
I loved the idea and the message. There were also some clever layers to the book that I did not expect.
The other miss for me was that the Cruelty was delightful when she was morally grey but since lots of time when into theories and explanations of the world and their plans I did not get the chaos I was hoping for.
This might be for you if youre interested fairytale settings and the "save the fairytale land" trope.
I found the introspection bit too wordy at times. I understood the questions and theories being presented but it felt like there were times it was just pushed that little too far and lost my attention.
I loved the idea and the message. There were also some clever layers to the book that I did not expect.
The other miss for me was that the Cruelty was delightful when she was morally grey but since lots of time when into theories and explanations of the world and their plans I did not get the chaos I was hoping for.
This might be for you if youre interested fairytale settings and the "save the fairytale land" trope.
rchristine11's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
2.5
I was really disappointed in this book, but I’ve read another work by this author and absolutely loved that book. Perhaps this book just wasn’t for me. I was so excited when I saw it was sapphic and fairytale, but I was really uncomfortable with the relationship between the two female characters and I found the plot to not make much sense to me. Since I didn’t like the characters or the plot, this book just really didn’t work for me.
melaniebopp's review against another edition
3.0
Beauty & Cruelty is an interesting take on the classic fairy tale characters. Their worlds are dying as fewer and fewer people believe their stories, and Talia, also known as Sleeping Beauty, has taken over, trying to get their belief back before the fairy tale world is completely destroyed. Rue, or Cruelty, Talia's curser, has been living in our world for ages, and knows Talia's plan needs to be handled on a larger scale. Even if she doesn't want any part of it.
This is a solid story with good writing, but it is so introspective that it tends to drag a bit at times. It feels like it's trying too hard. I like the concept, but am having a bit of trouble with the execution. I think there needed to be more action, more dialogue, to move the story forward. We spend a lot of time in Rue's head, and she feels...apathetic at best. It leaves the reader in a similar mood.
But, that being said, it definitely had potential, and I will have to try something else from the author before I write them off. The idea behind the story is just too interesting to ignore.
This is a solid story with good writing, but it is so introspective that it tends to drag a bit at times. It feels like it's trying too hard. I like the concept, but am having a bit of trouble with the execution. I think there needed to be more action, more dialogue, to move the story forward. We spend a lot of time in Rue's head, and she feels...apathetic at best. It leaves the reader in a similar mood.
But, that being said, it definitely had potential, and I will have to try something else from the author before I write them off. The idea behind the story is just too interesting to ignore.
mxhermit's review against another edition
4.0
I received a free ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Full Review To Come, but I had to say...
This book was amazing. The intertwining stories and the modern day crossovers, plus the tale of whether belief can be sustained in a world such as ours, was a lot of fun. Very interesting.
There were some wordy bits near the end that made the story drag, but I still loved the story of Cruelty. The inclusion of gay, lesbian, and polyamory relationships was really cool.
Full Review To Come, but I had to say...
This book was amazing. The intertwining stories and the modern day crossovers, plus the tale of whether belief can be sustained in a world such as ours, was a lot of fun. Very interesting.
There were some wordy bits near the end that made the story drag, but I still loved the story of Cruelty. The inclusion of gay, lesbian, and polyamory relationships was really cool.
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