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simonlorden's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
This story might be inspired by Beauty and the Beast, but it takes out some core parts of the story, which in my opinion are some of the best parts. The biggest of this is that Theo is perfectly human with a curse that binds him to the castle, which doesn't really qualify him as a "Beast" and takes away all of that conflict. Also, Heron's stay at the castle is much more voluntary than in the original story, which again removes some of the conflict.
Heron actually dating the "Gaston" character was interesting at first, but in the end it only made Heron more unlikeable. Tiel is overwhelming and they're definitely not a good match and should break up, but he's not actually malicious, and he deserves better than being ghosted and cheated on because Heron is unable to actually communicate. Thankfully, Heron realizes this as well, but by that time it was kind of too late.
In general, I found Heron kind of frustrating and unlikeable. Also, I don't normally have a problem with characters who swear a lot, but here it didn't seem like it fit the story and the atmosphere for me.
I did like the enchanted garden and the automatons instead of the enchanted furniture a lot, those things were cool.
But like. Really. I know this isn't a proper retelling and only "inspired" by Beauty and the Beast, but what's the point if the love interest is not beastly in any way.
Heron actually dating the "Gaston" character was interesting at first, but in the end it only made Heron more unlikeable. Tiel is overwhelming and they're definitely not a good match and should break up, but he's not actually malicious, and he deserves better than being ghosted and cheated on because Heron is unable to actually communicate. Thankfully, Heron realizes this as well, but by that time it was kind of too late.
In general, I found Heron kind of frustrating and unlikeable. Also, I don't normally have a problem with characters who swear a lot, but here it didn't seem like it fit the story and the atmosphere for me.
I did like the enchanted garden and the automatons instead of the enchanted furniture a lot, those things were cool.
But like. Really. I know this isn't a proper retelling and only "inspired" by Beauty and the Beast, but what's the point if the love interest is not beastly in any way.
emily_mh's review
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Unexpectedly, I’m beginning to realise I really love Beauty and the Beast retellings. I mean, one made my top 10 books of 2023, and now this one is sitting at a well-deserved 4.5 stars! I can’t quite put my finger on why exactly I adore this type of story. Perhaps because the MCs are living the dream life (secluded, with lots of plants and books). Or maybe it’s because the MCs get to be completely alone with each other and fall in love over quiet moments. There’s definitely a roommates-to-lovers element I adore, too.
The romance here was gorgeous. I was on the edge of my seat with the slow-burn. Like I mentioned above, I loved how Heron and Theomer fell in love in the quiet moments, like reading, eating, and playing music together. I also loved how they grew as people because of their connection. Heron is finally able to figure out what ey want from life, and gains the resolve to achieve this. Meanwhile, Theomer realises he can expect more from life and that he deserves better.
Plant magic is also at play here, which was another lovely addition. The way it was used to retell the rose aspect of the original story was clever.
Heron’s mum was such an excellent side character. She was actually hilarious. I liked how the narrative retold the whole entrapment-of-parent thing; you can’t have a good retelling of Beauty and the Beast without addressing the imprisonment and lack of consent of the original.
I do wish the ending was written differently, as the third-act break-up felt a little contrived, and everything was rushed in comparison to the beautiful pacing of the rest of the novella.
Rep: genderqueer MC who uses neopronouns (ey/em), Achillean LI
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Moderate: Cursing and Body horror
Minor: Abandonment, Alcohol, Violence, Death of parent, Sexual content, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: theftlukewhenderson's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
meirinasoe's review
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
katts_bookworld's review
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
littlebookterror's review
medium-paced
3.0
CWs from the author: Minor injury, blood, mild body horror, reference to parent death
CW from me:cheating
I did not consider that me having read Bryony and Roses earlier this month would be a problem but the two books share a few similarities beyond the fact that they are both Beauty & The Beast retellings. So I'm gonna wait to write my review so I don't compare the two.
For now, I will say I liked the familial relationship and the curse part of the retelling was introduced to late to leave an impact.
I received an advanced reading copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
CW from me:
I did not consider that me having read Bryony and Roses earlier this month would be a problem but the two books share a few similarities beyond the fact that they are both Beauty & The Beast retellings. So I'm gonna wait to write my review so I don't compare the two.
For now, I will say I liked the familial relationship and the curse part of the retelling was introduced to late to leave an impact.
I received an advanced reading copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
alyshkalia's review
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
Content Warnings
Minor: Blood, Injury/Injury detail, and Death of parent
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