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lilianagabbana 's review for:
Beastly
by Alex Flinn
Let's face it; we already know how this story will end. After all, it is a "tale as old as time." But in this case, it is told from the Beast's perspective.
I began to read this book because of the film that is being released this weekend. The premise of the story is a nice one, albeit one that we all know about.
At its core, the story of "Beauty and the Beast" is one of redemption. This is especially true with this take on the tale. I enjoyed the progression of Kyle's change in attitude, and his realization of how empty and shallow his life really was before he was transformed. The first part of this book is excruciating. I cannot stand this guy, but then again, that is the story's aim.
The relationship between Linda (which in Spanish means "beautiful" as does Belle in French) and Kyle was done very nicely. I really appreciated the friendship that was developed over time. In most YA books, it seems that the teen characters fall in and out of love quite easily, so it was refreshing to see this author take her time in developing these emotions with time and thoughtfulness. Also, I greatly enjoyed the additions of Will and Magda. The take on the parents was also a welcomed change, and one which makes sense since this is a book which takes place in today's society, and such parents as those of Kyle and Linda are not exactly a commodity.
Some people will say that Kyle mostly lusted after Linda. I think, not. It's really hard to transcend the emotion of love through pages. Also, one must also remember these characters are young. Many times, lust and love are taken as one and the same. Plus, I think it added a much needed boost of passion that up until the point where Kyle starts to really "long" for Linda was quite necessary.
Overall, the story was nice, but as many have indicated here, not one that we are unfamiliar with. There was not much that was new, although. I appreciated the slight twist in the end with Kendra.
Frankly the only reason I did not give this book a five star rating, was that the pace was a bit slow for me, and considering that this story is one that has been rewritten many times before, I think Mrs. Flinn could have spruced things up a bit more and resolved them a bit quicker. Although I guess the evolution of Kyle into a "better" person would have been less believable. And also, the writing was a times poor and juvenile.
But overall, a nice quick read. But, I'm hoping the movie takes some liberties because I don't see how the original material can make a film.
I began to read this book because of the film that is being released this weekend. The premise of the story is a nice one, albeit one that we all know about.
At its core, the story of "Beauty and the Beast" is one of redemption. This is especially true with this take on the tale. I enjoyed the progression of Kyle's change in attitude, and his realization of how empty and shallow his life really was before he was transformed. The first part of this book is excruciating. I cannot stand this guy, but then again, that is the story's aim.
The relationship between Linda (which in Spanish means "beautiful" as does Belle in French) and Kyle was done very nicely. I really appreciated the friendship that was developed over time. In most YA books, it seems that the teen characters fall in and out of love quite easily, so it was refreshing to see this author take her time in developing these emotions with time and thoughtfulness. Also, I greatly enjoyed the additions of Will and Magda. The take on the parents was also a welcomed change, and one which makes sense since this is a book which takes place in today's society, and such parents as those of Kyle and Linda are not exactly a commodity.
Some people will say that Kyle mostly lusted after Linda. I think, not. It's really hard to transcend the emotion of love through pages. Also, one must also remember these characters are young. Many times, lust and love are taken as one and the same. Plus, I think it added a much needed boost of passion that up until the point where Kyle starts to really "long" for Linda was quite necessary.
Overall, the story was nice, but as many have indicated here, not one that we are unfamiliar with. There was not much that was new, although. I appreciated the slight twist in the end with Kendra.
Frankly the only reason I did not give this book a five star rating, was that the pace was a bit slow for me, and considering that this story is one that has been rewritten many times before, I think Mrs. Flinn could have spruced things up a bit more and resolved them a bit quicker. Although I guess the evolution of Kyle into a "better" person would have been less believable. And also, the writing was a times poor and juvenile.
But overall, a nice quick read. But, I'm hoping the movie takes some liberties because I don't see how the original material can make a film.