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Shadowvale #4
Moody and the Beast
Shadowvale isn’t your typical small town America. The sun never shines, the gates decide who enters, magic abounds, and every resident bears some kind of curse.
Exiled king of the goblins, Robin Gallow, has no choice but to live in Shadowvale. That was the deal he made with his ex-wife and current queen of the goblins in exchange for the antidote to the poison she gave him. Now, the town has become his prison and his world is closing in on him. It’s enough to drive a man insane.
Theodora “Moody” Middlebright wants nothing to do with Shadowvale or the royal beast she’s about to spend the next year of her life with. But her father owes the man a debt and he’s too unwell to pay it himself. So Theo has come in his stead. Doesn’t mean she’s one bit happy about it. But then Theo hasn’t been happy about anything since her mother died.
Turns out, Theo’s sharp wit and brash attitude are the breath of fresh air Robin didn’t know he needed, and the two somehow hit it off. But when his trust issues and her secrets collide, their budding feelings for each other are threatened with extinction.
Can Robin learn to trust a woman who’s kept her true identity hidden her whole life? Will it even matter if Theo thinks he’s the beast everyone believes him to be? Or will love give them both a brand new start?
Exiled king of the goblins, Robin Gallow, has no choice but to live in Shadowvale. That was the deal he made with his ex-wife and current queen of the goblins in exchange for the antidote to the poison she gave him. Now, the town has become his prison and his world is closing in on him. It’s enough to drive a man insane.
Theodora “Moody” Middlebright wants nothing to do with Shadowvale or the royal beast she’s about to spend the next year of her life with. But her father owes the man a debt and he’s too unwell to pay it himself. So Theo has come in his stead. Doesn’t mean she’s one bit happy about it. But then Theo hasn’t been happy about anything since her mother died.
Turns out, Theo’s sharp wit and brash attitude are the breath of fresh air Robin didn’t know he needed, and the two somehow hit it off. But when his trust issues and her secrets collide, their budding feelings for each other are threatened with extinction.
Can Robin learn to trust a woman who’s kept her true identity hidden her whole life? Will it even matter if Theo thinks he’s the beast everyone believes him to be? Or will love give them both a brand new start?
233 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 28, 2020
284 people are currently reading
348 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Painter
186 books3,368 followersKristen Painter likes to balance her obsessions with shoes and cats by making the lives of her characters miserable and surprising her readers with interesting twists. She currently writes award-winning paranormal romance, paranormal women's fiction, and cozy mysteries. The former college English teacher can often be found on twitter @Kristen_Painter, Facebook at www.facebook.com/KristenPainterAuthor where she loves to interact with readers and her blog: http://kristenpainter.com/blog/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
May 29, 2024
I loved this Beauty and the Beast retelling! Theodora has come to Shadowvale to work as an indentured servant—paying off her father’s debt to the exiled goblin king. Robin was once married to the current queen of the goblins, who betrayed him. When he and Theodora meet, they have instant chemistry. I really enjoyed the fairy tale like feel of this one (this was definitely my favorite of the Shadowvale series so far) and the lovely descriptions. The two main characters had wonderful chemistry and both had great personal stories and journeys they needed to fulfill in order to get to a HEA. Robin has been cursed by his ex. He can barely venture outside the palace walls—or his cage, as he calls it. Theo is trapped by her duty to her father. I liked the way the queen plotline wound up getting resolved in the end. 5/5 stars.
August 29, 2020
Moody and the Beast by Kristen Painter
Shadowvale #4. Paranormal romance.
“Shadowvale isn’t your typical small town America. The sun never shines, the gates decide who enters, magic abounds, and every resident bears some kind of curse.”
Goblin King Robin has been in Shadowvale for many years, trapped within the boundaries of his house and the mine. When Theodora comes to town to settle her father’s debt, she agrees to work in Robin’s house for a year. The two grow close as Robin wakes up to new possibilities.
Secrets, conspiracy and friendships change the lives of the entire household.
Captivating, with a twist or two, and a sweet romance.
The town’s Magic is once again successful.
Shadowvale #4. Paranormal romance.
“Shadowvale isn’t your typical small town America. The sun never shines, the gates decide who enters, magic abounds, and every resident bears some kind of curse.”
Goblin King Robin has been in Shadowvale for many years, trapped within the boundaries of his house and the mine. When Theodora comes to town to settle her father’s debt, she agrees to work in Robin’s house for a year. The two grow close as Robin wakes up to new possibilities.
Secrets, conspiracy and friendships change the lives of the entire household.
Captivating, with a twist or two, and a sweet romance.
The town’s Magic is once again successful.
August 25, 2020
The only sure things in Theodora’s life are hard work and disappointment. Robin was cursed 20 years ago by his traitorous ex-wife and is trapped in Shadowvale with an extremely narrow range of travel. His boredom seems limitless until Theo shows up to fulfill her father’s year of indenture. I came to care for both of them quickly. The author did a great job fleshing out the characters and planting just the right amount of red herrings along the way.
August 30, 2020
This is a entertaining take on Beauty and the Beast. The author has crafted a story that quickly drew me in and kept me turning the pages, I enjoyed following along and getting to know these characters. A great story.
September 8, 2020
2020 bk 296. At last, my print copy of Moody and the Beast arrived. The ebook readers in the fan group was pretty good about not posting spoilers this time! Robin, the exiled king of the Goblins, is a part of Shadowvale, but he isn't. The towns people know that he manages the mines, but that he keeps to himself and doesn't socialize. What they don't know is that a spell has been cast and he cannot leave his property. This leaves him dependent on a small circle of staff, until a young lady comes to Shadowvale to fulfill a debt owed by her father to the Goblin King. To pay off the debt she must work for him for one year. The housekeeper has her doing meaningless tasks until Robin decides to find out who this new person is. Interested, he elevates her to companion - someone to share meals with, take walks with, watch movies with - you get the picture. The closeness of those activities lead to more as she encourages his to reach out and invite people in. That invitation puts all of their lives in jeopardy from his once Queen and wife. Painter has created another romance with just the right amounts of tension.
August 28, 2020
Well, now I’m undecided about my favorite series of Kristen Painter’s. For so long it’s been Jayne Frost but now I’m leaning towards Shadowvale. This one is the best one yet of the series. I sound like a broken record lol. The characters were so genuine. I feel like I know them in every day life. Theo has a temper, hence being called Moody. But she is always willing to get the job done no matter what the cost. I would be moody too if I had to work as hard as she has and also lost my mother. And now she has to go work off her father’s indenture for a year because he is unable to. She is so loyal with her love. The man she owes such debt to is the ex king of the goblins, Robin. He has been cursed and lives in Shadowvale. She finds him very nice to look at. He isn’t what she thought he would be like. He is kind to her and doesn’t treat people like servants. If I were him I would be bitter. But Theo just knows the queen is in the right. Why else would others follow her and be so loyal. Nevertheless, she remains Robin’s friend and doesn’t say much. We learn early on one of the secrets Theo is hiding from everyone. But what about the secrets Robin has? Sooner or later they both find out. You will have to read to find out what happens. I wish I could tell you. It’s great. This is really a nice read. The world came alive for me.
August 28, 2020
Although this is technically the fourth book in the Shadowvale series, this is a rare case where I really think this would work as a great jumping in point, even if you have never read a Kristen Painter book before.
There are a few references to previous characters, but nothing that isn't explained well enough to enjoy this as a standalone.
Onto the story - If you take my love of Beauty and the Beast, and mix it in with my love of Goblin Kings (OK ONE Goblin King .....yes THAT Goblin King - with the awesome ..... Hair), you have Moody and the Beast. I do love a Fairy Tale reimagined in a totally new way, and Moody and The Beast does just that and throws in a fun little mystery along the way too so it really has that fresh vibe that some retellings lack.
As with the other Shadowvale installments, this story is totally wrapped up by the end so you can happily read away knowing that you get to close the last page with a satisfied, if somewhat sad that you reached the end already, sigh.
A solid 5 stars from me and definitely Melanie's Muses approved!
There are a few references to previous characters, but nothing that isn't explained well enough to enjoy this as a standalone.
Onto the story - If you take my love of Beauty and the Beast, and mix it in with my love of Goblin Kings (OK ONE Goblin King .....yes THAT Goblin King - with the awesome ..... Hair), you have Moody and the Beast. I do love a Fairy Tale reimagined in a totally new way, and Moody and The Beast does just that and throws in a fun little mystery along the way too so it really has that fresh vibe that some retellings lack.
As with the other Shadowvale installments, this story is totally wrapped up by the end so you can happily read away knowing that you get to close the last page with a satisfied, if somewhat sad that you reached the end already, sigh.
A solid 5 stars from me and definitely Melanie's Muses approved!
January 29, 2024
Fourth in the Shadowvale cozy paranormal romance series revolving around Shadowvale, which isn’t your typical small town America. The sun never shines, the gates decide who enters, magic abounds, and every resident bears some kind of curse. The couple focus is on Robin Gallow and Theodora “Moody” Middlebright.
My Take
It's a dark tale Painter paints. A traitorous king in exile. A father who owes a debt that can only be repaid via a year's indenture to the ex-goblin king. A horror of a man who would have betrayed his people.
It doesn't take long before Theodora is attracted to the "beast" and begins to wonder about him. He's simply too nice for words. Robin is already attracted to Theodora, for she doubts and mistrusts him — and doesn't hesitate to say so. It helps, too, that he'd liked her mother. Well, hey, it has been a boring "life" so far.
I do like Shadowvale. It's a cozy and safe place for everyone. And decorative, lol. Amelia designed an art deco entrance to the mine.
Painter is using third person global subjective point-of-view, as we hear the thoughts, feel the emotions, and experience the events of a number of characters. Of course the primary perspectives are from Theodora and Robin. It's through them that we discover their character arcs, what they need to learn about their grumpy selves.
Sure, it's predictable, but it's so warm and lighthearted, I simply didn't care.
It's all about those actions being so much louder than words. A reality borne out by that ending . . . sigh . . .
The Story
It's a resentful Theodora who shows up in Shadowvale to serve her father's indenture. To work for the deposed king who almost sold his own citizens into slavery.
Yet, this ex-king's behavior has her questioning all she has been taught.
The Characters
The half-goblin, half-fairy Theodora “Moody” Middlebright lives a life "enslaved" to her weak goblin father, Welten Middlebright, who's addicted to gambling. Her fairy mother, Caralynne Middlebright, is deceased — she had been a pastry cook in the royal kitchens — and would never have tolerated the wagering.
Gallow House had been . . .
. . . meant to be a summerhouse, but it became Dark Acres with his exile. The sleepless Robin Gallow, the deposed King of Limbo, has been exiled to Shadowvale where he works as a foreman for the Dragonfly, a jewel mine. Elswood Hardencourt is his valet-turned-butler. Mrs Hyacinth Baton is the housekeeper. Lolly is the scullery maid. Mrs Applestock is the cook. Henry is the chauffeur. Fenwick is the gardener. Pepper is the black cat who gets adopted. Robin's mother, Pryn née Rosebloom, had been a weaver, his father, Benmore, a miner.
Shadowvale is . . .
. . . a safe place for supernaturals to live, where everyone knows you have magic. It was created by Amelia Marchand, a witch, to protect her lover. Emeranth Greer is her niece who moved in, in The Trouble With Witches , 1, and is now a barista. Deacon Evermore, the town sheriff and a raven shifter whose curse is taking on other people's curses, is Emeranth's fiancé. Gracie Evermore is his sister. Nasha Black owns Black Horse Bakery; her father is one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
The generous Stella owns Stella's Bargain Bin. Last Rest is a cemetery. Billy, a holler troll, had been dating Lolly. Grent Hawthorne, the second-shift manager, and Spriggs are more mineworkers and trolls.
Limbo is . . .
. . . a goblin kingdom — Livion is a sister fairy kingdom. Limbo's ruler, Queen Vesta, is capricious and cruel. Fangmore is the palace. The Royal Guard is referred to as the Overwatch. Heartseeker is the royal sword.
Mrs Oakhill is the Middlebrights' neighbor. The Royal Stonecutters Academy is where Theodora learned something of her gift. Pinter Crossgrove, an apprentice fishmonger, is the only man Theodora had ever dated. Picket's Bread Box is a bakery that used to employ Theodora. Crilla is an invigorating herb. Crane's Rest is a cemetery. Marken is providing protection (to Pryn); Limna is his wife. Jeb is a guard at the bridge.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a dark background that is electrified by the deep purples, greenish-turquoise, and the neon effect of the highlighting around the title. At the center is Pepper the cat in front of an elaborate, neon lime-green gate with the series information woven into the bars. At the very top, in a bright green, is an info blurb. Immediately beneath it is the author's name in white with a black shadow. Starting below Pepper's chest is the title in black with a double outline of bright blue and green.
The title, Moody and the Beast, refers to Theodora's nickname and the popular view of Robin.
My Take
It's a dark tale Painter paints. A traitorous king in exile. A father who owes a debt that can only be repaid via a year's indenture to the ex-goblin king. A horror of a man who would have betrayed his people.
It doesn't take long before Theodora is attracted to the "beast" and begins to wonder about him. He's simply too nice for words. Robin is already attracted to Theodora, for she doubts and mistrusts him — and doesn't hesitate to say so. It helps, too, that he'd liked her mother. Well, hey, it has been a boring "life" so far.
I do like Shadowvale. It's a cozy and safe place for everyone. And decorative, lol. Amelia designed an art deco entrance to the mine.
Painter is using third person global subjective point-of-view, as we hear the thoughts, feel the emotions, and experience the events of a number of characters. Of course the primary perspectives are from Theodora and Robin. It's through them that we discover their character arcs, what they need to learn about their grumpy selves.
Sure, it's predictable, but it's so warm and lighthearted, I simply didn't care.
It's all about those actions being so much louder than words. A reality borne out by that ending . . . sigh . . .
The Story
It's a resentful Theodora who shows up in Shadowvale to serve her father's indenture. To work for the deposed king who almost sold his own citizens into slavery.
Yet, this ex-king's behavior has her questioning all she has been taught.
The Characters
The half-goblin, half-fairy Theodora “Moody” Middlebright lives a life "enslaved" to her weak goblin father, Welten Middlebright, who's addicted to gambling. Her fairy mother, Caralynne Middlebright, is deceased — she had been a pastry cook in the royal kitchens — and would never have tolerated the wagering.
Gallow House had been . . .
. . . meant to be a summerhouse, but it became Dark Acres with his exile. The sleepless Robin Gallow, the deposed King of Limbo, has been exiled to Shadowvale where he works as a foreman for the Dragonfly, a jewel mine. Elswood Hardencourt is his valet-turned-butler. Mrs Hyacinth Baton is the housekeeper. Lolly is the scullery maid. Mrs Applestock is the cook. Henry is the chauffeur. Fenwick is the gardener. Pepper is the black cat who gets adopted. Robin's mother, Pryn née Rosebloom, had been a weaver, his father, Benmore, a miner.
Shadowvale is . . .
. . . a safe place for supernaturals to live, where everyone knows you have magic. It was created by Amelia Marchand, a witch, to protect her lover. Emeranth Greer is her niece who moved in, in The Trouble With Witches , 1, and is now a barista. Deacon Evermore, the town sheriff and a raven shifter whose curse is taking on other people's curses, is Emeranth's fiancé. Gracie Evermore is his sister. Nasha Black owns Black Horse Bakery; her father is one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
The generous Stella owns Stella's Bargain Bin. Last Rest is a cemetery. Billy, a holler troll, had been dating Lolly. Grent Hawthorne, the second-shift manager, and Spriggs are more mineworkers and trolls.
Limbo is . . .
. . . a goblin kingdom — Livion is a sister fairy kingdom. Limbo's ruler, Queen Vesta, is capricious and cruel. Fangmore is the palace. The Royal Guard is referred to as the Overwatch. Heartseeker is the royal sword.
Mrs Oakhill is the Middlebrights' neighbor. The Royal Stonecutters Academy is where Theodora learned something of her gift. Pinter Crossgrove, an apprentice fishmonger, is the only man Theodora had ever dated. Picket's Bread Box is a bakery that used to employ Theodora. Crilla is an invigorating herb. Crane's Rest is a cemetery. Marken is providing protection (to Pryn); Limna is his wife. Jeb is a guard at the bridge.
The Cover and Title
The cover has a dark background that is electrified by the deep purples, greenish-turquoise, and the neon effect of the highlighting around the title. At the center is Pepper the cat in front of an elaborate, neon lime-green gate with the series information woven into the bars. At the very top, in a bright green, is an info blurb. Immediately beneath it is the author's name in white with a black shadow. Starting below Pepper's chest is the title in black with a double outline of bright blue and green.
The title, Moody and the Beast, refers to Theodora's nickname and the popular view of Robin.
March 27, 2023
This is one of my favourite paranormal series!
I really enjoy both the world-building and the characters in this series very, very much. The world of Shadowvale is so creative and unique and each new book has both a standalone plot with its own characters, and also links up with the world of Shadowvale more broadly with subtle connections and "guest shots" from characters in earlier books.
I loved Theo and Robin, as well as the supporting characters in this installment. There was just the right balance of excitement and suspense with character development.
Kristen Painter is a wonderful author and has a great knack for creating characters, worlds, and inter-connected stories that are really fun and engaging for a reader!
I have also read and really enjoyed Painter's Jayne Frost series. If light paranormal fiction is your thing I highly recommend this author. I find all her books to be great, entertaining reads!
I really enjoy both the world-building and the characters in this series very, very much. The world of Shadowvale is so creative and unique and each new book has both a standalone plot with its own characters, and also links up with the world of Shadowvale more broadly with subtle connections and "guest shots" from characters in earlier books.
I loved Theo and Robin, as well as the supporting characters in this installment. There was just the right balance of excitement and suspense with character development.
Kristen Painter is a wonderful author and has a great knack for creating characters, worlds, and inter-connected stories that are really fun and engaging for a reader!
I have also read and really enjoyed Painter's Jayne Frost series. If light paranormal fiction is your thing I highly recommend this author. I find all her books to be great, entertaining reads!
November 18, 2024
Book 4 of the Shadowvale series is just as good as the first 3! I enjoy Painter's ideas for happily ever after and her plots just intrigue me. Well done!
July 23, 2021
Moody and the Beast is the fourth instalment of the Shadowvale series by Kristen Painter and the best story yet! After a fairly rock start with 'The Trouble With Witches' (Book 1) and 'The Vampire's Cursed Kiss' (Book 2) I really enjoyed 'The Forgettable Miss French' (Book 3) and believe that 'Moody and the Beast' is an improvement again. I have typically enjoyed Ms Painter's books in the past, in particular the Nocturne Falls series, and feel that the Shadowvale stories are gaining parity. These are books that you can pick up and enjoy, knowing that the characters are going to get their 'happily ever after' and nothing truly bad will happen. I find myself reading Ms Painters (and similar authors) books when I need a break from something more demanding.
The Shadowvale series takes place in a town of the same name. It was created by Amelia Marchand, an extremely powerful witch who wanted to create a safe space for her beloved Pasqual, a Vampire. However, he rejected both her and her gift and cursed her to a life stuck in Shadowvale. Whilst this might be depressing for Amelia it was a godsend for both humans and supernatural's alike as the town became a sanctuary to protect them from the outside 'normal' world, and visa-versa. For you see, most of these residents are cursed. Some curses are harmless, but some are truly dreadful.
Our main protagonists for this book are Robin Gallows and Theodora 'Moody' Middlebright, both are goblins which is a species that we haven't really touched upon in the other books. Robin is the exiled King of the Goblins. His ex-wife, Queen Vesta who is also a fairy not a goblin, first poisoned him and then cursed him in order to depose him from the throne. His days are spent restricted to the small area around his home, with only his household staff to really keep him company. In comes Theodora, who even though the title makes you believe her nickname is Moody, is barely called that throughout the book. Instead, she is Theo, arrived at Shadowvale from the goblin kingdom of Limbo to repay a 20 year old indenture debt that her father owed to Robin.
Theo had had to work hard almost her entire life, her mother died when she was young and her father is a degenerate gambler, hence the debt, so Theo is the one working 2-3 jobs to keep them afloat. Don't know about you but if I worked that hard to have the person, I am supporting keep gambling away all the money I would probably be moody too! She comes to Shadowvale knowing she would need to work for 1 year as an indentured servant to the ex-King, Robin, who everyone 'knows' is a horrible person since he tried to enslave them all to the Orcs. Or at least that's what everyone believes thanks to Queen Vesta's lies and re-writing of history.
Robin starts the story as almost a passive bystander to what's happened. He is stuck. Even though he asked Amelia to help she cannot break the Queen's curse since the Queen is a fairy and it is different magic. He is barely going through the motions until he meets Theo who starts the spark to bring him back to living his life. Their friendship starts almost despite themselves. Theo has been bought up on the propaganda of Queen Vesta and Robin has closed himself off and is sceptical of Theo's intentions. Yet they find common ground and realise that even though they both have secrets, they need to take risks and fight for their relationship as what they have is special.
The story is supposed to parallel 'Beauty and the Beast, hence the title, but apart from Theo taking over the debt as her father is too ill and Robin being a bit beastly, I didn't get a strong comparison between the two stories. Instead, Moody and the Beast delivers a wonderful tale of friendship, compassion, love and the willingness to help others. This is the first book in the series that really made me fall in love with Shadowvale and its characters and funnily enough they were only minor parts of the book due to Robin's curse.
Last note, I have said this in my other reviews, but I have both read and listened to the audio version of this story. I really wish Ms Painter had chosen a different narrator for the Shadowvale series. B.J. Harrison, the narrator, does a great job but he is the narrator for Ms Painter's Nocturne Falls series and I find it a little confusing at times when you get the same voices.
Solid 4 Stars!
The Shadowvale series takes place in a town of the same name. It was created by Amelia Marchand, an extremely powerful witch who wanted to create a safe space for her beloved Pasqual, a Vampire. However, he rejected both her and her gift and cursed her to a life stuck in Shadowvale. Whilst this might be depressing for Amelia it was a godsend for both humans and supernatural's alike as the town became a sanctuary to protect them from the outside 'normal' world, and visa-versa. For you see, most of these residents are cursed. Some curses are harmless, but some are truly dreadful.
Our main protagonists for this book are Robin Gallows and Theodora 'Moody' Middlebright, both are goblins which is a species that we haven't really touched upon in the other books. Robin is the exiled King of the Goblins. His ex-wife, Queen Vesta who is also a fairy not a goblin, first poisoned him and then cursed him in order to depose him from the throne. His days are spent restricted to the small area around his home, with only his household staff to really keep him company. In comes Theodora, who even though the title makes you believe her nickname is Moody, is barely called that throughout the book. Instead, she is Theo, arrived at Shadowvale from the goblin kingdom of Limbo to repay a 20 year old indenture debt that her father owed to Robin.
Theo had had to work hard almost her entire life, her mother died when she was young and her father is a degenerate gambler, hence the debt, so Theo is the one working 2-3 jobs to keep them afloat. Don't know about you but if I worked that hard to have the person, I am supporting keep gambling away all the money I would probably be moody too! She comes to Shadowvale knowing she would need to work for 1 year as an indentured servant to the ex-King, Robin, who everyone 'knows' is a horrible person since he tried to enslave them all to the Orcs. Or at least that's what everyone believes thanks to Queen Vesta's lies and re-writing of history.
Robin starts the story as almost a passive bystander to what's happened. He is stuck. Even though he asked Amelia to help she cannot break the Queen's curse since the Queen is a fairy and it is different magic. He is barely going through the motions until he meets Theo who starts the spark to bring him back to living his life. Their friendship starts almost despite themselves. Theo has been bought up on the propaganda of Queen Vesta and Robin has closed himself off and is sceptical of Theo's intentions. Yet they find common ground and realise that even though they both have secrets, they need to take risks and fight for their relationship as what they have is special.
The story is supposed to parallel 'Beauty and the Beast, hence the title, but apart from Theo taking over the debt as her father is too ill and Robin being a bit beastly, I didn't get a strong comparison between the two stories. Instead, Moody and the Beast delivers a wonderful tale of friendship, compassion, love and the willingness to help others. This is the first book in the series that really made me fall in love with Shadowvale and its characters and funnily enough they were only minor parts of the book due to Robin's curse.
Last note, I have said this in my other reviews, but I have both read and listened to the audio version of this story. I really wish Ms Painter had chosen a different narrator for the Shadowvale series. B.J. Harrison, the narrator, does a great job but he is the narrator for Ms Painter's Nocturne Falls series and I find it a little confusing at times when you get the same voices.
Solid 4 Stars!
December 29, 2024
Moody and the Beast: Shadowvale 4
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kristen Painter's Moody and the Beast is a delightful addition to the Shadowvale series, offering readers another enchanting glimpse into her captivating world of magic, mystery, and romance. I enjoyed this instalment and appreciated how a passing reference from a previous book seamlessly evolved into the foundation of this new story.
The tale follows Robin Gallow, the exiled king of the goblins, and Theodora "Moody" Middlebright, who is working off her father’s servitude debt. Painter—excuse the pun—paints a vivid, immersive world populated by warm, intriguing characters. One of the highlights is the supporting cast skillfully woven throughout the series. Their recurring appearances add layers of connection, making readers feel invested in their arcs and prompting anticipation for their following roles.
Theo stands out as a particularly compelling protagonist. Her sharp wit, brash attitude, and deep sense of responsibility towards her gambling-addicted father make her relatable and admirable. Her dynamic personality balances Robin’s churlish and occasionally self-centred nature, creating an interesting rather than formulaic romance. Unlike some characters in the series, Theo isn’t wholly self-sacrificing for Robin, which adds depth to their relationship and keeps the narrative engaging.
As a paranormal romance, the book delivers a satisfying mix of escapism, pace, and warmth. It’s easy to get swept up with Theo while the broader world-building continues to impress. That said, I did find myself curious about Pepper’s storyline (no spoilers here) and wished there had been more closure regarding the fate of Robin and Theo’s parents.
Romance isn’t my usual genre, yet I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this paranormal series. Moody and the Beast is a strong entry that keeps the series fresh and engaging. It’s great for anyone who loves quirky characters, enchanting settings, and heartfelt romance. I’m eagerly moving on to book five to see what Painter has in store next!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kristen Painter's Moody and the Beast is a delightful addition to the Shadowvale series, offering readers another enchanting glimpse into her captivating world of magic, mystery, and romance. I enjoyed this instalment and appreciated how a passing reference from a previous book seamlessly evolved into the foundation of this new story.
The tale follows Robin Gallow, the exiled king of the goblins, and Theodora "Moody" Middlebright, who is working off her father’s servitude debt. Painter—excuse the pun—paints a vivid, immersive world populated by warm, intriguing characters. One of the highlights is the supporting cast skillfully woven throughout the series. Their recurring appearances add layers of connection, making readers feel invested in their arcs and prompting anticipation for their following roles.
Theo stands out as a particularly compelling protagonist. Her sharp wit, brash attitude, and deep sense of responsibility towards her gambling-addicted father make her relatable and admirable. Her dynamic personality balances Robin’s churlish and occasionally self-centred nature, creating an interesting rather than formulaic romance. Unlike some characters in the series, Theo isn’t wholly self-sacrificing for Robin, which adds depth to their relationship and keeps the narrative engaging.
As a paranormal romance, the book delivers a satisfying mix of escapism, pace, and warmth. It’s easy to get swept up with Theo while the broader world-building continues to impress. That said, I did find myself curious about Pepper’s storyline (no spoilers here) and wished there had been more closure regarding the fate of Robin and Theo’s parents.
Romance isn’t my usual genre, yet I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this paranormal series. Moody and the Beast is a strong entry that keeps the series fresh and engaging. It’s great for anyone who loves quirky characters, enchanting settings, and heartfelt romance. I’m eagerly moving on to book five to see what Painter has in store next!
September 2, 2020
This story is set in Shadowvale, a magical place where witches and goblins and other magical people can live openly. This story is set around Robin Gallow, the goblin king, and Theodora “Moody” Middlebright. Although this is the fourth book in the Shadowvale series it is a complete story. At the end all the issues have been resolved.
Robin has been maligned by his ex-wife, the queen, and made out to be a beast to all his former subjects. He has also been exiled to Shadowvale. Theo winds up there because her father owes a debt and since he is ill she is going to pay his debt: a year of indentured servitude. Her life has been hard and she is grouchy, hence her “Moody” nickname. Theo becomes less grouchy as she spends more time with Robin.
This is a fun play on the Beauty and the Beast story. There is mystery afoot, and treachery on the part of the queen. As Theo and Robin fall in love, the Queen’s evil magic loses its power. This is a modern fairy tale that is a lot of fun.
I highly recommend this book. I enjoyed it a lot and I think you will also.
Robin has been maligned by his ex-wife, the queen, and made out to be a beast to all his former subjects. He has also been exiled to Shadowvale. Theo winds up there because her father owes a debt and since he is ill she is going to pay his debt: a year of indentured servitude. Her life has been hard and she is grouchy, hence her “Moody” nickname. Theo becomes less grouchy as she spends more time with Robin.
This is a fun play on the Beauty and the Beast story. There is mystery afoot, and treachery on the part of the queen. As Theo and Robin fall in love, the Queen’s evil magic loses its power. This is a modern fairy tale that is a lot of fun.
I highly recommend this book. I enjoyed it a lot and I think you will also.
August 31, 2020
This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This is the fourth book in the Shadowvale series written by Kristen Painter. The story flowed very well and was very enjoyable. The story is centers on a small town that is filled with supernatural people. The gates to the town decides who enters. Robin Gallow is an exiled king of the goblins who has been cursed by his ex wife. He cannot venture to far away from his house. Theodora (Theo) Middlebright comes to town to work off her dads debt to Robin that was made when he was king. Robin loves Theo’s sharp wit and brash attitude and wants to spend all his time with her. They are soon working together to break his curse. This book is great and kept me up reading way past my bed time. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
August 28, 2020
I absolutely love Kristen Painter's books! She makes me want to visit her towns and meet the people who live there! I know I said this in the last review and the one before that and so on..... but I believe THIS book is my favorite in this series, which just goes to show that each book just keeps getting better and better! This is a story of Theo a goblin with a major secret that is dangerous and Robin the exiled Goblin king. Theo moves to Shadowvale in order to work as a indentured servant in place of her ill father, she is less than thrilled to be serving the traitorous goblin king. Although all may not be what she was told and maybe he isn't so bad. It was great to see old friends from previous stories I can't wait to visit Shadowvale again!
August 24, 2020
The Shadowvale series is fast becoming my favorite Kristen Painter series (and that's saying something... I love everything she writes). Moody and The Beast is a riff of the classic fairy tale, but so much more fun. Theodora (Moody) Middlebright is known for her attitude, temper, and wit, but she's willing to spend a year in service to exiled goblin king, Robin Gallow (our resident beast), to fulfill a debt that her father owes. Theo and Robin bring out the best in each other, but can they see past the secrets that they both hold close to their chests and let the spark grow into something brighter? This book is a must read if you enjoy lighthearted paranormal romance.
September 1, 2020
A romantic fairy tale with actual fairies, half-fae, goblins, and other beings. A curse gets lifted, a cat gets adopted, everyone lives happily after, and all the wrongs are righted. There's a bit of deception, overreaction, reconciliation, danger, and reunion along the way. Not so much chocolate, but there are plenty of biscuits with berries.
I read the first book in the series but not the second and third yet. It didn't cause me to miss anything.
Typos: "Who's room" should obviously be "whose," "Henry's mouth ticked up" should be "ticced" unless he's an insect, and "I feel asleep" is of course "fell."
I read the first book in the series but not the second and third yet. It didn't cause me to miss anything.
Typos: "Who's room" should obviously be "whose," "Henry's mouth ticked up" should be "ticced" unless he's an insect, and "I feel asleep" is of course "fell."
May 6, 2021
Always like a mini vacation to a fantasy land
Such a great fun light hearted story that’s always enjoyable and a perfect addition to this awesome series. I really love these cursed characters being freed of their curses but this book especially gave us a little slice of a whole other world and spoiler alert - I know really want a starstone!! Someone needs to open an Amelia Etsy account and make some of that gorgeous jewelry. Maybe Willa can help design it lol I’d also love some of that night berry jam / tarts and I’m suddenly craving iced oatmeal cookies and a hot toddy lol oh and can someone please open that bargain bin near me?!?
Such a great fun light hearted story that’s always enjoyable and a perfect addition to this awesome series. I really love these cursed characters being freed of their curses but this book especially gave us a little slice of a whole other world and spoiler alert - I know really want a starstone!! Someone needs to open an Amelia Etsy account and make some of that gorgeous jewelry. Maybe Willa can help design it lol I’d also love some of that night berry jam / tarts and I’m suddenly craving iced oatmeal cookies and a hot toddy lol oh and can someone please open that bargain bin near me?!?
August 14, 2021
I really enjoyed this book, but parts of it fell flat for me. The whole "Moody" thing didn't really make sense. The author TELLS the reader that Theo is moody, but she isn't. She never shows any grumpiness, shortness or moodiness at all. She just thinks about how she IS those things. Felt like the author liked the Beauty and the Beast comparison and tried to jam it in till it fit. The end was sort of...anticlimactic too. I was reading and waiting for the big bang of a showdown only to find it ended on a sad little fizzle instead. Honestly, it felt like the author had planned for one ending and had to quickly finish it in another way.
September 28, 2021
To me, the beauty of Beauty and the Beast retellings is the slow burn of it all, two characters seeking to overcome their initial misconceptions about one another. So the immediate insta-attraction of Theodora and Robin was really offputting to me, and it doesn't get any better from there. The character's relationship develops at a breakneck pace, and they really never had any chemistry imho. It's also all very cliche: evil ex-wife who is lowkey fat-shamed at one point, a makeover scene, and a first kiss with 'full body tingles' that's unlike anything the female lead has ever experienced before. 2.5 stars, rounded up because I liked Pepper the cat. DNF at 6 hours.
March 23, 2022
So excited to have found another Kristen Painter series that I could continue on with more of her books. This series is about Shadowvale a town you will never be able to find unless you have been invited there. It is a town where the sun never shines to protect the vampires and and there is magic everywhere. The town is filled with all sorts of people and shifters, werewolves, witches and whatever else you can think of. These people move here because they are protected. The series is about all the different people who live in Shodowvale. Each book about a different person and their life and romance in the town.
August 31, 2020
Robin was a king, fooled by his queen
He was thrown into a house that was supposed to be a get away house. It's his prison now. Divorced and not able to go many places, he was sad and angry. A letter that was found in her father's hands, Theodora knew she need to fulfill the letters demands. She didn't know what to expect, but having her father go whole being ill want going to happen. What she got instead was falling in love and just revenge in the end. Happiness can happen, if your not too moody and let love in. enter.
He was thrown into a house that was supposed to be a get away house. It's his prison now. Divorced and not able to go many places, he was sad and angry. A letter that was found in her father's hands, Theodora knew she need to fulfill the letters demands. She didn't know what to expect, but having her father go whole being ill want going to happen. What she got instead was falling in love and just revenge in the end. Happiness can happen, if your not too moody and let love in. enter.
September 25, 2020
So these are always incredible and I love the characters right off the bat, but this one felt so short. I need so much more. It is very interesting seeing characters flushed out that were mentioned in passing in book one and I'm glad to see them get a happily ever after.
The only thing I'm surprised on is the fact they didn't destroy the house and make something new in its place. I think that's the only other thing I would have enjoyed to see. Other than that, great story, plenty of feelings and a wonderful addition to the Shadowvale series.
The only thing I'm surprised on is the fact they didn't destroy the house and make something new in its place. I think that's the only other thing I would have enjoyed to see. Other than that, great story, plenty of feelings and a wonderful addition to the Shadowvale series.
November 10, 2020
I enjoyed Moody and the Beast quite a bit and was happy for the opportunity to revisit Shadowvale. Getting to know the Goblin King better, and learn about the realm he used to rule expanded the town and universe of the story well. I felt a little bit let down that the story didn't take longer to build a slow burn with the attraction between the leads, but I read the whole book in one sitting so it captured my attention. Overall I give the story 4 stars. Great characters, good story, enjoyable read.
December 28, 2022
I like the spin that this book puts on beauty and the beast, with a goblin king, who was exiled by a queen, who wronged him. We see Robin Gallo, living in isolation in Shadowvale, and who is in charge of the mines which takes care of the towns funds. Then a daughter Theo is sent to him, thinking that she’s going to be a slave to pay off her father’s debt. I like how this justifies and writes the wrongs done to Robin while leaving a place for Theo to be happier. I’d be curious to see how they begin hosting parties now that his curse is lifted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2024
Well!!! This story is one of the best and I love the books in this series. This one is Book 4. The story is so interesting and the dialogue between the characters is on point!!!. So many interesting characters in this story all of whom you want to know better.
The way it is written is so descriptive, you just want to be in this town!!! at least I do! :)
The narrator BJ Harrison brings the character of the Beast to life, with that southern twang, love it!!!!
Look forward to the next book!!!
The way it is written is so descriptive, you just want to be in this town!!! at least I do! :)
The narrator BJ Harrison brings the character of the Beast to life, with that southern twang, love it!!!!
Look forward to the next book!!!
August 18, 2020
I can’t get enough of this lighthearted series. I fell in love with Robin and Theo from the start. Theo maybe a little moody but that doesn’t deter Robin from falling in love with her.
I enjoyed reading about his mansion and all the people that live there. I do hope we get to see more of the staff. Especially a little back story for Elswood and Mrs. Baton. Would love to know why they are so uptight? Perhaps a little spin off??
This is another great addition to Shadowvale series.
I enjoyed reading about his mansion and all the people that live there. I do hope we get to see more of the staff. Especially a little back story for Elswood and Mrs. Baton. Would love to know why they are so uptight? Perhaps a little spin off??
This is another great addition to Shadowvale series.
August 28, 2020
Love the Shadowvale series, and the title is the perfect play on the characters! Theo has used her "moodiness" as a protective armor, so she has earned the nickname of Moody. Robin is the exiled goblin king, and he was said to have planned to enslave his people to the orcs. This was such an awful thought to the people that they conceived him as a Beast. Yet this two are the cutest couple ever. Wonderful series!
August 28, 2020
An exiled king and a daughter living out her father’s indentured servitude. Shadowvale is like nowhere you’ve been before, Theo travels there to work under the truly evil exiled king so that her father doesn’t have to after he lost a bet 20 years ago. Except maybe the king isn’t quite as evil as she’s been taught. I loved Theo and Robin, with their combined loneliness and lots in life they certainly deserved this.
September 1, 2020
A Great Fairy Tale
I love Fairy Tales, especially Beauty and the Beast! This was an awesome version of that story. I loved the characters, I loved the story line, I just loved this book. The Shadowvale Series is a really good series that I have really enjoyed, however this is my favorite one so far. I highly recommend it for anyone, even young teens. Thank you Kristen Painter for another wonderful book!
I love Fairy Tales, especially Beauty and the Beast! This was an awesome version of that story. I loved the characters, I loved the story line, I just loved this book. The Shadowvale Series is a really good series that I have really enjoyed, however this is my favorite one so far. I highly recommend it for anyone, even young teens. Thank you Kristen Painter for another wonderful book!
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