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3.45 AVERAGE
3.45 AVERAGE
Once upon a time, a cursed prince fell in love with a headstrong girl, and together they saved a kingdom.
The following book contains language and LGBT characters
Rating: 3.5 stars
Special thanks to the lovely folk at Disney Books for feeding my Beauty and the Beast obsession (and extending y’all’s reprieve from Austenesque spam on your feeds) by granting me an eARC.
In the world of Rebel Rose you don't get a HEA just because you marry a prince—especially if it’s 1789 and you’re living in France. To take on a beloved classic while trying to kick off a new series for a household name is Disney is no small feat, and Theirault did not have an easy task. I mean, how do you combine the magic of Disney with one of the bloodiest times in French history? I commend Emma Theriault for tackling this beast of a story but have mixed feelings about the end product.
Rebel Rose is strange, no question. It's dazed and distracted and has story arcs are a bit disjointed. First impressions are important, and I was a little thrown off by the opening. After the prologue, which is an attempt to mimic the tone ofthe original's, but instead of transitioning into a quaint scene of a little town in Aveyon, we're thrust in media res-ish into the bustling town of Paris and its lavish court. It's especially jarring because the setting feels so foreign. The familiar cast of characters and the provincial backdrop are all missing, even the Beast is transformed from Prince Adam to Prince Lio (his mother's nickname for him, apparently.) As a reader, I felt like I was scrambling for purchase, looking for something familiar from the original that I could use as a foothold to help me get my bearings. It's not that I'm unfamiliar with the mess that is France in the 1790s, but it's just so disparate from the fairy tales of my childhood, I had a hard time try to imagine these beloved characters into that world, especially when Belle and Lio seem like subdued versions of themselves. Granted, it contrasts Aveyon and France and highlights their discomfort in the courts of Versailles, but it’s a bit well, odd. Guillotines and pixie dust don’t exactly go together, but the opening chapters of the book felt more like pure historical fiction instead of a continuation or spinoff of the classic Disney movie.
The mirror scene helped reclaim some of the Disney magic the narrative is so desperately lacking, and the story gets better once Belle is back in Aveyon, surrounded by the familiar cast who is human again. It would’ve been nice to see the castle staff play a bit of a bigger role, and I wish Theriault incorporated them into the plot more. Belle feels too isolated and needs a little less introspection and more interaction with the other characters. The story definitely begins to pick up during the second act, but I think a few minor changes could help with the pacing. There are times when the plot feels weighed down unnecessarily by politics and the obstacles begin to feel redundant after a while.
The third act is a little rushed but otherwise fine. It is a tad predictable, but it was probably the strongest part of the story. A big part of it is probably the fact that this is when Belle has the most development and feels most genuine to the original character. I get that Theriault was trying to set this whole thing up about Belle grappling with identity with her sudden rise from rags to riches and some insecurities, but it wasn't as refined as I would've liked. The way the conflict was presented--especially the miscommunication--was oversimplified. Anyway, Belle is much more recognizable in the third act, and the story as a whole really benefits from it. The narrative also becomes more streamlined and the pacing is better, so the book ends on a pretty satisfactory note. I just wish the build-up to the end was a little better.
Some highlights from the book: some of the new characters like Marguerite and Hercule are great additions, the characterization of the castle staff are spot-on, the incorporation of history after act one was great (I can totally see Belle hosting salons), and when Belle returns to her outspoken, spunky self, we're reminding of why she's such a great character. I’m not too sure how I feel about the Queens’ Council (I thought it was just a cute premise, not an actual thing,) but I guess future books will help me decide.
I might not recommend this to hardcore Disney fans looking for a remake of the original, but if you're a Belle fan and go into this with an open mind, be my guest
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Rebel Rose was so different than other Beauty and the Beast books that I have read. What I loved and appreciated about Rebel Rose is that it wasn't a retelling, it's more of an extension as we see what married life is like for Belle and the Beast (Lio) since the curse has been broken. Belle and Lio are both great characters together and independent from one another. Lio is very loving towards Belle and respects that she doesn't want the title of Princess and never pushes her to assume it. The growth and development of them as a married couple and independently were well-written. Of course, this wouldn't be a Beauty and the Beast story without Lumiere, Cogsworth, Mrs. Potts, and Chip, all these characters provide voices of reason and support. Another character is Bastien, Lio's cousin who has lived his entire life in Paris is an interesting character. Bastien is a well-written unlikeable character, who after Belle and Lio goes to Paris to attend to business insists on going back to Aveyon to help Lio go from Prince to King. Bastien has ulterior motives for going to Aveyon and Belle never trusts him. While Bastien is unlikeable, I loved his interactions with Belle, who isn't afraid to put Bastien in his place. Another character that I loved was Marguerite, who Belle meets in Paris and extends an invitation to Aveyon. Marguerite becomes almost like a sister to Belle, and I loved their friendship. Readers also get the backstory of the Enchantress who placed the curse on the castle and essentially all of Aveyon. I very much enjoyed this story, Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorites.
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
I read halfway through the book but I found the characterizations to not be close enough to the characterizations of the characters in the movie. I'm also frustrated when characters don't communicate and when characters repeatedly make the same mistakes --- the latter just makes for a repetitive plot for me. Also I absolutely hate the trope of a young female protagonist who repeatedly refuses to fit into the existing power structure ex: "I've inherited the title queen, I'm just going to dissolve the monarchy and make a republic." It was annoying that Belle refused to be called Princess and brutally painful when she was also allowed to shirk the title of Queen, let alone Princess Consort or something. It was made even more frustrating by the fact that they traveled by carriage for 3 weeks without even talking about what they were going to do when they got home??? Just so unbelievable and frustrating. I could've powered through those pet peeves of mine, but like I said the characters just didn't have the same personality as they did in the movie, especially Belle.
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Blood
Minor: Cursing, Gore
**I received a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
There are so many things that I loved about this. Belle was one of my favorite princesses. Her love of books and adventure was probably what did it for me. While this wasn't a true Belle in the way that the stories tell, it's one that will ring true to many. Belle in this story is a little unsure and is stuck feeling as though her opinions don't mean as much. When thrust into being a monarch, this could just be one of those feelings. I loved Lio. I always wondered what he would be like when the curse was broken. I feel as though this is a good telling of that. The way that the other characters in the original tale are portrayed was also fun to read! Cogsworth and Lumiere were my favorite both in the original and in this future tale. I had so much fun reading this and I found myself following along with the history of the French Revolution as well.
There are so many things that I loved about this. Belle was one of my favorite princesses. Her love of books and adventure was probably what did it for me. While this wasn't a true Belle in the way that the stories tell, it's one that will ring true to many. Belle in this story is a little unsure and is stuck feeling as though her opinions don't mean as much. When thrust into being a monarch, this could just be one of those feelings. I loved Lio. I always wondered what he would be like when the curse was broken. I feel as though this is a good telling of that. The way that the other characters in the original tale are portrayed was also fun to read! Cogsworth and Lumiere were my favorite both in the original and in this future tale. I had so much fun reading this and I found myself following along with the history of the French Revolution as well.
This is an ARC book review provided by NetGalley.
"Cogsworth raised his brow. 'I do not think an agent of the revolution would pass Mrs. Potts's scrutiny nor meet her standards.'" ~ [b:The Queen's Council Rebel Rose|52277788|The Queen's Council Rebel Rose (The Queen's Council, #1)|Emma Theriault|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1586961159l/52277788._SY75_.jpg|73626965]
4.5 stars
I can't wait for November 2020 when everyone will be discussing this lovely new book! [a:Emma Theriault|19616334|Emma Theriault|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1570490045p2/19616334.jpg] did a magical job with this retelling. Theriault neatly weaves her own story into the "Beauty and the Beast" classic. The writing is eloquent, imaginative, gorgeous, and wholly impressive. The only reason I didn't give this book five stars is because I wish there would be a sequel and I wanted the book to be even longer! However, there is something to be said for an impressive standalone novel, those are pretty rare. Some of my favorite aspects of this novel was Belle and Adam's relationship, the worldbuilding of Aveyon, the incorporation of magic, the diverse characters, and the nods to the Disney classic.
Okay, I have to start with Belle and Adam's relationship. Their dynamic is GOALS! Theriault depicted the couple's relationship exactly as I imagined it would be post-curse. Belle and the Beast are my favorite Disney couple so I had high expectations. Theriault did not disappoint! Adam is so supportive and thoughtful, even when Belle and he don't agree on everything. They balance each other out so well! #couplegoals Also, I loved how Theriault handled worldbuilding in this novel. The castle and the village from the original Disney movie were explored more and in great depth. I could picture every little location clearly in my head. The background of the curse and how magic continued to be present in this novel was another wonderful part of the plot. The scenes between Belle and the enchantress were so intriguing! This book explored so many unexpected aspects of the original "Beauty and the Beast" tale.
The moments that made me emotional was whenever Belle or another character references their past. Belle and Adam deal with their mental health issues post-curse, Belle has a heart-to-heart talk with Mrs. Potts about how to be strong and even LeFou showing up in the last 100 pages was exciting. Speaking of LeFou, I love how his new story turns out; even better than I expected! One final thought: I respect the way Theriault included a diverse cast of characters in this story. One of the new characters we meet is black and gay and beautiful! In this case, the new character comes out and the other characters treat the situation like its no big deal. This was handled so well; their identity was acknowledged and then the character went back to their work and doing what they loved. There are several other new characters with a similar situation, and this was an added bonus to an already magnificent novel.
"Cogsworth raised his brow. 'I do not think an agent of the revolution would pass Mrs. Potts's scrutiny nor meet her standards.'" ~ [b:The Queen's Council Rebel Rose|52277788|The Queen's Council Rebel Rose (The Queen's Council, #1)|Emma Theriault|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1586961159l/52277788._SY75_.jpg|73626965]
4.5 stars
I can't wait for November 2020 when everyone will be discussing this lovely new book! [a:Emma Theriault|19616334|Emma Theriault|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1570490045p2/19616334.jpg] did a magical job with this retelling. Theriault neatly weaves her own story into the "Beauty and the Beast" classic. The writing is eloquent, imaginative, gorgeous, and wholly impressive. The only reason I didn't give this book five stars is because I wish there would be a sequel and I wanted the book to be even longer! However, there is something to be said for an impressive standalone novel, those are pretty rare. Some of my favorite aspects of this novel was Belle and Adam's relationship, the worldbuilding of Aveyon, the incorporation of magic, the diverse characters, and the nods to the Disney classic.
Okay, I have to start with Belle and Adam's relationship. Their dynamic is GOALS! Theriault depicted the couple's relationship exactly as I imagined it would be post-curse. Belle and the Beast are my favorite Disney couple so I had high expectations. Theriault did not disappoint! Adam is so supportive and thoughtful, even when Belle and he don't agree on everything. They balance each other out so well! #couplegoals Also, I loved how Theriault handled worldbuilding in this novel. The castle and the village from the original Disney movie were explored more and in great depth. I could picture every little location clearly in my head. The background of the curse and how magic continued to be present in this novel was another wonderful part of the plot. The scenes between Belle and the enchantress were so intriguing! This book explored so many unexpected aspects of the original "Beauty and the Beast" tale.
The moments that made me emotional was whenever Belle or another character references their past. Belle and Adam deal with their mental health issues post-curse, Belle has a heart-to-heart talk with Mrs. Potts about how to be strong and even LeFou showing up in the last 100 pages was exciting. Speaking of LeFou, I love how his new story turns out; even better than I expected! One final thought: I respect the way Theriault included a diverse cast of characters in this story. One of the new characters we meet is black and gay and beautiful! In this case, the new character comes out and the other characters treat the situation like its no big deal. This was handled so well; their identity was acknowledged and then the character went back to their work and doing what they loved. There are several other new characters with a similar situation, and this was an added bonus to an already magnificent novel.
2.5 stars, with the extra half star easily attributed to the way the elements of the fairytale and Disney film were woven into the story.
I’m sad to have to acknowledge that this book fell short of the expectations I had for it. The potential for a book that I would love was there, but the character execution just didn’t work for me personally. Combining that with the fact that this is a less action-driven plot, it just wound up being an okay story overall.
I’m sad to have to acknowledge that this book fell short of the expectations I had for it. The potential for a book that I would love was there, but the character execution just didn’t work for me personally. Combining that with the fact that this is a less action-driven plot, it just wound up being an okay story overall.
(Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
What I enjoyed in Rebel Rose was how Theriault does not shy away from the rough spots in Adam and Belle's relationship. The inequality in their backgrounds becomes even more of an obstacle as they begin to advance their station and social calendar. While Belle may not be a Queen, she certainly is drawn into a space, not of her choosing, that does not truly know what it is like to be common. 1789 France is on the edge of revolution and it's possible Belle is the only person who can stop it from spilling over to Aveyon.
Rebel Rose is firmly centered on Belle and her character. Will she be able to stay true to herself, even as the nobility looks down at her, and the commoners might resent her? At the same time, will she be able to advocate for the rights of her friends and Aveyon against those who want to maintain the status quo? Because it quickly becomes apparent that the trials of their relationship are far from over even though the curse is broken.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/review-rebel-rose-by-emma-theriault/
What I enjoyed in Rebel Rose was how Theriault does not shy away from the rough spots in Adam and Belle's relationship. The inequality in their backgrounds becomes even more of an obstacle as they begin to advance their station and social calendar. While Belle may not be a Queen, she certainly is drawn into a space, not of her choosing, that does not truly know what it is like to be common. 1789 France is on the edge of revolution and it's possible Belle is the only person who can stop it from spilling over to Aveyon.
Rebel Rose is firmly centered on Belle and her character. Will she be able to stay true to herself, even as the nobility looks down at her, and the commoners might resent her? At the same time, will she be able to advocate for the rights of her friends and Aveyon against those who want to maintain the status quo? Because it quickly becomes apparent that the trials of their relationship are far from over even though the curse is broken.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/review-rebel-rose-by-emma-theriault/