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enchantedbookfaerie 's review for:
Crown of Briars: A Beauty and the Beast Retelling
by R.L. Perez
I received this copy as an E-Book gift from the author, R.L. Perez, through NetGalley. Thank you for allowing me the chance to read this book as an Advance Reader Copy. My thoughts are honest and my own.
I came into this book with no expectations whatsoever, and I was piqued when I discovered it was a retelling of one of my favorite stories, Beauty and the Beast. The world-building was extremely detailed. At first, I didn't understand the magic system and its origins, but I quickly realized that the more I looked and saw where it formed, the more sense it made, especially with how the magic affects one or the other, particularly in a group of species/individuals. It was slow at first since there wasn't much information, and it was moreso relied heavily on the plot, but as I got further, I was just blown away at how everything was spaced out. It was like each chapter was heavily planned, and like there wasn't anything you'd miss out between the MMC and FMC. I will say, though, the tension, banter, the forced proximity, AND the enemies-to-lovers just hit the spot PERFECTLY and were well executed in my opinion. The last 25% of the chapter had me on the edge of my bed, a bit scared and tense, and I won't lie, that is how I felt at the last part.
I honestly enjoyed the retelling of The Beauty and the Beast. There was more depth in both characters. Their character development was well thought out, and how were both willing to change, be truthful, and make sacrifices of their own. The fact that it was The Beauty making the biggest sacrifice rather than the beast was beautifully written. The spice in this book was a perfect dash from the amount of tension between Varius and Sybelle, like ughhh, it was enjoyable to read the scenes and how both provoked and teased one another. I won't lie, I cackled like a gremlin...do I have regrets laughing that way late at night?.... MOTHER OF SHADE NOT.
All in all, I give this book a 4.5 out of 5, and I enjoyed this romantasy retelling with a good twist. It was new, nostalgic. This book is wonderful, and I do recommend this to those who love a retelling of stories we grew up loving when we were all young. I am excited for R.L Perez's upcoming projects and what more she will have in store for her wonderful books
I came into this book with no expectations whatsoever, and I was piqued when I discovered it was a retelling of one of my favorite stories, Beauty and the Beast. The world-building was extremely detailed. At first, I didn't understand the magic system and its origins, but I quickly realized that the more I looked and saw where it formed, the more sense it made, especially with how the magic affects one or the other, particularly in a group of species/individuals. It was slow at first since there wasn't much information, and it was moreso relied heavily on the plot, but as I got further, I was just blown away at how everything was spaced out. It was like each chapter was heavily planned, and like there wasn't anything you'd miss out between the MMC and FMC. I will say, though, the tension, banter, the forced proximity, AND the enemies-to-lovers just hit the spot PERFECTLY and were well executed in my opinion. The last 25% of the chapter had me on the edge of my bed, a bit scared and tense, and I won't lie, that is how I felt at the last part.
I honestly enjoyed the retelling of The Beauty and the Beast. There was more depth in both characters. Their character development was well thought out, and how were both willing to change, be truthful, and make sacrifices of their own. The fact that it was The Beauty making the biggest sacrifice rather than the beast was beautifully written. The spice in this book was a perfect dash from the amount of tension between Varius and Sybelle, like ughhh, it was enjoyable to read the scenes and how both provoked and teased one another. I won't lie, I cackled like a gremlin...do I have regrets laughing that way late at night?.... MOTHER OF SHADE NOT.
All in all, I give this book a 4.5 out of 5, and I enjoyed this romantasy retelling with a good twist. It was new, nostalgic. This book is wonderful, and I do recommend this to those who love a retelling of stories we grew up loving when we were all young. I am excited for R.L Perez's upcoming projects and what more she will have in store for her wonderful books