Of Beast and Beauty by Stacey Jay

Of Beast and Beauty

by Stacey Jay

What if Beauty became the Beast? Discover a new angle on the classic fairytale in this fantasy retelling that's perfect for anyone who can't get enough of Beauty and the Beast.
 
In the city of Yuan, the blind Princess Isra is raised to be a human sacrifice. Her death will ensure her city’s vitality.
 
In the desert, a mutant beast named Gem fights to save his people, known as the Monstrous, from starvation.
 
Neither dreams that, together, they can return balance to their worlds.

When Gem is captured for trying to steal Yuan’s enchanted roses, he becomes a prisoner of the city. Isra enlists his help, and soon begins to care for him—and to question everything she has been brought up to believe. . . .


“Engrossing tale . . . [an] intense love story.” —Kirkus Reviews
 

“The bones of the classic Beauty and the Beast story are all here, imaginatively fleshed out with tropes from science fiction, fantasy, and even political drama.” —The Bulletin, Recommended
 
“Jay’s characters are well-realized . . . [the] setup is intriguing and her writing assured.” —Publishers Weekly

“Revelations and plot twists keep the action flowing and romance growing. . . . A satisfying read for fans of romantic fantasy.” —School Library Journal

Reviewed by reveriesociety_ on

5 of 5 stars

Share
I.Will.Never.See.Beauty and the Beast.The.Same.Way

What I liked the most about this book was the message, the same one from the movie, but at the same time, delivered with so much precision, and discretion.

Why do I say this?
Because it was an integral part of the story and not something set apart. Beauty was a fundamental thing in this world where a nataural adaption to survive was considered something Monstrous, Tainted

Gem's and Isra's inner problems were as messed up as the ones that came from the world around them. I already miss their angst terribly.

The writing was beautiful. It resembled reading a fairy-tale, but with the roughness of the futuristic? world they were in.

See the full review at: A Writer's Tales

Last modified on

Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 21 April, 2014: Finished reading
  • 21 April, 2014: Reviewed