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stardisciple_08's review against another edition
- 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
Plot: I thought the story premise was very unique, which made it quite enjoyable. There were some slow paced moments, though those moments were spent further developing the plot. I personally enjoy a lot of angst, so the healthy relationship developmentāwhile cuteādidnāt suit my fancy. HOWEVER, the book still DELIVERS the angst, it just takes a little waiting.
Characters: I found the characters to be very realistic. Their actionsāfrustrating at timesāmade sense almost the entire time. I also loved how the characters relationships developed over a practical period of time. Nothing was instantaneous (meaning no ālove at first sight despite everything he/she/they didā nonsense) and it accurately depicted the complexity of a relationship in those circumstances.
Writing: I love Love LOVED the writingš¤This story had me thoroughly immersed, I dare say to a fault! The vocabulary was nice as well, I was able to learn a few words and apply them.
Graphic: Gore, Suicidal thoughts, and Blood
Moderate: Ableism, Torture, and Kidnapping
Minor: Child death, Chronic illness, Homophobia, Terminal illness, Vomit, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Abandonment, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and War
cdoubet's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Ableism, Animal death, Body horror, Cancer, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Gun violence, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, and Sexual harassment
kcmg710's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Body shaming, Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Self harm, Terminal illness, Torture, Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child death, Gore, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, and War
Minor: Sexual assault, Vomit, and Sexual harassment
foldingthepage_kayleigh's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Graphic: Ableism, Body horror, Chronic illness, Death, Torture, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Pedophilia and Sexual harassment
diana_raquel's review
- 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
4.5
As I said in other reviews, Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite fairy tales. Therefore, I'm always looking for retellings of this fairy tale. But I'm always very cautious because not everything that is marketed as a retelling is really a retelling or they are but they are really bad books. And so, I was reticent in starting this trilogy, especially because is a hyped one. It seems that, in social media, everyone and their mother loves this trilogy.
Nonetheless, I decided to read it. And I ended up loving it! The bones of the original fairy tale are there, but it also can stand up as its own story. The characters are interesting and well-written (and there is disability representation, which is a positive point). The story is well-structured and the pacing is just right. I loved it! Its probably one of my favorite books of 2023.
Overall, it's a solid story that I recommend if you're looking for retellings that can be their own story.
Graphic: Chronic illness, Confinement, Death, Gore, Torture, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Suicide attempt, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Ableism, Cancer, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Terminal illness, Grief, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Alcohol
imbored_soillread's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Ableism, Cancer, Death, Gore, Blood, Medical content, Death of parent, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
readwithde's review against another edition
- 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
4.25
First, I love having any character, but especially a MC with a chronic disease or disability. It was handled so well in the narrative; it never felt like a plot point or focus, but simply part of Harper.
Second, I really liked the way the romance between Rhen and Harper played out. The friendship and trust is built first, then the romance begins to bloom. I liked that there was initial attraction, but it was a true slow burn. Normally I'm impatient about that, but it felt so organic and well-developed.
I'm less of a fan of the
I was most excited about how the kingdom and the people reacted to Rhen and his decision to start doing something for them. It helped build up the story to be worth a trilogy instead of a single book.
Even though it's off-brand for me, I like the semi-vague ending
Overall, I really liked it, and I'm excited to read more in the series.
Graphic: Gore, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Suicide attempt, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal death, Cancer, Child death, Chronic illness, Infidelity, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Torture, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury
roseofphantom's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
There are so many Beauty and the Beast retellings - which, as a huge fan of BatB, I don't mind. But this took the traditional store and enhanced it to an original story and made it so much more than that.
First of I love how well rounded the characters are. None of them are perfect, all their weaknesses, flaws, and strengths are on display. Harper is one of the most realistic characters I have every read. She's powerful, strong, and tough. I definitely appreciate the CP representation and how it's made clearly to be apart of her identity but only a small part of who she is. Her peers greatly respect her and while they question her CP at first she VERY quickly shows them she is not weak. She also has relatable love and care for her family members, for those around her. The friendship she develops with Grey and Zo feels completely real. Her progression into a leader as Princess character feels natural, gradual, and real and she falls into the role at a pace that feels accurate.
Like all the other characters Rhen is just the same. He's polite and the kind of guy you would hope Harper would fall for, but he also has his weaknesses. Sometimes Harper is right. Sometimes Rhen is right. He's charming and kind, but not this salivating swoonworthy character (which to me is a compliment because he feels much more realistic that way).
Gray is the greatest fighter and most loyal friend.
Freya is an absolute sweetheart and a wonderful mother figure who also has the appropriate amounts of scary.
Zo is a wicked best friend! She's totally kickass but also sweet and devoted.
Jake was the perfect brother figure- annoying and irritating, but also very loving.
Noah may have only been in the story a short while, but even he felt fully developed. He shows his care for Jake but also he has a heart of practicality without being judgmental and is determined but has the utmost care for patients and will not hesitate to get aggressive in order to save someone's life.
The writing and voice of each individual character was so good I literally heard different voices and accents in my own head while reading and that doesn't even happen with books I love!
There was magic in this writing style, the story felt so fresh and new I forgot it was a retelling I am just so in love with this book and I felt MADLY in love with all the characters this really filled my heart I haven't loved a book like this in SUCH a long time!
Moderate: Cancer and Death of parent
Minor: Sexual harassment