kimberly_b's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars, rounded to 4
I was a little surprised when Ward announced that she was devoting another BDB book to Rhage and Mary. In the end, this book ended up seeming a bit odd to me. The beginning read like the climax of the novel, because, really, there wasn't much that happened in the middle-ish part of the book. And, Rhage and Mary's whole storyline began to read like one of the numerous sub-plot storylines that have become so prevalent in Ward's writing. I'm not convinced that an entire BDB novel should have been devoted to their relationship. Therein lies the trouble with Ward's numerous storylines; you don't feel like there is a true focus on any one set of characters. Now, I'm not necessarily complaining about the many subplots in the BDB books now--it just makes for a different reading experience. At least she got rid of the irritating lesser POV's!
Things with Xcor were really put on the back burner in this novel, since he was conveniently out of the equation for the entire book due to a medical situation. I really hope she resolves something with him in the next novel, because his character is becoming stagnant. The best part of The Beast for me was the introduction of new, interesting characters. I really hope she continues writing about them, because they are a breath of fresh air to the series.
I really enjoyed reading this, but it wasn't a favorite in the series for me. Still, I'm comfortable rounding it up to a 4.
I was a little surprised when Ward announced that she was devoting another BDB book to Rhage and Mary. In the end, this book ended up seeming a bit odd to me. The beginning read like the climax of the novel, because, really, there wasn't much that happened in the middle-ish part of the book. And, Rhage and Mary's whole storyline began to read like one of the numerous sub-plot storylines that have become so prevalent in Ward's writing. I'm not convinced that an entire BDB novel should have been devoted to their relationship. Therein lies the trouble with Ward's numerous storylines; you don't feel like there is a true focus on any one set of characters. Now, I'm not necessarily complaining about the many subplots in the BDB books now--it just makes for a different reading experience. At least she got rid of the irritating lesser POV's!
Things with Xcor were really put on the back burner in this novel, since he was conveniently out of the equation for the entire book due to a medical situation. I really hope she resolves something with him in the next novel, because his character is becoming stagnant. The best part of The Beast for me was the introduction of new, interesting characters. I really hope she continues writing about them, because they are a breath of fresh air to the series.
I really enjoyed reading this, but it wasn't a favorite in the series for me. Still, I'm comfortable rounding it up to a 4.
ccoleman813's review against another edition
3.0
Sadly, I didn't get into this book until I was about 75% through.
sci_mom's review against another edition
5.0
I think this is my new favorite BDB book. I loved the whole thing.
lydiaebhall's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
joshrrei's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
lindaunconventionalbookworms's review against another edition
5.0
Oh, BDB, how I love thee. I have missed this series so much! The quirky humor. The sexy, funny, dangerous, beautiful, crazy, strong vampires and their shellans who are all of that and more. The strong story and plot arcs, the different personalities that somehow work so well together.
geo_ix's review against another edition
4.0
Okay, so half a star was removed for the price. On kindle this is $17 and while it's over 500 pages I just cannot justify that as a purchase, you know? BUT you can get it for $15 on book depository so it's not TOO horrendous. So it's not really half a star off more like a quarter or something. Whatever. Shh.
But then it HAD to go down to four stars because I have a serious hate for the way this serious is literally a big fucking advertisement space. I don't think the guys (besides maybe Z, and some others at times) are all that different personality wise because they all TALK the same.
I DO however love that even in the paranormal, urban fantasy world that is BDB, there's still very human issues. This book tackled a lot of them to be honest, and so much happened. There's loss, major depression and multiple near suicides, seduction, the uncovering of a glymera member with a blood slave, the possibility of child loss, some uncovering of two characters connected to bloodlines of Brothers and a whole lot of shit.
A lot of the time I was weary of how they talked about adopting Bitty. They get very wrapped up in the idea of it without really (at first, for a very long time) going over the fact Bitty and her choices and feelings should be the main focus. Mary and Rhage kept getting tangled in the idea that she was the perfect daughter for them and it made me very wary.
There's also the issue with The Beast in this, he seems the title. I think with Rhage's depression, the Beast may have been too, because he was a little out of control (but not really as he came out twice the whole damn book, hello!) and I'll admit, when Bitty sees the 'dragon' it's adorable. I loved seeing her meet the brothers, especially Z.
Now, on my last note, I swear, if I don't get Layla and Xcor next I'm going to probably beat the shit out of somebody. Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING is lined up in this book. Xcor can atone for his sins by defeating the douche nozzle, and with the uncovering of his family ties to the brotherhood, there will be issues considering who he's connected to and how they feel about him. God. Just give it to me. And more of the new kids because that shit was good. I like the younger people.
But then it HAD to go down to four stars because I have a serious hate for the way this serious is literally a big fucking advertisement space. I don't think the guys (besides maybe Z, and some others at times) are all that different personality wise because they all TALK the same.
I DO however love that even in the paranormal, urban fantasy world that is BDB, there's still very human issues. This book tackled a lot of them to be honest, and so much happened. There's loss, major depression and multiple near suicides, seduction, the uncovering of a glymera member with a blood slave, the possibility of child loss, some uncovering of two characters connected to bloodlines of Brothers and a whole lot of shit.
A lot of the time I was weary of how they talked about adopting Bitty. They get very wrapped up in the idea of it without really (at first, for a very long time) going over the fact Bitty and her choices and feelings should be the main focus. Mary and Rhage kept getting tangled in the idea that she was the perfect daughter for them and it made me very wary.
There's also the issue with The Beast in this, he seems the title. I think with Rhage's depression, the Beast may have been too, because he was a little out of control (but not really as he came out twice the whole damn book, hello!) and I'll admit, when Bitty sees the 'dragon' it's adorable. I loved seeing her meet the brothers, especially Z.
Now, on my last note, I swear, if I don't get Layla and Xcor next I'm going to probably beat the shit out of somebody. Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING is lined up in this book. Xcor can atone for his sins by defeating the douche nozzle, and with the uncovering of his family ties to the brotherhood, there will be issues considering who he's connected to and how they feel about him. God. Just give it to me. And more of the new kids because that shit was good. I like the younger people.
tiff_bb's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
nero1279's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
š§Audio Versionš§
While this is the 2nd storyline dedicated to this couple I REALLY enjoyed this book in the series. It was so lovely coming back to great characters and seeing what has developed for them in the authorsā mind. A great topic with similar elements of adoption with other characters thrown in towards the end. Intriguing to say the least.Ā
Rhage, what more can one say. What a guy hmmm vampire. Can totally take a joke as good as he gives. LOVE it! Long live the Little Mermaid. And his (and his Beastās) interaction with both Mary and Bitty is adorable. The underlying plot kept ticking away with hints of things to come. The build up of the character Lassiter certainly has me intrigued. Overall, a fabulous read in the series.Ā
While this is the 2nd storyline dedicated to this couple I REALLY enjoyed this book in the series. It was so lovely coming back to great characters and seeing what has developed for them in the authorsā mind. A great topic with similar elements of adoption with other characters thrown in towards the end. Intriguing to say the least.Ā
Rhage, what more can one say. What a guy hmmm vampire. Can totally take a joke as good as he gives. LOVE it! Long live the Little Mermaid. And his (and his Beastās) interaction with both Mary and Bitty is adorable. The underlying plot kept ticking away with hints of things to come. The build up of the character Lassiter certainly has me intrigued. Overall, a fabulous read in the series.Ā