Reviews

Craving Beauty by Jennifer Silverwood

brooksie03051's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

 I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 

A darker version of Beauty and the Beast that is very different than the Disney version.    The character who represents Beauty is more like Cinderella in the sense that she has other siblings who are spoiled and cruel, but a brother who she is close to and they care about each other.  More people are involved in this tale, and the curse is more mysterious.  The magic is wild and unexpected. The story is more complex than the traditional tale and enjoyable to read with surprising twists.  The ending isn't a huge cliffhanger, but the tale is not over and book two should have more answers to how this tale as old as time unfolds. 

royallyreading's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

piperkitty's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark informative sad tense 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? It's complicated

4.0

 
Thanks to Lola's Blog Tours for including me in this tour. I will be sharing my review of Craving Beauty, the first book in the Wylder Tale series. 
"Craving Beauty" presents a dark and intricate retelling of the classic tale "The Beauty and the Beast," delving deeper into the original narrative than mainstream adaptations. Following the protagonist Vynasha's journey through the forest after a devastating attack on her home, the story unfolds as she braves the forbidden Wylderland forest. The author's meticulous attention to detail in describing the world and its inhabitants immerses readers in a richly crafted setting. The gradual development of the plot builds suspense until the story's core elements come into play. One particularly captivating aspect is the exploration of letters that Vynasha uncovers, offering insights into the mysteries of the Wylderland forest and its enigmatic residents. These epistolary discoveries serve as a window into the intricate web of secrets and histories that shape the story's unfolding, adding layers of complexity and intrigue to the narrative. Through these letters, readers are drawn deeper into the captivating world of "Craving Beauty," where every revelation brings new depth to the characters and their interconnected fates.

#bookreview #honestreviews #fantasybooks #retellings #cravingbeauty 

thereaderofbooks89's review against another edition

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5.0

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I really enjoyed this book! I did read a few reviews beforehand, and I'm saddened that more people didn't enjoy this book!

It was such a quick read for me, as I was completely absorbed into this novel. The world building was amazing, and the characters, even though they considered themselves monsters, were so full of humanity.

Asha is such a strong female lead. She has been through so much and deserves whatever happily ever after she can get.

Without giving too much away, the rest of the cast are just as enjoyable and left me on the edge of my seat,hoping that everything goes well for most of them.

The twist, I did not see coming. I made a noise at work that was not human, I'm fairly good at predicting what happens next and the fact that this threw me for a loop and made me not want to go back to work, I had to find out more.

This may be a Beauty and the Beast retelling, but it's different in the best ways possible. I can't wait to get my hands on the next part of the story!

5 out of 5 from me!

laurenslovelylittlelife's review against another edition

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I can’t stand it when fantasy authors change names to be more “fantasy” by just adding more another L to the name 😑

bookdinosaur20's review against another edition

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3.0

I got an ARC of this book because the cover looked amazing! I originally thought it was a Sleeping Beauty retelling cause of the "Beauty" in "Craving Beauty" but learned it was a Beauty and the Beast retelling which didn't bother me as I love both! I love retellings in general! 

I ended up giving this book 3 stars. I enjoyed it while I read it, but it was hard to get into. It started slow and I found myself wanted to pick up other things instead of this book. While the writing was good and it's a decent size book, I found myself wanting more in certain areas. 

I liked the fact that his book didn't follow the traditional Beauty and the Beast retellings and that she set off on her own to help her nephew, but there were times I was confused on what was going on and it made it hard to want to continue.

I would recommend this book to certain people but not everyone. Also don't know if I would continue with the series. 

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

shai3d's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

CRAVING BEAUTY is dark retelling of the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale. And it is definitely not a carbon copy of its many retellings.

The darkness and tragedy brings forth a strong and mysterious Beauty, Vynasha, who will do almost anything to save her nephew and find her brother. I loved this character even though I wouldn’t trust her.

There are several standout characters in this book such Grendall whose attitude brought a touch of humor to this dark tale and the wyne who are strange beings who reside at the castle.

This is a book that will leave you questioning the motivations of the characters, secrets that are slowly disclosed. It starts out slowly as the tension builds until the reader is sitting on the edge of their seat.

Some of the questions are left open and secrets only partially revealed so I am looking forward to continuing this series. I do recommend CRAVING BEAUTY to anyone who enjoys dark fantasies or unique twists to their fairytales.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

kkeele's review against another edition

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medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

Magical, fun, page turner. Craving Beauty is a reimagining of a great fairytale. Vynasha had left to find her brother after a fire took the life of her sister and almost her nephew. On her quest she comes across the forgotten city. With the wicked curse across the land she must become the beast's bride or a beast of her own. Jennifer had given us a great reimagining of an old classic. I enjoyed this book, looks like I need to read the next one.
Thank you to BookSirens for this copy, which I am reviewing voluntarily and honestly.

prity_b's review

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2.0

A blah beginning! Can't help but admire my efforts of sticking till the end!
It keeps on getting better and better.
According to me,there should have been more conversation between the characters instead of describing so much about the scenario.
The ending left me extremely curious.