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A review by brittaniethekid
Wither by Ashlyn Drewek
4.0
Thank you to Ashlyn Drewek and Passion Author Services for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Though this is marketed as a Beauty and the Beast modern retelling, the story itself only slightly resembles that story. We have a quiet librarian, Zane, that is offered an opportunity of a lifetime to be the personal assistant of a famous but reclusive author, Gerulf, including room and board at Gerulf's isolated mansion. Gerulf has a small but loyal staff and Zane is mostly free to come and go as he pleases, but must put up with Gerulf's horrible attitude and work ethic in order to fulfil his contract and get the money he sorely needs to help his father who is dying in hospital.
Gerulf is so reclusive and angry because of a car accident that completely disfigured half of his body and face. He needs Zane to help with most things he used to be able to do completely on his own including being inspired to write the latest book he's contractually obligated to release.
Overall, I enjoyed the story but felt that some elements could have been completely left out. The woman that was literally sexually assaulting and stalking Zane during the first chapter was a odd entry into the story when she didn't have much influence on the story, and was never seen again once Zane was in Gerulf's house. I'm assuming this is the "Gaston" character but she never shows up again unlike Gaston so doesn't have quite the same impact and, honestly, was less charming and more smarmy than Gaston ever was. Also, the random old woman immediately after who gives Zane some advice but then mystically disappears was a weird choice. Maybe this is a character inspired more by the original fairy tale that I have not read - so I would definitely miss any more subtle references. I'm only familiar with the Disney movie which is probably not much like the original.
There is a lot packed into this shorter novel and if you're already a fan of Drewek you'll be sure to enjoy this, though don't expect as dark a story as she usually writes. There's no dark magic or supernatural elements here, despite there being both in Beauty and the Beast.
Though this is marketed as a Beauty and the Beast modern retelling, the story itself only slightly resembles that story. We have a quiet librarian, Zane, that is offered an opportunity of a lifetime to be the personal assistant of a famous but reclusive author, Gerulf, including room and board at Gerulf's isolated mansion. Gerulf has a small but loyal staff and Zane is mostly free to come and go as he pleases, but must put up with Gerulf's horrible attitude and work ethic in order to fulfil his contract and get the money he sorely needs to help his father who is dying in hospital.
Gerulf is so reclusive and angry because of a car accident that completely disfigured half of his body and face. He needs Zane to help with most things he used to be able to do completely on his own including being inspired to write the latest book he's contractually obligated to release.
Overall, I enjoyed the story but felt that some elements could have been completely left out. The woman that was literally sexually assaulting and stalking Zane during the first chapter was a odd entry into the story when she didn't have much influence on the story, and was never seen again once Zane was in Gerulf's house. I'm assuming this is the "Gaston" character but she never shows up again unlike Gaston so doesn't have quite the same impact and, honestly, was less charming and more smarmy than Gaston ever was. Also, the random old woman immediately after who gives Zane some advice but then mystically disappears was a weird choice. Maybe this is a character inspired more by the original fairy tale that I have not read - so I would definitely miss any more subtle references. I'm only familiar with the Disney movie which is probably not much like the original.
There is a lot packed into this shorter novel and if you're already a fan of Drewek you'll be sure to enjoy this, though don't expect as dark a story as she usually writes. There's no dark magic or supernatural elements here, despite there being both in Beauty and the Beast.