How Beauty Met the Beast by Jax Garren

Description:

The Beast

Scarred. Damaged. Living with a terrible secret. Agent of the Underlight Wesley "Hauk" Haukon has nothing left but the fight for liberty against the oppressive Order of Ananke. He's starting to lose hope…and then he sees her.

The Beauty

Despite her night job as a burlesque dancer, grad student Jolie Benoit has always played the mostly good girl. That all changes following a scorching sexual encounter with a stranger whose face she doesn't see. After she's kidnapped by thugs and rescued by a man with a very familiar voice, Jolie becomes a pawn in a struggle she never knew existed.

Hauk knows he cannot have her, and resolves to protect his heart and his secrets. But as they work together and grow closer, he finds new reason to keep fighting. Dare he risk hope in a new life, one where Jolie can see past his ravaged face and where their friendship can grow into something more?

My Review:

How Beauty Met the Beast by Jax Garren

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So I love the story of Beauty and the Beast.  So any version or any spin is something that I’ll read.  And this one only disappointed me because it ended!  This is just one great story!

This story is set in Texas, which is something that I like.  And in the town of Austin, there is an underground society that has been around since the 1800’s, a secret society that is trying to run the world, and a burlesque that is run by a drag Queen.  Throw in some steampunk elements, an “unexpected” romance, a bit of mystery and a good hearted &  wounded vet, and you have the recipe for a great story. 

Characters:

Jolie is an unexpected character to be “Beauty”.  A burlesque dancer, an heiress, and a potential spy… She is not your grandmother’s beauty, that is for sure.  But I still like her.  She seems open and honest, looking to better people’s lives and looking beyond circumstances.  I like that she isn’t your typical heiress, she almost seems “normal”.

Hauk is our “beast”.  He is horribly scarred on the outside, a sweet and sexy man on the inside with gifted fingers and a wicked tongue.  He is a vet who has blackouts that seem to be created by something supernatural.  I couldn’t help but love this wounded man.  He is afraid of getting rejected, but still puts himself out there.  (I also liked how the author used something uncontrollable like a fire in a war zone to “create” the beast… definitely better than being a selfish ass!).

Other Characters of note:

Catrina is a hoot!  Nothing like a drag queen to spice things up.  PLUS, I loved Jolie’s dilemma on the “he” or “she”, especially when Catrina was dressed as Carl. 

Whitney was a great character.  Nothing like a teenager (and a smart and sarcastic one at that) to put everything into perspective. 

Other great things in this book:

I thought there was some great uses of mythology.  There was Greek & Norse, with some mentions of Celtic in passing.  Since I haven’t read a lot of books with Norse mythology, it was a refreshing change.

I enjoyed what little bits of Underlight that I got to see/read about.  Would love to see more than primarily Hauk’s bedroom ;)

Overall, this is a great little book, and I’m looking forward to the next one.  I highly recommend this book!

Happy Reading!

Cana

Hideous by Violet Heart

Description:

Triselle has survived a winter of devastating snows. Spring has come, and with it, unending rain. The land is dying, along with any hope for happiness. Drawn to her lord’s castle, Triselle leaves her father’s farm and finds herself in a magical world under a curse.

Lord Vanir suffers as a man transformed into a hideous beast. The appearance of lovely Triselle threatens to send him deeper into his living hell. Her adventurous spirit and accepting heart surprise him, however. Somehow, she sees through his ugly countenance to the noble, generous man hidden within.

Can they find love despite adversity? Or will the curse condemn them both?

My Review:

Hideous by Violet Heart

Rating: 3 out of 5

Triselle has survived a winter of devastating snows. Spring has come, and with it, unending rain. The land is dying, along with any hope for happiness. Drawn to her lord’s castle, Triselle leaves her father’s farm and finds herself in a magical world under a curse.

Lord Vanir suffers as a man transformed into a hideous beast. The appearance of lovely Triselle threatens to send him deeper into his living hell. Her adventurous spirit and accepting heart surprise him, however. Somehow, she sees through his ugly countenance to the noble, generous man hidden within.

Can they find love despite adversity? Or will the curse condemn them both?

This is the adult Beauty and the Beast story.  It is a short read and goes along with most of the Disney version.  Triselle is our beauty, and like the cartoon, she feels out of place in her life.  She likes to read and dreams of adventure.  She goes for a walk one day and finds Lord Vanir’s castle.  He is the missing lord of their land.  No one has seen or heard from him in six months.  She enters through a gate and it closes after her.  She finds herself locked inside the castle.  She is curious and looks around.  Lord Vanir is a troubled man who was turned into a beast.  When he sees Triselle he is conflicted.  He doesn’t know whether she will break the spell or run in fear of him.  They end up having a night of endless sex.  This is definitely not meant for the kiddos.  Of course, they have to find a way to break the spell, and she has to save her father.

It is a fun twist on the classic.  This is definitely one that I would recommend reading when you have a few hours to kill.  The story is straight forward, and there are no great surprises.  Other than the sex scenes it is pretty tame.  Readers should definitely be over 18.

Happy Reading!

Kim

Moonglow by Kristen Callihan

Description:


Once the seeds of desire are sown . . .


Finally free of her suffocating marriage, widow Daisy Ellis Craigmore is ready to embrace the pleasures of life that have long been denied her. Yet her new-found freedom is short lived. A string of unexplained murders has brought danger to Daisy's door, forcing her to turn to the most unlikely of saviors . . .


Their growing passion knows no bounds . . .


Ian Ranulf, the Marquis of Northrup, has spent lifetimes hiding his primal nature from London society. But now a vicious killer threatens to expose his secrets. Ian must step out of the shadows and protect the beautiful, fearless Daisy, who awakens in him desires he thought long dead. As their quest to unmask the villain draws them closer together, Daisy has no choice but to reveal her own startling secret, and Ian must face the undeniable truth: Losing his heart to Daisy may be the only way to save his soul.


My Review:

Moonglow by Kristen Callihan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In the sequel to Firelight, we get a better introduction to Daisy, Miranda’s sister, and Ian Ranulf. We got glimpses of them in Firelight, but now we get a beautiful eye-full (literally since we are reading) about who they are. 

While Firelight seemed to be a version of Beauty and the Beast, I think Moonglow is a version of Little Red Riding Hood, and a yummy one at that.  Not only is Daisy little Red, there are two wolves vying for her. Plus someone else who is causing trouble.  I think that is what makes this book so enjoyable.  You want to know who actual trouble maker is, who survive and who will not. 

I thought I loved Miranda from Firelight, but Daisy stole my attention immediately.  Her own self-worth has been almost destroyed by her deceased husband and though she tries to play it off that she doesn’t care, she is wandering around with an empty hole that is begging to be filled.  You honestly want to just hold her and let her cry on your shoulder.  But you admire her for carrying on, trying to prove to her deceased husband that she is worth something.

I didn’t really like Ian at first.  I honestly thought he was a giant ass (and for the most part, I wasn’t too far off), but he grew on me like a fine fungus.  Now, I can say that he was an enjoyable character that had many flaws.  I think the reason that I didn’t like him as much was because of the walls he had built due to the pains of his sins.  Once the walls were exposed, and what was behind them released, he was a character you could easily cheer on to succeed in life. 

I loved the theme of this book:  Redemption.  In a lot of ways, it was about redemption in their own eyes.  Knowing that the past has no control other than what you give it, and that holding onto the past prevents any future.

I loved how this book gave explanation on Miranda’s gift… And to top it off, a wonderful twist is given (sorry, no spoilers).  Definitely makes me want to learn more about the Ellis family. 

There is a wonderful set up for the next book, and I really, really don’t want to have to wait for it.  L  I hope for it to come soon!

I highly recommend this book, and I’m looking forward to the next one. 

Happy Reading!


Cana

ARC Review: Silver by Talia Vance

Description:


An Irish heritage, Celtic myth, and deadly beauty

In eighth grade, Brianna did something so dreadful she was suspended and homeschooled. No one could explain what happened that night . . . except Brianna's Irish grandmother, who gave her a silver charm bracelet and told her to wear it until she turned seventeen. Ever since she slipped it on, Brianna has felt like she's invisible. People stare right past her as if she doesn't exist. And that includes Blake Williams, the one boy she can't resist.

But everything changes in one frozen, silver moment when Blake sees her--and recognizes what she's been hiding. Brianna is descended from Danu, the legendary Bandia of Celtic myth. Yet before she can fully understand who or what she is, Brianna accidentally binds her soul to Blake--whose tribe has spent the last thousand years hunting Danu's descendants to protect humanity.


My Review:

Silver by Talia Vance

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OH MY GOODNESS!  (yep, this book is so good I have to spell it out!)  So when I started Silver, I was like, this sounds interesting.  The characters, the events, and the history behind it all, blend together perfectly together to create an amazing book.

So, I think that Brianna is a great character.  After years of being ignored, she is finally “seen” by the one that she wants to see her.  Unfortunately, she is also seen by many others that she should really avoid.  On top of this, she has almost no background about what she is becoming, what she could do and if anything about her is safe and normal.  She is learning on the run and in the process discovers what kind of person she is and how strong she is.

Blake is at once an ass and a prince.  After years of not being able to see Brianna, he finally sees her and is immediately lost.  Unfortunately, he withholds information from her, purposely starts ignoring her, and blames her for a lot of stuff.  At times he seems to act like a spoiled child because he isn’t getting what he wants from Brianna, but other times… He is amazing.  He wants her to learn how to defend herself against his kind, to fight for her life. 

I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the Celtic mythology used in this novel!  As someone who is proud of my Irish heritage, I loved how Ms. Vance used Celtic mythology as something other than fairies.  Plus, I do wonder who Austin is in the Celtic mythology.  I do have my own theory on that, but I’m curious!

I would love to get more information on the Killian/Danu story, which I’m hoping will come in a second book.  I also want to see what decisions will be made for Brianna and Blake, plus if they both can stand against the storm that is coming for them.  Actually, I just hope there is a second book because I just really enjoyed this book. 

I think that Ms. Vance did a great job on the ending of this novel.  There was no cliff hanger (kudos on avoid that cliché), but not everything was resolved (perfect ending to begin a new book with).  Plus, the actions that take place shows how the characters have grown.

The only thing I had a problem with: the synopsis.  Now, don’t get me wrong, the synopsis is “technically” correct, but it sets you up on your expectations on how things are going to occur in the book.  DO NOT BELIEVE IT!  I liked the actual ARC cover synopsis.  I get the info that I need, and don’t feel set up for certain events to occur in certain order. Again, do not take this as a “bad” thing about the book.  This book was absolutely amazing!

I highly recommend this book and look forward from this author!

Happy Reading!


Cana

Happy Reading!


Cana

A Kiss in Time by Alex Flinn

Description:


Talia fell under a spell...Jack broke the curse. 

I was told to beware the accursed spindle, but it was so enchanting, so hypnotic... 

I was looking for a little adventure the day I ditched my tour group. But finding a comatose town, with a hot-looking chick asleep in it, was so not what I had in mind. 

I awakened in the same place but in another time—to a stranger's soft kiss. 

I couldn't help kissing her. Sometimes you just have to kiss someone. I didn't know this would happen. 

Now I am in dire trouble because my father, the king, says I have brought ruin upon our country. I have no choice but to run away with this commoner! 

Now I'm stuck with a bratty princess and a trunk full of her jewels...The good news: My parents will freak! 

Think you have dating issues? Try locking lips with a snoozing stunner who turns out to be 316 years old. Can a kiss transcend all—even time?




My Review:

A Kiss in Time by Alex Flinn

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Talia is a beautiful princess that has been told over and over again to avoid spindles.  Unfortunately she didn’t.  Because of this failure to follow her parents warning, she ends up waking up (with her entire country) 300 years later by Jack’s kiss.  Jack is just an American that ran off from his tour group to explore Europe’s beaches.  Instead he got lost and woke up a 316 year old princess, who then decides to run away with him. 

So this cute retelling of Sleeping Beauty is good, but I still prefer Beastly to this book.  It wasn’t that this was a bad story, but I think the movement of this story was a bit different than Beastly.  But, overall, it is a good story.

First, there are some great character developments in this story.  Talia is a spoiled rotten princess whose only instructions are not to touch a spindle.  I loved the character development of Talia.  She goes from being a spoiled rotten to someone who cares for others and are willing to make sacrifices for others. 

I think I liked Jack the most though.  He finally developed the courage to tell his dad what he wanted.  He also realizes what he really wants in a girlfriend, and is willing to face the trials to win her back and to even save her. 

I did love the spin that Ms. Flinn put in this story.  We all know the story of Sleeping Beauty, but the actual characters, the circumstances that caused it and the resolution that occurred are things that we might never have thought of.  I know I liked how it turned out when Talia wakes up 300 years later.  The adjustment is amazing. 

The only real reason I didn’t enjoy this book as much was because of how slow it moved.  I honestly felt at times that I was working through molasses rather than a good book. 

Overall, this is a good book, and I do recommend it.  

  Happy Reading!


Cana

Beastly by Alex Flinn

Description:


I am a beast. A beast. Not quite wolf or bear, gorilla or dog, but a horrible new creature who walks upright – a creature with fangs and claws and hair springing from every pore. I am a monster. 

You think I’m talking fairy tales? No way. The place is New York City. The time is now. It’s no deformity, no disease. And I’ll stay this way forever – ruined – unless I can break the spell. 

Yes, the spell, the one the witch in my English class cast on me. Why did she turn me into a beast who hides by day and prowls by night? I’ll tell you. I’ll tell you how I used to be Kyle Kingsbury, the guy you wished you were, with money, perfect looks, and a perfect life. And then, I’ll tell you how I became perfectly beastly.




My Review:

Beastly by Alex Flinn

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This creative retelling of the story of Beauty and the Beast was really good.  Ms. Flinn made sure to include a lot of classic elements to the story as well as adding in some new things that keep the story interesting and exciting. 

So, one of the keys that made this retelling so unique was that the story was told from the Beast’s (AKA Kyle) POV.  Most Beauty and the Beast retellings are from a 3^rd person or from the beauty’s POV.  I enjoyed this, just for the fact that it was interesting to see how Kyle’s character changed.  And it wasn’t just an immediate change either.  In the book, it was a 2 year process where he had to figure it out. 

Another key element that occurred was that Lindy (Beauty) didn’t change Kyle, which is a common theme to most Beauty and the Beast stories.  Instead, this story has Kyle deciding to change and him working towards succeeding in that goal.  I guess for me, this was more realistic.  I mean how many women have tried changing men and succeeded? 

Great points in the novel: 

• Lindy as a character was great.  She was strong, confident and loyal.  You couldn’t help but like her. 
• Kendra was not exactly what I would imagine an angry witch to be.  She seemed to be setting people up for failure when she casted a spell.  Though I do love her at the end, as everything begins to resolve.
• Kyle’s selfless wish for those who live with him and take care of him. This truly is the point where you can see that he is changing.

The only thing I didn’t like was how the story lagged in some places.  It wasn’t that it was boring, but rather, it was the flow of the story got hindered by overly describing things. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and am looking forward to seeing what continuing story she might have in regards to this book.  I highly recommend this book.

Happy Reading!


Cana

Firelight by Kristen Callihan

Description:


London, 1881
Once the flames are ignited . . . 
Miranda Ellis is a woman tormented. Plagued since birth by a strange and powerful gift, she has spent her entire life struggling to control her exceptional abilities. Yet one innocent but irreversible mistake has left her family's fortune decimated and forced her to wed London's most nefarious nobleman.


They will burn for eternity . . . Lord Benjamin Archer is no ordinary man. Doomed to hide his disfigured face behind masks, Archer knows it's selfish to take Miranda as his bride. Yet he can't help being drawn to the flame-haired beauty whose touch sparks a passion he hasn't felt in a lifetime. When Archer is accused of a series of gruesome murders, he gives in to the beastly nature he has fought so hard to hide from the world. But the curse that haunts him cannot be denied. Now, to save his soul, Miranda will enter a world of dark magic and darker intrigue. For only she can see the man hiding behind the mask.


My Review:

Firelight by Kristen Callihan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A wonderful tale that almost reminds me of a re-telling of Beauty and the Beast, that is if beauty had the power of fire and the beast was actually gorgeous instead of hideous.  AND then you add a mystery about who is killing people… Hmmmm, delicious!

I thought Miranda is a great female character.  She is strong willed and capable of handling things for herself, but she has a great tenderness and even great fear of what she is capable of.  She desires a family, safety, and happiness, but she knows that it is quite possibly not going to happen.  Worse are all the doubts that she has concerning her husband. 

I found Benjamin’s character a bit harder to understand, and occasionally a whiny ass.  You don’t really know for most of the book what is wrong with him.  Actually, there is a huge revelation that kind of shocks you about what happened to him and what it has done to him.  I wasn’t even expecting it honestly, which was kind of cool in that aspect.  Honestly though, I really just wanted to rip the mask off his face and tell him to man up most of the time. 

Personally, I’d love to tell you my absolutely favorite part, but that would give away a whole lot of the storyline/plot.  I will tell you that I loved when Benjamin finally reveals who/what he is and has become.  It is freaking amazing, heartbreaking, and sexy all at the same time! 

Overall, this is a great book.  There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing and I’ll admit that that was nice.  Also, the character of Victoria is a great  character that has you wondering a bit too much. 

I highly recommend this book, and am looking forward to reading more from this series.  

Happy Reading!


Cana

Beauty and the Werewolf by Mercedes Lackey

Description:


The eldest daughter is often doomed in fairy tales. But Bella— Isabella Beauchamps, daughter of a wealthy merchant—vows to escape the usual pitfalls.

Anxious to avoid the Traditional path, Bella dons a red cloak and ventures into the forbidden forest to consult with "Granny," the local wisewoman.

But on the way home she's attacked by a wolf—who turns out to be a cursed nobleman! Secluded in his castle, Bella is torn between her family and this strange man who creates marvelous inventions and makes her laugh—when he isn't howling at the moon.

Breaking spells is never easy. But a determined beauty, a wizard (after all, he's only an occasional werewolf) and a little godmotherly interference might just be able to bring about a happy ending.…

My Review:

Beauty and the Werewolf by Mercedes Lackey

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Everything goes as the stories say in the Five Hundred Kingdoms. There are set ways, and things must turn out the way they have always. Thus when Bella goes out in her red cloak to Granny’s home, she discovers that the big bad wolf that goes after her is actually a werewolf; she must face the Tradition of several fairy tales and make her own way. But will she make it?


This is not your average fairytale. Think a combination of Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and Little Red Riding Hood. With all that together, you would think that it would be a confusing book. Well, not quite, because Ms. Lackey does a good job of making sure anything can happen in the Five Hundred Kingdoms. Though, honestly, this isn’t one of my favorites of her works. I missed the wonder of The Godmother, her first in this series.


I love Bella as a character. She is a strong, intelligent, and capable woman who won’t sit back and let things just happen to her. Though she wouldn’t mind getting married, she realizes the man she is looking for might not exist, so she accepts her singleness. Of course then the romantic aspects of her life start to pick up after she is forced into captivity for three months at Redbuck Manor.


I didn’t much like either of the lead male characters. Sebastian was too weakling, though he did grow a backbone in the end, and Eric was too much of an ass. Plus to top it off, the person I thought was the villain at the very beginning was the villain… I don’t like things that I can guess within the first 2 chapters so much. It leaves little to surprise me.


I think the best thing of this whole book was the Spirit Elemental Servants. I loved the idea of seeing nothing but a bobbing ribbon or candle and such.


On a whole, this is an okay book. I do recommend this book for a good easy, light read.


Happy Reading!


Cana

Rose Daughter by Robin McKinley

Description:


Twenty years ago, Robin McKinley dazzled readers with the power of her novel "Beauty". Now she returns to the story of "Beauty and the Beast" with a fresh, perspective, ingenuity, and mature insight. With "Rose Daughter", she presents her finest and most deeply felt work--a compelling, richly imagined, and haunting exploration of the transformative power of love.


My Review:

Rose Daughter by Robin McKinley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In this second retelling of Beauty and the Beast, Robin McKinley writes a much darker story than her first one. It starts out the same: Merchant looses all he has, and the family moves away to another smaller town, where Beauty discovers and grows beautiful roses. But they move to a town where magic no longer exists because of what happened a thousand of years ago. No one knows the original story, but when the town discovers Beauty is showing signs of being a greenwitch (for only greenwitches, sorcerers, and other magic practicers can grow roses), they have hope that the curse may be lifted. But after getting lost one winter day, the merchant makes a deal with the Beast to send Beauty to him.


This beautiful retelling should not be compared to Robin McKinley's first retelling of Beauty and the Beast, for it is the own creation, completely separate. This novel is much darker than the first one. There are monsters, prophecies, and the constant plays between darkness and light. The house is not a friendly entity, where it will change the number of doors, or send you where it wants you to go. Nothing is consistent, and you almost have a sense of going crazy as Beauty walks through the house.


Beauty in this story is a gentle woman, who has little confidence in who she really is. After all, her sisters are given names that represent the strengths they have, but Beauty is sometimes feels like the only form of worth she has is in her beauty and in how she can grow roses. The Beast himself seems to be a gentle creature from the start, he is a painter, and though he can't paint well with his beastly hands, he has found other ways to do it.


This novel also doesn't end like any of the other Beauty and the Beast. It ends in a way that you really don't expect. But again **Spoilers, darling, aren't allowed.


Highly recommend this book (especially since I've re-read this book several times).


Happy Reading!


Cana

Deerskin by Robin McKinley

Description:


As Princess Lissar reaches womanhood, it is clear to all the kingdom that in her breathtaking beauty she is the mirror image of her mother, the queen. But this seeming blessing forces her to flee for safety from her father's wrath. With her loyal dog Ash at her side, Lissar will unlock a door to a world of magic, where she will find the key to her survival-and an adventure beyond her wildest dreams.


My Review:

Deerskin by Robin McKinley

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Princess Lissar grew up with a gorgeous mother. But after her mother died, her father was at loose ends. When she finally became an adult, at the proper age of marriage, her father does an unspeakable thing that forces Lissar to runaway with her fleethound Ash. The moon goddess takes pity upon her, changing how she looks, veiling her memories, and sending her to another country. There she meets Prince Ossin, the original breeder of Ash. She starts working for him as the wetnurse for some orphaned puppies. Slowly as she begins to remember, she also realizes that she is falling in love with Ossin. Can she heal from the wounds she bears and still find love with Ossin?


This is the retelling of the fairy tale Donkeyskin. Lissar is a wounded princess who runs away to save herself, and to hopefully start anew. You can't help but hurt for her as she tries to heal herself, but in the end it takes the help of the moon goddess to help her through it.


I love Ossin. He isn't a good looking prince, rather a plain man. He takes Lissar in and gives her a job. He begins to fall in love with her, and even begins to realize who she really is. He is gentle, even after discovering what has happened to her, to the point that you hope that they will make it to a happily-ever-after.


On a whole, this book is a dark fairy tale talks of rape, incest, miscarriage, and death. This is not appropriate for all ages, and can be too graphic for some people. But, if you think you can handle it, it is a good read.


Happy Reading!


Cana

Chalice by Robin McKinley

Description:


As the newly appointed Chalice, Mirasol is the most important member of the Master’s Circle. It is her duty to bind the Circle, the land and its people together with their new Master. But the new Master of Willowlands is a Priest of Fire, only drawn back into the human world by the sudden death of his brother. No one knows if it is even possible for him to live amongst his people. Mirasol wants the Master to have his chance, but her only training is as a beekeeper. How can she help settle their demesne during these troubled times and bind it to a Priest of Fire, the touch of whose hand can burn human flesh to the bone?

Robin McKinley weaves a captivating tale that reveals the healing power of duty and honor, love and honey.

My Review:

Chalice by Robin McKinley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mirasol is the new chalice, a position of power and unity for her country. When the new Master is called from the priests of Fire, she knows that it will not be an easy transition for all involved. But it is more difficult that she realized, especially when it is discovered that the new master can burn people with just a touch, and eyes look like burning coals. Will she be able to hold the country together, without getting burned?


This beautiful story is almost a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, with the exception of the Beast being a Fire Elemental Master who was a good person punished by his older brother to become a fire priest.


Mirasol is a quiet and reserved character that slowly develops a back bone. She is unsure that Willowland made the right decision by choosing her as the new chalice. Her doubt, though, slowly disappears and creates a wonderful internal dialogue as she discovers the truth of it all. I personally love how this character develops, where she has to make a major decision and that is... *Spoilers darling, I promise for no spoilers. :)


There is a lot of back story, and sometimes you forget that you are reading a flashback, but overall, this is a wonderful book. Just don't read it while doing other stuff, or you will get lost!!!!


Highly recommend this book!


Happy Reading!


Cana

Spindle's End by Robin McKinley

Description:


All the creatures of the forest and field and riverbank knew the infant was special. She was the princess, spirited away from the evil fairy Pernicia on her name-day. But the curse was cast: Rosie was fated to prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel and fall into a poisoned sleep-a slumber from which no one would be able to rouse her.


My Review:

Spindle's End by Robin McKinley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rosie was just an infant when she was whisked away from her own name day at the palace. Raised to believe that she is just a local fairy's niece, she has no idea that she is actually the princess cursed to fall into a deep sleep on her 21st birthday by pricking her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel.


In this beautiful retelling of sleeping beauty, you can't help but love Rosie (sleeping beauty), because she isn't your average fairy tale heroine. She is strong willed, course (she works in a smithy), she can talk to animals, and she is more of a tomboy than a regal princess. But you love her just as she is. Personally, I love Rosie, because she is the character I'd love to be.


The descriptions and the animals are the just one of the great reasons to read this book. You can be sure that you won't be bored, especially when you find out who the 21st fairy is... Of course, no spoilers here!


Highly recommend this book.

Happy Reading!


Cana

Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast by Robin McKinley

Description:

This much-loved retelling of the classic French tale Beauty and the Beastelicits the familiar magical charm, but is more believable and complex than the traditional story. In this version, Beauty is not as beautiful as her older sisters, who are both lovely and kind. Here, in fact, Beauty has no confidence in her appearance but takes pride in her own intelligence, her love of learning and books, and her talent in riding. She is the most competent of the three sisters, which proves essential when they are forced to retire to the country because of their father's financial ruin.

The plot follows that of the renowned legend: Beauty selflessly agrees to inhabit the Beast's castle to spare her father's life. Beauty's gradual acceptance of the Beast and the couple's deepening trust and affection are amplified in novel form. Robin McKinley's writing has the flavor of another century, and Beauty heightens the authenticity as a reliable and competent narrator.

My Review:

Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast by Robin McKinley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

We all know the story of Beauty and the Beast. This tale is told from Beauty's POV. Her real name is Honor, and she is the third daughter of a wealthy merchant. When her father looses all they have to a failed business venture, they move up north to start over. But one day, her father has to go back to their old home town for a ship has come back. And on his way back to the family, he gets lost in a blizzard. He happens upon the Beast's castle. After staying the night, the old merchant takes a rose for Beauty since he was unable to get her anything in the city. For the theft of the rose, the Beast demands Beauty to come and live with him. Beauty willingly goes, but regrets it as every night the Beast asks her to marry him. She knows that there is something wrong, that this isn't "normal", but will she find out in time to save the Beast?


This beautiful retelling of the classic story is given new life by Robin McKinley. Beauty is a selfless character who loves her family,but feels awkward as the "ugly" daughter. She is a hard worker, but has an extreme love for books (Thus another reason for this avid reader to love this character!).


For me, though, the Beast is my favorite character. Unlike some B & B stories where Beauty changes the Beast, the Beast has already changed in this story. He is repentant for what he has done, but is still waiting for the right girl to release him from his curse. He is gentle and kind, and only desires to be human again, but who wouldn't after centuries of being a beast?


I really love Bessie and Lydia... think of the cutest (most annoying) older busy-buddy, and make them invisible (but you can still hear them), and that is what you have in Bessie and Lydia. They are hilarious!


I absolutely love this story. The magic of this novel is unlike any that I have read before or after. It is a perfectly blended piece of work that leads you to want to read it over and over again. I've been reading it since I was in middle school, and it is my go-to novel when my life is in the dumps. That should say how great it is... I've been reading this book over and over for 15 years!


Love this book, highly recommend it, and can't wait to see what Robin McKinley is going to write next!




Happy Reading!


Cana