A monster is holding me hostage inside a chateau. The world is plagued by creatures called the Dread. And he’s their king. I’ve tried to run. I’ve tried to hide. But there’s no escaping him. He wants to turn me into one of the creatures. Unless… I find a way to break the curse. A curse that has turned him into the monster that he is.He wasn’t supposed to destroy cities. He’s one of the Celestials … monster that he is.
He wasn’t supposed to destroy cities. He’s one of the Celestials meant to save humanity.
As I uncover the truth and break his curse, I wonder if I’ve lost myself in the process.
Can I still escape him?
Or has he taken my heart forever?
Book One in the Celestial series by USAToday Bestselling Author Emma Hamm
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This classic Fairy tale re-telling has some of the themes we are used to, and yet new twists that make you want more. ( I want more from these characters.) I will not write a review with spoilers, since to do so would take away from the reader’s experience.There is no Gaston in this story and no magical tea set or furniture. I will say this book does have a bit more violence than a Disney story, our heroine does a bit of fighting herself. I found guilt, as an emotion, to be an underlying theme with the main characters. You may not agree me with me on that one, but the only way to find out is to read “Gilded Rose” by Emma Hamm.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Now this is a beauty and the beast romance!!!
When Amicia is forced to do the unthinkable, she finds herself roaming the forest in despair before she stumbles upon a winter chateau. Even as she enters, she is aware of the potential for danger and quickly learns her instincts were right. When death doesn’t claim her, she slowly begins to learn more about the creatures around her but the King is by far the one that most terrifies and intrigues her. A bargain is made and Amicia delves into the mystery that has cost her everything she holds dear.
I loved that Amicia was tough enough to stand up to the horrors that surrounded her. She was more than capable of kicking tail, but not in the physical sense. Book smart and educated in wisdom by her father, she could go face to face with the King of the Dread in spite of her fear.
The King was pretty terrifying. He is a true dark hero but his journey out of the dark kept me enthralled and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to learn exactly what had happened. While he is definitely a monstrous beast, even from the beginning the reader is aware that he is tormented from within. And not in your standard, “I’m scarred and no one wants to look at me” way.
This was so engaging that I didn’t want to put it down. With so much drama, action, and deep emotion, I was eager for Amicia to solve the mystery but hated to reach the end. Written in a way that feels suspended in some other time, this world was wonderously developed and beautifully detailed. I felt that I stood within the walls of the chateau or tried to decipher the words of a book, right along with Amicia.
I was absolutely delighted by everything about this story and the characters contained within!!! Cannot wait for more in this magical world!
This was a first read for me by Emma. I thought this was ok, not bad at all. It was totally different and fairytale retelling’s I take them for what they are. It took a bit for me to get into. I just wished there was something more to the story for me to really love it. I really love this cover though.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I received this book after telling the author I would love to Beta Read her book, which was in response to her newsletter.
I didn’t know what to expect from this book. Just before starting it, I had finished another Beauty and the Beast retelling (A Curse So Dark and Lonely) that had quickly made it to the top of my list of favorite retellings. I didn’t expect this book to be as great as that, but it was! Gilded Rose: A Beauty and the Beast Retelling quickly made it to the top of my list and is now one of my favorite retellings.
The Beast is one of a kind in my eyes. He seemed more demonic and I honestly loved that. It made me think of Persephone and Hades. I hadn’t read a book where the beast was portrayed this way, and it left me wondering how on earth the author was going to have Amicia fall in love with someone like that.
The first chapter did a great job at setting up the story and getting it on its feet. The second chapter is what really pulled me in and got me hooked. It kept me wondering what was going to happen and how. It pulls the story to where it needs to be, out of slight background for the rest of the story and into where the story will be going.
There are so many relatable things for readers. I couldn’t help but highlight quotes that I enjoyed and things that made me laugh. It definitely brought me to love the book more and feel a connection with it.
Amicia and the Beast (and a couple of other characters you will get to know) hold a special place in my heart now. Even one of the characters close to the Beast we aren’t supposed to like. They are all unique and have a special trait that really sticks out, and I find that to be very realistic. Although we are made up of many personality traits, we usually have one that sticks out no matter what and kind of governs the rest.
Do not underestimate this book. It got me to tear up and ripped my heart out. I didn’t expect it before reading it, and I surely didn’t expect it while reading. I also didn’t expect it to end the way it did. I was really sad to see that I was nearing the end because I wasn’t ready for the story to end. Thank God there is room left for another book! Keeping my hopes up 🙂
I cannot wait for this book to get into more hands, and to have a hard copy in mine. I absolutely enjoyed reading this and would recommend it to anyone who wants to read a good fantasy romance/retelling that is original.
An adventure love story of Amicia who shows that if woman would use their talents and be brave, they could achieve anything! The story gripped me from page one, it took me into heights and into walls. This is a whole new retelling of Beauty and the Beast and Belle could learn a few things from Amicia. I am glad Emma Hamm wrote this masterpiece. Thank You Emma!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This Beauty and the Beast retelling is a page-turner! It’s definitely a romantic fantasy with lots of adventure and a little bit of romance. Even though it has a dark storyline, it wasn’t overly dark. It has positive themes too like learning to accept praise. Even though it feels like it’s written for a more mature audience, it’s also surprisingly appropriate for most young adults as it is a coming-of-age story for Amicia. I received an ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I enjoyed this book and breezed through it for the most part. I really found myself interested in the backstory of the antagonists and like that this book reads like a mystery. Certain aspects seemed a bit rushed, but all in all a great quick read. I really enjoyed the twisting of a classic and look forward to more in the future!
This is not your average Beauty and the Beast retelling. First, stop and look at the gorgeous cover. Gargoyles– um, yes, please! Emma Hamm did not disappoint. This story brings you a tragic beast, a confusing curse, and a heroine that stands her own. Amicia is beautiful, smart and resourceful. Magic and science are blended together in this romantic tale. I can’t wait for the rest of the series to find out more about the Alchemists and the Celestials.