Scan barcode
grumpychicken's review
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
winemakerssister's review against another edition
4.0
A fantasy retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I enjoyed the strong heroine on her quest save her family from a plague of beetles who bury themselves under the skin and lay eggs. It seemed right to listen to a book dealing with a plague right now.
Warning: cliffhanger
Warning: cliffhanger
jayarna's review
4.0
I completely forgot to write a review for this! This was lovely to pass the time with, it had a really beautiful setting, with several of the different areas feeling really atmospheric. I loved the Fae and how they were interwoven. The audiobook narrator was also wonderful, with all the Irish words it was a dream to listen to her.
I mostly read this for the romance so it's a surprise to me that I enjoyed it so much because I found the romance quite weak. I really liked Sorcha despite her having some motivation issues. Her goal was outlined very clearly and she loves to mention how much she wants to achieve that goal yet her actions often don't match up. Shes very likeable however so I will forgive it. I also loved the Unseelie Fae, Seelie and Unseelie Fae lore is my favourite so I loved it here. The writing was nice without being too heavy. Really this was just a quality book that won't make it to any favourites lists but a wonderful way to spend my time
I mostly read this for the romance so it's a surprise to me that I enjoyed it so much because I found the romance quite weak. I really liked Sorcha despite her having some motivation issues. Her goal was outlined very clearly and she loves to mention how much she wants to achieve that goal yet her actions often don't match up. Shes very likeable however so I will forgive it. I also loved the Unseelie Fae, Seelie and Unseelie Fae lore is my favourite so I loved it here. The writing was nice without being too heavy. Really this was just a quality book that won't make it to any favourites lists but a wonderful way to spend my time
emmyclarkie's review
3.0
This is a really cool spin put on a classic story! I am only giving it 3 stars because I found it hard to get through, though I cannot tell if that is because I just finished a series I loved or if there were issues with the book/plot itself.
mastersal's review against another edition
3.0
I had added this to my TBR expecting this to be a light fantasy romance (I mean - look at that gorgeous cover). However, 2% into the book we were introduced to flesh eating beetles which ate victims from the inside out.
alyssarrw's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-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
4.0
This is a very fun retelling. I loved Sorcha, she’s such a fun main character to follow. I appreciate that the romance isn’t the main focus of the story, rather focuses on Sorcha and Eamonn as individuals each growing and then growing together. I found the world and magic building really fascinating. It’s a beautiful story.
noelishi's review
4.0
Real rating: 4,5 stars
CAWPILE Rating: 8,46
Characters: 8,5
Ambient / Worldbuilding: 8,5
Writing style: 9,25
Plot: 8,75
Intrigue: 8
Logic / Relationships: 8,25
Enjoyment: 8
I love Emma Hamm's writing style, it is so poetic and engaging. I also fell in love with Sorcha, it is one of my favourite main characters of the year. She is so incredible it is almost impossible for you not to root for her.
The story, as a retelling, also surprised me. The base story (Beauty and the Beast) is definitely there, but it's so subtle and elegant you don't feel like you're only reading the same story over and over again. So well done!
CAWPILE Rating: 8,46
Characters: 8,5
Ambient / Worldbuilding: 8,5
Writing style: 9,25
Plot: 8,75
Intrigue: 8
Logic / Relationships: 8,25
Enjoyment: 8
I love Emma Hamm's writing style, it is so poetic and engaging. I also fell in love with Sorcha, it is one of my favourite main characters of the year. She is so incredible it is almost impossible for you not to root for her.
The story, as a retelling, also surprised me. The base story (Beauty and the Beast) is definitely there, but it's so subtle and elegant you don't feel like you're only reading the same story over and over again. So well done!
paigeoandrews's review against another edition
5.0
This book will become a comfort read for me in the years to come. I absolutely loved this book, the world building, the characters, the author did an amazing job. I listened to both books on Audible and Sioban Waring gave a stellar reading performance for all characters. The way she could just change her accent mid sentence was true talent!
Definitely recommend this series for anyone looking for a semi spicy fantasy romance.
Eammon and Sorcha definitely have a special place in my heart.
- reviewed book #2 as well.
Definitely recommend this series for anyone looking for a semi spicy fantasy romance.
Eammon and Sorcha definitely have a special place in my heart.
- reviewed book #2 as well.
orlaithma's review
5.0
To get straight to the point - I loved this book.
The characters are well thought out, the world in which it is set is gloriously detailed and the story, based on Beauty and the Beast, is wonderful.
Personally, I think the combination of Beauty and the Beast with Irish myths and legends holds a special place in my heart. As an Irish woman, born and raised in Ireland, it was enchanting to see the stories I grew up with to be told in a dramatic new way. Other than a few minor confusions with Scottish names and items, the book is perfect. It is blatantly obvious that the author did extensive research into Irish folklore and even the Gaeilge language before ever putting pen to paper.
I simply cannot recommend this book enough.
The characters are well thought out, the world in which it is set is gloriously detailed and the story, based on Beauty and the Beast, is wonderful.
Personally, I think the combination of Beauty and the Beast with Irish myths and legends holds a special place in my heart. As an Irish woman, born and raised in Ireland, it was enchanting to see the stories I grew up with to be told in a dramatic new way. Other than a few minor confusions with Scottish names and items, the book is perfect. It is blatantly obvious that the author did extensive research into Irish folklore and even the Gaeilge language before ever putting pen to paper.
I simply cannot recommend this book enough.
ceena's review
3.0
3.5 stars
I don't know why, but I was expecting more from this... or something different. I did very much enjoy reading this, I'm a huge fan of Beauty and the Beast retellings, but I might not read the sequel. I just didn't get as into it as I hoped. So strange since it has everything I would normally want.
I think I'll reread this one later and see if I feel differently, perhaps it was just my headspace at the time.
I don't know why, but I was expecting more from this... or something different. I did very much enjoy reading this, I'm a huge fan of Beauty and the Beast retellings, but I might not read the sequel. I just didn't get as into it as I hoped. So strange since it has everything I would normally want.
I think I'll reread this one later and see if I feel differently, perhaps it was just my headspace at the time.