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amy_in_the_city's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
What a delightful Beauty and the Beast retelling! This had one of my favorite tropes. I'm not sure of the official name for it, but I'll call it "love is blind." It's where a character falls in love with someone without ever seeing them first. The sexual tension in this book was off the charts, and I was here for these two touch-starved MMCs falling for each other.
I loved how much focus there was on consent in this book. They both checked in to see if it was OK before they did anything, and I liked that Amarrah respected Njal's boundaries regarding not looking at him or visiting the forbidden wing of the keep.
I did feel like they fell in love too quickly and I would have liked to see them get to know each other better before they declared their love. It kind of felt like their love was mostly based on shared loneliness, pity (on Amarrah's part), and gratitude (on Njal's part). Some of the dialogue felt clunky too.
I still really enjoyed this book though and was rooting for the main characters. I really liked Amarrah as a main character and how she took initiative to figure out how to save Njal.
I loved how much focus there was on consent in this book. They both checked in to see if it was OK before they did anything, and I liked that Amarrah respected Njal's boundaries regarding not looking at him or visiting the forbidden wing of the keep.
I did feel like they fell in love too quickly and I would have liked to see them get to know each other better before they declared their love. It kind of felt like their love was mostly based on shared loneliness, pity (on Amarrah's part), and gratitude (on Njal's part). Some of the dialogue felt clunky too.
I still really enjoyed this book though and was rooting for the main characters. I really liked Amarrah as a main character and how she took initiative to figure out how to save Njal.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Violence, Alcohol, Animal death, Physical abuse, Body horror, Confinement, Murder, and Sexual content
Moderate: Torture, Grief, Pandemic/Epidemic, Abandonment, Child abuse, Death, Eating disorder, Injury/Injury detail, Rape, and Self harm
Minor: Pregnancy, Pedophilia, and Death of parent
smuttymcbookface's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.5
This was a beautiful retelling of Beauty and the Beast. The building of the romance was slow and sweet, even if desire was there from near the outset.
Ammarah is patient and understanding. She never takes what's not offered, and even at the start when Njål doesn't want her to see him, she's willing to wait.
Ammarah is patient and understanding. She never takes what's not offered, and even at the start when Njål doesn't want her to see him, she's willing to wait.
I smile as I settle into my chair. He’s trusting me not to break our compact. It would be so easy to peer through my lashes and see what he’s hiding. But I won’t. Not because I lack curiosity where Njål is concerned, but I don’t want to steal from him. Not his trust, not his truths. I will accept only what’s freely given. And right now, he’s offering his voice.
The magic and mystery was beautifully developed, wrapped up in a world of domestic normality. I love that Ammarah both stood her ground and expected respect without forceful demands. She was pure strength in this book; a refuse for Njål who had never been given kindness nor respect.
One of my favourite things in this book is how Njål openly expressed his feelings and never pulls away. There are no major misunderstandings nor third act breakups, just expressions of simple happiness and love.
“Have you fantasized about me?” “Constantly. But the reality of you far surpasses my dreams.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, and Sexual content
Moderate: Murder, Death, and Blood
Minor: Sexual violence
xta_07's review
adventurous
hopeful
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
An interesting take on Beauty and the Bease. I really enjoyed parts of this book, and it had a good background plot with interesting things for the characters to do and explore. But, I felt like the author was forcing herself to write in an "old timey" style. I've read some of Aguirre's other books, and the dialogue seemed to flow a lot better.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Confinement
Minor: Child abuse
fritopie's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Physical abuse, Confinement, and Toxic relationship
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