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A review by z_bookfluencer
Rebel Rose by Emma Theriault
4.0
Take a moment to admire the cover, for it is exquisite.
I want to start out by saying, though this is inspired by Disney's version of Belle, and there are more than one, the author made a different character of Belle. Also, I wrote down my thoughts throughout reading this novel, and my review reflects this.
Firstly, I don't understand how Belle renounced the title of Princess when she married into it; the concept is abstract and baffling.
We explore Belle's growing insecurities. I feel Disney Belles, had insecurities of their oddities because it made them wonder if it made them lesser, while the Belle in this book, I feel is questioning her worth of how she can help others. The feeling of her not truly belonging has not changed.
We enter an aristocratic world.
The 'Beast' and Belle's relationship is clearly complex, and they navigate their relationship by ignoring their problems instead of talking them out. I feel like they made mistakes and were not there for each other.
There is some magic.
Lio's character is put through the ringer, and we see the outcome of him being put into the society that had a hand of his upbringing, one of wickedness, selfishness, and vanity.
There is a scene where a mob takes a turn for the worse.
There is clear villains, blurred questionable villains, and surprising villains.
A majority of the book, the Beast and Belle have to navigate turmoil alone, through their own choosing, for they let others make the decisions for them. And sometimes, when they make their own decisions, it is not always for the better. It is perplexing that these two head strong characters, are turned into characters that are easily influenced by their peers, instead of marching to the beat of their own drum.
We continue to see small influences of magic.
Reaching about 72 percent of the book, the plot has not necessarily climbed, but stood still, setting up potential for character growth and revolutions. This book I feel is NOT plot driven, but more so character driven. Yes, the characters go places. Yes, the characters act. It has not led to anywhere as of yet; it's like a pilot light is on, waiting for more gas to feed it, nothing more. Writing plainly; the story has so far been of this character said this and that character said that, and how those characters act upon what they hear and/or see.
If you think that this is a romance, because of Belle, you are wrong. This is NOT a romance. You see snipets of affection shared between Belle and Lio. They are brief and tastefully done. No smut in this book. I feel like they don't relish in each other's company despite the affection shared, but Belle does miss Lio when he is gone. We also see how the Beast does still need Belle, and maybe wants her for a reminder of his humanity and that he can be cared for. This book is not an exploration of their romance, but how others and events affect their relationship, though this is not the underlying theme.
They are both happy to see each other again when they are together again.
A backstory of the original enchantress is revealed.
The slow building was necessary, leading up to the finale. Which was fantastic! The high arch of the plot it towards the latter of the book, and well worth it.
The narrative is smooth and we follow Belle on her journey of trying to protect others, and rediscovering her voice.
Finally, after everything, the main couple does talk and begins to make amends with each other, starting by recognizing that it is okay to share their burdens, use their voice, and learn to listen.
They also learn to accept that in their position, it is okay to make the decisions they feel is right, and to trust their gut.
Overall, very well written.
I want to start out by saying, though this is inspired by Disney's version of Belle, and there are more than one, the author made a different character of Belle. Also, I wrote down my thoughts throughout reading this novel, and my review reflects this.
Firstly, I don't understand how Belle renounced the title of Princess when she married into it; the concept is abstract and baffling.
We explore Belle's growing insecurities. I feel Disney Belles, had insecurities of their oddities because it made them wonder if it made them lesser, while the Belle in this book, I feel is questioning her worth of how she can help others. The feeling of her not truly belonging has not changed.
We enter an aristocratic world.
The 'Beast' and Belle's relationship is clearly complex, and they navigate their relationship by ignoring their problems instead of talking them out. I feel like they made mistakes and were not there for each other.
There is some magic.
Lio's character is put through the ringer, and we see the outcome of him being put into the society that had a hand of his upbringing, one of wickedness, selfishness, and vanity.
There is a scene where a mob takes a turn for the worse.
There is clear villains, blurred questionable villains, and surprising villains.
A majority of the book, the Beast and Belle have to navigate turmoil alone, through their own choosing, for they let others make the decisions for them. And sometimes, when they make their own decisions, it is not always for the better. It is perplexing that these two head strong characters, are turned into characters that are easily influenced by their peers, instead of marching to the beat of their own drum.
We continue to see small influences of magic.
Reaching about 72 percent of the book, the plot has not necessarily climbed, but stood still, setting up potential for character growth and revolutions. This book I feel is NOT plot driven, but more so character driven. Yes, the characters go places. Yes, the characters act. It has not led to anywhere as of yet; it's like a pilot light is on, waiting for more gas to feed it, nothing more. Writing plainly; the story has so far been of this character said this and that character said that, and how those characters act upon what they hear and/or see.
If you think that this is a romance, because of Belle, you are wrong. This is NOT a romance. You see snipets of affection shared between Belle and Lio. They are brief and tastefully done. No smut in this book. I feel like they don't relish in each other's company despite the affection shared, but Belle does miss Lio when he is gone. We also see how the Beast does still need Belle, and maybe wants her for a reminder of his humanity and that he can be cared for. This book is not an exploration of their romance, but how others and events affect their relationship, though this is not the underlying theme.
They are both happy to see each other again when they are together again.
A backstory of the original enchantress is revealed.
The slow building was necessary, leading up to the finale. Which was fantastic! The high arch of the plot it towards the latter of the book, and well worth it.
The narrative is smooth and we follow Belle on her journey of trying to protect others, and rediscovering her voice.
Finally, after everything, the main couple does talk and begins to make amends with each other, starting by recognizing that it is okay to share their burdens, use their voice, and learn to listen.
They also learn to accept that in their position, it is okay to make the decisions they feel is right, and to trust their gut.
Overall, very well written.