They say Château Beaumont is cursed. But servant-girl Lucie can’t believe such foolishness about handsome Jean-Loup Christian Henri LeNoir, Chevalier de Beaumont, master of the estate. But when the chevalier’s cruelty is revealed, Lucie vows to see him suffer. A wisewoman grants her wish, with a spell that transforms Jean-Loup into monstrous-looking Beast, reflecting the monster he is inside. But Beast is nothing like the chevalier. Jean-Loup would never patiently tend his roses; Jean-Loup would never attempt poetry; Jean-Loup would never express remorse for the wrong done to Lucie. Gradually, Lucie realizes that Beast is an entirely different creature from the handsome chevalier, with a heart more human than Jean-Loup’s ever was. Lucie dares to hope that noble Beast has permanently replaced the cruel Jean-Loup — until an innocent beauty arrives at Beast’s château with the power to break the spell.
Pages: 352
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Genres: Young adult, fantasy, magic, adventure, retelling, supernatural, romance, revenge, action.
Disclaimer: I was provided an eARC copy of the book by Candlewick Press. In no way has the publisher or the author influenced my review; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is the first time I have ever chosen to DNF a book. I stopped at about 32% because I just couldn’t bear to push myself to read any further. I don’t like to DNF Books because I personally feel like you have to read the full book to form a fully informed opinion on it. The reason I chose to DNF it is because when I read about this book, when I requested it there was no trigger warning attached or mentioned about this book at all. It was supposed to be a retelling of Beauty and the Beast from the Beast’s point of view. I was really excited about! Until I got to the rape scene about 20% of the way through the book. It came out of nowhere and really threw me for a loop. I was disgusted especially because the MC is supposed to fall in love with her rapist even after that? I pushed myself to read a little further but in the end I just couldn’t. I ended up only reading 1/3 of the book.
The writing style is kind of amateur and juvenile. The flow of the book is kind of odd too, it jumps from one place to another at whiplash speed. To me it felt like when you’re on the bumper cars and jerk forward at top speed only to bump into another car and quickly come to a full stop. That kind of jerking forward motion is how I felt the book progressed. I ignored it for the most part but it certainly didn’t make for an enjoyable read.
Finally I have to talk about the lacklustre characters that exist in this book. I didn’t read far enough to really get an impression of “The Master” (aka the Beast) which I’m and of itself is a failure. So in that regard I will be focusing on the main character Lucie. Good lord Lucie was an annoying lovesick swooning girl after she meets the Master. I hate those heroines where their world is changed and made amazing by a man. I find it over dramatic and demeaning. Also, I felt like she turned into quite the woman scorned afterwards and especially when she was watching her revenge on the Beast. I just felt like overall Lucie was very shallow and didn’t really have any depth of character.
Overall I was extremely disappointed to find that the publisher didn’t give any trigger warnings when promoting this book. When I was expecting a wonderful Beauty and the Beast retelling, instead all I got was juvenile writing style, characters with no depth to them and a rape scene that I had no idea was coming. I would not recommend this book, it would only be a waste of your time.
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DJ Sakata
10 Jul 2018Congrats on your first DNF – it is a rite of passage! Honestly, I know how hard it is to give up, but it does get easier once you realize it is often the kindest thing you can do for the author and/or yourself.
Christine
11 Jul 2018Thanks! I will definitely be taking care of myself in the future when it comes to situations like these.
Jessica Stefani
10 Jul 2018I had a DNF earlier this year, too. I hate to do it!
Christine
11 Jul 2018Right? I’m glad I’m not the only one who hates to DNf books.
Bianca
10 Jul 2018Oh no, that’s just awful. I hope your next read is better.
Christine
11 Jul 2018Thanks! It definitely was.
Nikki
10 Jul 2018Yikes, this does not sound like one I would want to read either. Sorry you were thrown for a loop, but appreciate your letting us know.
Christine
11 Jul 2018You’re welcome. This is the exact reason that I wanted to do this post.
Stormi
11 Jul 2018Hopefully you enjoy your next read more!
Christine
11 Jul 2018I most definitely did!
Jordanne Wilson
11 Jul 2018Wow, no trigger warnings on an actual rape scene? Thank you for the warning I was so close to reading this book, too. Sorry, this sucked, I hate to DNF books too. I recently read a pretty good Beauty and the Beast retelling called The Beast’s Heart by Leife Shallcross, this is my review if you’d like to take a look: https://bloodthirstylittlebeasts.wordpress.com/2018/06/09/the-beasts-heart-by-leife-shallcross-book-review/
Christine
11 Jul 2018Thank you. This is the reason that I wanted to put this post up, to warn others. I just added The Beast’s Heart to my tbr! I can’t wait to read it. I will book,ark your review to read it after I finish the book.
Whispering Stories
11 Jul 2018Wow, a rape scene in a fairy tale re-telling. That is not good. Great honest review.
Christine
11 Jul 2018Thanks. I was surprised as well.
Katiria Rodriguez
12 Jul 2018Great honest review Christine I am really sorry this book really didn’t work out for you I hope your next read is a much better one. Thank you so much for sharing your awesome post.
Christine
13 Jul 2018You’re welcome. My next read definitely was better, thanks.
Allie Bock
12 Jul 2018It’s ok DNF it. I definitely would have! Good luck on your next one.
Christine
13 Jul 2018Thanks! You too.
Flora_the_Sweaterist
12 Jul 2018Such a shame that this book was a disappointment! The Beauty and the Beast is one of my favourite stories but the novel you describe is clearly something that anyone with a little bit of good feeling would throw away as far as possible. Thanks for the warning, I’ll keep clear of this retelling.
Christine
13 Jul 2018No problem, I’m happy to help.