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nellysaddington's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
5.0
JR Ward got her mojo back with this book, damn it was so good I loved it
libraryandtea's review against another edition
4.0
Good book. I enjoyed revisiting Rhage and Mary, although it was a little obvious what was going to happen with Bitty. It will be interesting to see where the series goes now.
ihateprozac's review against another edition
4.0
I’ve always wondered if I disliked Rhage’s first book because I was unfairly biased against Mary as a total Rhage stan. The Beast confirmed that nope, I’m not biased, and Mary and Rhage are actually just kinda boring!
Don’t get me wrong, Rhage is still hilarious. But his marriage is devoid of chemistry and this book is bogged down in so much domestic stuff that I just wasn’t interested in. I want Rhage to have someone funny to banter back and forth with (think a female version of Lassiter) and Mary is just dull white bread. JR Ward is really out here yanking everybody’s chains by writing a Mary Sue character and literally calling her Mary.
So how did I end up rating this book 4 stars? THE SUBPLOTS, Y’ALL!
Assail is the damn star of this book. He undergoes so much character development that by the end he’s completely unrecognisable from the morally bankrupt drug dealer we once knew! Were it not for Assail I genuinely could have tapped out of this book, but his arc had such compelling threads that kept me reading on. He undergoes personal development, progresses the Naasha/Throe storyline, and embeds himself deeper within the Brotherhood than I could have ever anticipated.
Yes hello, this is my formal notice that I have elected to stan.
While I think Rhage has some mental health issues that weren’t tackled properly, I did appreciate when the author touched on Zsadist and Tohr’s traumatic pasts. Through Mary she reminds the reader that healing is an ongoing process and that our support networks truly do help. There’s also some interesting stuff here regarding Vishous’ life, Layla/Xcor’s separation, and how the Brothers’ domestic problems can have a ripple effect.
Where The Shadows expanded the BDB world considerably, The Beast is a far more insular story. Like yin and yang, this story retreats back to domestic life and internal struggles, following the largely external environmental threats of the previous book. While I am not very invested in Rhage’s relationship I did enjoy seeing him be a total softboi here. But it won’t be for everyone.
As always, there are some cringeworthy moments of magic convenience, and JR Ward doesn’t always take the tragic risks that I want her to take. However, we also got some new characters and a ballsy new development that will deeeeeefinitely keep me reading on.
Consider me intrigued…
Don’t get me wrong, Rhage is still hilarious. But his marriage is devoid of chemistry and this book is bogged down in so much domestic stuff that I just wasn’t interested in. I want Rhage to have someone funny to banter back and forth with (think a female version of Lassiter) and Mary is just dull white bread. JR Ward is really out here yanking everybody’s chains by writing a Mary Sue character and literally calling her Mary.
So how did I end up rating this book 4 stars? THE SUBPLOTS, Y’ALL!
Assail is the damn star of this book. He undergoes so much character development that by the end he’s completely unrecognisable from the morally bankrupt drug dealer we once knew! Were it not for Assail I genuinely could have tapped out of this book, but his arc had such compelling threads that kept me reading on. He undergoes personal development, progresses the Naasha/Throe storyline, and embeds himself deeper within the Brotherhood than I could have ever anticipated.
Yes hello, this is my formal notice that I have elected to stan.
While I think Rhage has some mental health issues that weren’t tackled properly, I did appreciate when the author touched on Zsadist and Tohr’s traumatic pasts. Through Mary she reminds the reader that healing is an ongoing process and that our support networks truly do help. There’s also some interesting stuff here regarding Vishous’ life, Layla/Xcor’s separation, and how the Brothers’ domestic problems can have a ripple effect.
Where The Shadows expanded the BDB world considerably, The Beast is a far more insular story. Like yin and yang, this story retreats back to domestic life and internal struggles, following the largely external environmental threats of the previous book. While I am not very invested in Rhage’s relationship I did enjoy seeing him be a total softboi here. But it won’t be for everyone.
As always, there are some cringeworthy moments of magic convenience, and JR Ward doesn’t always take the tragic risks that I want her to take. However, we also got some new characters and a ballsy new development that will deeeeeefinitely keep me reading on.
Consider me intrigued…
lisa_me's review against another edition
4.0
THE BEAST takes us back to the world of the Brothers, and updates us on what's going on with Mary and Rhage. They love each other but there is something missing from their relationship. They have to come to terms with that in this book, and they do in a life-altering way.
There are crises in the story, most notably involving Rhage and Layla. Assail features prominently, and Xcor and Throe are problems, but in different ways. A new character is introduced. Lassiter reveals a surprising side of himself. V and Jane might foreshadow their own story.
With all that good stuff going on, why did I only give it 4*s? Well, at times I really didn't care about what was going on with Rhage and Mary, even though Rhage's actions were pretty funny. And, as usual, Ward overwrote, which slowed down the story.
Otherwise, I recommend the book. If you're a BDB fan you can't miss this one. Too much happens to change the dynamics of the Brotherhood and beyond.
There are crises in the story, most notably involving Rhage and Layla. Assail features prominently, and Xcor and Throe are problems, but in different ways. A new character is introduced. Lassiter reveals a surprising side of himself. V and Jane might foreshadow their own story.
With all that good stuff going on, why did I only give it 4*s? Well, at times I really didn't care about what was going on with Rhage and Mary, even though Rhage's actions were pretty funny. And, as usual, Ward overwrote, which slowed down the story.
Otherwise, I recommend the book. If you're a BDB fan you can't miss this one. Too much happens to change the dynamics of the Brotherhood and beyond.
cavityfila's review against another edition
2.0
I hate to give this book such a low rating but I hated that it was about Mary and Rhage. I just don't think they needed another book. Everything that happened was expected. I felt no drama or suspense, barely any romance. I actually skimmed most of their parts, which is unheard of for me in a Jr ward book. I didn't care much more for Assail but am glad he is turning into a good guy. I kept wanting more about Layla and xcor but you only get a tease of that. Basically not much happens here at all.
I will still pick up the next one but this was a pretty disappointing installment. I hope it's not a sign of things to come.
I will still pick up the next one but this was a pretty disappointing installment. I hope it's not a sign of things to come.
melidz's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
sillylittlefishey's review against another edition
I didn't think it was possible, but I love Rhage even more now :)
mvbookreviewer's review against another edition
4.0
The Beast, 14th book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood (BDB) series seems a trifle bit “odd” an installment. Yet I suppose there was the need for a brief “reprieve” so to speak, to give other unfolding events the time to catch up to a point where all hell would break loose. The Beast nevertheless proved to be a fabulous read because what JR Ward does, she does in style whenever it comes to the series.
The Beast focuses on one of the old-time favorite couples in the series; Mary and Rhage, who got their story in the second book. Rhage is the Brother with the “curse” from the Scribe Virgin (the mother of the race), which had left him with a beast inside of him, which requires that he be in control of his emotions that can reach high octane levels given the right circumstances. Mary is the one person who has the ability to tame both Rhage and the Beast inside, both of whom love and adore Mary equally and just as ferociously.
By the end of the last book, the relationship between Mary and Rhage were beginning to show signs of strain, just like any long-term relationship would have its ups and downs. Rhage doesn’t even know where his discontent stems from, the hollowed pit of a feeling inside of him that he desperately craves to fill without trying to acknowledge its existence.
The opening scene of The Beast is one that could have taken the whole series in a direction that would have left a lot of broken hearts in its wake. But luckily for everyone involved, it turned out that Rhage’s act of defiance in the face of Vishous and his warning proved to work out just fine. But that moment defines a pivotal point in the lives of Mary and Rhage as a couple, because it leaves both of them at crossroads over the moments of clarity the situation had exposed them to.
In the end, everything does work out well; Rhage and Mary gets to the crust of the issue between them, and a solution presents itself which answers to the needs of all parties involved. All the while, I kept waiting for a final showdown with the Omega, who makes an appearance in the story. The eerie moments that Vishious and couple of other Brothers witnessed, was by far the most interesting moments in the story as it unfolded. By the end, I was still waiting for a scene that never emerged, which makes me wonder what sort of ingenious plot has Ward in store when it comes to a final showdown between good and bad; or in fact whether it is ever going to happen.
Another aspect of this novel that did not settle all too well with me was how Throe, second in command to Xcor of the Band of Bastards who had plotted to take down Wrath the King and assume the Throne for themselves, suddenly turns out to be the bad guy. Throe never came off as someone who was full of himself, narcissistic and egoistic enough to warrant such a radical change in his personality and the direction he chooses to take once Xcor lets it be known that his ambition to overthrow the King was no more. While the rest of Xcor’s soldiers fall in line, Throe decides that he would do what is needed, with or without them.
There was no prior indication that revealed that Throe, who had once been a member of the vampire aristocrats, actually wanted back the glamour and the glitz that would afford him the high life. His loyalty to Xcor and the Band of Bastards had been absolute, even though he had been forced to join them initially. In time, he had become one of the most formidable fighters, and of course with the kind of loyalty that warranted he be the second in command. All of a sudden, Throe is shacking up with a glymera wife who is unhappy with her spouse, and plotting ways to get rich enough to afford whatever plan he has hatched in order to assume his “rightful” place in life. Maybe I might have missed something in one of the books, but I just haven’t been able to wrap my head around it to make enough sense.
The Beast also ushers in the end of an era; where the Scribe Virgin ups and leaves. There were moments in the story where I kept wondering whether she was depressed, and then I wondered whether deities could get depressed. In the end, perhaps I was right, because it felt like Scribe Virgin was “misunderstood” by the race she had given birth to, that she had tried to direct and command to follow the old Laws and way of life which had slowly crumbled to dust while she had watched on. It is as if what had been sustenance for the Scribe Virgin had ceased to exist, which meant that she had been slowly being robbed of her strength and that indomitable will of hers. Vishous being the one to find it out was perhaps a turning point in his non-relationship with the woman, who is in fact his Mahmen.
Interesting developing plots still remain; story of Xcor and the Chosen Layla, and Assail and Marisol whose stories are still set to continue. Xcor’s story is the one that I want to read the most and hide from at the same time. Because I would not be able to bear it if there is even the slightest injustice done to his character. There was also one other point that caught my attention, held it, and made me sit up a little. The emergence of Dr. Manello’s sister in the midst of it all. I am waiting to see what interesting turn that mini-plot might take.
Final Verdict: The Beast takes readers through the changing lives of the Brotherhood and the world of the Vampires and the rapidly evolving dynamics between good and evil. It also brings to the forefront the struggles of Rhage and his beloved Mary as a couple. Recommended!
Rating = 4/5
For more reviews and quotes, please visit, www.maldivianbookreviewer.com
The Beast focuses on one of the old-time favorite couples in the series; Mary and Rhage, who got their story in the second book. Rhage is the Brother with the “curse” from the Scribe Virgin (the mother of the race), which had left him with a beast inside of him, which requires that he be in control of his emotions that can reach high octane levels given the right circumstances. Mary is the one person who has the ability to tame both Rhage and the Beast inside, both of whom love and adore Mary equally and just as ferociously.
By the end of the last book, the relationship between Mary and Rhage were beginning to show signs of strain, just like any long-term relationship would have its ups and downs. Rhage doesn’t even know where his discontent stems from, the hollowed pit of a feeling inside of him that he desperately craves to fill without trying to acknowledge its existence.
The opening scene of The Beast is one that could have taken the whole series in a direction that would have left a lot of broken hearts in its wake. But luckily for everyone involved, it turned out that Rhage’s act of defiance in the face of Vishous and his warning proved to work out just fine. But that moment defines a pivotal point in the lives of Mary and Rhage as a couple, because it leaves both of them at crossroads over the moments of clarity the situation had exposed them to.
In the end, everything does work out well; Rhage and Mary gets to the crust of the issue between them, and a solution presents itself which answers to the needs of all parties involved. All the while, I kept waiting for a final showdown with the Omega, who makes an appearance in the story. The eerie moments that Vishious and couple of other Brothers witnessed, was by far the most interesting moments in the story as it unfolded. By the end, I was still waiting for a scene that never emerged, which makes me wonder what sort of ingenious plot has Ward in store when it comes to a final showdown between good and bad; or in fact whether it is ever going to happen.
Another aspect of this novel that did not settle all too well with me was how Throe, second in command to Xcor of the Band of Bastards who had plotted to take down Wrath the King and assume the Throne for themselves, suddenly turns out to be the bad guy. Throe never came off as someone who was full of himself, narcissistic and egoistic enough to warrant such a radical change in his personality and the direction he chooses to take once Xcor lets it be known that his ambition to overthrow the King was no more. While the rest of Xcor’s soldiers fall in line, Throe decides that he would do what is needed, with or without them.
There was no prior indication that revealed that Throe, who had once been a member of the vampire aristocrats, actually wanted back the glamour and the glitz that would afford him the high life. His loyalty to Xcor and the Band of Bastards had been absolute, even though he had been forced to join them initially. In time, he had become one of the most formidable fighters, and of course with the kind of loyalty that warranted he be the second in command. All of a sudden, Throe is shacking up with a glymera wife who is unhappy with her spouse, and plotting ways to get rich enough to afford whatever plan he has hatched in order to assume his “rightful” place in life. Maybe I might have missed something in one of the books, but I just haven’t been able to wrap my head around it to make enough sense.
The Beast also ushers in the end of an era; where the Scribe Virgin ups and leaves. There were moments in the story where I kept wondering whether she was depressed, and then I wondered whether deities could get depressed. In the end, perhaps I was right, because it felt like Scribe Virgin was “misunderstood” by the race she had given birth to, that she had tried to direct and command to follow the old Laws and way of life which had slowly crumbled to dust while she had watched on. It is as if what had been sustenance for the Scribe Virgin had ceased to exist, which meant that she had been slowly being robbed of her strength and that indomitable will of hers. Vishous being the one to find it out was perhaps a turning point in his non-relationship with the woman, who is in fact his Mahmen.
Interesting developing plots still remain; story of Xcor and the Chosen Layla, and Assail and Marisol whose stories are still set to continue. Xcor’s story is the one that I want to read the most and hide from at the same time. Because I would not be able to bear it if there is even the slightest injustice done to his character. There was also one other point that caught my attention, held it, and made me sit up a little. The emergence of Dr. Manello’s sister in the midst of it all. I am waiting to see what interesting turn that mini-plot might take.
Final Verdict: The Beast takes readers through the changing lives of the Brotherhood and the world of the Vampires and the rapidly evolving dynamics between good and evil. It also brings to the forefront the struggles of Rhage and his beloved Mary as a couple. Recommended!
Rating = 4/5
For more reviews and quotes, please visit, www.maldivianbookreviewer.com