Best Steampunk Novel of 2017! Critters/Preditors & Editors Reader’s PollIn this tale as old as time, Isabelle Hawking must tinker a solution to a heartbreaking mystery.When Isabelle Hawking and her papa set out from London on a sea voyage, Isabelle is thrilled. Visiting foreign courts, learning from master tinkerers, and studying mechanicals is her dream. And it doesn’t hurt that the trip … doesn’t hurt that the trip also offers Isabelle an escape from her overbearing and unwanted suitor, Gerard LeBoeuf.
But Isabelle never arrives. Swept up in a tempest, her ship is lost.
Isabelle survives the storm only to be shipwrecked on a seemingly deserted island. The magical place, dotted with standing stones, faerie mounds, and a crumbling castle, hints of an ancient past. Isabelle may be an unwilling guest, but her arrival marks a new beginning for the beastly residents of this forgotten land.
See how New York Times bestselling author Melanie Karsak puts a steampunk spin on the classic Beauty and the Beast fairy tale set in gaslamp London.
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Beauty and the Beast and steampunk? From one of my favorite authors? I LOVED this book. <3 xx
I loved this steampunk take on beauty and the beast. firstly Belle, or Isabelle in this story, is just as clever as we know her to be, but this time she loves not just books but tinkering and creating. I loved that about her. Her character was strong and full of passion but seemed to lack the adventurous spirit the Belle we all know in love in the Disney movie had. That Belle wanted to see the world, this one was happy with the one she possessed. However, things change and her curiosity gets the best of her.
The metallic take was an interesting twist and just perfect for the story. I loved all the little aspects that make it different from the other stories. Though I have to say the author notes that they wanted it to differ from other stories because Belle gets Stockholm syndrome in them when in fact she does not. In fact, what happens is Lima syndrome where the aggressor changes because of positive feelings for the hostage. I don’t think I have ever seen or read a version where Belle falls for the beast before she tames him. Other than that slip up I enjoyed this book and look forward to more of the series.
I am desperately in love with the imaginative and beautifully retold edition of Beauty and the Beast!! This is a steampunk version and the world building and careful detailing will take your breath away and will leave you wishing for more!!! Isabelle is a tinker who creates and reads and lives with her papa. She very much dislikes her would be suitor. When it’s time to travel off to a wedding, disaster strikes and suddenly Isabelle finds herself in a whole new atmosphere. The beast in this version is such a dream worthy dude! You can feel almost instantly for his plight and your heart goes out to him and his household. I loved reading all of the detail about how these automaton beings were “crafted”. I also loved how our Beauty didn’t remain in the dark for very long. Knowing that she was understanding what had taken place was very intriguing! I liked the history given to this world. From beginning to epilogue, I absolutely loved this! Ms. Karsak writes with such gusto and creativity that you lose track of time while you’re traversing through her worlds. I want this in paperback because I know that I’m going to love rereading it!
Beauty and Beastly was a very well written steampunk rendition of Beauty and the Beast. The characters were amazing! Beauty and the Beast is an absolute favorite of mine and even knowing the classic story well, I found that I couldnt put this story down!!
What a great book. I loved this retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It was a very unique version of this retelling and it was like no other B&TB retelling I have ever read.
Beauty and Beastly (Steampunk Fairy Tales: Beauty and the Beast, #1) by Melanie Karsak –A perfect BatB retelling! I’m a huge fan of Beauty and the Beast, so I tend to be really picky. This one hit all the traditional plot points without feeling like a tired copy. I’ve been inhaling this series, and I love the world these books occupy. Another winner! Happy Reading!
This is an entertaining steampunk retelling of the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale. I enjoyed the metallic automatons, the Beasts altruism, Isabelle’s skill in tinkering and the authors nods to the Disney version of the tale, as well as the Celtic & Druidic references. The narrator did an excellent job of bringing the story to life. Her British accent fits the setting well and she gave the characters individual voices, switching between dialects with ease. This is a well written and narrated steampunk story that lovers of fairy tales will enjoy
My second read from author Melanie Karsak, although I own several of her books I’d yet to read one and I have to say reading this book was my pleasure. Exquisite detail, well-developed characters & setting. Although not particularly long the story & the book reads longer as it’s so well written. as good as her first book I read was this one was incredibly better and the author has created a story that you will not want to put down. I received an advanced reader copy and am gladly reviewing it. I’ll be reading more from this author.
This story was a nice retelling of a classic. I loved how the author added little touches from more traditional versions into this story and I slso loved this version of Isabella and her father. Gaston was translated into a “throw away” character in this story, as least for me, he could have been left out. I liked the steam-punk aspects and how the “beast” was protrayed. I will read more by this author; and it was a sweet story with little physical romance. I would consider it both safe and chaste.
An interesting twist on Beauty and the Beast, and a fun mix of steampunk and ancient Celtic folklore, where the “monsters” are machines and the “heroes” are brave, bright girls.
Wonderful story. Well written. Delightful mix of magic and mechanicals. It was so fun, I read it straight through.
I was provided this book as an ARC by the author; however, the review is my honest opinion.