Scan barcode
xandra_lyn's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This was an exciting book, and very well written. I enjoyed the interweaving of history and fairy tale. I felt the author fleshed out the kingdom's details admirably. (Granted, I was a little annoyed she implied Marie Antoinette said the "let them eat cake" line, and any historian worth their salt knows she didn't.)
However, I was not a fan of how she portrayed the beast (Lio) and Belle's relationship. They were not a team, and they should have been. She tried to address the issue of Lio keeping Belle captive, which was just annoying. The story which Disney's version is based on is not about Stockholm's syndrome at all, so it was just strange for her to half-heartedly address that. If it's about abuse, then make it about abuse. But it's not, so don't muddy the waters.
I didn't think the Duc's reason for working against Lio was satisfactory. A noble just became a revolutionary??? Um, no. If she'd said he tried to foment revolution so he could become king, then yes, I would have believed that. But it just didn't make sense.
However, I was not a fan of how she portrayed the beast (Lio) and Belle's relationship. They were not a team, and they should have been. She tried to address the issue of Lio keeping Belle captive, which was just annoying. The story which Disney's version is based on is not about Stockholm's syndrome at all, so it was just strange for her to half-heartedly address that. If it's about abuse, then make it about abuse. But it's not, so don't muddy the waters.
I didn't think the Duc's reason for working against Lio was satisfactory. A noble just became a revolutionary??? Um, no. If she'd said he tried to foment revolution so he could become king, then yes, I would have believed that. But it just didn't make sense.
Content Warnings
Minor: Violence
There is some sword fighting and minor wounds. None are discussed at length