A review by loverofromance
Beast by A. Zavarelli

challenging dark sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

 Beast is the first book in her "Twisted Ever After" and after reading her Cinderella retelling, I was very curious to see her take on Beauty and the Beast. I definitely think I had too many high hopes for this one. I can see why this book appeals to some readers though because its a very compelling read. That is a pure talent from this author, she really pulls you into her stories. However, this book wasn't as good as I expected and was way more dark than I thought we would get here. Now I can handle many types of dark elements in a story, but a hero abusing the heroine in the way that he does...its bad. I mean he literally constantly tortures her at least until the very end. And that is what was disappointing. It just felt like so much darkness with not enough swoons and soft emotions to balance it out and really make the dark elements worth the investment. And while I was intrigued by the connections that we see to the Beauty and Beast retelling, in fact, it was these relations to the classic tale that kept me with this story. The hero was a real challenge to enjoy. I wanted to like him as a hero, but I just couldn't get past how violent he was against the heroine.

Overall while it had some factors that were a challenge, It had quite a few redeeming qualities that kept me going and the ending was beyond poignant and heartfelt!