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doahdancer's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Grace Draven is an amazing writer and her books have never failed me. Entreat Me has beautiful prose and dialogue. It doesn't disappoint as a unique take on Beauty and the Beast that manages to stick close to the source material.
What I didn't love:
For being a relatively long book, many of the side characters, especially the son of the MMC, who is integral to the plot, were disappointingly undeveloped. The son plays a critical role in the breaking of the curse, but we have no idea what to expect from him because he feels completely absent from the book. He sleeps down the hall from the main characters, but it feels like we never see him and he has very little dialogue. The other characters are waiting on him to take an action for half the book but we get nothing that would elude to why he's taking so much time to make a decision. It was very plot convenient behavior, irreverent to his character.
I also thought that sticking so close to the beauty and the beast tale was a tired approach. I think readers drawn to that particular setup will think my suggestion ruinous to what makes this a good book, but I would have preferred more deviation from the series of expected events. The predictability took some of the lustre out of the experience.
Those two complaints aside, I really enjoyed the characters and the writing. This is another great example of an older, adult woman (and a widow to boot) taking the lead on an adventure that required not just her wit, but her physical defense of herself and others - without an unreasonably short training period turning her into a top-tier warrior.
What I didn't love:
For being a relatively long book, many of the side characters, especially the son of the MMC, who is integral to the plot, were disappointingly undeveloped. The son plays a critical role in the breaking of the curse, but we have no idea what to expect from him because he feels completely absent from the book. He sleeps down the hall from the main characters, but it feels like we never see him and he has very little dialogue. The other characters are waiting on him to take an action for half the book but we get nothing that would elude to why he's taking so much time to make a decision. It was very plot convenient behavior, irreverent to his character.
I also thought that sticking so close to the beauty and the beast tale was a tired approach. I think readers drawn to that particular setup will think my suggestion ruinous to what makes this a good book, but I would have preferred more deviation from the series of expected events. The predictability took some of the lustre out of the experience.
Those two complaints aside, I really enjoyed the characters and the writing. This is another great example of an older, adult woman (and a widow to boot) taking the lead on an adventure that required not just her wit, but her physical defense of herself and others - without an unreasonably short training period turning her into a top-tier warrior.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death, Vomit, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
trying_ceratops's review
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book was entertaining and fun. I enjoyed it all around, though I wouldn’t say I was ecstatic about it. It kept me wanting to listen but I also didn’t have a hard time putting it down. Spice level at about 3 🌶️. The romance felt believable, though still quick as is expected with this kind of book. There are a few people in my life I’d recommend this book to, but it wouldn’t be my first choice. I’d suggest this book to people who love Beauty and the Beat (which was a major lure for me), a mfc who is fiery, and romance with magic.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming
Minor: Chronic illness, Confinement, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, and Pregnancy
frittata's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I adored the characters. Lou is a refreshing and interesting protagonist. The characters banter and personalities were varied between each other. Albeit it did feel like some conversations were repeated, particularly between Lou and the sorcerer. Lou and Ballard were grumpy but so sweet to each other.
The slow burn at the beginning was great to read and started off strong. The story progressed well and didn't feel like it lingered too long in an area (maybe besides bath time).
The plot follows beauty and the beast rather closely which I didn't enjoy as much as I thought. The background of the world felt strong as Ketach Tor and it's history was interesting to learn about, as well as Ballard's past. I understand why Ballard, Gavin, and the sorcerer were trying to keep the curse under wraps from the two sisters (to not scare them), but they were really their only options... Especially considering Lou saw the dominus locked up, the roses hissing, and plenty of magic surrounding the castle.
I expected the roses to be a bigger part of the story.Besides hissing, stabbing Lou and ballard, and killing one (or two) men, they did not have much of an impact. The roses did signal the rising flux. However I thought they would've morphed into a larger threat. That, and I definitely imagined Lou burning them...
The slow burn at the beginning was great to read and started off strong. The story progressed well and didn't feel like it lingered too long in an area (maybe besides bath time).
The plot follows beauty and the beast rather closely which I didn't enjoy as much as I thought. The background of the world felt strong as Ketach Tor and it's history was interesting to learn about, as well as Ballard's past. I understand why Ballard, Gavin, and the sorcerer were trying to keep the curse under wraps from the two sisters (to not scare them), but they were really their only options... Especially considering Lou saw the dominus locked up, the roses hissing, and plenty of magic surrounding the castle.
I expected the roses to be a bigger part of the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Pregnancy
Minor: War
valrunin's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
he called her the wife of his soul. ☹
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, and Pregnancy
Minor: War