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Becca Ward knows that magic is real...
Two years ago not only had she and her best friend Alex found a real-life Sleeping Beauty in the middle of Los Angeles, they also discovered that they were powerful in their own right. They’ve managed to keep both their fae powers and their friend Lilia’s identity as a medieval princess a secret and live a normal life. Now their normalcy is threatened by the return of their former advisor at the Gem and Mineral Museum—and Becca’s least favorite person, Nicholas Hunt.
...and she’s about to find out that more than one fairy tale is true.
Nicholas has been obsessed with proving Lilia’s identity and the existence of magic. While working on an archeology dig he discovered an ancient fae artifact—a mirror that is imbued with a powerful protection spell that twists his obsession, and his body, until he is more beast than man. In order to protect her friends, Becca is forced to help him, and she is surprised to find that in spite of his outward appearance, Nicholas is no longer the beast she remembers. Will she let herself be the beauty that breaks the curse, or will she let her prejudice against him stop her from discovering true love?
Two years ago not only had she and her best friend Alex found a real-life Sleeping Beauty in the middle of Los Angeles, they also discovered that they were powerful in their own right. They’ve managed to keep both their fae powers and their friend Lilia’s identity as a medieval princess a secret and live a normal life. Now their normalcy is threatened by the return of their former advisor at the Gem and Mineral Museum—and Becca’s least favorite person, Nicholas Hunt.
...and she’s about to find out that more than one fairy tale is true.
Nicholas has been obsessed with proving Lilia’s identity and the existence of magic. While working on an archeology dig he discovered an ancient fae artifact—a mirror that is imbued with a powerful protection spell that twists his obsession, and his body, until he is more beast than man. In order to protect her friends, Becca is forced to help him, and she is surprised to find that in spite of his outward appearance, Nicholas is no longer the beast she remembers. Will she let herself be the beauty that breaks the curse, or will she let her prejudice against him stop her from discovering true love?
230 pages, Paperback
First published June 30, 2013
16 people are currently reading
669 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Grey
13 books146 followersJessica Grey is an author, fairy tale believer, baseball lover, and recovering Star Wars fangirl. A life-long Californian, she now lives with her two children near Colorado Springs, where she spends her time writing, complaining about snow in April, and drinking way too much caffeine.
Jessica writes witty, modern Jane Austen adaptations and Young Adult fairy tales featuring strong girls and magic.
You can find out more about Jessica's novels and short story collections at www.authorjessicagrey.com.
Jessica writes witty, modern Jane Austen adaptations and Young Adult fairy tales featuring strong girls and magic.
You can find out more about Jessica's novels and short story collections at www.authorjessicagrey.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 18, 2024
This book has no business being as good as it is. I mean, look at that cover. I don't know how it landed on my to-read list but I kept almost deleting it on the strength of that cover alone.
I'm glad I didn't!
Was it my new favorite? No. But it was a creative and entertaining retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I'm particularly impressed how the villain from book #1 gets redeemed. I like how the magic gets developed and I enjoyed the characters. The romance felt a tad rushed, but I believed it. This was one of those stories where I just wanted to keep reading.
BUT WHERE IS THE THIRD BOOK IN THIS TRILOGY? WHAT HAPPENED TO ASPIRE? Someone fill me in on the tea!
I'm glad I didn't!
Was it my new favorite? No. But it was a creative and entertaining retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I'm particularly impressed how the villain from book #1 gets redeemed. I like how the magic gets developed and I enjoyed the characters. The romance felt a tad rushed, but I believed it. This was one of those stories where I just wanted to keep reading.
BUT WHERE IS THE THIRD BOOK IN THIS TRILOGY? WHAT HAPPENED TO ASPIRE? Someone fill me in on the tea!
September 9, 2017
How Jessica Grey made me fall head over heels in love with Nick always floors me. In fact, I've read this book at least three times and every time I sit down to write a review all I can think is, "daaaaaaamn, she's good."
And honestly, what's a better review than that?
That's what I thought. ;)
#goodbookisgood
And honestly, what's a better review than that?
That's what I thought. ;)
#goodbookisgood
December 20, 2015
Okay, I’m just going to come straight out with it at the beginning. I, Chiara, LOVED this book. Seriously. Atone would have to be one of my favourite reads of 2013, and that’s pretty high praise coming from me.
When I first started reading the book, there were references I didn’t understand, and then I realised that it was the second book in a trilogy, and that I had not read the first; Awake. I was a little worried that my enjoyment of Atone would be decreased because of this. Boy, was I wrong.
From the moment, and I mean the MOMENT, I started Atone, I was in for the long run. There was no ‘I can’t get into this’, no ‘what is going on?’, no ‘I’m so confused’, and I hadn’t even read its predecessor. Jessica Grey is just that awesome at weaving a world for her reader.
I loved every moment of Atone. I loved every character of Atone. I loved the storyline of Atone. I loved the world of Atone. I loved the ending of Atone. Are you getting me? I loved this book to pieces, and I want to hold a copy in my hands and stroke its beautiful cover with my fingers in loving infatuation.
Atone is kind of a modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast, my favourite fairytale of all time. I hadn’t read the blurb since I signed up for this tour, so I had, in fact, forgotten what this book was even about. And I was so glad, because it made every single thing that happened so very exciting and new, and I love it when that happens! I’ve read a few Beauty and the Beast retellings in my time, and this would have to be hands down one of my top five favourites. It was different enough from the fairytale that it wasn’t like reading the same thing as 100 other books, but also true enough to the basis of my favourite fairytale to leave me in love with the story.
The world Grey has created in Atone is amazing. Her descriptions of people and places were in depth, and I was never left wondering what anything or anyone looked like; something that I heartily appreciate in novels. The dialogue was realistic, the emotions true to life, and the relationships believable.
I thought Becca was an awesome main character. Besides the fact that she’s my age, which is so very hard to find in books. Seriously, why isn’t anyone ever twenty? But she was just sassy and witty, and completely real. I felt her background story was the kind that many people can relate to, not out of this world like so many other YA books put forward. She cared about her two best friends, and their bond was one of my favourite aspects of this book.
Nicholas. Oh, boy. Don’t even get me started. I will just say that I am a huge fan, and that he is pretty much the perfect modern portrayal of the Beast in my opinion.
I just cannot sing this book’s praises enough, and I sincerely recommend it to anyone looking for an awesome YA story, with a smack of the best fairytale in history. I am currently running away to buy Awake, and waiting impatiently for the final book in the trilogy to be released!
© 2013, Chiara @ Books For A Delicate Eternity. All rights reserved.
When I first started reading the book, there were references I didn’t understand, and then I realised that it was the second book in a trilogy, and that I had not read the first; Awake. I was a little worried that my enjoyment of Atone would be decreased because of this. Boy, was I wrong.
From the moment, and I mean the MOMENT, I started Atone, I was in for the long run. There was no ‘I can’t get into this’, no ‘what is going on?’, no ‘I’m so confused’, and I hadn’t even read its predecessor. Jessica Grey is just that awesome at weaving a world for her reader.
I loved every moment of Atone. I loved every character of Atone. I loved the storyline of Atone. I loved the world of Atone. I loved the ending of Atone. Are you getting me? I loved this book to pieces, and I want to hold a copy in my hands and stroke its beautiful cover with my fingers in loving infatuation.
Atone is kind of a modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast, my favourite fairytale of all time. I hadn’t read the blurb since I signed up for this tour, so I had, in fact, forgotten what this book was even about. And I was so glad, because it made every single thing that happened so very exciting and new, and I love it when that happens! I’ve read a few Beauty and the Beast retellings in my time, and this would have to be hands down one of my top five favourites. It was different enough from the fairytale that it wasn’t like reading the same thing as 100 other books, but also true enough to the basis of my favourite fairytale to leave me in love with the story.
The world Grey has created in Atone is amazing. Her descriptions of people and places were in depth, and I was never left wondering what anything or anyone looked like; something that I heartily appreciate in novels. The dialogue was realistic, the emotions true to life, and the relationships believable.
I thought Becca was an awesome main character. Besides the fact that she’s my age, which is so very hard to find in books. Seriously, why isn’t anyone ever twenty? But she was just sassy and witty, and completely real. I felt her background story was the kind that many people can relate to, not out of this world like so many other YA books put forward. She cared about her two best friends, and their bond was one of my favourite aspects of this book.
Nicholas. Oh, boy. Don’t even get me started. I will just say that I am a huge fan, and that he is pretty much the perfect modern portrayal of the Beast in my opinion.
I just cannot sing this book’s praises enough, and I sincerely recommend it to anyone looking for an awesome YA story, with a smack of the best fairytale in history. I am currently running away to buy Awake, and waiting impatiently for the final book in the trilogy to be released!
© 2013, Chiara @ Books For A Delicate Eternity. All rights reserved.
September 22, 2016
Also posted on my blog Got My Book.
Real Rating = 4.5*
A sweet & funny YA Contemporary Fantasy Retelling that's biggest drawback is that it's too short.
BOOK DETAILS:
Atone by Jessica Grey, read by Randi Larson, published 2013 / Length: 6 hrs 43 min
SERIES INFO:
This is Book #2 of "The Fairytale Trilogy." While the series has not been officially abandoned, the 3rd book (Aspire) appears to have been indefinitely delayed.
**This review contains spoilers for the previous book.**
SUMMARY:
This is one of my favorite fairy tale retellings. I love how the relationship grows between them. I wasn't a fan of the narration but it hasn't kept me from relistening. And I really don't like the cover.
Note: Audible has this in the 11-13 year old bracket, but Becca is 20 and Nicholas is several years older. I've categorized it as NA (although there isn't any sex, so it's appropriate for younger readers as well).
CHARACTERS:
Becca Ward: I love how she is snarky but not mean. She is very relatable since she comes from a broken home with lots of "steps," but they all muddle along trying to take care of each other despite their issues. She does make a couple of seriously rash decisions, I wouldn't have expected her to let her emotions get the better of her like that.
Nicholas Hunt: I didn't actually hate him in the last one. He was selfish & obnoxious, but not really much of an obstacle. The inappropriateness of his previous actions become clearer in this one though. He definitely deserved what happened to him.
Becca & Nicholas: This is a couple that actually has a lot in common, if they can overcome their past animosity (and his being a beast). I was never very sure why Alex & Luke were supposedly so perfect for each other in the first book, besides having been childhood friends (and hot); but that isn't the case here. And I really like the way they talk and interact.
Note: I also like the way neither blames their families or upbringing for anything they do, but instead take responsibility.
Alex - I like her better without all the baggage she was carrying in the previous book. / Lilia - she is much less annoying in this book, but still appears to be dealing with losing her entire world & waking up 1100 years later a bit better than seems likely.
WORLDBUILDING:
We are introduced to additional Fae in this book with different powers & affinities. The L.A. setting continues to be important to what is going on (traffic & parking, heat, rich people's homes, Koreatown, and amusement parks are some of the things that are included).
PLOT:
The beginning did a good job of setting up who the characters were and what had happened to them in the previous book as well as what their current relationships with each other
As I said above, the book is too short. There were some wonderful scenes that explored the changing nature of Becca & Nicholas' very non-Instalove relationship. I wanted quite a bit more.
The ending is beautiful. There is a scene, where everything Nicholas is doing to try and fix a problem is just making it worse, that actually made me cry. And I enjoyed the short bit at the end with everyone together afterwards.
HIGHLIGHTS / CAUTIONS:
--The scene where they first look into the mirror at the same time (very sensual).
--Playing together outside
--Nicholas' reaction when Becca said she though they had become friends
I COULD HAVE DONE WITHOUT: mild swearing
OTHER CAUTIONS(?): Nicholas acts threatening to Becca on a couple of occasions, and physically restrains her at one point.
NARRATION:
Character voices differentiated = barely / Opposite sex voices acceptable = yes, but not good (and Nicholas doesn't sound at all beastly) / Accents = mosty ignored (“slightly accented” voice isn’t noticeably accented at all) / Phrasing, Pacing & Pronunciation = I had some issues with her phrasing / Speed = listened on 1.25, my usual
Real Rating = 4.5*
A sweet & funny YA Contemporary Fantasy Retelling that's biggest drawback is that it's too short.
BOOK DETAILS:
Atone by Jessica Grey, read by Randi Larson, published 2013 / Length: 6 hrs 43 min
SERIES INFO:
This is Book #2 of "The Fairytale Trilogy." While the series has not been officially abandoned, the 3rd book (Aspire) appears to have been indefinitely delayed.
**This review contains spoilers for the previous book.**
SUMMARY:
This is one of my favorite fairy tale retellings. I love how the relationship grows between them. I wasn't a fan of the narration but it hasn't kept me from relistening. And I really don't like the cover.
Note: Audible has this in the 11-13 year old bracket, but Becca is 20 and Nicholas is several years older. I've categorized it as NA (although there isn't any sex, so it's appropriate for younger readers as well).
CHARACTERS:
Becca Ward: I love how she is snarky but not mean. She is very relatable since she comes from a broken home with lots of "steps," but they all muddle along trying to take care of each other despite their issues. She does make a couple of seriously rash decisions, I wouldn't have expected her to let her emotions get the better of her like that.
Nicholas Hunt: I didn't actually hate him in the last one. He was selfish & obnoxious, but not really much of an obstacle. The inappropriateness of his previous actions become clearer in this one though. He definitely deserved what happened to him.
Becca & Nicholas: This is a couple that actually has a lot in common, if they can overcome their past animosity (and his being a beast). I was never very sure why Alex & Luke were supposedly so perfect for each other in the first book, besides having been childhood friends (and hot); but that isn't the case here. And I really like the way they talk and interact.
Note: I also like the way neither blames their families or upbringing for anything they do, but instead take responsibility.
Alex - I like her better without all the baggage she was carrying in the previous book. / Lilia - she is much less annoying in this book, but still appears to be dealing with losing her entire world & waking up 1100 years later a bit better than seems likely.
WORLDBUILDING:
We are introduced to additional Fae in this book with different powers & affinities. The L.A. setting continues to be important to what is going on (traffic & parking, heat, rich people's homes, Koreatown, and amusement parks are some of the things that are included).
PLOT:
The beginning did a good job of setting up who the characters were and what had happened to them in the previous book as well as what their current relationships with each other
As I said above, the book is too short. There were some wonderful scenes that explored the changing nature of Becca & Nicholas' very non-Instalove relationship. I wanted quite a bit more.
The ending is beautiful. There is a scene, where everything Nicholas is doing to try and fix a problem is just making it worse, that actually made me cry. And I enjoyed the short bit at the end with everyone together afterwards.
HIGHLIGHTS / CAUTIONS:
--The scene where they first look into the mirror at the same time (very sensual).
--Playing together outside
--Nicholas' reaction when Becca said she though they had become friends
I COULD HAVE DONE WITHOUT: mild swearing
OTHER CAUTIONS(?): Nicholas acts threatening to Becca on a couple of occasions, and physically restrains her at one point.
NARRATION:
Character voices differentiated = barely / Opposite sex voices acceptable = yes, but not good (and Nicholas doesn't sound at all beastly) / Accents = mosty ignored (“slightly accented” voice isn’t noticeably accented at all) / Phrasing, Pacing & Pronunciation = I had some issues with her phrasing / Speed = listened on 1.25, my usual
September 16, 2013
I really enjoyed Atone! The novel is an amazing fairytale and I will most definitely check out more books from Jessica Grey. Here is an author to look out for! Her fairytale books are absolute gems.
This book is the perfect length. I read Atone in two quick sittings and was satisfied with all the great development, and how there were no drawn out scenes. I'll be picking this book up agin for a second reading when I am in the mood for an action-y, humorous, romantic, fast paced book. However, this is in no way a thick book, so make sure you remember it is a quick read!
One of my favorite thing about Atone was the magic aspect. I loved, loved, loved all the fae, magic creatures, spells, mirrors, portals and the rest of the imaginative traits. Also, the author is clear and precise with these details so I was never left confused or just not believing the logistics of the magical world, as I often to do with ill thought out fantasies. Who doesn't love a well done, fun fantasy?
My absolute favorite parts about Atone, however, were the characters. I loved the trio of Becca, Alex, and Lilia. They have memorable, fun banter and their friendship is highly believable, sweet, and humorous. Becca, a part of the trio and our main character, was a very likable heroine. Never did I think of her as whiny, cliche, or unoriginal. She also has some pretty good lines. I guarantee you will smile at the dialogue. Also, when mentioning great characters I have to mention Nicholas. He was such a great character with definite development. I loved seeing him grow kind and thoughtful!
Overall, Atone is a more than worth your time. Fairy tale lovers should pick up this novel. Also, prepare for a few laughs, a great plot, awesome magic, a fun trio, and a killer romance! And that ending was pretty much perfect. I am always hard on endings, yet Atone's was sweet but not boring, cliff-hanger-y or with a lot of loose threads.
This book is the perfect length. I read Atone in two quick sittings and was satisfied with all the great development, and how there were no drawn out scenes. I'll be picking this book up agin for a second reading when I am in the mood for an action-y, humorous, romantic, fast paced book. However, this is in no way a thick book, so make sure you remember it is a quick read!
One of my favorite thing about Atone was the magic aspect. I loved, loved, loved all the fae, magic creatures, spells, mirrors, portals and the rest of the imaginative traits. Also, the author is clear and precise with these details so I was never left confused or just not believing the logistics of the magical world, as I often to do with ill thought out fantasies. Who doesn't love a well done, fun fantasy?
My absolute favorite parts about Atone, however, were the characters. I loved the trio of Becca, Alex, and Lilia. They have memorable, fun banter and their friendship is highly believable, sweet, and humorous. Becca, a part of the trio and our main character, was a very likable heroine. Never did I think of her as whiny, cliche, or unoriginal. She also has some pretty good lines. I guarantee you will smile at the dialogue. Also, when mentioning great characters I have to mention Nicholas. He was such a great character with definite development. I loved seeing him grow kind and thoughtful!
Overall, Atone is a more than worth your time. Fairy tale lovers should pick up this novel. Also, prepare for a few laughs, a great plot, awesome magic, a fun trio, and a killer romance! And that ending was pretty much perfect. I am always hard on endings, yet Atone's was sweet but not boring, cliff-hanger-y or with a lot of loose threads.
September 19, 2013
Until I was offered an opportunity to participate in this blog tour, I had never heard of this series. I”m very happy that omission in my reading life has now been corrected. I love the concept of normal everyday girls not only finding themselves with fae powers but also smackdab in the middle of some well-known fairytales; this time, it’s Beauty and the Beast. In this retelling, the heroine of the piece, Becca, is surprised to discover what has happened to Nicholas but she isn’t surprised by her revulsion at his appearance because she actually doesn’t have that reaction. That’s the special touch Jessica Grey has brought to this particular fairytale that I really loved—Becca already detests Nicholas so his new appearance doesn’t fill her with shock. Of course, it also helps that her fae nature and her experience with Sleeping Beauty has preconditioned her to accept such things.
So, much against Nicholas’ will, Becca sets out to right the wrong and get the current magic run amok under control. More than anything else, she wants to protect Lilia who’s living under an assumed identity. Nicholas has been driven to gather evidence to expose Lilia along with Becca and Alex and is nursing a serious resentment against the girls and their fae abilities. Can Becca stop him from revealing everything and can she and Nicholas work together to end his enchantment?
I grew very fond of the three girls who seem to have a mature outlook on their lives as fae but who will do whatever is needed to protect each other’s secrets while maintaining normal human lives around those who don’t know the truth about them. Becca is especially appealing as we learn that she is far from perfect and yet becomes willing to admit that, perhaps, she doesn’t always have all the answers and that surprises are in store for her where Nicholas is concerned.
The crux of the original fairytale is that a man who has always used his looks and position to get what he wants is suddenly turned into a horrible sight that no one can bear to look at and, yet, there is love and redemption waiting for him. Ms. Grey has neatly turned this into a modern re-telling with the same values and it works beautifully. Is there romance in this modern-day version? Of course, but my thanks go out to Ms. Grey for making it a natural progression and not a sudden “oh, my, all my opinions about you have been so wrong’ in the first five minutes. Watching Nicholas grow into a changed man and watching Becca begin to care what happens to him are well worth the reading journey.
As I mentioned before, this is the first book in the trilogy I have read. While I sometimes wished I knew more about what went on in the first book, Awake, I also felt that Atone is eminently readable as a standalone. Still, I’m going to have to go get Awake to tide me over till the third book comes out. I also have a small hope that fans of the Fairytale Trilogy will convince the author to write more than three of these delightful tales.
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, September 2013.
So, much against Nicholas’ will, Becca sets out to right the wrong and get the current magic run amok under control. More than anything else, she wants to protect Lilia who’s living under an assumed identity. Nicholas has been driven to gather evidence to expose Lilia along with Becca and Alex and is nursing a serious resentment against the girls and their fae abilities. Can Becca stop him from revealing everything and can she and Nicholas work together to end his enchantment?
I grew very fond of the three girls who seem to have a mature outlook on their lives as fae but who will do whatever is needed to protect each other’s secrets while maintaining normal human lives around those who don’t know the truth about them. Becca is especially appealing as we learn that she is far from perfect and yet becomes willing to admit that, perhaps, she doesn’t always have all the answers and that surprises are in store for her where Nicholas is concerned.
The crux of the original fairytale is that a man who has always used his looks and position to get what he wants is suddenly turned into a horrible sight that no one can bear to look at and, yet, there is love and redemption waiting for him. Ms. Grey has neatly turned this into a modern re-telling with the same values and it works beautifully. Is there romance in this modern-day version? Of course, but my thanks go out to Ms. Grey for making it a natural progression and not a sudden “oh, my, all my opinions about you have been so wrong’ in the first five minutes. Watching Nicholas grow into a changed man and watching Becca begin to care what happens to him are well worth the reading journey.
As I mentioned before, this is the first book in the trilogy I have read. While I sometimes wished I knew more about what went on in the first book, Awake, I also felt that Atone is eminently readable as a standalone. Still, I’m going to have to go get Awake to tide me over till the third book comes out. I also have a small hope that fans of the Fairytale Trilogy will convince the author to write more than three of these delightful tales.
Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, September 2013.
December 29, 2015
First of all,let me admit that I haven't read the first book.At first,I was skeptical because I hate to feel clueless when I am reading.So I made sure I know the whole background of the story before I started it.
The cover and blurb itself clearly conveyed that the book is going to be a retelling of Beauty and the Beast.Since it's my favourite fairy tale,I was eager to read the book.It was a quick read for me since both the story and the chemistry between Becca and Nicholas was really interesting to read.
Though I haven't read the first book,it was easy to understand Nicholas' character and Becca's view of him.He has always been a guy who used his good looks for his advantage,so being turned into a beast would have been his worst nightmare.It was different to see a hero who has the whole package of a bad boy,minus the dashing looks.(Though his true self was definitely swoon worthy)
I liked Becca.She was an easy character to get along with.I loved her relationship with her friends and family,her 'hatred' towards Nicholas and her magic powers.
Above everything,what I loved most in the book was the chemistry between these two.I've always enjoyed main characters who fight a lot.It's fascinating to see the banters and loads of sexual tension.
It was also wonderful to see the change of Nicholas' personality.He changed from the guys who's always been arrogant and aware of his good looks to an amazing man.The gradual change in him was the highlight of the story.
I felt like I needed more of Nicholas and Becca when I finished.I wish the sequel will feature them a lot,which I am so sure will focus on Lilia and maybe Gabe(I hope so).
The cover and blurb itself clearly conveyed that the book is going to be a retelling of Beauty and the Beast.Since it's my favourite fairy tale,I was eager to read the book.It was a quick read for me since both the story and the chemistry between Becca and Nicholas was really interesting to read.
Though I haven't read the first book,it was easy to understand Nicholas' character and Becca's view of him.He has always been a guy who used his good looks for his advantage,so being turned into a beast would have been his worst nightmare.It was different to see a hero who has the whole package of a bad boy,minus the dashing looks.(Though his true self was definitely swoon worthy)
I liked Becca.She was an easy character to get along with.I loved her relationship with her friends and family,her 'hatred' towards Nicholas and her magic powers.
Above everything,what I loved most in the book was the chemistry between these two.I've always enjoyed main characters who fight a lot.It's fascinating to see the banters and loads of sexual tension.
It was also wonderful to see the change of Nicholas' personality.He changed from the guys who's always been arrogant and aware of his good looks to an amazing man.The gradual change in him was the highlight of the story.
I felt like I needed more of Nicholas and Becca when I finished.I wish the sequel will feature them a lot,which I am so sure will focus on Lilia and maybe Gabe(I hope so).
March 8, 2015
Originally posted on my blog: Tangled Up In Books
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I basically read the books in this series blindly. When the email came in to sign up for the Atone blog tour, I pulled the book up on Goodreads and I pretty much got to where I saw it was "A Fairytale Trilogy" and I didn't even go any further, I just signed up. After receiving my review copy I then realized it was book two so I immediately went to Amazon and downloaded Awake.
See, I always jump at the chance to read a fairytale retelling. The fun, the excitement, the romance, the new spin on the old classics. They can be real hit and miss though, and up to this point all the ones I've read and loved have been mostly set in historical romances, until now. Jessica Grey has, twice now, left me feeling completely enchanted after reading her brilliant spins on both Awake book 1, my first read of a spin on Sleeping Beauty, and now with Atone, a modern day Beauty and the Beast. Not only has she written what are now two of my absolute favorite retellings to date, she has also preformed the near impossible that very few authors have been able to do with me. She took me from greatly disliking (hate is such a strong word..) a character, Nicholas, in Awake, let's face it if you read it you know he was a tool, to falling completely in love with him in Atone. I guess the book lives up to it's name.
Atone also had one of my other favorite ingredients added to it. The enemies to romantic interest twist. When I first realized that Nicholas was going to be Becca's love interest I thought no way. For one I couldn't stand him and I knew Becca wasn't his biggest fan. This is going to be impossible and I'm going to hate it! But I really wanted to give it a chance. It didn't take long before I was sucked into their story and praying for what I thought was the impossible, for Nicholas to grow a heart.
I loved having all my favorite characters back. Well Alex, Lilia and Becca I should say. I did miss Luke being around, he was mentioned quite a bit though. I was happy to see, since this book is set 2 years after the events in Awake, that the three girls were still close and stronger than ever, in both their magic and their relationships with each other. And I love the way they look out for each other and keep the others grounded and sane. Not only can Jessica Grey weave a story that will have you captivated and not want to put it down but she has created some very strong, realistic and likable characters.
If, like me, you love a good fairytale, this series is a must read. Though I feel like Atone could standalone fine on it's own, I still highly recommend reading Awake first. It'll give you a deeper appreciation for this one. Plus it was so much fun! I can't wait to read Lilia's book and figure out so many questions I have. Some of which being things like, duh, what's her fairytale going to be? Which one of the two possible guys that I've met to this point will be in her happily ever after? There's one I'm hoping for but we'll see! I'm also sad to get to it and bring this series to a close. I've enjoyed it so much so far and I don't want it to end! Add this series to your reading list, you won't regret it! They're fun, sweet and tug at the heart strings. What more could you ask for?
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I basically read the books in this series blindly. When the email came in to sign up for the Atone blog tour, I pulled the book up on Goodreads and I pretty much got to where I saw it was "A Fairytale Trilogy" and I didn't even go any further, I just signed up. After receiving my review copy I then realized it was book two so I immediately went to Amazon and downloaded Awake.
See, I always jump at the chance to read a fairytale retelling. The fun, the excitement, the romance, the new spin on the old classics. They can be real hit and miss though, and up to this point all the ones I've read and loved have been mostly set in historical romances, until now. Jessica Grey has, twice now, left me feeling completely enchanted after reading her brilliant spins on both Awake book 1, my first read of a spin on Sleeping Beauty, and now with Atone, a modern day Beauty and the Beast. Not only has she written what are now two of my absolute favorite retellings to date, she has also preformed the near impossible that very few authors have been able to do with me. She took me from greatly disliking (hate is such a strong word..) a character, Nicholas, in Awake, let's face it if you read it you know he was a tool, to falling completely in love with him in Atone. I guess the book lives up to it's name.
Atone also had one of my other favorite ingredients added to it. The enemies to romantic interest twist. When I first realized that Nicholas was going to be Becca's love interest I thought no way. For one I couldn't stand him and I knew Becca wasn't his biggest fan. This is going to be impossible and I'm going to hate it! But I really wanted to give it a chance. It didn't take long before I was sucked into their story and praying for what I thought was the impossible, for Nicholas to grow a heart.
I loved having all my favorite characters back. Well Alex, Lilia and Becca I should say. I did miss Luke being around, he was mentioned quite a bit though. I was happy to see, since this book is set 2 years after the events in Awake, that the three girls were still close and stronger than ever, in both their magic and their relationships with each other. And I love the way they look out for each other and keep the others grounded and sane. Not only can Jessica Grey weave a story that will have you captivated and not want to put it down but she has created some very strong, realistic and likable characters.
If, like me, you love a good fairytale, this series is a must read. Though I feel like Atone could standalone fine on it's own, I still highly recommend reading Awake first. It'll give you a deeper appreciation for this one. Plus it was so much fun! I can't wait to read Lilia's book and figure out so many questions I have. Some of which being things like, duh, what's her fairytale going to be? Which one of the two possible guys that I've met to this point will be in her happily ever after? There's one I'm hoping for but we'll see! I'm also sad to get to it and bring this series to a close. I've enjoyed it so much so far and I don't want it to end! Add this series to your reading list, you won't regret it! They're fun, sweet and tug at the heart strings. What more could you ask for?
September 14, 2015
Strong-willed and extremely loyal Becca is thrown into a tentative alliance with a man she has always professed to dislike, the handsome but cold Nicholas Hunt, who has been trying to ruin Becca's life and the lives of her friends for the past two years. In his efforts, Nicholas discovers a magical mirror which becomes his obsession and which changes his outward appearance into that of a beast. When Becca discovers him and offers to help, her kindness (even if it's in the form of tough love) brings out a different side to him and he finds himself caring for someone other than himself. Becca also learns that love is not something to be afraid of, but something that can give you more power than you ever thought yourself capable of.
I could't put this book down. Beauty and the Beast is one of my favourite fairy tales, if not my favourite, and I really enjoyed this re-telling.
The storyline flowed and developed in a praise-worthy manner, with the Beauty and the Beast theme re-told in a new and unique way. The characters are well-developed and I loved the way in which they subtly but definitively grew and changed over the course of the book. I loved Becca. While her personality did not come out as strongly in the first book, Awake, as it did in this one, I never felt as if I was trying to reconcile two completely different characters between the two books. I am very glad that Ms. Grey chose to save Nicholas and give him a happy ending.
There are a few things that really stood out for me as being excellent in this story:
1. The story is set two years after Atone and Ms. Grey executed the change in the relationships between the three girls beautifully. Becca, Lilia, and Alex are closer in this book (as you would expect them to be after two years of friendship) and the way they understand each other and interact left me with no doubt in my mind that they were now fast friends.
2. I had absolutely no trouble picturing the house and gardens of Nicholas's home. Ms. Grey's descriptions were complete without being tedious, grabbing my attention without losing it again.
3. The big-dramatic scene with the two main characters was brilliant. It played out smoothly in my mind and you could feel the fast pace at which it was happening, the desperation Nicholas felt, and the strange calm that Becca experienced. I really enjoyed reading this part.
4. As the second book in a trilogy, and despite the fact that the story of Beauty and the Beast involves a certain degree of isolation or separation between the main characters and the rest of the world, Ms. Grey succeeded in rounding off Alex's character and introducing Lilia's. Alex seemed so much more comfortable with the confidence and power she discovered in her own book. Lilia has settled into her new life and her character is more strongly defined than it was in the first book. I look forward to reading her story in Aspire.
I could't put this book down. Beauty and the Beast is one of my favourite fairy tales, if not my favourite, and I really enjoyed this re-telling.
The storyline flowed and developed in a praise-worthy manner, with the Beauty and the Beast theme re-told in a new and unique way. The characters are well-developed and I loved the way in which they subtly but definitively grew and changed over the course of the book. I loved Becca. While her personality did not come out as strongly in the first book, Awake, as it did in this one, I never felt as if I was trying to reconcile two completely different characters between the two books. I am very glad that Ms. Grey chose to save Nicholas and give him a happy ending.
There are a few things that really stood out for me as being excellent in this story:
1. The story is set two years after Atone and Ms. Grey executed the change in the relationships between the three girls beautifully. Becca, Lilia, and Alex are closer in this book (as you would expect them to be after two years of friendship) and the way they understand each other and interact left me with no doubt in my mind that they were now fast friends.
2. I had absolutely no trouble picturing the house and gardens of Nicholas's home. Ms. Grey's descriptions were complete without being tedious, grabbing my attention without losing it again.
3. The big-dramatic scene with the two main characters was brilliant. It played out smoothly in my mind and you could feel the fast pace at which it was happening, the desperation Nicholas felt, and the strange calm that Becca experienced. I really enjoyed reading this part.
4. As the second book in a trilogy, and despite the fact that the story of Beauty and the Beast involves a certain degree of isolation or separation between the main characters and the rest of the world, Ms. Grey succeeded in rounding off Alex's character and introducing Lilia's. Alex seemed so much more comfortable with the confidence and power she discovered in her own book. Lilia has settled into her new life and her character is more strongly defined than it was in the first book. I look forward to reading her story in Aspire.
April 22, 2015
Yet again I'm surprised at how much I liked a book. Atone is the second in a series; a series that I have not read in its entirety. I've only read this one book, not the first. There were multiple references to the previous book, but I didn't really feel like I was missing anything major. It was fast-paced and I absolutely loved the characters.
Becca was by far my favorite, which is surprising in itself. As a general rule, and as I've mentioned before, I generally prefer the side characters more than the main one. In this case I was pleasantly surprised to find that I really enjoyed Becca, for a lot of reasons. On the surface, I absolutely loved the fact that she had dark hair and brown eyes. You mean a character that doesn't have blue or green eyes!? One that doesn't have fiery red hair!? I'm amazed. But aside from that though, she was snarky and sarcastic as hell and I greatly enjoyed her dialogue, particularly the banter between her and Lilia and Alex. It was refreshing, and I commend the author for creating dialogue that didn't feel stilted and was actually funny. It actually felt like I was seeing three friends who've known each other forever interact.
I really enjoyed the retelling of the love story, too. I knew it was coming. Everyone does, I think, when they pick up this book. And yet I still felt like the relationship between the characters evolved naturally, as a result of late night heart-to-hearts. Which, in my experience, is totally accurate. It's never love at first sight. Maybe infatuation at first sight, or lust at first sight. Not love. Any real relationship is developed over time, and over experiences. Nick and Becca were forced into a confined space together, and started to learn little by little their own flaws and shortcomings, Nick especially. I really enjoyed seeing the natural affection play out, especially since it was born out of resentment originally.
I feel like the actual drama was tied up a little too neatly, though. One word from a king and suddenly there's no more issues. It was a bit too easy, but since the main plot of the story is the love connection I didn't really feel like too much was lost as a result. The story about Violet is a bit depressing, too. I can only hope that the third book in the series will shine a little more light on that story, and this is definitely a series (and author) I'll watch. There were a couple of errors within the pages--missing quotations, "to" instead of "too", extra spaces--but it wasn't too distracting and with another read-through I'm sure this author will have something golden in her hands.
(I received this in a First Reads giveaway.)
Becca was by far my favorite, which is surprising in itself. As a general rule, and as I've mentioned before, I generally prefer the side characters more than the main one. In this case I was pleasantly surprised to find that I really enjoyed Becca, for a lot of reasons. On the surface, I absolutely loved the fact that she had dark hair and brown eyes. You mean a character that doesn't have blue or green eyes!? One that doesn't have fiery red hair!? I'm amazed. But aside from that though, she was snarky and sarcastic as hell and I greatly enjoyed her dialogue, particularly the banter between her and Lilia and Alex. It was refreshing, and I commend the author for creating dialogue that didn't feel stilted and was actually funny. It actually felt like I was seeing three friends who've known each other forever interact.
I really enjoyed the retelling of the love story, too. I knew it was coming. Everyone does, I think, when they pick up this book. And yet I still felt like the relationship between the characters evolved naturally, as a result of late night heart-to-hearts. Which, in my experience, is totally accurate. It's never love at first sight. Maybe infatuation at first sight, or lust at first sight. Not love. Any real relationship is developed over time, and over experiences. Nick and Becca were forced into a confined space together, and started to learn little by little their own flaws and shortcomings, Nick especially. I really enjoyed seeing the natural affection play out, especially since it was born out of resentment originally.
I feel like the actual drama was tied up a little too neatly, though. One word from a king and suddenly there's no more issues. It was a bit too easy, but since the main plot of the story is the love connection I didn't really feel like too much was lost as a result. The story about Violet is a bit depressing, too. I can only hope that the third book in the series will shine a little more light on that story, and this is definitely a series (and author) I'll watch. There were a couple of errors within the pages--missing quotations, "to" instead of "too", extra spaces--but it wasn't too distracting and with another read-through I'm sure this author will have something golden in her hands.
(I received this in a First Reads giveaway.)
September 17, 2013
Atone is the second book in Ms. Grey's faery tale series, the first being Awake. Although there is enough backstory that you can read this standalone, I definitely recommend reading Awake before you read Atone; you'll enjoy Atone much more (plus you'll ruin the ending for Awake and after reading Atone, and you'll want to go back and read Awake anyway). Reading Atone was like going back and revisiting old friends. Set two years after Awake, the three heroines of Awake are more mature, are able to handle the powers better, and have gone on with their lives. On the other hand, Nicholas, a selfish secondary character that played a minor yet significant role in Awake, has not gone on with his life. In fact, he is very, very obsessed with the three friends...
Becca takes center-stage in Atone. She's protective over her friends and makes it her mission to help Nicholas. Not that he wants her help. And not that she *wants to* help. But, that's Becca for you; she wants to protect her friends, even if it means dealing with Nicholas, the man that she has loathed for almost six years. In fact, we get to read about her anger and her frustration with Nicholas, which makes their eventual friendship such an enjoyable read. It's great watching the two of them get over their misconceptions over each other as they grow stronger in power and character. I didn't like Nicholas in the first book so it was a great surprise that I ended up liking him so much in this one.
The mythology isn't too deep although present, and we get to learn a little bit more about the fae and the three heroines' place in it. While Awake was more focused on the three girls with an emphasis on Alex, Atone was definitely more on the budding relationship between Becca and Nicholas with the other two girls playing a minor role. Watching Becca as she deals with her growing powers was great to read, and like in the first book, I really enjoyed the descriptive magic scenes. This felt a little more fast-paced than the first book, but it still mainly feels like you're taking a leisurely stroll as opposed to racing through.
Overall, this is a great follow-up to Awake although it can be read as a standalone. If you like Beauty and the Beast, you will definitely love this book. Do note that the Beauty in this book is a tough cookie and no pushover, which makes the story even better. This is a 5 out of 5 for me!
(Originally posted on my blog; I received an ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.)
Becca takes center-stage in Atone. She's protective over her friends and makes it her mission to help Nicholas. Not that he wants her help. And not that she *wants to* help. But, that's Becca for you; she wants to protect her friends, even if it means dealing with Nicholas, the man that she has loathed for almost six years. In fact, we get to read about her anger and her frustration with Nicholas, which makes their eventual friendship such an enjoyable read. It's great watching the two of them get over their misconceptions over each other as they grow stronger in power and character. I didn't like Nicholas in the first book so it was a great surprise that I ended up liking him so much in this one.
The mythology isn't too deep although present, and we get to learn a little bit more about the fae and the three heroines' place in it. While Awake was more focused on the three girls with an emphasis on Alex, Atone was definitely more on the budding relationship between Becca and Nicholas with the other two girls playing a minor role. Watching Becca as she deals with her growing powers was great to read, and like in the first book, I really enjoyed the descriptive magic scenes. This felt a little more fast-paced than the first book, but it still mainly feels like you're taking a leisurely stroll as opposed to racing through.
Overall, this is a great follow-up to Awake although it can be read as a standalone. If you like Beauty and the Beast, you will definitely love this book. Do note that the Beauty in this book is a tough cookie and no pushover, which makes the story even better. This is a 5 out of 5 for me!
(Originally posted on my blog; I received an ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.)
June 20, 2013
Jessica Grey’s second installment into the Fairytale Trilogy has revived another classic story into my favorite city, Los Angeles. The first book in the series saw Becca, Alex, and Sleeping Beauty herself, Princess Lilia rescue Alex’s childhood best friend. However, there is one person who knows the truth about Princess Lilia and after being fired, Nicholas has become obsessed with exposing Lilia, Becca, and Alex.
Becca has always disliked Nicholas for using his good looks to manipulate her best friend but when Nicholas gets himself into magical trouble, she decides to help him in order to protect Lilia. But as she spends more time with Nicholas, will she see that behind the Beast, there’s a really great prince?
Seriously, Jessica Grey is supremely talented at transporting really old fairytales to modern-day Los Angeles in ways that fit, are realistic, and yet doesn’t make the story predictable. These stories are classics that everyone knows, so to rewrite one in a way that keeps the soul of the story yet is able to keep you guessing what happens takes incredible skill.
Then there’s the characters. Nicholas grew up into a man who used his looks to manipulate those around him to do his bidding, a trait that Becca has always resented. But when his obsession with magic gets him cursed and he turns into a monster, he looses that which he relied upon. Now he’s a monster and the one person who is intent on helping him is the one person who has always been immune to his charms.
Becca’s motives for helping him are to help protect Lilia and some guilt about her role in his demise. But as they are forced to interact to discover the source of the curse, they realize that their preconceived notions about each other were incorrect. Nicholas’s character’s metamorphosis from beginning to end is incredible. With the loss of his beauty and his isolation through disfigurement, he is able to assess his life to see what brought him to this point with a change for the better.
And this is another reason why I love Jessica’s books, she took this character who I thought was done in the last book and turned him into a great man.
It’s a truly beautiful story.
Becca has always disliked Nicholas for using his good looks to manipulate her best friend but when Nicholas gets himself into magical trouble, she decides to help him in order to protect Lilia. But as she spends more time with Nicholas, will she see that behind the Beast, there’s a really great prince?
Seriously, Jessica Grey is supremely talented at transporting really old fairytales to modern-day Los Angeles in ways that fit, are realistic, and yet doesn’t make the story predictable. These stories are classics that everyone knows, so to rewrite one in a way that keeps the soul of the story yet is able to keep you guessing what happens takes incredible skill.
Then there’s the characters. Nicholas grew up into a man who used his looks to manipulate those around him to do his bidding, a trait that Becca has always resented. But when his obsession with magic gets him cursed and he turns into a monster, he looses that which he relied upon. Now he’s a monster and the one person who is intent on helping him is the one person who has always been immune to his charms.
Becca’s motives for helping him are to help protect Lilia and some guilt about her role in his demise. But as they are forced to interact to discover the source of the curse, they realize that their preconceived notions about each other were incorrect. Nicholas’s character’s metamorphosis from beginning to end is incredible. With the loss of his beauty and his isolation through disfigurement, he is able to assess his life to see what brought him to this point with a change for the better.
And this is another reason why I love Jessica’s books, she took this character who I thought was done in the last book and turned him into a great man.
It’s a truly beautiful story.
March 3, 2014
Originally Reviewed on Bewitching Bibliophile
About two years ago I had the pleasure of reading Awake the first book in this series; it was free on Amazon and I clicked it and I loved every second of it!! As soon as I saw she had a second book I put it on my wishlist and forgot about it, when I got Christmas money I decided I was going to get it and I can say it's a decision that I don't regret. This book managed to live up to the memory of the first book. It was AMAZING!! I mean just look at the cover!!( on my physical copy the eyes are lion eyes, and the cover just has more umpth to it)
Atone picked up where Awake ended, following Becca, the second girl in the trio and followed their ex boss Nicholas whose obsession with all things magical has led him into finding a magic mirror which allows the persons insides to be reflected to them. This is a retelling of the Beauty and The Beast story with an extremely good modern twist.
I have loved every second of being with Becca and Nicholas. Nick the tortured anti hero who is desperate to prove himself, but due to his selfish tendencies ends up with a curse and Becca, the woman hell bent on protecting her friends and their secrets.I just loved how the story flowed, how they worked well together, the conversations weren't stilted, the action wasn't stagnant, it just all worked so well.
When we met Becca in Awake she was fun and witty, here little has changed except she's a little more hesitant to use her magic the way the Alex and Lilia are. Knowing that Nick could hurt them she decides to stay with him and help and man it's just one magic filled moment after another.
I finished this pretty quickly because I just loved it. Nick as a character, the faerie realm, the King, the new twist to their magic and of course the love. I wasn't disappointed at all and truly enjoyed reading the book, which I did in like two days.
I can't wait until the last book in the series which is due out this year comes out. Make sure to check out Jessica's website and stay tuned for the next book as well.
Happy Reading
About two years ago I had the pleasure of reading Awake the first book in this series; it was free on Amazon and I clicked it and I loved every second of it!! As soon as I saw she had a second book I put it on my wishlist and forgot about it, when I got Christmas money I decided I was going to get it and I can say it's a decision that I don't regret. This book managed to live up to the memory of the first book. It was AMAZING!! I mean just look at the cover!!( on my physical copy the eyes are lion eyes, and the cover just has more umpth to it)
Atone picked up where Awake ended, following Becca, the second girl in the trio and followed their ex boss Nicholas whose obsession with all things magical has led him into finding a magic mirror which allows the persons insides to be reflected to them. This is a retelling of the Beauty and The Beast story with an extremely good modern twist.
I have loved every second of being with Becca and Nicholas. Nick the tortured anti hero who is desperate to prove himself, but due to his selfish tendencies ends up with a curse and Becca, the woman hell bent on protecting her friends and their secrets.I just loved how the story flowed, how they worked well together, the conversations weren't stilted, the action wasn't stagnant, it just all worked so well.
When we met Becca in Awake she was fun and witty, here little has changed except she's a little more hesitant to use her magic the way the Alex and Lilia are. Knowing that Nick could hurt them she decides to stay with him and help and man it's just one magic filled moment after another.
I finished this pretty quickly because I just loved it. Nick as a character, the faerie realm, the King, the new twist to their magic and of course the love. I wasn't disappointed at all and truly enjoyed reading the book, which I did in like two days.
I can't wait until the last book in the series which is due out this year comes out. Make sure to check out Jessica's website and stay tuned for the next book as well.
Happy Reading
May 3, 2017
Review originally published on my blog: AWordsWorth.blogspot.com
eARC provided by author for review.
What is Atone, you ask? It's the sorta-sequel to Awake, in that it picks up several years later and features many of the same issues and people. But it's Becca's time to sparkle, and her story is a reimagining of "Beauty and the Beast" -- set in Grey's beloved [contemporary] Los Angeles. There's so much more to this retelling though ... In fact, there's so much of Atone that you've simply got to experience for yourself, that maybe I will indulge in a little fangirling after all.
If you read Awake, you're familiar with both the magical connection existing between Becca, Alex and Lilia, and the ... "interest" that former supervisor Nicholas Hunt has in that magic. You also know that there is no love lost between Nicholas and Becca. At all. So you're probably going to be as surprised as Becca was to find out she's his emergency contact; and then to realize she actually does care about his fate once she discovers him. As I said, it's "Beauty and the Beast," so you know in your head what's going to happen. But that doesn't take away from the reading -- Becca and Nicholas have so much animosity: extreme passions, just waiting to shift from one bent to another. As a beast, Nicholas is ... well, in a word: amazing. (I may or may not have left a lot of "wolf whistle" comments while beta reading). He's fierce and conflicted, and he develops so much as a character. As does Becca, who has to deal with not only the Becca-Nicholas/Fae-Beast dynamic, but also recognize and address her own issues. She's kickass, but she's a teensy bit flawed. Which is why we love her.
The way things play out, in terms of pacing, is quick. But with such powerful magic at work, you expect quick. Quick makes sense. Plus, you really want to get to the ending. Oh man, the ending. It is incredible. And there's just a lingering sense of what is to come in the next novel, which will be Lilia's story. Good times, people. Good times. And definitely one of my favorite reads of the year.
eARC provided by author for review.
What is Atone, you ask? It's the sorta-sequel to Awake, in that it picks up several years later and features many of the same issues and people. But it's Becca's time to sparkle, and her story is a reimagining of "Beauty and the Beast" -- set in Grey's beloved [contemporary] Los Angeles. There's so much more to this retelling though ... In fact, there's so much of Atone that you've simply got to experience for yourself, that maybe I will indulge in a little fangirling after all.
If you read Awake, you're familiar with both the magical connection existing between Becca, Alex and Lilia, and the ... "interest" that former supervisor Nicholas Hunt has in that magic. You also know that there is no love lost between Nicholas and Becca. At all. So you're probably going to be as surprised as Becca was to find out she's his emergency contact; and then to realize she actually does care about his fate once she discovers him. As I said, it's "Beauty and the Beast," so you know in your head what's going to happen. But that doesn't take away from the reading -- Becca and Nicholas have so much animosity: extreme passions, just waiting to shift from one bent to another. As a beast, Nicholas is ... well, in a word: amazing. (I may or may not have left a lot of "wolf whistle" comments while beta reading). He's fierce and conflicted, and he develops so much as a character. As does Becca, who has to deal with not only the Becca-Nicholas/Fae-Beast dynamic, but also recognize and address her own issues. She's kickass, but she's a teensy bit flawed. Which is why we love her.
The way things play out, in terms of pacing, is quick. But with such powerful magic at work, you expect quick. Quick makes sense. Plus, you really want to get to the ending. Oh man, the ending. It is incredible. And there's just a lingering sense of what is to come in the next novel, which will be Lilia's story. Good times, people. Good times. And definitely one of my favorite reads of the year.
September 20, 2013
Let me preface by saying that I absolutely love fairytale remakes. I don’t care that I know pretty much how it’ll end—I just love finding out the unique twist the author puts on it.
And that’s how this book is. Though it is a remake of The Beauty and the Beast, the author manages to spin it in her own unique and fantastic way that I was absolutely entranced. I constantly wondered how the characters were going to get out of the messes they were in, and it most definitely wasn’t predictable.
Becca is a character I could definitely relate to. She felt as if she wasn’t as powerful as the rest of her friends, and she can’t see her potential to become a really strong fae. She was kind and empathetic, but also very stubborn when she wants to be. She never once annoyed me and I completely agreed with everything she did. I was cheering for her the whole time and was incredibly glad with the way the book ended.
Nicholas was amazing as well. Though a bit cold-hearted in the beginning, he quickly changed with Becca and he became a great character that I adored! The changes were subtle and didn’t ever seem too abrupt or too rushed, and when I realized he had changed I was already half in love with him.
I loved how the author joined the fairytales with the fae world. Her own unique spin on the story was fantastic and the world she created enthralled me. I was quickly sucked into the story and did not once stop until I hit the Acknowledgements page.
Though this book is part of a series, you don’t need to read the first book to understand this book. I do recommend it, however, because I didn’t get to read the first book and I would have liked a bit more background information that I’m sure was told in the first book.
I honestly can’t wait to read the next and last book in this trilogy and am quickly going over to get Awake , the first book! I definitely recommend this book for people who love fairy tales, magic, fae, true love, adventures, and happy endings!
And that’s how this book is. Though it is a remake of The Beauty and the Beast, the author manages to spin it in her own unique and fantastic way that I was absolutely entranced. I constantly wondered how the characters were going to get out of the messes they were in, and it most definitely wasn’t predictable.
Becca is a character I could definitely relate to. She felt as if she wasn’t as powerful as the rest of her friends, and she can’t see her potential to become a really strong fae. She was kind and empathetic, but also very stubborn when she wants to be. She never once annoyed me and I completely agreed with everything she did. I was cheering for her the whole time and was incredibly glad with the way the book ended.
Nicholas was amazing as well. Though a bit cold-hearted in the beginning, he quickly changed with Becca and he became a great character that I adored! The changes were subtle and didn’t ever seem too abrupt or too rushed, and when I realized he had changed I was already half in love with him.
I loved how the author joined the fairytales with the fae world. Her own unique spin on the story was fantastic and the world she created enthralled me. I was quickly sucked into the story and did not once stop until I hit the Acknowledgements page.
Though this book is part of a series, you don’t need to read the first book to understand this book. I do recommend it, however, because I didn’t get to read the first book and I would have liked a bit more background information that I’m sure was told in the first book.
I honestly can’t wait to read the next and last book in this trilogy and am quickly going over to get Awake , the first book! I definitely recommend this book for people who love fairy tales, magic, fae, true love, adventures, and happy endings!
September 22, 2013
Atone is a retelling of my favorite fairytale, Beauty and the Beast, and is the second in Ms. Grey's Fairytale Series. Since we all know the basic premise of that story, I don't feel the need to restate the obvious, but don't assume that you know everything there is to know about this version.
Because Ms. Grey adds Fae. (How much of a goof does that make me that I'm a little excited that that rhymed?)
Without giving too much away, the story's heroine, Becca, is thrown into a situation that requires her to assist with Nicholas with a situation that is a bit...hairy. Now knowing what I know from the first book, I wasn't exactly sure how this was going to work. Let's just say that I realllly didn't like Nicholas at all. Not even a little bit. But once I had a chance to think about it and once I let myself get drawn in by the story, it totally worked for me. I mean, who better to be the Beast than a bad guy, right?
One thing I do feel the need to include -- While this could technically be read as a standalone as the story comes full circle, I do recommend that you read the first book in the series for back story and more on the ins/outs of Becca and Nicholas's tumultuous history.
As the story progresses, Ms. Grey takes something traditional and so very well known and makes it her own. I loved the magical fae element and how it was both the root of the problem and a big part of the solution. Good/Evil, Beauty/Beast, Terra/Fera...you get the picture. But I also liked the non-fae elements. While the relationship evolution did seem a bit sudden, I found myself enjoying the scenes between Becca and Nicholas. The snark, the chemistry, and the many of "awwwwww" moments made this a solid retelling and one I gladly recommend for somebody looking for a quick and easy read.
You can see this review in its entirety on my blog, Flutters and Flails
Because Ms. Grey adds Fae. (How much of a goof does that make me that I'm a little excited that that rhymed?)
Without giving too much away, the story's heroine, Becca, is thrown into a situation that requires her to assist with Nicholas with a situation that is a bit...hairy. Now knowing what I know from the first book, I wasn't exactly sure how this was going to work. Let's just say that I realllly didn't like Nicholas at all. Not even a little bit. But once I had a chance to think about it and once I let myself get drawn in by the story, it totally worked for me. I mean, who better to be the Beast than a bad guy, right?
One thing I do feel the need to include -- While this could technically be read as a standalone as the story comes full circle, I do recommend that you read the first book in the series for back story and more on the ins/outs of Becca and Nicholas's tumultuous history.
As the story progresses, Ms. Grey takes something traditional and so very well known and makes it her own. I loved the magical fae element and how it was both the root of the problem and a big part of the solution. Good/Evil, Beauty/Beast, Terra/Fera...you get the picture. But I also liked the non-fae elements. While the relationship evolution did seem a bit sudden, I found myself enjoying the scenes between Becca and Nicholas. The snark, the chemistry, and the many of "awwwwww" moments made this a solid retelling and one I gladly recommend for somebody looking for a quick and easy read.
You can see this review in its entirety on my blog, Flutters and Flails
September 3, 2013
I loved this story! Atone: A Fairytale is a modern day Beauty and the Beast retelling set in Los Angeles. I love Jessica Grey’s writing style, her voice, and the magical way she has when telling a tale.
Grey’s characters from Awake are back for another adventure! It’s been two years since Lilia was freed from the sleeping spell she was under. And the girls have been living pretty normal lives. Until the day, Becca get a rather odd message to check up on their old boss, Nicholas. When she gets to his house, she finds out that Nicholas has been turned into a beast by some old magic linked to a mirror. It’s up to Becca to figure out how to break the curse and return him to his human form. One big problem is that he doesn’t want her help, and she really doesn’t want to help him! They’ve never gotten along, so, working together is not going to be easy.
Like in Beauty and the Beast, Nicholas, in his human form, is a self-centered, spoilt, and well, extremely handsome man, who has to learn to love someone else more than himself and be willing to give everything for that person. But in Atone, Becca also has a few lessons to learn. I really like that! Becca is not the perfect “Belle” that everyone loves!
Once again, I love the creative way Grey tells a story. With colorful spells that weave and pulse, shimmer and shine - she brings her story to life! I highly recommend reading Atone: A Fairytale! Although, Atone is the second book of the series, I feel it can stand alone. But I would read Awake: A Fairytale because it's so good!
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of the book for my honest review.
Grey’s characters from Awake are back for another adventure! It’s been two years since Lilia was freed from the sleeping spell she was under. And the girls have been living pretty normal lives. Until the day, Becca get a rather odd message to check up on their old boss, Nicholas. When she gets to his house, she finds out that Nicholas has been turned into a beast by some old magic linked to a mirror. It’s up to Becca to figure out how to break the curse and return him to his human form. One big problem is that he doesn’t want her help, and she really doesn’t want to help him! They’ve never gotten along, so, working together is not going to be easy.
Like in Beauty and the Beast, Nicholas, in his human form, is a self-centered, spoilt, and well, extremely handsome man, who has to learn to love someone else more than himself and be willing to give everything for that person. But in Atone, Becca also has a few lessons to learn. I really like that! Becca is not the perfect “Belle” that everyone loves!
Once again, I love the creative way Grey tells a story. With colorful spells that weave and pulse, shimmer and shine - she brings her story to life! I highly recommend reading Atone: A Fairytale! Although, Atone is the second book of the series, I feel it can stand alone. But I would read Awake: A Fairytale because it's so good!
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of the book for my honest review.
September 20, 2013
Beauty and the Beast is by far my favourite fairy tale - the cursed and flawed beast who has to have his humanity rescued by the innocent girl, and the answer is simply love. Of course when Disney made their film in 1991 Belle was even more of an heroine as she was constantly reading and Beast found his way to her heart by presenting her with a library!!
So, Jessica Grey's version of the fairytale is Atone, and I initially questioned whether I would enjoy it because Becca is constantly referring to Awake, Atone's prequel, which I have not yet read. I felt at a disadvantage and wondered how this would affect me as the story developed but as soon as Becca moves to Nicholas' home I found myself enthralled by the mysticism of Jessica Grey's plot.
Nicholas is a multi-layered character and in Awake he and Becca obviously had encounters which left negative memories for them both. Nicholas finds it hard to trust, despite the fact that Becca is living alone with his Beast, and the rare occasion the reader witnesses his 'man' he withdraws quickly.
Becca is an easier character and very open, although stubborn and persistent. She is able to use Fae magic and is talented with her gifts, convinced that this will help her with the spell on Nicholas' mirror.
Jessica Grey allows the relationship between Nicholas and Becca to evolve slowly and carefully, giving them time to adjust to each other and the circumstances. I loved the way in which the ending of the story was such an uncertainty.
Atone is a perfect example of a rewritten fairytale, and I adored Jessica Grey's book. Now to read Awake!!!
So, Jessica Grey's version of the fairytale is Atone, and I initially questioned whether I would enjoy it because Becca is constantly referring to Awake, Atone's prequel, which I have not yet read. I felt at a disadvantage and wondered how this would affect me as the story developed but as soon as Becca moves to Nicholas' home I found myself enthralled by the mysticism of Jessica Grey's plot.
Nicholas is a multi-layered character and in Awake he and Becca obviously had encounters which left negative memories for them both. Nicholas finds it hard to trust, despite the fact that Becca is living alone with his Beast, and the rare occasion the reader witnesses his 'man' he withdraws quickly.
Becca is an easier character and very open, although stubborn and persistent. She is able to use Fae magic and is talented with her gifts, convinced that this will help her with the spell on Nicholas' mirror.
Jessica Grey allows the relationship between Nicholas and Becca to evolve slowly and carefully, giving them time to adjust to each other and the circumstances. I loved the way in which the ending of the story was such an uncertainty.
Atone is a perfect example of a rewritten fairytale, and I adored Jessica Grey's book. Now to read Awake!!!
September 11, 2013
Becca and her friends lives are moving right along as normal as you can be when you are really a fae. This all changes when Nicholas hasn’t been seen for a few days and Becca is the one to contact in case of an emergency. Things couldn’t get any worse that is until they find out that Nicholas is bewitched by something that is in a magical mirror and Becca feels that it is up to her to help him out. Nicholas is a beast on the outside but can Becca see through that to see who Nicholas truly is…not the monster she has always thought him to be?? Will Lilia's secret be revealed for all those around them or can Becca & her friends continue to keep it a secret?
This is a new twist on Beauty & the Beast and I absolutely loved it. I never read “Awaken” but you definitely don’t need to read that one first a there are snippets about who and what happened in the previous book. The story line was great…a beast who doesn’t want anyone around him and the girl who will not listen to him so she can save him from the evil things that possess/bewitched him. I loved the characters, each one was unique both in character and in personality but I don’t think the story would’ve been as good without them
I definitely will be reading “Awaken” and then of course the third book to the series when it comes out.
If you like fairy tales and don’t mind a new take on them, than this book is for you!!
This is a new twist on Beauty & the Beast and I absolutely loved it. I never read “Awaken” but you definitely don’t need to read that one first a there are snippets about who and what happened in the previous book. The story line was great…a beast who doesn’t want anyone around him and the girl who will not listen to him so she can save him from the evil things that possess/bewitched him. I loved the characters, each one was unique both in character and in personality but I don’t think the story would’ve been as good without them
I definitely will be reading “Awaken” and then of course the third book to the series when it comes out.
If you like fairy tales and don’t mind a new take on them, than this book is for you!!
September 18, 2013
ATONE is the first story I've read by Jessica Grey. I wasn't sure if I'd be lost because I hadn't read the first story in the Fairytale Trilogy, but the author does a superb job of including snippets of back story to flesh out the characters. This modern retelling of the fairytale "Beauty and the Beast" was engaging, full of unexpected twists and turns and definitely a page turner. It is well-written with fun characters and has excellent pacing throughout the story.
Would Becca figure out what happened to Nicholas and find a way to help him before he's lost to the Beast? I enjoyed the interactions between Becca and Nicholas. Of course, she despises him at the beginning, but that begins to change the longer she stays in his home and talks with him. Nicholas is a shallow, arrogant, self-absorbed man who's used to getting what he wants with his good looks. He has a lot to atone for in his past actions and the self-realization of his part in his current predicament is eye-opening for him. Lilia and Alex were also great additions to the story as the 3 girls supported each other. From the opening pages to the exciting conclusion, I was engrossed in the story. Ms. Grey is a talented writer and fans of fairy tales will not be disappointed with this story. Recommended.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Would Becca figure out what happened to Nicholas and find a way to help him before he's lost to the Beast? I enjoyed the interactions between Becca and Nicholas. Of course, she despises him at the beginning, but that begins to change the longer she stays in his home and talks with him. Nicholas is a shallow, arrogant, self-absorbed man who's used to getting what he wants with his good looks. He has a lot to atone for in his past actions and the self-realization of his part in his current predicament is eye-opening for him. Lilia and Alex were also great additions to the story as the 3 girls supported each other. From the opening pages to the exciting conclusion, I was engrossed in the story. Ms. Grey is a talented writer and fans of fairy tales will not be disappointed with this story. Recommended.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
July 13, 2016
I have to admit I really hate this cover. They say don't judge a book by its cover but it seriously makes all the difference to me. Normally I won't read a book without a good cover but luckily I also judge a book by its title.
That was probably the only reason I thought about checking this book out, and I'm glad I did. Atone was filled with magic and fae and a cool heroine who was strong and not obsessed with a boy or in love with someone who doesn't even notice her.
Becca didn't take shit and stuck up for her friends, even if she had to put herself in danger. She did this without being overly protective or smothering, for which I was grateful. Nothing kills me more than pushy over protective people.
While I wouldn't say she was kick ass there was definitely something I liked about Becca. This book wasn't smothered with insecure feelings and unimaginable lust and I couldn't have been happier. There wasn't much action or too much lovey dovey scenes but it was an enjoyable read.
I loved how the author has done the whole fairtales route and I would definitely recommend this book to other.
That was probably the only reason I thought about checking this book out, and I'm glad I did. Atone was filled with magic and fae and a cool heroine who was strong and not obsessed with a boy or in love with someone who doesn't even notice her.
Becca didn't take shit and stuck up for her friends, even if she had to put herself in danger. She did this without being overly protective or smothering, for which I was grateful. Nothing kills me more than pushy over protective people.
While I wouldn't say she was kick ass there was definitely something I liked about Becca. This book wasn't smothered with insecure feelings and unimaginable lust and I couldn't have been happier. There wasn't much action or too much lovey dovey scenes but it was an enjoyable read.
I loved how the author has done the whole fairtales route and I would definitely recommend this book to other.
September 15, 2013
Wow, what a lovely read!
When it says fairy tale, it really does mean a fairy tale, and i love the twists in it!
I think there was a book before this that i didnt read, but it fills the basic blanks in so its not a major thing to just read this as a stand alone book.
Story starts with Becca receiving a phone call about her old tutor, Nicholas Hunt, who has suddenly disappeared. She and her friends never got on with Nicholas who was smarmy, sneaky and selfish.
When Becca finds Nicholas, she decides to take it upon herself to help him.
I dont want to write too much about the story as it will give it away, but its a really well written story, with the fairytale weaving through it an becoming more obvious as to what fairytale it is as the story goes on.
A good, feel good and easy read and a happy ending - which is so rare these days, so nice to find!
Recommended if you wanted a nice, easy read that takes not much concentration and a feed good feeling at the end. (who doesn't like that!!)
Read on behalf of Xpresso Tours
When it says fairy tale, it really does mean a fairy tale, and i love the twists in it!
I think there was a book before this that i didnt read, but it fills the basic blanks in so its not a major thing to just read this as a stand alone book.
Story starts with Becca receiving a phone call about her old tutor, Nicholas Hunt, who has suddenly disappeared. She and her friends never got on with Nicholas who was smarmy, sneaky and selfish.
When Becca finds Nicholas, she decides to take it upon herself to help him.
I dont want to write too much about the story as it will give it away, but its a really well written story, with the fairytale weaving through it an becoming more obvious as to what fairytale it is as the story goes on.
A good, feel good and easy read and a happy ending - which is so rare these days, so nice to find!
Recommended if you wanted a nice, easy read that takes not much concentration and a feed good feeling at the end. (who doesn't like that!!)
Read on behalf of Xpresso Tours
August 23, 2013
I have to say that I was pleasantly impressed with this book. When I read the premise, I knew what I was getting into, but I was especially intrigued when I saw that Nicholas was going to be one of the main characters. I remember being a little disappointed that I didn't really get to know him in the first book - and I still think that was kind of an issue, since the girls' feelings toward him are so negative at the beginning. I never really hated him as much as they did. But I definitely loved him in this book. That's not saying the characters couldn't have been more developed, and I think there was a little too much insta-love going around. And yet, the story, plot, characters etc. were all much more mature than the first book - the writer has obviously grown. I am intrigued to see where this trilogy ends up - though I have a theory that it will have something to do with Lilia and Talon. Overall, this was a fun, quick, gripping read.
May 3, 2014
Before I even started reading this book I knew I would love it. Mostly because I love fairytales and Beauty and The Beast is my favorite. There's also plenty of magic in this story which makes it even better! Nicholas and Becca don't get along in the beginning but when Nicholas gets cursed and turned into a beast Becca will do anything she can to try to help him and reverse the curse. I loved it and I need more books like this!
Merged review:
Before I even started reading this book I knew I would love it. Mostly because I love fairytales and Beauty and The Beast is my favorite. There's also plenty of magic in this story which makes it even better! Nicholas and Becca don't get along in the beginning but when Nicholas gets cursed and turned into a beast Becca will do anything she can to try to help him and reverse the curse. I loved it and I need more books like this!
Merged review:
Before I even started reading this book I knew I would love it. Mostly because I love fairytales and Beauty and The Beast is my favorite. There's also plenty of magic in this story which makes it even better! Nicholas and Becca don't get along in the beginning but when Nicholas gets cursed and turned into a beast Becca will do anything she can to try to help him and reverse the curse. I loved it and I need more books like this!
March 6, 2018
Man... I'm at a loss of words on this one. I would say that it's amazing but that's just not good enough!!! Darn, I hated Nicholas in the first book! He was everything I couldn't stand in a guy, but hey, change is the whole point of "Beauty & the Beast" right? Haha, I LOVE the original story. It's my favorite, so this retelling was just incredible! Although, I do hope to hear more about Violet's story... Seriously Grey, you’re doing an AWESOME job with this series! I'll be so sad to finish the last book but keep up the good work!
September 17, 2013
I have always enjoyed different variations on the "Beauty and the Beast" tale, some more then others. This one did not disappoint. I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed how the tale wasn't as traditional in some areas and yet remained true to the tale type. The first book in this trilogy was an interesting premise but, this one is the book that has made me enjoy this series even more. I look forward to the next book when it comes out. Would recommend in a heartbeat.
December 9, 2013
I love a story with a magical heroine who kicks major butt. Becca Ward is that heroine in a modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast, the second installment of Jessica Grey's Fairy Tale Trilogy. After reading the first two, I'm really looking forward to the third!
July 21, 2014
4 1/2 stars awake cover was beautiful and dreammy, this one not so much but I really like Becca and her comming out of her shelf and embrace love... Also, Nicholas was way more nice and human as a beast than a man at least before his final change
February 9, 2015
even better than Awake
You knew love would break the curse but had no clue about what would happen when the curse was broken. A very imaginative and fresh retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Can't wait for Aspire.
You knew love would break the curse but had no clue about what would happen when the curse was broken. A very imaginative and fresh retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Can't wait for Aspire.
October 11, 2013
oh Jessica this wwas the best story of the beast I have read so far. thr fea sister are for sure a hand full. love really can break any spell. thanks for taken me to a wonderful world of love.
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