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Gothic Fairytales #1
Bitterburn
Amarrah Brewer is desperate and grief-stricken.
For ages, the town of Bitterburn has sent tribute to the Keep at the End of the World, but a harsh winter leaves them unable to pay the toll that keeps the Beast at bay. Amarrah volunteers to brave what no one has before—to end the threat or die trying.
The Beast of Bitterburn has lost all hope.
One way or another, Njål has been a prisoner for his entire life. Monstrous evil has left him trapped and lonely, and he believes that will never change. There is only darkness in his endless exile, never light. Never warmth. Until she arrives.
It's a tale as old as time... where Beauty goes to confront the Beast and falls in love instead.
For ages, the town of Bitterburn has sent tribute to the Keep at the End of the World, but a harsh winter leaves them unable to pay the toll that keeps the Beast at bay. Amarrah volunteers to brave what no one has before—to end the threat or die trying.
The Beast of Bitterburn has lost all hope.
One way or another, Njål has been a prisoner for his entire life. Monstrous evil has left him trapped and lonely, and he believes that will never change. There is only darkness in his endless exile, never light. Never warmth. Until she arrives.
It's a tale as old as time... where Beauty goes to confront the Beast and falls in love instead.
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2020
173 people are currently reading
2302 people want to read
About the author
Ann Aguirre
81 books7,064 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Ann Aguirre has been a clown, a clerk, a savior of stray kittens, and a voice actress, not necessarily in that order. She grew up in a yellow house across from a cornfield, but now she lives in Mexico with her family. She writes all kinds of genre fiction, but she has an eternal soft spot for a happily ever after.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews
January 30, 2021
Ann Aguirre is one of the best romance authors writing today and this is a hill I would die on.
November 19, 2020
This is the second book I’ve read by this author and here we’re tackling my favourite fairy-tale of all that tale as old as time Beauty and the Beast.
I adore this particular fable and have consumed a stack of these retellings some much better than others.
This is one of the better ones and this plays out against a rich historical fantasy backdrop.
And though this was fantasy it also had a real historical flavour to it all.
This was an imaginative endeavour that managed to put its own spin on things.
Weaving a magical story that was at times lyrical in its language and delightful in its sentiment.
This is not dark like a lot of its predecessors and the Beast here Njal is actually extremely sweet and thoughtful.
He’s a tragic and sympathetic character that has been transformed and imprisoned within the walls of BitterBurn.
Losing hope that he will ever be released from his daily torment as the years pass him by.
Now he just wishes for peace even if that means his own end.
Amarrah toils for her father and stepmother with little gratitude or thanks.
Her sweetheart past away the previous winter and her two little sisters are now her only joy.
The village is stuck in an ever-increasing winter food for the family is scarce and Amarrah herself is considered an oddity with her strange ways.
She decides instead of the usual bounty they send to the castle annually she will instead offer her services to the beast rumoured to reside there.
So I enjoyed this but the first half of this moved very slowly.
It wasn’t until I was over halfway through that it actually started to pick up for me.
This was also predictable at times and there were no great shocks here either.
I also thought events themselves were easily resolved.
What it did have was a warm charm it was also well written and I did like all the magic and the fact that our Beauty here empowered herself and didn’t need any rescuing.
In fact, she was the knight, now that I did appreciate.
She was no damsel in distress and the developing dynamic between Amarrah and Njal was much more of a collaboration and equal partnership.
The romance for me did slightly miss the mark at times though.
I believed in it but at times it felt slightly juvenile.
Not in the physical that was all there just in the initial expectation and connection.
Still, Njal and Amarrah were likeable individuals and I did want them to win their eventual freedom and escape together from Bitterburn.
This is the first book in a series of unrelated but interconnected stories set in the same world.
They are all stand-alone reads and overall this was a good read with some great ideas.
If you like Beauty and the Beast retellings be sure to give this one a chance.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of Bitterburn (Gothic fairytales #1).
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
October 15, 2020
“I’m not your nemesis,” I whisper against his chest. “I intend to save you.”
Because we’re some distance from the guttering fire, he tucks me inside his cloak and I stay, resting against him like I belong here. Njål touches me gently, stroking a big hand down my back. There’s some temptation to open my eyes, but I resist.
“When you say things like that, it becomes difficult for me to believe that you’re a simple brewer’s assistant.”
“Why? Because common folk can’t be daring? The bravest people I’ve ever known often have no idea how they’ll feed their families through the winter. They fight hunger and cold instead of dragons.”
Hmm... Started out really promising, but then it kinda fizzled and I wasn’t super engaged in the second half. I don’t know if it’s me or the book. I can’t help but compare BITTERBURN to other BATB retellings (and I’ve read a LOT of BATB retellings because it’s my fave): it’s strictly middle of the crowd, which might be influencing my “this is fine” opinion.
Still, it’s an easy read with A+ consent (this version neatly escapes the Stockholm Syndrome storyline) and beast-fucking. Definitely worth a read if you’re looking for a Norse-lite Beauty and the Beast retelling with a witchy heroine and tormented, mysterious beast-like hero with blue skin and claws. Also: the goats are real cute and maybe my favorite part of the book, lol. 🐐
Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Because we’re some distance from the guttering fire, he tucks me inside his cloak and I stay, resting against him like I belong here. Njål touches me gently, stroking a big hand down my back. There’s some temptation to open my eyes, but I resist.
“When you say things like that, it becomes difficult for me to believe that you’re a simple brewer’s assistant.”
“Why? Because common folk can’t be daring? The bravest people I’ve ever known often have no idea how they’ll feed their families through the winter. They fight hunger and cold instead of dragons.”
Hmm... Started out really promising, but then it kinda fizzled and I wasn’t super engaged in the second half. I don’t know if it’s me or the book. I can’t help but compare BITTERBURN to other BATB retellings (and I’ve read a LOT of BATB retellings because it’s my fave): it’s strictly middle of the crowd, which might be influencing my “this is fine” opinion.
Still, it’s an easy read with A+ consent (this version neatly escapes the Stockholm Syndrome storyline) and beast-fucking. Definitely worth a read if you’re looking for a Norse-lite Beauty and the Beast retelling with a witchy heroine and tormented, mysterious beast-like hero with blue skin and claws. Also: the goats are real cute and maybe my favorite part of the book, lol. 🐐
Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 13, 2020
This is a quite unique retelling of beauty and the beast. It’s definitely the sexiest one I’ve read that stays so close to the source. the relationship is cute and sweet but my issue is that the finale was a bit anticlimactic and the bad guys were not really menacing. still i can recommend this for fans of this fairytale retelling.
P.S. Sex scenes were done incredibly well. Everything is respectable, consensual, a lot of attention to woman's pleasure. And not even a tiny bit rapey as you are taught to expect within a "romance with a monster" sub-genre.
P.S. Sex scenes were done incredibly well. Everything is respectable, consensual, a lot of attention to woman's pleasure. And not even a tiny bit rapey as you are taught to expect within a "romance with a monster" sub-genre.
June 25, 2021
3.5
maybe i am a monsterfucker
maybe i am a monsterfucker
November 4, 2020
This is one of my favorite fairy tale retellings to date and the Beauty and the Beast story I didn't know I wanted so much! Bitterburn is hopeful, romantic, haunting, atmospheric, and full of sumptuous details that truly bring the story to life. The novel strikes a realistic balance between harsh realities and the promise of better days that I really liked, and the author treated themes of honor, choice, sacrifice, hope, and devotion in a way that made them feel like characters unto themselves. Escapism at its best and all the feels—plus, Beauty is a badass!
June 7, 2021
I enjoyed this gothic retelling of Beauty & the Beast! The ending was a bit anticlimactic but the romance was sweet. The beast hero is a total cinnamon roll at heart.
January 3, 2022
3.5 STARS
Love makes us beautiful to those who cherish us.I'll read anything Beauty and the Beast related. I'm on a quest to read them all, lol. This one was well-written and suitably creepy, but the intensity was missing, I think. Still an entertaining read and I have no regrets!
November 12, 2020
3.75 stars.
Recommended, safe and spooky!
Recommended, safe and spooky!
May 29, 2021
This is a reimagining of Beauty and the Beast. Some changes I liked more than others. The romance still feels too rushed though.
October 23, 2020
You know when you pick up a book and it's everything you need it to be before you even know you need it? Yeah. Yeaaaaaah. That was this book. It was exactly what I was looking for without me being able to articulate what it was I was looking for. It was grief and loss and hope and magic and heartache and trust and the slow burn of a new romance all set in a beloved, wildly imaginative world.
Everything I needed before I even knew I needed it.
Amarrah starts out resigned. She doubts she'll live through her journey to Bitterburn, but she's got nothing left in the village for her and she's sort of given up. The keep gives her a new lease on life. Sort of. It isn't exactly Bitterburn that changes her, though. It's more a combination of Bitterburn's magic and Njål's stoic presence.
Basically, Njål draws her in by being standoffish and a little grumpy and yet unfailing polite despite everything that's happened to him in his long life. To be fair, however, Amarrah changes him, just as markedly as he changes her. He starts caring again. He's afraid to hope, but he can't help himself around her. He lets her in and that changes everything. Every.thing.
Everything I needed and then some. I have so much love for this book. So much. I mean, how can you resist a BatB retelling with dark magic, painful secrets, a slow-burn romance, and a Beast who treats his uninvited guest with such gentleness? *draws glitter hearts around these two*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Everything I needed before I even knew I needed it.
Amarrah starts out resigned. She doubts she'll live through her journey to Bitterburn, but she's got nothing left in the village for her and she's sort of given up. The keep gives her a new lease on life. Sort of. It isn't exactly Bitterburn that changes her, though. It's more a combination of Bitterburn's magic and Njål's stoic presence.
Basically, Njål draws her in by being standoffish and a little grumpy and yet unfailing polite despite everything that's happened to him in his long life. To be fair, however, Amarrah changes him, just as markedly as he changes her. He starts caring again. He's afraid to hope, but he can't help himself around her. He lets her in and that changes everything. Every.thing.
Everything I needed and then some. I have so much love for this book. So much. I mean, how can you resist a BatB retelling with dark magic, painful secrets, a slow-burn romance, and a Beast who treats his uninvited guest with such gentleness? *draws glitter hearts around these two*
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
December 29, 2021
An interesting Gothic take on the beauty and the beast story. There was an innocent lightness about the h and that helped keep the story from being too dark. It's hard not to compare every beauty and the beast story to the Disney animated one. This was beauty and the beast for grown-ups, it is two deeply wounded people learning the evil mystery of the keep together, and slowly learning to love and trust in their relationship. The goats were an awesome addition to the story and I loved the gardening and kitchen magic.
I do wish the ending had been a little bit longer and we had a little more time with these two characters being happy together. I'm not sure if I liked the twist
I do wish the ending had been a little bit longer and we had a little more time with these two characters being happy together. I'm not sure if I liked the twist
October 13, 2020
Real rating: 4.5⭐︎
There are a lot of fairytale retellings out there, and let's face it, Beauty and the Beast is probably the most overdone of them all. As a big fan myself, I say that in the most loving way possible. More retellings, please.
Thank you, Disney, for single-handedly spawning an entire generation of teratophiles in the 1990s.
I've read quite a few B&B retellings, and I have to say, Bitterburn is an interesting take on the classic tale (and a couple scenes definitely nod at the Disney film). If you take Beauty and the Beast, mash it up with elements of Cupid and Psyche, and then add Norse mythological details, you have Bitterburn. It all works quite well together and creates a rather satisfying story about building trust and opening yourself up to love when you feel undeserving after loss and deep hurt.
Taking place in the second half of the 1700s, and bookended with fairytale elements, we follow Amarrah—an odd-duckie for her time who loves to read, insists on being in charge of her own fate, has occasional prophetic dreams, and doesn't show proper respect due to men—on her journey to save her village... or preferably perish in the effort. Life's been rough for Amarrah, her intended died of fever before they could finalize their union and start their lives together, and she's been going through the motions ever since. When the people of Bitterburn are unable to send an adequate tribute to the beast who lives in the Keep at the End of the World because of the ever-increasing winters, she gets the idea to offer herself instead. If she's lucky, maybe she can join her sweetheart soon. If not, at least she'll no longer be a burden to her father and his second family.
Pretty quickly, Amarrah realizes that things are not as told in the legends about the keep, and Njål is keeping some interesting secrets that may hold the key to saving everyone from the never-ending winters.
Well-paced and hard to put down, Bitterburn is beautiful with lush scenery, gothic atmosphere, and solid world building, full of mystery, tension, and intrigue—but like Aguirre's other works, it is low on drama for the sake of forcing conflict. Amarrah and Njål are both fleshed out, reasonable, and believable characters. Watching them open up and realize they can have love if they are brave enough to fight for it is worth the slower burn of this story.
That nod to the ballroom scene. S I G H
Absolutely dreamy.
And like all of Aquirre's works I've read to date, consent is absolutely involved in this story, adding to the sexiness.
My only issue with Bitterburn is I felt the big conflict resolved far too quickly and easily. It was still satisfying and the antagonist truly monstrous, but there was a lot of thoughtful and organic build up for not a lot of payout. Anti-climatic. Oh...that was it? isn't the best way to end things. This works for me in her other stories, but I think I wanted just a bit more struggle and uncertainty in this one. But this is a really minor quibble, truly.
Thank you to Ms. Aguirre's Review Team for including me on the ARC team!
There are a lot of fairytale retellings out there, and let's face it, Beauty and the Beast is probably the most overdone of them all. As a big fan myself, I say that in the most loving way possible. More retellings, please.
Thank you, Disney, for single-handedly spawning an entire generation of teratophiles in the 1990s.
I've read quite a few B&B retellings, and I have to say, Bitterburn is an interesting take on the classic tale (and a couple scenes definitely nod at the Disney film). If you take Beauty and the Beast, mash it up with elements of Cupid and Psyche, and then add Norse mythological details, you have Bitterburn. It all works quite well together and creates a rather satisfying story about building trust and opening yourself up to love when you feel undeserving after loss and deep hurt.
Taking place in the second half of the 1700s, and bookended with fairytale elements, we follow Amarrah—an odd-duckie for her time who loves to read, insists on being in charge of her own fate, has occasional prophetic dreams, and doesn't show proper respect due to men—on her journey to save her village... or preferably perish in the effort. Life's been rough for Amarrah, her intended died of fever before they could finalize their union and start their lives together, and she's been going through the motions ever since. When the people of Bitterburn are unable to send an adequate tribute to the beast who lives in the Keep at the End of the World because of the ever-increasing winters, she gets the idea to offer herself instead. If she's lucky, maybe she can join her sweetheart soon. If not, at least she'll no longer be a burden to her father and his second family.
Pretty quickly, Amarrah realizes that things are not as told in the legends about the keep, and Njål is keeping some interesting secrets that may hold the key to saving everyone from the never-ending winters.
Well-paced and hard to put down, Bitterburn is beautiful with lush scenery, gothic atmosphere, and solid world building, full of mystery, tension, and intrigue—but like Aguirre's other works, it is low on drama for the sake of forcing conflict. Amarrah and Njål are both fleshed out, reasonable, and believable characters. Watching them open up and realize they can have love if they are brave enough to fight for it is worth the slower burn of this story.
That nod to the ballroom scene. S I G H
Absolutely dreamy.
And like all of Aquirre's works I've read to date, consent is absolutely involved in this story, adding to the sexiness.
My only issue with Bitterburn is I felt the big conflict resolved far too quickly and easily. It was still satisfying and the antagonist truly monstrous, but there was a lot of thoughtful and organic build up for not a lot of payout. Anti-climatic. Oh...that was it? isn't the best way to end things. This works for me in her other stories, but I think I wanted just a bit more struggle and uncertainty in this one. But this is a really minor quibble, truly.
Thank you to Ms. Aguirre's Review Team for including me on the ARC team!
November 29, 2021
DNF at 41%. It’s just so boring with a side of “we’re both so horny and lonely”.
October 19, 2020
Bitterburn was pretty good. It’s atmospheric, creepy and sexy. It’s the perfect union of gothic and fairytale. I loved the way the author married the atmosphere and suspense of a gothic story with the Beauty and the Beast trope. I loved how the author infused bits and pieces of the original story into her own. It gave it a unique and fresh take. I thoroughly enjoyed Njal and Amarrah’s story and I’m very much looking forward to the next book in the series. I definitely recommend this book.
Copy provided by author
Copy provided by author
June 5, 2023
the romance part didn't really interest me because i didn't believe in their love. i mean if there's only two person in the world surely they would fall in love at some point? idk maybe they wouldn't but this couple was lonely and keep each other company and that's all.
the only reason i didn't dnf was the mystery about his curse. especially when she dream walked to his past the story become very interesting. but then the curse also got boring after a while so i skimmed rest of the book
the only reason i didn't dnf was the mystery about his curse. especially when she dream walked to his past the story become very interesting. but then the curse also got boring after a while so i skimmed rest of the book
November 14, 2020
I love retellings and this once may be one of my favorite Beauty and the Beast versions to date. It feels fresh and both old and modern at the same time.
December 12, 2020
I cannot get enough of Beauty and the Beast retellings where the Beast remains a beast. Ann Aguirre really made the story her own by making Amarrah a witch and Njål having not played a part in being cursed. Amarrah feels she has nothing left to lose so she volunteers as tribute to appease the Beast, only to find out he’s never needed anything from the village and he’s trapped at the keep, where it is cursed to always be winter. A tentative friendship forms once Njål is able to trust that she really wants to be there and that she’s not going to leave. He’s been isolated for centuries and he’s not able to die due to the curse so hope is hard for him. They’ve both had rough goes of things, which helps cement a bond and it doesn’t take long before Amarrah decides she’s going to figure out a way to berak the curse.
Njål is indeed a beast and he doesn’t want Amarrah to see what he looks like. She always respects his wishes, no matter how much she yearns to see his face and learn more about him. She’s already half in love with him by the time he’s ready to trust her with his appearance. There’s consent on every level and Aguirre had me swooning over the first time he holds Amarrah’s hand. This is by no means a chaste story but a big part of why it’s so steamy is how it builds on these small, tender moments and all the sexual tension between them.
At the same time, there are malevolent forces at work in the keep but also some part of Bitterburn wants to help Amarrah in freeing Njål. She was such a badass and I loved watching her learn more about being a witch and using magic. I did get nervous at certain points because I’m a wimp but there was just the right amount of creepiness for me. The Baron and Baroness are vile though so heed the content warnings—most things are alluded to, rather than spelled out in great detail but those two were wicked and they did a lot of bad things. Poor Njål!
Njål and Amarrah were so good together and there are goats named Agatha and Bart and Njål writes poetry and the library scene was magnificent. I love imagining them going off on their adventures and having a life together outside the keep. Absolutely loved this.
Character notes: Amarrah is a 21 year old witch and brewer’s assistant. Njål is the Beast of Bitterburn and is centuries old. He is described as looking like a frost giant. He has blue-gray skin with a heavy brow ridge and claws, fangs, and vestigial horns, with wild ashen hair. He also has silver eyes and a sigil is etched into his left cheek.
CW: on-page fever/illness, wounds from fighting, heroine’s boyfriend died of a fever when she was 19, grief, heroine’s mother died of tuberculosis when she was young, heroine’s father is an alcoholic and neglectful, hero’s family died in a plague, hero’s foster parents were abusive, , goat has a stillborn kid, hero was forced to bear-bait and do other things against his will (past), reference to Baroness’s infertility, poverty and starvation, past kidnapping, torture, and murder
Njål is indeed a beast and he doesn’t want Amarrah to see what he looks like. She always respects his wishes, no matter how much she yearns to see his face and learn more about him. She’s already half in love with him by the time he’s ready to trust her with his appearance. There’s consent on every level and Aguirre had me swooning over the first time he holds Amarrah’s hand. This is by no means a chaste story but a big part of why it’s so steamy is how it builds on these small, tender moments and all the sexual tension between them.
At the same time, there are malevolent forces at work in the keep but also some part of Bitterburn wants to help Amarrah in freeing Njål. She was such a badass and I loved watching her learn more about being a witch and using magic. I did get nervous at certain points because I’m a wimp but there was just the right amount of creepiness for me. The Baron and Baroness are vile though so heed the content warnings—most things are alluded to, rather than spelled out in great detail but those two were wicked and they did a lot of bad things. Poor Njål!
Njål and Amarrah were so good together and there are goats named Agatha and Bart and Njål writes poetry and the library scene was magnificent. I love imagining them going off on their adventures and having a life together outside the keep. Absolutely loved this.
Character notes: Amarrah is a 21 year old witch and brewer’s assistant. Njål is the Beast of Bitterburn and is centuries old. He is described as looking like a frost giant. He has blue-gray skin with a heavy brow ridge and claws, fangs, and vestigial horns, with wild ashen hair. He also has silver eyes and a sigil is etched into his left cheek.
CW: on-page fever/illness, wounds from fighting, heroine’s boyfriend died of a fever when she was 19, grief, heroine’s mother died of tuberculosis when she was young, heroine’s father is an alcoholic and neglectful, hero’s family died in a plague, hero’s foster parents were abusive, , goat has a stillborn kid, hero was forced to bear-bait and do other things against his will (past), reference to Baroness’s infertility, poverty and starvation, past kidnapping, torture, and murder
November 1, 2021
I received a copy of Bitterburn in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Bitterburn is the first novel in Ann Aguirre's newest series, Gothic Fairytales. As you might have guessed, that means we're about to dive right into another fairytale retelling, but with a few iconic twists.
Amarrah Brewer has lost nearly everything in this world. She lost her mother, and then her lover. Her father, while present, does not provide the love she so desperately needs. Nor does her stepmother, for that matter.
That is why Amarrah agreed to be the town's sacrifice to the Keep at the End of the World. She agreed to travel there, by herself, in place of the harvest the town couldn't afford. There, she met a most extraordinary beast.
“How ironic, I went all the way to the Keep at the End of the World to meet someone other than Owen who cares if I finish my food.”
Okay, so first things first: I am a total and complete sucker for any and all Beauty and the Beast retellings. That being said, I sincerely think that Bitterburn may just be one of my favorites thus far.
There's a very specific reason for that. Amarrah Brewer. She is a strong, confident, and powerful individual. She is no damsel in distress, and there isn't ever a feeling or concern about Stockholm syndrome here. It's wonderfully refreshing.
Amarrah's story is a heartbreaking one. I don't think anyone could read her story and not feel moved. Likewise, there is something so wonderful about seeing her find a place for herself in this world, and kind of coming into her own.
That isn't the only change that Ann Aguirre made to this world. Every little detail has been altered and changed, all to make this tale totally unique. Though I should probably mention that this isn't exactly a story for younger audiences. The graphic nature of the curse, as well as the romantic plot, make sure of that.
Bitterburn takes more of a Norse mythology twist on the typically very French Beauty and the Beast plot. I enjoyed many (if not all) of the changes that came along with that. The setting, the worldview, all of it.
Another refreshing note; this retelling actually gave readers a chance to get to know the Beast (aka Njal). I don't just mean see him here and there, but well and truly know him. His past, his fears, his passions. Everything.
All in all, it made for a highly memorable retelling, and is more than enough to leave me excited to see how the other retellings in this series will turn out.
Check out more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
Bitterburn is the first novel in Ann Aguirre's newest series, Gothic Fairytales. As you might have guessed, that means we're about to dive right into another fairytale retelling, but with a few iconic twists.
Amarrah Brewer has lost nearly everything in this world. She lost her mother, and then her lover. Her father, while present, does not provide the love she so desperately needs. Nor does her stepmother, for that matter.
That is why Amarrah agreed to be the town's sacrifice to the Keep at the End of the World. She agreed to travel there, by herself, in place of the harvest the town couldn't afford. There, she met a most extraordinary beast.
“How ironic, I went all the way to the Keep at the End of the World to meet someone other than Owen who cares if I finish my food.”
Okay, so first things first: I am a total and complete sucker for any and all Beauty and the Beast retellings. That being said, I sincerely think that Bitterburn may just be one of my favorites thus far.
There's a very specific reason for that. Amarrah Brewer. She is a strong, confident, and powerful individual. She is no damsel in distress, and there isn't ever a feeling or concern about Stockholm syndrome here. It's wonderfully refreshing.
Amarrah's story is a heartbreaking one. I don't think anyone could read her story and not feel moved. Likewise, there is something so wonderful about seeing her find a place for herself in this world, and kind of coming into her own.
That isn't the only change that Ann Aguirre made to this world. Every little detail has been altered and changed, all to make this tale totally unique. Though I should probably mention that this isn't exactly a story for younger audiences. The graphic nature of the curse, as well as the romantic plot, make sure of that.
Bitterburn takes more of a Norse mythology twist on the typically very French Beauty and the Beast plot. I enjoyed many (if not all) of the changes that came along with that. The setting, the worldview, all of it.
Another refreshing note; this retelling actually gave readers a chance to get to know the Beast (aka Njal). I don't just mean see him here and there, but well and truly know him. His past, his fears, his passions. Everything.
All in all, it made for a highly memorable retelling, and is more than enough to leave me excited to see how the other retellings in this series will turn out.
Check out more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
November 7, 2020
‘Bitterburn’ is an interesting take that flips the Beauty and the Beast fairytale into something that puts Beauty into a proactive stance, and the Beast in need of saving…not quite out of true love, but through the lady’s own smarts. In that, Ann Aguire inserts a little feminist take on it, though not so much as to make Amarrah Brewer a brash bra-burning sort but a protagonist who certainly takes the lead in every way.
Beauty and Beast here are victims in their own right, snarled by some kind of magic and evil that has spread out to the land, holding them captive. The archetype has Beauty freeing the Beast, but Aguire takes a little bit of a twist getting there as Amarrah charges through her new life at the keep while discovering more and more of her own witchy abilities.
And while I loved the rich world-building and Aguire’s take on curses, I don’t think I finished the book with any proper or deep understanding of Njål’s personal history or the exact circumstances under which he came to Bitterburn or the very interesting (but ultimately under-explored) back tale of the evil spirits that laid siege so long ago. The narrative is grounded only through Amarrah’s POV and her perceptions, and the singular focus on her and what she uncovers are what the reader’s own revelations are limited to, making Njål almost like a side-show in a tale where he’s more seen as the passive but secretive victim than a cursed, bad-tempered beast whose state is of his own making.
Clarity remained frustratingly out of reach for me by the end—many things were couched in seductive, poetic language or dream sequences that keep in line with the style of fantasy storytelling but did nothing much to tease out several dangling loose ends that were simply left unexplained— and I ended up with questions that were eschewed in favour of having Njål and Amarrah slowly making their way into their post-curse new world.
Beauty and Beast here are victims in their own right, snarled by some kind of magic and evil that has spread out to the land, holding them captive. The archetype has Beauty freeing the Beast, but Aguire takes a little bit of a twist getting there as Amarrah charges through her new life at the keep while discovering more and more of her own witchy abilities.
And while I loved the rich world-building and Aguire’s take on curses, I don’t think I finished the book with any proper or deep understanding of Njål’s personal history or the exact circumstances under which he came to Bitterburn or the very interesting (but ultimately under-explored) back tale of the evil spirits that laid siege so long ago. The narrative is grounded only through Amarrah’s POV and her perceptions, and the singular focus on her and what she uncovers are what the reader’s own revelations are limited to, making Njål almost like a side-show in a tale where he’s more seen as the passive but secretive victim than a cursed, bad-tempered beast whose state is of his own making.
Clarity remained frustratingly out of reach for me by the end—many things were couched in seductive, poetic language or dream sequences that keep in line with the style of fantasy storytelling but did nothing much to tease out several dangling loose ends that were simply left unexplained— and I ended up with questions that were eschewed in favour of having Njål and Amarrah slowly making their way into their post-curse new world.
November 18, 2020
So disappointing. Started off so good I was giddy to continue reading. Then it just fell flat. I wanted the hero to be dark and scary. Instead he was a little boy in a monsters body. The girl. Wasn't frightened enough for her situation. She was like snow white coming into the seven dwarfs cottage. I've read some of my favorite books from this author, this just makes me sad.
December 12, 2020
A Beauty and the Beast retelling that is both soft and steamy, both sweet and fierce. I absolutely adored it.
October 28, 2020
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
First up, I'm stating that I'm extremely neutral when it comes to the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale. My interest in this specific novel was solely based on Ann Aguirre. I've enjoyed every book of hers I've picked up (with Strange Love being my fave book of 2020!), so I figured this story would be worth checking out.
The novel has a good foundation: lots of familiar touches for folks who know the fairy tale OR have watched any of the filmed versions. The twist happens in how this author adds a truly fascinating heap of original ideas. Frex, Amarrah (a.k.a Beauty) ends up at Njal (the Beast)'s castle for v. different reasons than one might expect. It's those differences what will definitely keep you flipping the pages.
Both MCs are well-rounded characters with solid motivations. So, when Amarrah decides to wait out an event (instead of taking more immediate action), her actions make sense. Same with, say, Njal's reluctance to reveal himself from the get go. Out of the two, however, I have to point out that I liked Amarrah slightly better. The way her world opened up + her pragmatic view of life made me like her lots
Amarrah and Njal are a lovely couple; you'll enjoy reading the development of their relationship from mutual distrust to a true partnership. BTW, this book has several spicy moments. They were well written too. One thing I noticed was the role that consent played in their intimate scenes. I appreciated that a lot.
TBH, the one reason why I can't give this book a higher rating (even though I really liked it) was that the final confrontation with the antagonists was resolved way too quickly. Especially considering there had been so much build up and the stakes were truly high. I kept waiting to see more or perhaps for our MCs to struggle a little more, but no. It was pretty much done in, like, a page and a half (at most).
TL;DR: An enjoyable first book in series featuring fairy tales. I liked the protags, enjoyed their adventures, and was deffo happy to see them end up together. However, the main conflict was resolved too quickly--which I found unsatisfying. YMMV.
One thing is for sure, however, I'm looking forward to the next book (which seems to have to do with Snow White?)
First up, I'm stating that I'm extremely neutral when it comes to the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale. My interest in this specific novel was solely based on Ann Aguirre. I've enjoyed every book of hers I've picked up (with Strange Love being my fave book of 2020!), so I figured this story would be worth checking out.
The novel has a good foundation: lots of familiar touches for folks who know the fairy tale OR have watched any of the filmed versions. The twist happens in how this author adds a truly fascinating heap of original ideas. Frex, Amarrah (a.k.a Beauty) ends up at Njal (the Beast)'s castle for v. different reasons than one might expect. It's those differences what will definitely keep you flipping the pages.
Both MCs are well-rounded characters with solid motivations. So, when Amarrah decides to wait out an event (instead of taking more immediate action), her actions make sense. Same with, say, Njal's reluctance to reveal himself from the get go. Out of the two, however, I have to point out that I liked Amarrah slightly better. The way her world opened up + her pragmatic view of life made me like her lots
Amarrah and Njal are a lovely couple; you'll enjoy reading the development of their relationship from mutual distrust to a true partnership. BTW, this book has several spicy moments. They were well written too. One thing I noticed was the role that consent played in their intimate scenes. I appreciated that a lot.
TBH, the one reason why I can't give this book a higher rating (even though I really liked it) was that the final confrontation with the antagonists was resolved way too quickly. Especially considering there had been so much build up and the stakes were truly high. I kept waiting to see more or perhaps for our MCs to struggle a little more, but no. It was pretty much done in, like, a page and a half (at most).
TL;DR: An enjoyable first book in series featuring fairy tales. I liked the protags, enjoyed their adventures, and was deffo happy to see them end up together. However, the main conflict was resolved too quickly--which I found unsatisfying. YMMV.
One thing is for sure, however, I'm looking forward to the next book (which seems to have to do with Snow White?)
November 5, 2020
BITTERBURN - a lovely yet spooky retelling! ❤️ I’ve always enjoyed Beauty and the Beast stories. I have a heart for the Underdog, the down-trodden, the unrecognized yet good and honorable Hero. In BITTERBURN, we discover a very unique and imaginative retelling of The Beauty and the Beast story, the first installment of Gothic Fairytales by Ann Aguirre. BITTERBURN is a story that will stay with me for awhile, as I ponder its nuances and heart. I heartedly recommend BITTERBURN to readers of historical romance, shifter and fantasy romance, gothic romance, readers who enjoy Us Against the World and/or 2nd Chances trope, and HEAs.
Alone, Amarrah Brewer/FMC in her 21st yr, volunteers to face the “Beast of the Keep at the End of the World” when the town of Bitterburn, after 3 yrs of increasingly long winters, is finally and utterly unable to pay their annual tribute of fish, vegetables, and grain. Unknown to the citizens of Bitterburn, Njal, the Beast of Bitterburn/MMC is himself a prisoner in the frozen Keep high above the village and not its Master. Even as the villagers hide beyond the reaches of the fortress, what terrible string of events and magic bound the Beast to the cursed Keep and what elusive power eventually frees him?
Ann Aguirre’s reimagined Beauty and the Beast fairytale, BITTERBURN, is woven with a gentle and adroit manner. BITTERBURN is a Gothic version and as such it includes a touch of light Magic and evil Sorcery - and in the end, it is selfless love that finds a way. It heals, and good vanquishes evil.
READER CAUTIONS
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language used rarely (less than 10x).
VIOLENCE - No on-scene violence, but the terrible history of BITTERBURN Keep includes an ancient dungeon of torment.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. There is shared Intimacy between the 2 main characters as they develop a devoted relationship to one-another beginning before mid-point in their story.
Although I received a complimentary copy, all thoughts are my own.
Alone, Amarrah Brewer/FMC in her 21st yr, volunteers to face the “Beast of the Keep at the End of the World” when the town of Bitterburn, after 3 yrs of increasingly long winters, is finally and utterly unable to pay their annual tribute of fish, vegetables, and grain. Unknown to the citizens of Bitterburn, Njal, the Beast of Bitterburn/MMC is himself a prisoner in the frozen Keep high above the village and not its Master. Even as the villagers hide beyond the reaches of the fortress, what terrible string of events and magic bound the Beast to the cursed Keep and what elusive power eventually frees him?
Ann Aguirre’s reimagined Beauty and the Beast fairytale, BITTERBURN, is woven with a gentle and adroit manner. BITTERBURN is a Gothic version and as such it includes a touch of light Magic and evil Sorcery - and in the end, it is selfless love that finds a way. It heals, and good vanquishes evil.
READER CAUTIONS
PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language used rarely (less than 10x).
VIOLENCE - No on-scene violence, but the terrible history of BITTERBURN Keep includes an ancient dungeon of torment.
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - Yes. There is shared Intimacy between the 2 main characters as they develop a devoted relationship to one-another beginning before mid-point in their story.
Although I received a complimentary copy, all thoughts are my own.
June 23, 2023
I loved the name of the book, and the idea of it being a Beauty and the Beast retelling. But that's all I loved. 😔
October 11, 2021
October 2021 - reread for book club and it stands up to a critical eye just as well as to a I-need-these-feels-nao binge.
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A sweet and steamy retelling of Beauty and the Beast that purposefully overturns parts of the narrative that chafe - Amarrah goes to the castle of her own volition, no transformation is required to make the beast worthy of love, and consent is everywhere. Even details like the town offering food to placate the beast are flipped:
The romance is a slow burn, as you would expect, with Amarrah and Njål learning to trust each other despite secrets that must be kept and evil threatening to swallow them both. I devoured their story on a night I couldn't sleep and it was just the warmth and joy I needed.
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Content notes: mentions of parental death, mentions of violence
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A sweet and steamy retelling of Beauty and the Beast that purposefully overturns parts of the narrative that chafe - Amarrah goes to the castle of her own volition, no transformation is required to make the beast worthy of love, and consent is everywhere. Even details like the town offering food to placate the beast are flipped:
"I had no idea why your people were bringing me things, year after year. It's not as if anyone ever inquired how I felt about it or if I wanted any of this nonsense. I would've traded all that grain for a bottle of ale if I'd been asked."
The romance is a slow burn, as you would expect, with Amarrah and Njål learning to trust each other despite secrets that must be kept and evil threatening to swallow them both. I devoured their story on a night I couldn't sleep and it was just the warmth and joy I needed.
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Content notes: mentions of parental death, mentions of violence
January 11, 2021
Overall: 3 stars. An interesting take on “Beauty and the Beast” that was lovely to read, if a bit sketchy on the details.
Initially, this retelling of BatB stays incredibly faithful to the original fairy tale (and Disney adaptation) that we all know, but once our heroine, Amarrah, is in the castle for a while, things get a little interesting and steer more directly into a fantasy romance realm and not just a strict fairy tale retelling. The details of, well, almost everything are quite sketchy however. It was hard for me to picture Amarrah, the beast Njal, the castle, or anything else really. Descriptions were sparse, and everything had this vague, glossed-over feeling that made me internally scream for more information.
What really makes this sing, however, is the dialog. The banter and connection between Amarrah and Njal is simmering, charming, heartwarming: the conversations between the two carry this story for me and make it worth reading.
Initially, this retelling of BatB stays incredibly faithful to the original fairy tale (and Disney adaptation) that we all know, but once our heroine, Amarrah, is in the castle for a while, things get a little interesting and steer more directly into a fantasy romance realm and not just a strict fairy tale retelling. The details of, well, almost everything are quite sketchy however. It was hard for me to picture Amarrah, the beast Njal, the castle, or anything else really. Descriptions were sparse, and everything had this vague, glossed-over feeling that made me internally scream for more information.
What really makes this sing, however, is the dialog. The banter and connection between Amarrah and Njal is simmering, charming, heartwarming: the conversations between the two carry this story for me and make it worth reading.
November 16, 2020
A novella based off Beauty and The Beast yet unique in the telling. The setting reminded me of a Grace Draven novel and it's superbly told.
Really enjoyed it and glad she gave us a little bit of their life together immediately after defeating the curse.
Really enjoyed it and glad she gave us a little bit of their life together immediately after defeating the curse.
March 20, 2022
I thought you couldn’t go wrong with a Beauty And The Beast retelling. I thought wrong.
This the most boring book I've ever read.No, I'm not being over dramatic.
This the most boring book I've ever read.
November 16, 2020
The author Ann Aguirre is a writer with many many different and wonderfully creative hats. The first book of hers I read was Enclave, a young adult dystopian novel, and I was hooked. Then I discovered she also wrote sci-fi, romance, young adult, paranormal, fantasy and now she is tackling fairy tales. I have the most fun reading her work; she writes great characters, doesn't take anyone too seriously, and the romance in her novels is always steamy. I don't read romance novels but I will read an Ann Aguirre romance.
Before you crack open Bitterburn, though, toss any Disney notions you have about Beauty and The Beast right out the window. This isn't Belle, or Mrs. Teapot, or that singing candelabra; this is Ann Aguirre.
For generations, to protect itself from the anger of the beast in the Castle Bitterburn, the town of Bitterburn has paid tribute with its crops. But the last few years have barely produced starvation level harvests and the town is facing a dilemma: how to assuage the beast without perishing from famine. The young girl Amarrah volunteers to be sent to the castle, instead of the valuable crops; her father will have one less mouth to feed and perhaps her sacrifice will save the town for the winter.
What she finds in the castle is not what she expected. The weather is distinctly colder, frozen even, at Castle Bitterburn. The courtyard is overgrown and full of all-too-human statues. What rooms she sees in the castle have lots of broken furniture, but the interior is maintained, even the stable is clean and intact. There is no one to greet her. But the worst discovery: the food her village has been sending each year lies rotting in the pantry, untouched.
She cleans the kitchen, makes a little room off to the side her bedroom, rearranges the pantry, and waits. She knows the beast is watching her; she can feels his eyes on her. It is not long before she hears his disembodied voice from the shadows. Not a threatening or terrifying voice, as she expected. This is a sad voice. A lonely voice. A voice that has been trapped in the castle for centuries. The beast calls himself Njal.
After days of delicately dancing around one another, Amarrah and Njal soon establish a rhythm; he joins her for meals while still hidden in the shadows, she stays out of the East Wing of the castle. Their conversations are intelligent, lighthearted, sweet, and the two lonely souls grow close. While Njal is cagey about how he is trapped in the castle, Amarrah notices that it appears that the castle is reacting to her. She wishes for milk, a goat appears in the stable. There is a fire in the courtyard that is contained but all traces are wiped away by the next day. It's almost as if the castle wants her to stay there. Then she starts having visions...
Probably over eighty percent of the book takes place in the castle between Amarrah and Njal and thankfully Aguirre has written these characters and their relationship as memorable, likable; the reader cares what happens to these two. Amarrah is tough and fearless and independent. The progression of their friendship makes sense and is believable. It's an enchanting love story that does not resemble anything Disney and I tore through it. I cared about those two--and the goats, I really cared about those adorable goats--and I loved the ending. The ending really made it shine. Take a bow, Ann Aguirre.
(A copy of Bitterburn was provided to me by the author and publisher and my review and its opinions stated are well and truly my own. I cannot wait for the next fairy tale!)
Before you crack open Bitterburn, though, toss any Disney notions you have about Beauty and The Beast right out the window. This isn't Belle, or Mrs. Teapot, or that singing candelabra; this is Ann Aguirre.
For generations, to protect itself from the anger of the beast in the Castle Bitterburn, the town of Bitterburn has paid tribute with its crops. But the last few years have barely produced starvation level harvests and the town is facing a dilemma: how to assuage the beast without perishing from famine. The young girl Amarrah volunteers to be sent to the castle, instead of the valuable crops; her father will have one less mouth to feed and perhaps her sacrifice will save the town for the winter.
What she finds in the castle is not what she expected. The weather is distinctly colder, frozen even, at Castle Bitterburn. The courtyard is overgrown and full of all-too-human statues. What rooms she sees in the castle have lots of broken furniture, but the interior is maintained, even the stable is clean and intact. There is no one to greet her. But the worst discovery: the food her village has been sending each year lies rotting in the pantry, untouched.
She cleans the kitchen, makes a little room off to the side her bedroom, rearranges the pantry, and waits. She knows the beast is watching her; she can feels his eyes on her. It is not long before she hears his disembodied voice from the shadows. Not a threatening or terrifying voice, as she expected. This is a sad voice. A lonely voice. A voice that has been trapped in the castle for centuries. The beast calls himself Njal.
After days of delicately dancing around one another, Amarrah and Njal soon establish a rhythm; he joins her for meals while still hidden in the shadows, she stays out of the East Wing of the castle. Their conversations are intelligent, lighthearted, sweet, and the two lonely souls grow close. While Njal is cagey about how he is trapped in the castle, Amarrah notices that it appears that the castle is reacting to her. She wishes for milk, a goat appears in the stable. There is a fire in the courtyard that is contained but all traces are wiped away by the next day. It's almost as if the castle wants her to stay there. Then she starts having visions...
Probably over eighty percent of the book takes place in the castle between Amarrah and Njal and thankfully Aguirre has written these characters and their relationship as memorable, likable; the reader cares what happens to these two. Amarrah is tough and fearless and independent. The progression of their friendship makes sense and is believable. It's an enchanting love story that does not resemble anything Disney and I tore through it. I cared about those two--and the goats, I really cared about those adorable goats--and I loved the ending. The ending really made it shine. Take a bow, Ann Aguirre.
(A copy of Bitterburn was provided to me by the author and publisher and my review and its opinions stated are well and truly my own. I cannot wait for the next fairy tale!)
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