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A review by booksnapsandcatnaps
Beastly Beauty by Jennifer Donnelly
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Jennifer Donnelly's "Beastly Beauty" is a gender-bending version of the beloved classic story of Beauty and the Beast, putting a refreshing spin on the traditional story. It has some moments that might appeal to a younger audience, even though it might not completely satisfy those looking for a complicated plot.
The way the book portrays villains and its overall message is one of its strong points. The narrative departs from the traditional tale, giving the themes additional nuance and complexity. Even though there is some ambiguity surrounding the names, the discovery of the villain provides a gratifying conclusion.
But Beau and Arabella's romance comes off as rushed and undeveloped. It has a weak build-up before going from zero to "insta-love," and its influence on the story could be greater. Another issue with the big cast is that none of them really stand out, which makes it hard for readers to identify with any of them. Key characters may have had greater depth and impact on the plot if their treatment had been more concentrated.
Although "Beastly Beauty" has a gratifying finale that is a saving grace, the path that leads there feels underutilized. The characters' evolution may have been more interesting and powerful if they had had more nuance and complexity.
The way the book portrays villains and its overall message is one of its strong points. The narrative departs from the traditional tale, giving the themes additional nuance and complexity. Even though there is some ambiguity surrounding the names, the discovery of the villain provides a gratifying conclusion.
But Beau and Arabella's romance comes off as rushed and undeveloped. It has a weak build-up before going from zero to "insta-love," and its influence on the story could be greater. Another issue with the big cast is that none of them really stand out, which makes it hard for readers to identify with any of them. Key characters may have had greater depth and impact on the plot if their treatment had been more concentrated.
Although "Beastly Beauty" has a gratifying finale that is a saving grace, the path that leads there feels underutilized. The characters' evolution may have been more interesting and powerful if they had had more nuance and complexity.