From the Bookshelf of Once Upon a Time...…

Of Beast and Beauty

Stacey Jay

Start date: January 1, 2015

Finish date: January 31, 2015

Discussion: Old Archives

Why we're reading this: January 2015 Group Read
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Dearest - September 2015
By Rachmi · 16 posts · 15 views

last updated Jan 17, 2016 03:29PM

Hero - September 2015
By Rachmi · 35 posts · 21 views

last updated Oct 01, 2015 12:14PM

What Members Thought

Jan 19, 2013 Momo (the Mome Rath) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: retelling, reviewed, fantasy, pub-2013, magic, science-fiction, space-tales

It's been so long since I've been this ... I don't know, surprised? Satisfied? Emotional?

Maybe one of those is the right word. I am having a real difficulty with putting words to how much I liked OF BEAST AND BEAUTY. I don't remember the last book I read that had non-insta-love, developed and mature feelings with well written characters and flowing prose. At least not on this level. I'm impressed and starting to doubt every rating/review I've done in the last three or so months. OF BEAST AND BEA It's been so long since I've been this ... I don't know, surprised? Satisfied? Emotional?

Maybe one of those is the right word. I am having a real difficulty with putting words to how much I liked OF BEAST AND BEAUTY. I don't remember the last book I read that had non-insta-love, developed and mature feelings with well written characters and flowing prose. At least not on this level. I'm impressed and starting to doubt every rating/review I've done in the last three or so months. OF BEAST AND BEAUTY pulls you into this odd mash up world of science fiction and fantasy that left me rather stunned. The story was beautiful and I loved the characters -- even the ones I loved to hate. This book is a retelling of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST like no other, made into a brilliant novel by its everything -- the story, the characters, and (of course) the feels.

OF BEAST AND BEAUTY is set on a planet not so different from our own, but with a much harsher environment. Oh, and magic exists and has a mind of its own. Because of this harsh environment though, the people began to adapt, but in ways that were horrifying for them. Thus, the remaining “smooth skins” sealed themselves off inside domes to protect themselves against the harsh weather and the now transformed outside. Isra, a princess inside one of the domes, becomes the captor of one such outsider.

While still retaining traces of the original tale, we are swept into this magical and terrifying land. I loved how original the world building was and also how switching of captor/prisoner role reversal. It brought a whole new dynamic to the relationship of the Beauty and the Beast, and also made you question what makes one a Beast.

Speaking of the characters, each was a well carved out being. And I don’t just mean the main characters, as so often those are the only characters with any real depth to them. Each side character had a purpose, but didn’t simply feel as if they were there to serve a purpose. I don't even know what to say about the feels -- I just want to post a GIF in an attempt to explore what I'm feeling with internet humor. But that just wouldn’t do it justice.

I want to read this book again. And again and again. With flawless writing and a breathtaking story, this is a book not to miss. I adored it cover to… whatever you call the back of the book. Seriously, I live for books where love can save the world.

This review is also posted on my blog Where the Mome Raths Outgrabe
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Oct 27, 2013 Felita rated it really liked it

Shelves: paranormal-romance, favorites, young-adult, english-review

it's another Beauty and The Beast's retelling. the difference is the heroine, Isra, she is blind.

the world building in this story have a magic touch. the land where Isra and her people live, demanded a sacrifice, blood offering from Isra family line. but that means Isra will dead.

meanwhile Gem looking the cure for his tribe and founded Isra secret.

this story is beautiful and fascinating. how ISra and Gem first time know each other. how Isra want to look outside from her land and Gem fulfilled i ...more

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