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originalbooknerd 's review for:
My Dark Beast
by Olivia Wildenstein
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
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Author: Olivia Wildenstein
Couple: Calanthe Bloom & Tarian Hadez
Tropes: reverse sleeping beauty, dark fairy tale reimagined, enemy to lovers, Atlantis vibes, romantasy, beauty & the beast vibes
Review: My Dark Beast was shocking and pleasantly surprising for a reverse βSleeping Beautyβ tale. Olivia was amazing at creating the world and all the undertones of deceit, betrayal and deadly power and these two MCs fit wonderfully. I found this book to suck me in and keep me guessing at what would happen since the twisted romance she weaves left me on my toes. This book was perfect for a dip into this world and I am curious if we will see more in the future!
My Dark Beast had major VIBES of Atlantis and Atlantians and I enjoyed Oliviaβs take on this iconic tale and found the way she weaved the fairytale themes into the lore to be riveting. Tarian Hadez was NOT what I expected going into this book and his development and backstory blew my mind. I enjoyed how he was multi-dimensional and that he was absolutely thunderstruck by Calanthe. The mystery and enigma that Tarian was added to the plot since he was the one βasleepβ for most of this book. I enjoyed how they grew closer but also became friends as she worked to save him.
Calanthe was also a MC who added layers of angst to the romance. I enjoyed how she was strong-willed and did not bend to the Hadez family. The way Olivia created all the tension and angst made me anxious for the explosion they would be when it boiled over. I also enjoyed how she showed her cunning and wit on her journey to rescue Tarian from his kidnappers.
This book was an interesting read that was not what you expect for a normal fairytale retelling, yet it still captivated me as I got into the plot more. The way Olivia blended all the lore and fairytales was authentic and whimsical int he best of ways. My favorite part though was how this book took place in a modern society! I am excited to hopefully get more in this world and to see what she gives us next!
Rating: 4/5, a dark, twisty and romantic tale of two people who are polar opposites but fit together like fate!
Thank you to Olivia for sending me this ARC!