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Beast in the Machine
There are only two reasons people move to Ilford: to study at the renowned scientific research center, or to get away from the world. Dr. Richter intends to further his research. But his daughter Isabelle soon finds there is a strange enmity between the scientists and the villagers, and it has something to do with the reclusive man who hired her, Dr. Sebastian Prince.
110 pages, Paperback
Published July 19, 2019
53 people want to read
About the author
E.B. Dawson
36 books145 followersBorn and raised in Southeast Asia, I have lived in four different countries and three different states. I have an M.A. in Philosophy and am an award winning author of science fiction and fantasy.
I adore reading. But only good books.
I like cooking for people that I love. Sometimes I like doing yoga. I used to crochet, but I've kind of given up on it (my 10-year-old niece is already way better than I'll ever be). I am learning German and Latin as my 3rd and 4th languages.
I adore reading. But only good books.
I like cooking for people that I love. Sometimes I like doing yoga. I used to crochet, but I've kind of given up on it (my 10-year-old niece is already way better than I'll ever be). I am learning German and Latin as my 3rd and 4th languages.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 7, 2018
I LOVE this story.
I often find myself unhappy with retellings. They sound exciting in their premise, but often they don't live up to my hopes and more often than not they miss out on the heart of the story. ESPECIALLY with Beauty and the Beast which is such a deep and nuanced story, with so many ways to go wrong. Often retellings focus on the dynamics of beast's anger issues and Belle's innocence, ending up as more of a twisted story of abuse with a headstrong but still powerless female MC.
Beast in the Machine was ENTIRELY different (and by the way, what a name. I won't say more). Beast in the Machine shows the power of gentleness, love, and kindness. Instead of giving Beast the power, Sebastian is put in the place he is supposed to be: desperately in need of help and healing. And Isabelle (our Belle character), though also in need of healing, is in the position of power, despite Sebastian's physical strength and aggression, because she is able to keep her head.
Not only is this a fun, unique, and imaginative take on an age-old story, but it's also a powerfully healthy story, and one that is soothing and sweet.
Also, not over-sappy and romantic which is what makes me the happiest. Isabelle's love doesn't HAVE to be romantic, and that makes it much better.
I often find myself unhappy with retellings. They sound exciting in their premise, but often they don't live up to my hopes and more often than not they miss out on the heart of the story. ESPECIALLY with Beauty and the Beast which is such a deep and nuanced story, with so many ways to go wrong. Often retellings focus on the dynamics of beast's anger issues and Belle's innocence, ending up as more of a twisted story of abuse with a headstrong but still powerless female MC.
Beast in the Machine was ENTIRELY different (and by the way, what a name. I won't say more). Beast in the Machine shows the power of gentleness, love, and kindness. Instead of giving Beast the power, Sebastian is put in the place he is supposed to be: desperately in need of help and healing. And Isabelle (our Belle character), though also in need of healing, is in the position of power, despite Sebastian's physical strength and aggression, because she is able to keep her head.
Not only is this a fun, unique, and imaginative take on an age-old story, but it's also a powerfully healthy story, and one that is soothing and sweet.
Also, not over-sappy and romantic which is what makes me the happiest. Isabelle's love doesn't HAVE to be romantic, and that makes it much better.
December 12, 2018
And with the close of Beast in the Machine I will happily gobble up anything E.B. Dawson writes. Beauty and the Beast is probably my favorite fairy-tale, and this little novella zeroed in on everything I already love about it. Dr. Prince was a broken man in need of healing, and Isabella a ready-for-anything girl with a healthy dose of Real Life behind her smile. I really have no words to accurately describe how much I love this book... my only complaint is that I would have gladly read a novel-length version of this story. Other reviewers have gone into less giddy detail, but believe me when I say... this is a fairy-tale retelling worth reading.
December 30, 2018
What a great reading experience! Not only did I read this book in one sitting, I'm quite certain I also audibly gasped, smiled, and leaned a little bit closer to my Kindle.
"Beast in the Machine" was a very unique retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I haven't read much sci-fi and that alone made it the most unique aspect of this story, but I also enjoyed the rising awareness of anxiety (and fighting it) as I continued reading. The story took on deeper themes then I expected (including the interactions between the "Beast" and Isabelle), making this story more than just a "romance."
I loved Cog! Oh, and the library! Let's also not forget about Isabelle's overall beautiful personality either. ;) And due to not wanting to share spoilers, I enjoyed quite a few other aspects as well.
Overall, a quick, meaningful, and great retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I would definitely recommend this story to sci-fi readers and lovers of this fairy tale as I don't think either persons has read a "tale" quite like this one.
*(Many thanks to the author for providing me an ARC. I was not required to write a review or positive one. All thoughts expressed are my own.)*
"Beast in the Machine" was a very unique retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I haven't read much sci-fi and that alone made it the most unique aspect of this story, but I also enjoyed the rising awareness of anxiety (and fighting it) as I continued reading. The story took on deeper themes then I expected (including the interactions between the "Beast" and Isabelle), making this story more than just a "romance."
I loved Cog! Oh, and the library! Let's also not forget about Isabelle's overall beautiful personality either. ;) And due to not wanting to share spoilers, I enjoyed quite a few other aspects as well.
Overall, a quick, meaningful, and great retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I would definitely recommend this story to sci-fi readers and lovers of this fairy tale as I don't think either persons has read a "tale" quite like this one.
*(Many thanks to the author for providing me an ARC. I was not required to write a review or positive one. All thoughts expressed are my own.)*
October 12, 2019
A brilliant sci-fi retelling of Beauty and the Beast on par with the Lunar Chronicles. Like that series, it adapts a familiar fairy tale into a sci-fi world without stripping away the charm and magic of the original. While I generally am left wanting more when I reach the end of a really good novella or short story, I didn't feel that way in this case...but only because I was completely satisfied. It didn't need to be any longer. All the character arcs were brought to an earned conclusion, and the plot built to a perfect coda. A new favorite on my shelf that I will certainly be reading again.
September 28, 2019
Beauty and the Beast is by far my favorite fairy tale, so I was really looking forward to reading The Beast in the Machine—a sci-fi retelling of this classic story. It did not disappoint! I think my favorite aspect of the piece would have to be Isabelle’s character. Extremely dignified and tactful but also subtly quirky, Isabelle just might have become my favorite female character from any indie book ever. Admittedly, I had a pretty big crush on her. I was also thoroughly impressed with Dawson’s writing. It flowed effortlessly, carrying an aesthetic and artistic quality that I’m not sure I’ve ever quite encountered in another indie-story story.
My main issue with Beast in the Machine was that I found the narrative far too short. It was a really enjoyable read, to be sure, but I felt like the story could have been fleshed out so much more than it was. Part of what I love about Beauty and the Beast is seeing Belle and the Beast slowly fall for each other. But nothing can really occur very slowly in a novelette as tiny as this one.
However, The Beast and the Machine is still a very charming and well-written story. Lovers of the classic fairy tale as well as lovers of sci-fi should enjoy this one!
My main issue with Beast in the Machine was that I found the narrative far too short. It was a really enjoyable read, to be sure, but I felt like the story could have been fleshed out so much more than it was. Part of what I love about Beauty and the Beast is seeing Belle and the Beast slowly fall for each other. But nothing can really occur very slowly in a novelette as tiny as this one.
However, The Beast and the Machine is still a very charming and well-written story. Lovers of the classic fairy tale as well as lovers of sci-fi should enjoy this one!
February 22, 2019
There are few things more fun to read that a well-written fairy tale retelling, so when I first heard about this story (and saw the gorgeous cover, because I’m a sucker for a good cover), I immediately wanted to read it. EB Dawson delivers a tale that puts an intriguing sci-fi spin on the classic story and reinvents characters in unique ways. Protagonist Isabelle is a heroine worth rooting for who has overcome her own challenges and maintains a hopeful optimism in spite of everything. She has a very distinctive voice and personality that made me become attached to her almost instantly. I really would have liked to see this story expanded a bit. Short stories are great, and for the most part, this one worked well. But there were definitely places in the middle and towards the end where it felt like things were missing, and I wished so much that the plot and the world had been fleshed out more. Nevertheless, it’s a good story that’s definitely worth a read. If you enjoy fairy tale retellings and you’re looking for a good, quick read with an interesting premise, you’ll definitely want to pick this up.
December 19, 2018
Beauty and the Beast has always been my favorite original fairy tale because the heroine is responsible for taking the happy ending into her own hands through an act of selfless love. Beast in the machine takes so much of what I appreciate about the original and amplifies it.
Virtuous characters who aren't also marked by significant flaws get a bad rap for being unrealistic and boring. This story proves that sentiment dead wrong. Isabelle is living proof that characters can be interesting because of their strengths rather than in spite of them. Fascinating characters are created through contrast, whether it comes in the form of contrast between the character and her world/other characters, or conflicting values within the character herself. Isabelle's contrast is based in the her surprising reactions to the pain in her own life and in the world around her. There is tragedy in her past, but instead of letting pain close her off from people, it has made her sensitive to the needs of others. She is able to bear reproach well, not because she's calloused and tough, but because of her sensitivity to the pain of those who hurt her. She keeps her composure in situations where it would be natural to lash out in fear and anger, not because she doesn't understand the danger, or because she's too weak to stand up for herself, but because she is wise enough to see past the surface and brave enough to control herself. She is beautifully strong because of her gentleness.
This story does exactly what I expect of all good retellings: it is consistent with the original story, but not predictable. Though the connections to the original were apparent once they came up, I always found myself pleasantly surprised by the ways in which Dawson reimagines the staples of the plot.
I also really love the way the village of Ilford is brought to life. It's so rich with comparisons and juxtapositions of the two different worlds that compose it. Futuristic technology and a fishing community hanging onto a bygone era. The power of nature and the power of technology gone out of control. A close-knit community dealing with pain by provoking each other to nastiness and a hermit dealing with pain by cutting himself off and letting his own anger absorb him.
Another thing I really appreciated is that the focus of Isabelle's relationship with the Beast is on compassion, not romance. Isabelle is totally focused on the needs of the other person and is not in the least motivated by what she gets out of the relationship, and the lack of romantic motive highlights just how selfless Isabelle's love is. Granted, the story covers such a short span of time that there wouldn't have been time for a proper romantic relationship to form anyway. That said, there are enough stories that have the leads falling in love before they get past their obligatory hatred of each other . . . or before they know each other's names. All that to say, thanks for keeping it real. ;)
This story left me warmed and encouraged, and most importantly, it left me with a character whose example I want to follow. That's a huge thing for me, and something so few stories accomplish.
Virtuous characters who aren't also marked by significant flaws get a bad rap for being unrealistic and boring. This story proves that sentiment dead wrong. Isabelle is living proof that characters can be interesting because of their strengths rather than in spite of them. Fascinating characters are created through contrast, whether it comes in the form of contrast between the character and her world/other characters, or conflicting values within the character herself. Isabelle's contrast is based in the her surprising reactions to the pain in her own life and in the world around her. There is tragedy in her past, but instead of letting pain close her off from people, it has made her sensitive to the needs of others. She is able to bear reproach well, not because she's calloused and tough, but because of her sensitivity to the pain of those who hurt her. She keeps her composure in situations where it would be natural to lash out in fear and anger, not because she doesn't understand the danger, or because she's too weak to stand up for herself, but because she is wise enough to see past the surface and brave enough to control herself. She is beautifully strong because of her gentleness.
This story does exactly what I expect of all good retellings: it is consistent with the original story, but not predictable. Though the connections to the original were apparent once they came up, I always found myself pleasantly surprised by the ways in which Dawson reimagines the staples of the plot.
I also really love the way the village of Ilford is brought to life. It's so rich with comparisons and juxtapositions of the two different worlds that compose it. Futuristic technology and a fishing community hanging onto a bygone era. The power of nature and the power of technology gone out of control. A close-knit community dealing with pain by provoking each other to nastiness and a hermit dealing with pain by cutting himself off and letting his own anger absorb him.
Another thing I really appreciated is that the focus of Isabelle's relationship with the Beast is on compassion, not romance. Isabelle is totally focused on the needs of the other person and is not in the least motivated by what she gets out of the relationship, and the lack of romantic motive highlights just how selfless Isabelle's love is. Granted, the story covers such a short span of time that there wouldn't have been time for a proper romantic relationship to form anyway. That said, there are enough stories that have the leads falling in love before they get past their obligatory hatred of each other . . . or before they know each other's names. All that to say, thanks for keeping it real. ;)
This story left me warmed and encouraged, and most importantly, it left me with a character whose example I want to follow. That's a huge thing for me, and something so few stories accomplish.
September 8, 2019
This was a beautifully crafted retelling of Beauty and the Beast. The perfect length for completing in just under 20 minutes, I read it all the way through without pause, engrossed. Short stories have their perks, but this one had an extensive plot with so many scenes and twists and one thing happening after the other all in just 80 pages, so it was hard to even try to put down. Put quick pacing together with efficient storytelling, a unique world setting, and unique characters with aspects that are familiar to those who know the tale of Beauty and the Beast Beast in the Machine is a beautiful story and *cough* totally didn’t make me cry bittersweet tears at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2020
I read a TON of beauty and the beast retellings ( because it's my favorite fairytale), and I can tell you this short little gem IS MY FAVORITE EVER!! I honestly don't know what else to say ....but I shall try
For starters for being so short it felt like such a big story , it can hold it's own to full length novels and I would say come out winning.
The writing is soooooo beautiful and I was in love right away!
That ending was PERFECT!!
A must read if you like retellings!
For starters for being so short it felt like such a big story , it can hold it's own to full length novels and I would say come out winning.
The writing is soooooo beautiful and I was in love right away!
That ending was PERFECT!!
A must read if you like retellings!
December 18, 2018
If you enjoy retellings, check out this story! It’s a great reimagining of “Beauty and the Beast” that doesn’t retread old ground, working in the staples of the tale in unique ways (a robotic Cogsworth, anyone?). It also has a more playful tone than some of Dawson’s other works, which is fun to see.
Along with this, “Beast in the Machine” looks at emotional trauma, and the importance (and hope for) healing from it. Isabelle’s wisdom and strength plays a prominent role in this, and she’s a ‘Beauty’ that I can truly respect.
I was a little confused about what ‘world’ this was set in- it has some references that make me think it’s ‘our’ technology, but more advanced, but there’s no mention of the Internet- which would have greatly helped Isabelle’s job search. Also, I didn’t get swept away in the emotions as often as I would like. It may very well be a case of ‘me, not you,’ but I thought I’d mention it.
Overall, though, this is a solid story with characters you can root for. Time and time again, Dawson blows me away with the complexity and likableness of her protagonists, and Isabelle is no exception. If you’re looking for a twist on “Beauty and the Beast” with an emphasis on the psychological, you’ll enjoy this story.
Along with this, “Beast in the Machine” looks at emotional trauma, and the importance (and hope for) healing from it. Isabelle’s wisdom and strength plays a prominent role in this, and she’s a ‘Beauty’ that I can truly respect.
I was a little confused about what ‘world’ this was set in- it has some references that make me think it’s ‘our’ technology, but more advanced, but there’s no mention of the Internet- which would have greatly helped Isabelle’s job search. Also, I didn’t get swept away in the emotions as often as I would like. It may very well be a case of ‘me, not you,’ but I thought I’d mention it.
Overall, though, this is a solid story with characters you can root for. Time and time again, Dawson blows me away with the complexity and likableness of her protagonists, and Isabelle is no exception. If you’re looking for a twist on “Beauty and the Beast” with an emphasis on the psychological, you’ll enjoy this story.
July 28, 2019
My only complaint with this short story is that I wish desperately it was longer. At least a novella...I wouldn't complain if it was a full length novel...just tell me what I have to do, Dawson, I'll do it!
One of the hardest things to do in a short story is character development, but Isabelle leaps off the page almost immediately and I was ready to follow her into the Beast's castle -- er, Sebastian's house. I love any concept that deals with dream-walking and controlling dreams, so the conflict of this story was very entertaining. The backstory of both Isabelle and Sebastian is compelling and immediately makes you feel for each deeply. Cog is absolutely terrific too, by the way. And I want my own tiny robot butler.
Seriously, I'm just mad this wasn't longer. Do you think I could start a petition?
One of the hardest things to do in a short story is character development, but Isabelle leaps off the page almost immediately and I was ready to follow her into the Beast's castle -- er, Sebastian's house. I love any concept that deals with dream-walking and controlling dreams, so the conflict of this story was very entertaining. The backstory of both Isabelle and Sebastian is compelling and immediately makes you feel for each deeply. Cog is absolutely terrific too, by the way. And I want my own tiny robot butler.
Seriously, I'm just mad this wasn't longer. Do you think I could start a petition?
January 17, 2019
This story was a beautiful sci-fi adaptation of Beauty and the Beast. I loved how well thought-out the characters were, and the world of the story felt like it has a much greater life outside of the story, not like it only exists for these few characters. I want my own little robotic helper, too!
Dawson took characters I already love and only deepened them, making them more human than before. Her descriptions of the town, the mansion, and the technology were stunning and made them feel real.
Above this, I am awed by the deep, simple compassion for the suffering that pervaded the character of Isabelle and the pages of this story. I truly appreciate the way Dawson acknowledges and validates pain without glorifying it, instead offering healing.
Dawson took characters I already love and only deepened them, making them more human than before. Her descriptions of the town, the mansion, and the technology were stunning and made them feel real.
Above this, I am awed by the deep, simple compassion for the suffering that pervaded the character of Isabelle and the pages of this story. I truly appreciate the way Dawson acknowledges and validates pain without glorifying it, instead offering healing.
July 26, 2021
5 stars!
What I liked:
-Interesting sci-fi twist; no magic, just innovations of science!
-Strong protagonist
-Despite the modern amenities and such, a desolate Victorian atmosphere (not quite dark enough for Gothic) was very much present
-Didn’t lack depth; there are wrongs to be righted, everyone reacts in a believable fashion, and the romance isn’t over the top
-The ending aaaahhhhh it was a perfect circle and so cute
What I didn’t like so much:
-Eh? Uh…I keep imagining Cog as Gir from Invader Zim and I can’t stop. But that’s not so much something I didn’t like as something my brain is refusing to change despite the fact that Cog is nothing like Gir. XD
What I liked:
-Interesting sci-fi twist; no magic, just innovations of science!
-Strong protagonist
-Despite the modern amenities and such, a desolate Victorian atmosphere (not quite dark enough for Gothic) was very much present
-Didn’t lack depth; there are wrongs to be righted, everyone reacts in a believable fashion, and the romance isn’t over the top
-The ending aaaahhhhh it was a perfect circle and so cute
What I didn’t like so much:
-Eh? Uh…I keep imagining Cog as Gir from Invader Zim and I can’t stop. But that’s not so much something I didn’t like as something my brain is refusing to change despite the fact that Cog is nothing like Gir. XD
December 7, 2018
It was cute and quirky, towards the end was my favorite, I think that's when Dawson shined the brightest with this story.
Love the cover!
Love the cover!
December 8, 2018
Loved this story so much! One of the best retellings I’ve read. Somehow Dawson makes a familiar story come alive in a new way.
January 18, 2022
Excellent atmosphere, good retelling choices, adorable robot, confusing worldbuilding and rather abrupt ending.
April 4, 2020
I loved the sci-fi twist to this classic fairytale! It was awesome to see the quiet village leap forward into the 21st century with modern technology while maintaining the small-town feel. Cog was super cute with his little robot feet pitter-patting through the Prince Estate as he guided Isabelle to her first encounter with “the beast.” And once again, I found myself visualizing an inanimate house as another character simply because of Dawson’s vivid portrait of the Maple House and its lovely spiraling stairs and other tangible descriptions that made it come alive.
I’ve come to expect a lot from E.B. Dawson’s writing, and that’s why I think this story fell short a little for me. I loved the story overall, but there were a few details that felt a little glanced over. The villagers for one. They burned down a mansion and killed a man, then acted like it didn’t happen. I would have liked to see an indication that they felt remorse over their actions to show that their hateful attitudes were changing. The other thing would have been some more development on the relationship between Isabelle and Sebastian. Because the story was short, it felt like Isabelle was able to help heal the stranger in just a few brief encounters when her compassion was not able to help her mother recover over a significantly longer period of time. I still loved the dream sequence and the open-ended conclusion, and I’m looking forward to the release of Dawson’s next book.
I’ve come to expect a lot from E.B. Dawson’s writing, and that’s why I think this story fell short a little for me. I loved the story overall, but there were a few details that felt a little glanced over. The villagers for one. They burned down a mansion and killed a man, then acted like it didn’t happen. I would have liked to see an indication that they felt remorse over their actions to show that their hateful attitudes were changing. The other thing would have been some more development on the relationship between Isabelle and Sebastian. Because the story was short, it felt like Isabelle was able to help heal the stranger in just a few brief encounters when her compassion was not able to help her mother recover over a significantly longer period of time. I still loved the dream sequence and the open-ended conclusion, and I’m looking forward to the release of Dawson’s next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2019
A new kind of Beast
Beast in the Machine is a sort of modern Beauty and the Beast retelling. It takes place in an idyllic village, timeless and old fashioned, but features advanced technologies instead of magic.
Sebastian Prince is a Beast. But one who suffers from lack of impulse control as a result of his risky nerological experiments.
It was an interesting exploration of what it means to be a beast. We all know that physically disfigurement was not the moral of the original tale, only the side effect. What is Beastly behavior is also only a side effect of a greater problem?
I actually wish this had been a longer book as I feel the premise has promise and deserved to be explored in depth.
The ending felt rushed and while not unsatisfying, I would have liked more closure.
Beast in the Machine is a sort of modern Beauty and the Beast retelling. It takes place in an idyllic village, timeless and old fashioned, but features advanced technologies instead of magic.
Sebastian Prince is a Beast. But one who suffers from lack of impulse control as a result of his risky nerological experiments.
It was an interesting exploration of what it means to be a beast. We all know that physically disfigurement was not the moral of the original tale, only the side effect. What is Beastly behavior is also only a side effect of a greater problem?
I actually wish this had been a longer book as I feel the premise has promise and deserved to be explored in depth.
The ending felt rushed and while not unsatisfying, I would have liked more closure.
July 22, 2019
Amazing story about courage and compassion. I can’t wait to read more by this author!!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews