A review by spiravirgo
Beauty and the Beast of Paradise Lost, Volume 1 by Kaori Yuki

adventurous challenging dark hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense fast-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

4/5

I received this book in exchange of an honest review, from the lovely people at Kodansha Comics and Netgalley.

"Have you had enough of those monsters you call humans? Ready to try your luck with a beast instead?" 

Kaori Yuki is pretty well established author in the manga industry. She's the creator of Angel Sanctuary, Earl Cain, Boy's Next Door, Demon From Afar and her recent series, Alice in Murderland. Kaori is one of the best gothic writer for shojo, Josei and other genres because she doesn't do the same mistakes as other manga creators do. She crafts a memorable setting, remarkable and flawed characters and make you stay for the ride and her skills as a artist are to be envious. So her trying a beauty and the beast retelling? THAT'S brilliant. Keeping with the known mythos and adding her own peculiar gory story set in old France is engaging. Belle is a sheltered young woman living in solitude with her father after the tragic death of her mother at the hands of the ambiguous killer known as the beast. Fate intervene and Belle becomes the beast newest victim... or is she? Kaori Straight away doesn't make us fall for the beast, she makes you loath him. He is despicable, rude and downright off putting and it works. It's why learning about this man, his mysterious out of time and space home, his colorful row of servants and other forces afoot lurking around leaves a lot to be desired in this series. Give this book a try if you are a lover of a beauty and the beast retelling or just a dork for a good horror gothic tale~