Review: Better than the traditional fairytale??!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 13, 2014
From the title it is easy to guess that RaShelle Workman's new novel is a reworking of Beauty and the Beast. It is true that I love RaShelle Workman's writing, particularly her Blood and Snow series, but I was sceptical about how my favourite fairytale would translate into the contemporary world, particularly if the author chose to use the standard werewolf to represent the beast. Despite my misgivings A Beauty So Beastly is a story I immediately fell in love with because not only does RaShelle Workman reverse the original roles of the characters, but the plot has added mystery and intrigue. It is true that there are werewolf-type transformations made, but the author creates a new species which have their own history and myths.Beatrice is a cold and heartless young woman, born into privilege and used to being adored. Although we initially dislike her and think she deserves the curse placed upon her, as the story unfolds we understand that her behaviour is less by choice and instead a product of her inherited nature. When her overwhelming emotional change takes place the reader is still wary of her, but more sympathetic and open to investing in her story.I admit that I fangirl squealed when Professor Pops was mentioned! This overlap of characters between RaShelle Workman's books gives her faithful readers a familiar point of reference, but on the other hand does not alienate people for whom A Beauty So Beastly is the first book they have read by the author.This is obviously Beatrice's story, but my favourite character is Cole. If the romance between Adam and Beatrice had not been so inevitable, I think she and Cole would have made a perfect couple! Cole is kind-hearted, caring and unselfish, but does not have the huge ego of Troy, and I hope we see more of him in the next Beastly story.The action-packed climax incorporates all of the reader's senses and it is perfectly described by RaShelle Workman; the pace is increased from that of the rest of the novel, along with our fear level.Although A Beauty So Beastly's paranormal plot is not surprising, there are plenty of shocking moments which make us gasp out loud! This is a book I suggest you buy NOW particularly if you love great writing, animated characters and romance! This is already added to my favourites list!