Scan barcode
klara_hansen's review
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
hebberelle's review against another edition
4.0
This was beautiful and intricate, I loved a lot of it. It was somewhat longer than I feel like it needed to be, bit the conclusion was just as sweet as anyone could want.
fmcfranny's review against another edition
4.0
this was an interesting and unique perspective of the beauty and the beast tale. I loved the fey aspect and the mystery of the situation. the characters were interesting, and the curse was kind of intense. And the way the curse was kept in check was even more intense. all in all a good read.
clockworkbook's review against another edition
4.0
I loved Thorn, he was such a sweetie. This is a 'Beauty & the Beast' retelling and I found several quotes that reminded me of 'Pride & Prejudice' and 'Wuthering Heights'.
pizzamyheart's review against another edition
2.0
DNF at 25%. Sorry. I tried. I really did.
Unfortunately I think the audiobook narrator had a lot to do with my low rating. She read this like one would read a fairy tale to a young child. For a short book, that would have been fine. For this book it made it drag.
The pacing was also an issue. It was both exceptionally fast AND exceptionally slow. Each scene was incredibly short. I wanted more context or substance to a page. Just as I would get drawn in, the scene would end and the MC would be somewhere else. At the same time the pacing was crazy slow. Wandering around the castle and the grounds. Yes, seems like it was beautiful. The descriptions were lush and enchanting. But even reflecting on what I had read, it felt like so much was spent on scenery and that could have been condensed dramatically.
I have no real opinion on Rose and Thorn. They seemed ok as characters.
This may have been more enjoyable in an ebook format where one could read at their own pace and jump ahead at the highly descriptive areas.
Unfortunately I think the audiobook narrator had a lot to do with my low rating. She read this like one would read a fairy tale to a young child. For a short book, that would have been fine. For this book it made it drag.
The pacing was also an issue. It was both exceptionally fast AND exceptionally slow. Each scene was incredibly short. I wanted more context or substance to a page. Just as I would get drawn in, the scene would end and the MC would be somewhere else. At the same time the pacing was crazy slow. Wandering around the castle and the grounds. Yes, seems like it was beautiful. The descriptions were lush and enchanting. But even reflecting on what I had read, it felt like so much was spent on scenery and that could have been condensed dramatically.
I have no real opinion on Rose and Thorn. They seemed ok as characters.
This may have been more enjoyable in an ebook format where one could read at their own pace and jump ahead at the highly descriptive areas.
michellehenriereads's review
4.0
When I want comfort food, I eat Indian naan (aloo paratha) and when I want a comfort read, I turn to retold fairytales. Beauty and the Beast is a staple in these fairytales.
I'm always nervous but hopeful when I start a new book. In this version, The Rose and the Thorn, there are so many things to love. I don't want to spoil it for you, but I do have a favorite part. I loved how the author built a new backstory and premise for this beloved tale. That's a hard thing to pull off.
Rose is a fleshed-out character: bold but hides her feelings (even from herself), she loves books, and is compassionate, loyal, and brave. Does it sound like a cliche? I promise it actually isn't. Why is she complex? It's her backstory with her mother that gives her depth. I'm convinced it's always the backstory that makes or breaks a character. This isn't giving away any big spoilers - I loved how Rose worked at personalizing her room. Isn't that fun in a magic castle? She rummaged around to fix things up her way.
Thorn (formerly known as Beast from other versions) is also fleshed-out. I didn't connect with him at first because he came off as simpering to me. Once we got in the stride of the story, I really liked him. He wasn't a bumbling oaf but deeply conflicted. (Also because of his backstory.) What I'd taken as simpering was actually his emotional wounds coming out. This revelation changed my feelings as well as his emotional progress. I didn't recognize this at first because the story is told in the first-person point of view by Rose, and she certainly wouldn't know his backstory.
The backstory also provides the twists in this version. The magic system makes sense and isn't arbitrary. There's deep conflict, both personal and situational. It's one of those books you're going to have to read to really get it. One more plug for this book is that it shows how we mistreat others due to misconceptions, and I thought it was a timely theme.
As a warning for parents, there is a love scene, but it's more the turn out the lights without full details being disclosed. For this reason, I've marked it as an adult book rather than a YA. In the end, I would say this is a swoon-worthy tale.
I recommend this book and author.
For more recommendations, go to www.talesuntangled.wordpress.com
I'm always nervous but hopeful when I start a new book. In this version, The Rose and the Thorn, there are so many things to love. I don't want to spoil it for you, but I do have a favorite part. I loved how the author built a new backstory and premise for this beloved tale. That's a hard thing to pull off.
Rose is a fleshed-out character: bold but hides her feelings (even from herself), she loves books, and is compassionate, loyal, and brave. Does it sound like a cliche? I promise it actually isn't. Why is she complex? It's her backstory with her mother that gives her depth. I'm convinced it's always the backstory that makes or breaks a character. This isn't giving away any big spoilers - I loved how Rose worked at personalizing her room. Isn't that fun in a magic castle? She rummaged around to fix things up her way.
Thorn (formerly known as Beast from other versions) is also fleshed-out. I didn't connect with him at first because he came off as simpering to me. Once we got in the stride of the story, I really liked him. He wasn't a bumbling oaf but deeply conflicted. (Also because of his backstory.) What I'd taken as simpering was actually his emotional wounds coming out. This revelation changed my feelings as well as his emotional progress. I didn't recognize this at first because the story is told in the first-person point of view by Rose, and she certainly wouldn't know his backstory.
The backstory also provides the twists in this version. The magic system makes sense and isn't arbitrary. There's deep conflict, both personal and situational. It's one of those books you're going to have to read to really get it. One more plug for this book is that it shows how we mistreat others due to misconceptions, and I thought it was a timely theme.
As a warning for parents, there is a love scene, but it's more the turn out the lights without full details being disclosed. For this reason, I've marked it as an adult book rather than a YA. In the end, I would say this is a swoon-worthy tale.
I recommend this book and author.
For more recommendations, go to www.talesuntangled.wordpress.com
wildfaeriecaps's review against another edition
5.0
This retelling was amazing. I loved it so much. Beauty and the Beast is my favorite mainstream fairytale to read reimaginings of and this one is easily in my top ten favorites. So. Good. So many emotions evoked. Loved it.
cozydreamsstudio's review
5.0
An amazing retelling if beauty and the beast! This is one of my top 3 beauty and the best retellings!
kacie_marria's review
3.0
I liked it...I feel like it dragged a lot though. Coulda been a bit shorter. I'm still deciding whether or not I'm going to read the book from Thorn's perspective. Could be interesting
authorsavannahjames's review
5.0
Beauty and the Beast has a very special place in my heart. It has gotten me through many rough times in my life, so reading such a beautiful and brilliant retelling of my favorite story? It was magical
Read: 2 times
Read: 2 times