I received a copy from Netgalley.

I’m a black sheep with this one. All the bloggers I follow and Goodreads reviewers seem to absolutely love this book. I’ve read the author before and I have loved everything I’ve read by her, but I didn’t love this one. I did get a Netgalley kindle copy I tried reading before the book came out, but the formatting was terrible so I decided to wait until I got a physical copy.

It was book of the month in one of my Fairyloot subscription boxes so I got a nice shiny hardback. I sort of waited until the hype died down a bit, but then the sequel came out – which I did get (another Fairyloot exclusive) just in case I loved the first and had to have the second one.

And turned out I was just sort of meh about the whole thing really. It was an interesting parallel for the Beauty and the Beast retelling, but frankly, the beast character Prince Rhen irritated the hell out of me. I found him completely unsympathetic, annoying, selfish and whiny. I did however, really like the female character Harper. She was what made the book come alive for me. She was strong, sassy, level headed, and smart. Not blown over by the opulence of the fantasy world she suddenly finds herself thrust into.  The other character I really liked was Rhen’s loyal guard, Grey who was much more likeable – a bit of a stick in the mud at times, but with a sense of honour and loyalty. I was routing for him and Harper to hook up – they had a love/hate relationship turned into friendship and mutual respect.

However, given it’s a Beauty and the Beast retelling, it’s obvious where the romance was going to happen. I found the plot predictable, and tedious at times, for long stretches nothing seemed to happen other than Rhen whining about his curse and Harper trying to figure out how to escape and get back to her home, the normal human world. They would dance around just forming a connection and something would happen sending them back to square one of distrust and frustration. I found it repetitive and annoying.

Two thirds of the novel was prepping for one huge battle when the beast finally appeared. And when it did it was almost like everything happened in a rush. Which of course ended on a cliff hanger. There were a few twists hinted at throughout (and again, completely predictable) If I hadn’t already bought the second book before I read this one I wouldn’t have bothered, but as I have and quite liked Grey’s character, I’m curious to see where his story goes.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bloomsbury Publishing PLC for approving my request to view the title.

Having little knowledge of Beauty and the Beast, I really didn't know what to expect.
I love this story though!!
Rhen, oh my gosh, I'm so glad that Harper figured everything out that she needed to.  They are going to be an amazing couple.
I did think Harper had some sparks with Grey too though, and a small part of me is sad they didn't hook up instead.
I got sucked into this world of Emberfall just like Harper did, and now I pine for the next book in the series.
Fantasy fans, get this now!!!

10 books read to date.

An new twist on a classic that was a lot of fun to read.
Beauty and the Beast has been told every which way right ? No, this author found a new way to twist modern times with another time and characters from both world into not a romantic tale. yes, not a romantic tale. I know "Oh but Yodamom Beauty and the Beast is Romance" This one is an action packed adventure filled with magic, bad guys, debts and all the complications of life. The romance is expected which is why when it isn't front and center the story takes a new direction. There is a life beyond just falling in love. Yes, it's true ! Then when the elephant in the room is highlighted, you know to break the curse the girl is not swooning and giggling. Ha ! It's fantastic !
Great read, horrible cliffhanger. I had to order book 2 only minutes after finishing this

It's hard being beastly 

Audience: Young Adult

Format: e-Book/Library

There is blood under my fingernails.

- first sentence

This is a fabulous retelling of Beauty & the Beast. In Emberfall, the prince and everyone who lives on the castle grounds are cursed to live the same season over and over again. Towards the end of the season, Rhen (the prince) becomes a beast. Over the years, he has killed many villagers, but his captain of the guard (Grey) has learned how to keep the remaining people safe. As in the original, the only way to break the curse is for someone to fall in love with Rhen. Grey brings girls from the modern world to the castle in an attempt to find someone who will break the curse. One day he ends up kidnapping Harper. Harper isn't like any of the other girls Grey kidnapped over the years (of course). But she also isn't your typical "Belle" - she has cerebral palsy and she loves horses more than books.

Chapters are told in alternating viewpoints between Rhen and Harper and it's fun to see what they're thinking about how the other one behaves. There is adventure, intrigue, and  a great deal of violence. There are forces outside the castle grounds that threaten Emberfall. Harper helps Rhen and Grey come up with solutions. She is feisty and smart and doesn't give up easily. 

I loved this story and the end was surprising even though I thought I knew how it would go. I am looking forward to the next book.