Everyone dreams of marrying a prince—except for me. I am nothing more than a pawn in my adoptive mother’s diabolical plot against the seven kingdoms. I was the chosen tool, her sharpened blade that would cut the deepest into the heart of the Kingdom of Baist. But like all deadly weapons, my wedding is two-edged sword that could cost me my soul.For I am Rosalie, one of the adopted daughters of … daughters of Lady Eville, and it is my duty to enter into a loveless and hate-filled marriage with the narcissistic Crown Prince of Baist. My choices and heart are not my own to give. Yet even in the thick of dire situations, beastly vengeance can give way to beautiful attraction.
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Interesting take on the original Beauty and the Beast story
Of Beast and Beauty
by Chanda Hahn
Book 1 in the Daughters of Eville series
Rating: 4/5
Who doesn’t love a good fairytale retelling of Beauty and the Beast? The author has such an incredible imagination to weave together this darker fairytale from such a unique perspective. I was amazed at her writing and storytelling abilities. This is such a great start to a new series! (I’ve read the first three in this series and they are all exciting!)
Highly recommend if you enjoy fairytale retellings. You won’t regret it!
I loved the twist on the classic. Wonderful characters and takes me to a land fast fast away. Great escape during this pandemic. A must read!
Another wonderful series by one of my favorite authors! Chanda Hahn will keep you engaged and guessing throughout this one!
Some people can’t stand retellings, but when done correctly, I think they’re wonderful. It’s always interesting to see a well known story with a different imagining. Chanda Hahn’s Of Beast and Beauty is the first in a series of fairytale retellings around Lady Eville, a literal witch of a mother who plans to use her magical daughters to extract revenge against the seven kingdoms. She sends her beautiful daughter, Rosalie, off to marry Xander, a beast of a prince, in order to take down his kingdom from within. Little do they know that no plan is without fault, secrets run deeper than the blood their truth can draw, and everyone is wearing a mask … but whose true colors will be revealed first? From the minute of Rosalie and Xander’s first meeting, I enjoyed that the author didn’t conceal that they were both up to no good. They each had their own selfish motives and I’m not sure she actually wrote their characters to be likeable. Yet it didn’t take long before I actually liked them both. The historical fantasy world Chanda Hahn creates is quite believable, and the banter between the characters kept me interested and sometimes guessing. Being a retelling, I assumed at some point everything would turn around, they would get their act together, and finally become honorable rulers. But did they? You’ll just have to read and find out. All I’ll say is the story definitely had a couple twists to the usual tale, and I’m definitely looking forward to the rest of the series.
This review first appeared on kelseygietl.com.
This may be the best dollar I have ever spent! Of Beast and Beauty is $0.99 on Amazon right now, so stop reading my review and go buy the book!
You start this one right in the middle of the action, so you are going to have a few chapters of wondering who the “good” guys and “bad” guys are. And I think that is what makes it brilliant. Lovingly crafted, complex characters with their own secrets and motivations make for a fast paced YA fairy tale. Though there are clear signs of Beauty and the Beast, you also have a bit of Cinderella/Rumpelstiltskin/Little Red Riding Hood flair for good measure.
The real magic of this story is the tension between forgiveness and justice. Many characters in this story are on a quest for revenge leaving our main character, Rosalie, feeling like a pawn in a web of plots. Rosalie’s quest to be her own person at many points could have led her down dark roads, but her love of her sisters and her fire-forged character leave the reader cheering her on. There are some pretty hilarious moments where Rosalie’s sense of justice breaks the tension at just the right moment.
I realllllllllllly want this to be a movie, but if they don’t do a Chronicles of Narnia worthy movie I might throw an even bigger tantrum than Percy Jackson. This is a fabulous beginning to what will hopefully be an incredible series!
I’ve always loved the fairy-tale of beauty and the beast, this new series by Chanda Hahn brings an exciting twist to the story. A group of sisters all with magic and all adopted by mistress eville. Raised to get revenge on those who betrayed their mother, this first book tells of Rosalie’s journey, married to the prince of Baist a land without magic, fighting against prejudices and branded a witch. She could easily have become just as bitter and heartless as her mother but instead she chose to help those around her, even the same people who treat her so poorly.
It’s a touching story that shows you can overcome evil by kindness. Even bringing a beast back to love.
entertaining story… and very interesting characters
I really enjoyed this book. It’s familiar yet different. It’s loosely based on a Beauty and the Beast story line. Some of the plot was a mix of love and confusion for me but I would still recommend to those who like Fantasy and story book romance type books. Not a lot of sexual situations in this book which is fine for me but maybe not for those looking for a steamy read.
Love this take on Beauty and the Beast. So fun and romantic!
I was fascinated with the direction that this author took the main character. I think this is similar to the “Beauty and the Beast” story, but only loosely. I really thought that the “Beauty” in this story had a great character development. She has a little confidence in herself, but grows in wisdom and even becomes powerful by the end of the story. A wonderful read!
I was hooked. Both characters were intriguing. The relationship was not easy and I appreciated that. The main character actually got to use her powers and she wasn’t ashamed of them. I want to read the next one in the series.
One of the best books I’ve read!! Definitely a must read that will keep you turning the page the whole time wanting more!! The characters are amazing!!
This story was extremely unique! There were so many twists and turns I came up with a lot of theories as to how it would end! Not a single theory was right because Hahn is wonderful with her surprises! I can’t wait for the next book!!!!!
Instantly enamored with The Seven Kingdoms!
What an amazing beginning! The plot is unique and, while there are some parallels to the original fairy tale, it totally shines as it’s own story! I can’t wait to read about what’s next!
Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorites so I knew I need to read this book and I was not disappointed. I loved Rosalie and her kind heart even though she is the adopted daughter of Lady Eville. There was lots of great twist in this book with the beast and family that I couldn’t put it down. I’m glad there is going to be more books set in this world. I saw loved Rosalie’s familiar.
This was a fabulous twist on Beauty and the Beast. Both my daughter (16 years old) and I loved this book and are already eagerly awaiting the next in the series!!
I am in awe and in love with this book. I was absolutley absorbed in this book and found it hard to put down. Whenever I had a free minute I made sure I had the book in my hand. Chanda Hahn does an outstanding job creating characters that are so dimensional and a storyline that is easy to follow. There was so much revealed at the end that I did not expect. I look forward to reading about Rosalie’s other 6 sisters and learn what is in store for them.
I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
I am in awe of how amazing Chanda’s retellings of fairy tales are, I could not stop reading this book. Rosalie is so badass and strong I wanted to be her so badly. This book was written perfectly. Strong and confident woman lead, magic, beasts, love, hate, and war; this book has it ALL. I cannot wait for the rest of the series. I do wish this wasn’t a stand-alone because it was so good!! But I do look forward to reading the tales of the rest of the 6 sisters and hopefully learn more about Mother Eville.
I am a sucker for a re-telling story… especially one that will keep me on the edge of my seat and wondering just what could happen next. This book is full of witty character banter, fantastical plots driven by power hungry characters, Magic spells, and a cross-dressing goblin!
Not only has the author written a story for a fantasy, magic, and scary creatures… But has set up a world for a series full of books based on these seven kingdoms and these sisters who all have their own set of powers looking to find their own story! I can’t wait to read more of this series!