Pentimento: a dystopian Beauty and the Beast

by Cameron Jace

The day Iris Beaumont turns seventeen, she is threatened to be taken by the Beasts, the rulers of the new America. After the destruction of the world, the Beasts provide citizens with whatever they need in exchange for the one teenage girl they enslave every week. They call them the Brides, and they never comes back. Iris isn't the worrying type though; she's been defying the system since she was ten and never cared for the Beast's rules. Then she meets Colton Ray, who is not like any other boy she's ever seen. His confidence and dominance are otherworldly she can't rationalize the attraction she feels for him. Colton had one slight problem though. It's rumored he is one of the Beast, and Iris could be the next on the Beast's list.

Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Dystopia, Science Fiction, Aliens, Fairy Tales

228 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Bestselling author of the Grimm Diaries and Insanity series. A traveller and collector of out-of-print books from all over the world, obsessed with the origins of folk tales and the mysterious storytellers who spread them. Many of his books made Amazon's Top 100 Customer Favorites in Kindle 2015 & Amazon's Top 100 kindle list. Cameron lives in Yerba Buena San Francisco California. When he isn't writing or collecting books, he is playing music or enjoys the silence.

Reviews

[TL *Humaning the Best She Can* · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe I'm more cynical but the romance on this annoyed me. It felt too rushed and corny at times and some of 'moments' had me rolling my eyes.

Actually liked Zoe and Cody more than the main characters.

The idea behind the story was neat at first grated on me as the story went on.

All in all, not a hit for me.. maybe O wasn't the right audience for it *shrugs *

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

It ended, Oh My, seriously there must be a second book!!

[Makeit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was in denial... yes, in denial to finish it.

This is one of those books that you say "I am going to put it down for now because is getting a bit boring" and the books is like "Oh yeah? You think so? Really?" BOOM!!! "Here is something to get you hooked, attached, tied, bound, adhered, or whatever you want to call it, to me." Then it evils laughs at you and whispers "You are mine."

At the end of this book, I got mad as hell. Yes, MAD. Mad at Iris, mad at Colton, mad at Andre, mad that I have to wait for the second one to come out, but HEY! that is what books do to us readers right? Anyway... I loved the story, the whole Pentimento thing (It also got me researching about this technique), the twist that is given to the story of beauty and the beast(one of my favorite stories) and how it tries to open your eyes to the bigger picture of the world...

[BeautifullyImperfect · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this book, and it's one of my all time favorite books! I have read a lot of books, and honestly, most of the time they are predicable at some point, but this one surprised me all the way through! It's a lot different from other books like this. The almost end of the world books where an alien race takes over. I've loved all the ones I've read but this one is the best. It sucked me in right away and left me breathless! There absolutely needs to be a second book! I really really hope the author doesn't leave it at that. If he continues the story, I know it will be just as amazing as this one!

[Tash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pentimento: A Dystopian Beauty and the Beast
Cameron Jace

LOVE this book!

[Aneta Bak · Rating 4 out of 5]

"And that's why the Beasts take a girl in their Call, as a remembrance for humanity's unkind actions of killing.

Pentimento is a artistic re-telling of Beauty and the Beast, with a Dystopian twist, perfect for all young adults.

This book is about Iris, living in a dome called the Second. Everything in this town is normal, except that its ruled by creatures called Beasts, these creatures have never been seen but they know of everyone's moves. Living with them isn't so bad, except that they take one 17 year old girl every week as a bride.
Iris has never been popular, and has never actually talked to her long time crush Colton, who is a handsome and popular guy, but when his girlfriend Eva is taken by the Beasts, Colton comes to Iris for her help in avenging his ex-girlfriend.

This book was really well written. Reading from Iris's point of view was great, I love the fact that shes not considered beautiful in her world, but its her personality that makes people fall in love with her once they get to know her. Also as for the two male characters, I definitely liked one more than the other, and I wish we got to know both of them better. Either way, the romance in this books wasn't overly great but it was alright. One thing I didn't like, was that Iris is known for her art, yet throughout the whole book we barely see her doing any artsy stuff, and usually when someone is writing from an artists point of view, they use rich words to describe the scenery and other art, but that didn't happen in this book. Also I wasn't a big fan of the ending, she said she'd do anything to protect her best friend, yet she decided it was best she leaves? Kind of confusing!

In conclusion, this was a great read, it was very fast paced with lots of things happening. But it could be improved with little details. I definitely recommend this book to fans of Beauty and the Beast and Dystopia fans. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

Thanks for reading!
- Aneta

[Michelle Hofacker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was by far my favorite version of a Beauty and the Beast tale I have ever read! There are so many elements of real American history and Religious stories that have been taken and woven into this tale in a new and twisting way. They create a future world of mystery, fear, excitement, rebellion, loss and, of course, love. I was so drawn in, I could not stop reading. By the end, I was not sure which character I should truly feel the most pain for, and for that matter, WHO IS the Beauty and who is the Beast? I am pleading now, CAMERON JACE, PLEASE, CONTINUE THE STORY! I HAVE TO FIND OUT THE TRUTH...
EVERYONE should read this, even if you have never read a fairy tale!!!!!!


I received this book for review and it in no way affected my opinion.

[Jenifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great premise, horrible execution.

Great premise, horrible execution.

first let me state the idea and story line was amazing. very creative. unfortunately, the writing style, rushed plotline, and flat characters ruined it. I could not attach to any character. I did not care what happened to them. I felt the writer over explained using poor dialog to do so. the attempts at shifting character point of view fell so flat my nose broke in the fall. the romance was rushed and unbelievable. the actual story drug at a snail's pace when it needed to hurry, and rushed when it needed to slow down. worth a dollar? sure. worth more? god no.

[Ramsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book via amazon.ca . I am a part of the Review Team @ The Paranormal Bookshelf.

Category: Retelling, Dystopia
Spoilers: no

Anyone feel like reading a book that will blow you away? If yes then this is the perfect book for y'all! There are not many books with both dystopian and retelling elements in them but Cameron Jace did an amazing Job in Pentimento (was not expecting any less). His style of writing was compelling and it reeled me in, I read this book in one sitting! I especially liked the strong and determined characters he placed within a world drowned with fear. I found Iris strong and determined willing to do anything for her loved ones even if it meant defying every law created by the Elders of the second. I did not like Colton at first, I mean he was really affected by what happened to his girlfriend but it did not take him long to move on to Iris, though as I progressed further I started to see him as a strong and determined person. The first America is no longer here it was destroyed and now these creatures called "The Beasts" rule the rest of the Mankind in the second America, they take care of everyone but their price? A 17 year old girl every week (gasp). Read and see how this tale of amazingness unfolds!

[Bonny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well.. where to start? I thought this book had an amazing twist on Beauty and the Beast. I would have never imagined something like this in a million years. I was emotionally attached to the characters after only a few chapters. Yet again I finished another Cameron Jace book and didn't realize I was on the last page. The end? "What do you mean the end?" What happens next? As a single book I think its fantastic, as a series or even a two part'er (is that even a word?) would be SUPER! I'd love to know how things pan out... I don't want to write any spoilers but ... there has to be more? Right?!

Just saying....

[Lori · Rating 2 out of 5]

If it weren't for the plot, I would have rated it one star. The plot was interesting enough that I read the entire book to see what would happen, but the writing was awful. AWFUL. Most sentences were simple sentences...very few compound or complex sentences. The dialogue was not natural--reading it felt like I was reading dialogue between robots. Middle school students could have writen better than this. The cover of the book in no way matches the contents, not to mention the fact that at least two other authors have used the same cover.

[Unwanted_Book _Club · Rating 1 out of 5]

Half decent idea. Terrible writing.

[Michelle Mcroberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would actually probably give this a 2.5.

I didn't NOT like it, but it wasn't the greatest thing I've ever read either. I did, however, appreciate the unique aspect of the Beauty and the Beast story. This Sci-Fi version of beauty and the beast was interesting. It needed some line editing and the cover is quite deceiving as to the actual contents of the story (the cover might lead one to believe that there is a juicy romantic relationship to be had, but there isn't). The story actually contains very little romantic interaction at all outside of a couple of kisses, which are told instead of shown. And in my opinion, the romantic relationship was poorly developed; I never became invested in the story. Ultimately, I had higher hopes for the story than were fulfilled.

[Jaida Holifield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok soooo this book was great couldn't stop reading it !!!!! I totally have to admit that I didn't see triangle coming (trying not to give spoilers here) but I'm glad it did it will add so much to the second book. I'm totally praying that he actually comes out with one. I loved Iris!!!! Her character was amazing she reminds me of me at times with her stubbornness and her straight determination!! I honestly loved the way Cameron brought his twist to beauty and the beast !!! I honestly probably wouldn't have thought to incorporate the details that he gave or even the imagination!!! Saying all of that to say this: Fantastic book !!!!!!

[Jamie Frieling · Rating 5 out of 5]

A modern fairytale

I love that Cameron is able to take a well known fairy tale and modernize it. The story keeps you guessing and has wonderful twists. I really enjoy the idea of pentimento and he was able to weave this theme intricately into the story. I am excited for book 2 and exploring the rest of Cameron's work.

[Sally Hannoush · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I loved this book and didn't see the ending coming even tho the other parts were a natural progression of the story. I'm left with tons of questions and a serious craving for the next book. I was never bored and very motivated to keep turning the page wanting to know what happens next all the while wishing the book didn't have to end so soon.

[Jennifer Warnix · Rating 3 out of 5]

ok. Not really what I expected but still intriguing. I am interested in reading the next in this series but I hope it will captivate me more. I found myself speed reading and actually skipping paragraphs.

[Tracey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. This was a well written surprise story. A fascinating intrigue for New Adult/Older YA, this futuristic Sci-fi whets the appetite and stimulates the brain cells leaving you wanting more of the tale.

[Kris Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely loved it

[Heather Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not sure how I would like this being based on a fairytale but I loved it!!! I so hope he continues this one!!!

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. I am really enjoy this author's writing style.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this very unusual version of Beauty and the Beast with a dystopian setting.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it.

[Belinda Zeng · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just wow. That was the craziest mind fuck ever!!!! (in a good way, but still!!!!)

[Shanin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked it. Seeing beauty and the beast from a different perspective. I enjoyed it and would definitely read the next book. Will there be a next one?

[Carmen8094 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Il termine "Pentimento" che fa da titolo a questo romanzo, si riferisce ad "un'immagine che sta sotto in un dipinto, che appare quando lo strato superiore dell'opera diviene trasparente con l'andar del tempo". Una sorta di messaggio nascosto, insomma, la verità sotto la menzogna.

Nella storia il concetto viene più volte applicato alla realtà, su cui la protagonista, la diciassettenne Iris, si interroga continuamente.

Ci troviamo in un futuro indefinito, in cui gli esseri umani vivono nei Secondi Stati Uniti, in città fatte completamente d'acciaio in cui è imperante la tecnologia, ma sono assenti piante ed animali, scomparsi a causa di eventi sconosciuti che portarono alla distruzione dei Primi Stati Uniti.
Gli uomini sono ora governati da quelli che vengono chiamati le Bestie, che, in cambio del necessario per vivere e sopravvivere, richiedono piuttosto frequentemente una ragazza diciassettenne, che, allora chiamata la Sposa, viene fatta salire su una navicella spaziale e portata via per sempre.
Iris sembra una delle pochissime persone a non accettare tale imposizione, a chiedersi chi siano e come siano fatte le Bestie, cosa accada alle Spose, e cose sia successo davvero in passato, quando sulla terra cresceva ancora l'erba e i cani erano essere viventi e non freddi robot.
Sua migliore amica è Zoe, che cerca continuamente di coprirla e tirarla fuori dai guai, mentre Colton è il ragazzo di cui è infatuata da tempo, che fa parte dell'élite e sembra inarrivabile.
Le cose però cambiano quando il ragazzo finalmente nota Iris, si interessa a lei e al pentimento, e qualcosa di inaspettato accade...

Pentimento è un romanzo distopico adolescenziale, non proprio il mio genere, ma, essendo presentato anche come un retelling de La Bella e la Bestia, ha risvegliato la mia curiosità.

L'idea alla base della storia è interessante, peccato però che venga svelata solo a circa metà del libro, dopo una prima parte non proprio coinvolgente, ma, anzi, spesso tanto noiosa da avermi fatto pensare di mollare la lettura.
Ho però voluto vedere questa rivelazione tardiva come una sorta di pentimento, temporaneamente coperto dagli eventi della prima metà del romanzo. E se questa era anche l'idea dell'autore, c'è da ammetterne l'originalità.

Rispetto ai prequel dei Grimm diaries, dello stesso Jace, in cui sembrava imperare una gran confusione a dispetto delle buone idee di base, in Pentimento ho trovato una maggiore organicità, e qualche volta mi è sembrato che lo scrittore sia riuscito a rendere piuttosto bene alcune caratteristiche degli adolescenti.
Purtroppo, però, spesso i dialoghi risultano innaturali e forzati, e talvolta avrei preferito che fossero sostituiti dalla voce narrante, come quando Andre spiega la verità a Zoe.

Riguardo al finale, non sono del tutto soddisfatta, e non perché sia aperto. Mi sarebbe piaciuto se non ci fosse stata quell'ultima scena di Colton, e quindi grazie all'intelligenza di Iris i due avrebbero potuto presto ritrovarsi, o se la storia tra i due ragazzi fosse rimasta solo un'infatuazione, e allora avrebbe potuto esserci tranquillamente un futuro tra la protagonista ed Andre.
Ad ogni modo, terminando in tal modo la storia, direi che non si tratta affatto di un retelling de La Bella e la Bestia. Se ci fosse stato un sequel, forse.
Non basta chiamare un personaggio Beast e un altro Beauty, per affermare di aver scritto una nuova versione di una delle più belle fiabe mai raccontate.

https://iltesorodicarta.blogspot.com/...

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hidden truths

This was absolutely not the type of story I was expecting. It was still an excellent story and I enjoyed reading it. There were a lot of questions along the way about so many things. Many were answered throughout the story, but you’re still left with some that are unanswered. In a way this is a love story, but it has some science fiction and fantasy elements to it. If that sounds like something, you might enjoy then give it a read as I don’t think it will be disappointed.

[Cheyenne · Rating 2 out of 5]

So for about the first 70-75% of the book, it was...boring. A bunch of wash, rinse, repeat. The concept was interesting and thought provoking, and when things picked up it was full speed, but OMG that ending. Like really!?! This book has the most cliffhanger ending of endings. I was outraged. Ands there's no damn sequel. Ugh. Just thinking about it is irritating as hell.

[The Unwanted Book Club · Rating 1 out of 5]

What...the actual FUCK, man...
For a book that reads like it's written by a 12-year old, this thing has glowing reviews that are novels in themselves on Amazon. I'm half inclined to believe they were legit written by a child, saved, and published without editing.
Even though the print and ebook claims this thing WAS edited...
Twice...
...by two different and very oscure 'freelance' editors.

[JB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing read

I don’t like to give spoilers on the books that I read. I believe the blurb on the back is enough for you to decide if you will read the book or not. If you choose to read, enjoy!