3.78 AVERAGE

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny inspiring 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: Complicated
funny mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Very interesting story. I just questioned the execution at times. Some things were spelled out so clearly (almost overly so) that I could see plot twists coming. Other things felt like details were glazed over and I just had to accept what was going on to continue with the story. 

I wish some of the characters were given more development throughout the almost 700 page book, as we just had minimal details to go on. Some things that felt important to the characters were just hinted at but never elaborated on (like the whole Electra, Malachi, and Ines thing?? Definitely need more details). Though maybe this is just setting up for more books down the road?
challenging dark emotional funny mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

katyrk's review

2.0

DNF 35%.
Unfortunately I just couldn't get in to it. I can see the appeal and why others like it, but it just wasn't for me.
challenging dark emotional mysterious slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

<strong>one of the most unique books</strong>

this story, the magic system, the thrill and intrigue'nn i loved this book so so much. the love story was great, but the mystery is what kept me hooked. cannot recommend this anymore highly
mysterious slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective 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: Complicated

This was such an epic adventure! 
I absolutely loved the world, the magic, & the adventures. 
Tarian & Calanthe were both such amazing characters, who were complete opposites. 
This was full of mystery, magic, secrets, sass, friendship, betrayal and an adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat. 
dark emotional mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

πŸ₯€π‘€π“Ž π’Ÿπ’Άπ“‡π“€ π΅π‘’π’Άπ“ˆπ“‰  - 𝒲𝒾𝒸𝓀𝑒𝒹 π‘…π‘’π“‰π‘’π“π“π’Ύπ“ƒπ‘”π“ˆ 𝟣 - π‘…π‘’π“‹π’Ύπ‘’π“ŒπŸ₯€ 
 
Author: Olivia Wildenstein 
 
Couple: Calanthe Bloom & Tarian Hadez 
 
Tropes: reverse sleeping beauty, dark fairy tale reimagined, enemy to lovers, Atlantis vibes, romantasy, beauty & the beast vibes 
 
Review: My Dark Beast was shocking and pleasantly surprising for a reverse β€œSleeping Beauty” tale. Olivia was amazing at creating the world and all the undertones of deceit, betrayal and deadly power and these two MCs fit wonderfully. I found this book to suck me in and keep me guessing at what would happen since the twisted romance she weaves left me on my toes. This book was perfect for a dip into this world and I am curious if we will see more in the future! 
 
My Dark Beast had major VIBES of Atlantis and Atlantians and I enjoyed Olivia’s take on this iconic tale and found the way she weaved the fairytale themes into the lore to be riveting. Tarian Hadez was NOT what I expected going into this book and his development and backstory blew my mind. I enjoyed how he was multi-dimensional and that he was absolutely thunderstruck by Calanthe. The mystery and enigma that Tarian was added to the plot since he was the one β€œasleep” for most of this book. I enjoyed how they grew closer but also became friends as she worked to save him. 
 
Calanthe was also a MC who added layers of angst to the romance. I enjoyed how she was strong-willed and did not bend to the Hadez family. The way Olivia created all the tension and angst made me anxious for the explosion they would be when it boiled over. I also enjoyed how she showed her cunning and wit on her journey to rescue Tarian from his kidnappers. 
 
This book was an interesting read that was not what you expect for a normal fairytale retelling, yet it still captivated me as I got into the plot more. The way Olivia blended all the lore and fairytales was authentic and whimsical int he best of ways. My favorite part though was how this book took place in a modern society! I am excited to hopefully get more in this world and to see what she gives us next! 
 
Rating: 4/5, a dark, twisty and romantic tale of two people who are polar opposites but fit together like fate! 
 
Thank you to Olivia for sending me this ARC! 

adventurous emotional mysterious fast-paced

This was so good and fun until the end. The last few chapters were awful. Someone has surely done better with a fanfic.