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A Wylder Tale #2
Scarred Beauty: A Dark Fairy Tale Romance
Vynasha is certain of two she is forever bound to the monster who loves her, and she can never return to Castle Bitterhelm again.
Escape has come at a high cost, and though Vynasha freed the imprisoned beasts, she has awakened an ancient evil that now stalks her. For the curse is unfinished with the one the prophecy spoke of, and Grendel continues to haunt her dreams. But this time she won’t fight the oncoming darkness alone.
Ceddrych may not be her brother by blood, but their bond has only grown stronger. When the wolves they’ve found refuge with threaten them, Ceddrych and Vynasha must fight together to overcome enemies around them. Danger lurks around every corner, and only by playing the pack alpha’s games can they survive the winter.
One thing rings true in the waking world and her Grendel won’t sleep forever. When he wakens, nothing will stop the beast from claiming his bride, even if it means destroying everyone she loves. Only by claiming her powers can Vynasha protect the family she has only just found and prevent the ruination of Wylderland.
Escape has come at a high cost, and though Vynasha freed the imprisoned beasts, she has awakened an ancient evil that now stalks her. For the curse is unfinished with the one the prophecy spoke of, and Grendel continues to haunt her dreams. But this time she won’t fight the oncoming darkness alone.
Ceddrych may not be her brother by blood, but their bond has only grown stronger. When the wolves they’ve found refuge with threaten them, Ceddrych and Vynasha must fight together to overcome enemies around them. Danger lurks around every corner, and only by playing the pack alpha’s games can they survive the winter.
One thing rings true in the waking world and her Grendel won’t sleep forever. When he wakens, nothing will stop the beast from claiming his bride, even if it means destroying everyone she loves. Only by claiming her powers can Vynasha protect the family she has only just found and prevent the ruination of Wylderland.
- GenresFantasy
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2024
5 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Silverwood
27 books595 followersJennifer Silverwood lives in the middle of an enchanted forest surrounded by cursed books, nosy spirits, and mischievous goblins she calls her children. After beginning several nonsensical degrees, she found her calling helping other authors bring their books to life. Jennifer is the author of two fairy tale fantasy series: the Borderlands Saga and Wylder Tales. Because she wasn't satisfied writing in one genre, she also invites you to explore uncharted space with the Heaven’s Edge Novellas—and dare to fall in love again with the standalone romance titles Stay and She Walks in Moonlight.
Discover more at - http://jennifersilverwood.com
Discover more at - http://jennifersilverwood.com
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 20, 2020
Me encantó este libro. Me gustó mucho la evolución de Vynasha en esta historia, vamos descubriendo nuevas facetas relacionadas a la maldición pero también a la magia. Amé conocer nuevos lugares y nuevos personajes, como así también las interacciones entre ellos. Especialmente cuando se trata de Baalor que por cierto, es un personaje que me encantó demasiado. Y su hija es tan adorable.
Hubo bastante drama en este libro, algunas partes que rompieron mi corazón. Y también un romance muy bonito, lleno de tensión que le otorgó bastante picante. Amé las revelaciones que hay en esta historia, la forma en que todo se da vuelta de cabeza y nadie es quien parecía ser. Eso generó unos giros argumentales impresionantes, e hizo que la lectura fuese completamente entretenida y adictiva.
Debo haber leído este libro en tan sólo un par de días porque me dejó tan enganchada. Amé la ambientación y la creatividad de la autora tanto en los escenarios como en las criaturas que van apareciendo. También me encantaron todas las historias y leyendas que tienen que ver con la maldición. Vemos un lado mucho más oscuro de Vynasha en este libro y eso me encantó. Todo va saliendo a la luz para finalmente empezar a comprender la verdad de lo que está sucediendo.
Esta historia está repleta de acción y adrenalina, de mucha magia y misterio. Tengo que decir que me gustó mucho más este libro que el anterior. Me EN-CAN-TÓ. Necesito ya mismo leer el siguiente libro, estoy muriendo por saber lo que va a suceder.
Pronto traigo la reseña completa ;)
Hubo bastante drama en este libro, algunas partes que rompieron mi corazón. Y también un romance muy bonito, lleno de tensión que le otorgó bastante picante. Amé las revelaciones que hay en esta historia, la forma en que todo se da vuelta de cabeza y nadie es quien parecía ser. Eso generó unos giros argumentales impresionantes, e hizo que la lectura fuese completamente entretenida y adictiva.
Debo haber leído este libro en tan sólo un par de días porque me dejó tan enganchada. Amé la ambientación y la creatividad de la autora tanto en los escenarios como en las criaturas que van apareciendo. También me encantaron todas las historias y leyendas que tienen que ver con la maldición. Vemos un lado mucho más oscuro de Vynasha en este libro y eso me encantó. Todo va saliendo a la luz para finalmente empezar a comprender la verdad de lo que está sucediendo.
Esta historia está repleta de acción y adrenalina, de mucha magia y misterio. Tengo que decir que me gustó mucho más este libro que el anterior. Me EN-CAN-TÓ. Necesito ya mismo leer el siguiente libro, estoy muriendo por saber lo que va a suceder.
Pronto traigo la reseña completa ;)
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August 14, 2017I received this copy of Scarred Beauty from Jennifer Silverwood. This is my honest and voluntary review.
August 20, 2018
Scarred Beauty is a pretty good addition to the Wylder Tales series. I give it four stars. I am looking forward to the upcoming release of the third installment.
December 1, 2019
Amazing retelling of a classic story
A must read for lovers of retellings. This is a completely unexpected but very welcome twist compared to the other retellings out there. I could not put this book down. Or the others before this one. You won't be disappointed. Buying the next one now!
A must read for lovers of retellings. This is a completely unexpected but very welcome twist compared to the other retellings out there. I could not put this book down. Or the others before this one. You won't be disappointed. Buying the next one now!
May 19, 2024
Scarred Beauty continues Vynasha's story from Cursed Beauty. After being reunited with a member of her family and undergoing major changes, she is now having to adjust to life in a new village. This story picks up right where the first book left off and while I didn't love it as much as the first book - I'm still super hooked.
The concept of magic is explored a lot more in this book and there are several more characters to meet. I like the wylderfolk and their home. I definitely want to spend more time here and around them. I just feel like I need to know more about everything. This book also shifts from being rather YA to being somewhat NA. It's not really spicy, but there's some steam here - so definitely upper YA at this point. This is an interesting transition and I'm sort of still processing it. I knew a shift was coming, but I wasn't sure where it'd go, so I'm figuring out what I think about it still.
Nonetheless, I love the characters, the magic, and the overall development of a lot of the characters. I have a ton of questions still and I'm really bummed out that the next book isn't slated for release until January 2025 according to Amazon. I need it sooner! I need to know what happens to Vynasha and her family and Balos and everyone. I'm really disliking Grendel and I have no idea how THAT whole plot line is going to work. I have lots of questions.
Overall, Scarred Beauty is a fun and enjoyable read. It loses a little bit of the dark, eerie mystery that the first book had, so I am missing that a bit. However, it's a good book and it still has me very gripped. I'm invested.
The concept of magic is explored a lot more in this book and there are several more characters to meet. I like the wylderfolk and their home. I definitely want to spend more time here and around them. I just feel like I need to know more about everything. This book also shifts from being rather YA to being somewhat NA. It's not really spicy, but there's some steam here - so definitely upper YA at this point. This is an interesting transition and I'm sort of still processing it. I knew a shift was coming, but I wasn't sure where it'd go, so I'm figuring out what I think about it still.
Nonetheless, I love the characters, the magic, and the overall development of a lot of the characters. I have a ton of questions still and I'm really bummed out that the next book isn't slated for release until January 2025 according to Amazon. I need it sooner! I need to know what happens to Vynasha and her family and Balos and everyone. I'm really disliking Grendel and I have no idea how THAT whole plot line is going to work. I have lots of questions.
Overall, Scarred Beauty is a fun and enjoyable read. It loses a little bit of the dark, eerie mystery that the first book had, so I am missing that a bit. However, it's a good book and it still has me very gripped. I'm invested.
May 27, 2024
This is the incredible second book in this series and I just cannot stop reading! A dark and twisty retelling that has the authors take on it and is full of magic, love, loss and sacrifice. We rejoin Vynasha as her journey continues and she gets used to her changes and the curse. The world building still enthrals and amazes, the characters have grown and developed which has been fantastic to see and the story, oh the story is gripping, exciting and absolutely totally addictive. I am so looking forward to the next book!
May 19, 2024
SCARRED BEAUTY continues the story of Vynasha in the WYLDER TALES series. This time around, Asha is learning more about her powers, the people of Wylderland, and the magik all around her.
Silverwood’s writing is lush and visually descriptive. From scenery to characters, I could effortlessly form images in my mind while I was reading this novel.
Characters continue to develop from the first novel’s conclusion. We also see growth in Asha’s confidence throughout the novel as she comes into her own powers. I enjoyed the addition of the children of Wylderland in this novel. They are each distinct with their abilities and physical presentations of the curse on their lands.
“In this other land, there were many kinds of folk. Folk of the air could have feathers or wings of any kind. Folk of the water had gills or scales and could breathe just as easily below or above the sea and rivers. Fold of the earth have the strength of mountains and can shape any metal as if it were clay.”
I’m intrigued to see where these characters go in future novels.
Silverwood also continues to build the Wylderland world in this novel. We learn more about the curse, the hunters, the wolves, and the other magical creatures in the castle. Asha’s dream walking back to the castle is useful device to keep us engaged in the story. Asha’s in danger while she’s dream walking. But she’s also learning while on those trips.
Like CRAVING BEAUTY, SCARRED BEAUTY dazzles at the conclusion. We have action, multiple reveals that shocked me, emotions, and a cliffhanger that left me wanting more. The world-building and storytelling throughout the novel are the framework for the ending.
My one annoyance with SCARRED BEAUTY is that every adult male (and some adolescents!) have amorous feelings towards Asha. We’ve gone from the love triangle in CRAVING BEAUTY to a love pentagram. And I don’t think Asha is even remotely aware of the feelings of the men around her. Sure, she’s still attracted to Grendel in her walking dreams, as well as Ferox (maybe?), but she’s not shown anything besides familial affection towards Ceddrych nor Balos. I’m not sure why adult characters can’t be colleagues or townsfolk without the suggested romantic entanglements. Or at least I don’t find these romantic feelings necessary.
SCARRED BEAUTY is the second in the series. You’ll want to read the first novel, CRAVING BEAUTY, to follow along with this story. Open plotlines from the first novel are resolved in the second. This is a series where the books would need to be read in sequence to fully appreciate them.
Overall, SCARRED BEAUTY is an enchanting read. It provided answers from the first novel and left me wanting the next in the series.
Silverwood’s writing is lush and visually descriptive. From scenery to characters, I could effortlessly form images in my mind while I was reading this novel.
Characters continue to develop from the first novel’s conclusion. We also see growth in Asha’s confidence throughout the novel as she comes into her own powers. I enjoyed the addition of the children of Wylderland in this novel. They are each distinct with their abilities and physical presentations of the curse on their lands.
“In this other land, there were many kinds of folk. Folk of the air could have feathers or wings of any kind. Folk of the water had gills or scales and could breathe just as easily below or above the sea and rivers. Fold of the earth have the strength of mountains and can shape any metal as if it were clay.”
I’m intrigued to see where these characters go in future novels.
Silverwood also continues to build the Wylderland world in this novel. We learn more about the curse, the hunters, the wolves, and the other magical creatures in the castle. Asha’s dream walking back to the castle is useful device to keep us engaged in the story. Asha’s in danger while she’s dream walking. But she’s also learning while on those trips.
Like CRAVING BEAUTY, SCARRED BEAUTY dazzles at the conclusion. We have action, multiple reveals that shocked me, emotions, and a cliffhanger that left me wanting more. The world-building and storytelling throughout the novel are the framework for the ending.
My one annoyance with SCARRED BEAUTY is that every adult male (and some adolescents!) have amorous feelings towards Asha. We’ve gone from the love triangle in CRAVING BEAUTY to a love pentagram. And I don’t think Asha is even remotely aware of the feelings of the men around her. Sure, she’s still attracted to Grendel in her walking dreams, as well as Ferox (maybe?), but she’s not shown anything besides familial affection towards Ceddrych nor Balos. I’m not sure why adult characters can’t be colleagues or townsfolk without the suggested romantic entanglements. Or at least I don’t find these romantic feelings necessary.
SCARRED BEAUTY is the second in the series. You’ll want to read the first novel, CRAVING BEAUTY, to follow along with this story. Open plotlines from the first novel are resolved in the second. This is a series where the books would need to be read in sequence to fully appreciate them.
Overall, SCARRED BEAUTY is an enchanting read. It provided answers from the first novel and left me wanting the next in the series.
October 3, 2017
I would like to thank the author for offering this book on exchange for an honest review.
The unique thing about this version of beauty and the beast is its gothic twist. Vynasha is a beauty that has become a beast in her transformation through blood magik with Grendell. It gets even more interesting with the addition of Baalor pack leader of the Wolvs that Wolfsbane and his daughter have vowed to hunt down. Ceddrych the wanderer is now the traitor as his relationship to Resha is found out by the pack . And the chemistry between Vynasha and Baalor makes the book very exciting.
I found the story to flow quite nicely . The descriptions of the scenes were beautiful such as:
"Snow drifted from the sky with a gentle kiss to their skin as Erythea led Vynasha between curtains of tree branches and snow. "
And this one which helps to form the scene in our minds
"Thea kept close to her, matching her steps until their footfall was soft as the snow drifting overhead"
The writing is very good. The author does a wonderful job of setting the scene and keeping one interested and invested in the plight of the heroine. She does an excellent job also of fleshing out the characters through words ,action, and descriptions I especially liked Ceddrych's eyes how they changed from The beast to The human.
Or here
”“Resha,” she gasped and turned her head further, to catch the glimmer in his emerald eye. "
The chapters were a good length allowing for reading to be done a chapter at a time. I've read some books where the chapter never seems to end and it's hard to take a break to do things like eat, sleep, you know the rest.
I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
.
The unique thing about this version of beauty and the beast is its gothic twist. Vynasha is a beauty that has become a beast in her transformation through blood magik with Grendell. It gets even more interesting with the addition of Baalor pack leader of the Wolvs that Wolfsbane and his daughter have vowed to hunt down. Ceddrych the wanderer is now the traitor as his relationship to Resha is found out by the pack . And the chemistry between Vynasha and Baalor makes the book very exciting.
I found the story to flow quite nicely . The descriptions of the scenes were beautiful such as:
"Snow drifted from the sky with a gentle kiss to their skin as Erythea led Vynasha between curtains of tree branches and snow. "
And this one which helps to form the scene in our minds
"Thea kept close to her, matching her steps until their footfall was soft as the snow drifting overhead"
The writing is very good. The author does a wonderful job of setting the scene and keeping one interested and invested in the plight of the heroine. She does an excellent job also of fleshing out the characters through words ,action, and descriptions I especially liked Ceddrych's eyes how they changed from The beast to The human.
Or here
”“Resha,” she gasped and turned her head further, to catch the glimmer in his emerald eye. "
The chapters were a good length allowing for reading to be done a chapter at a time. I've read some books where the chapter never seems to end and it's hard to take a break to do things like eat, sleep, you know the rest.
I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2024
If the first book in this series was a remix of Beauty and the Beast, this second book feels a lot more like the awakening of Little Red Riding-hood, though, more like the gritty original than anything more recent. And without the actual hood.
We return to Vynasha's story to find that she is still uncomfortable with her powers, and caught between the castle of her dreams and the beast of her reality. It's a compelling story of magic and mystery with a touch of romance. It's also a coming-of-age tale as, I feel, this is where Vynasha begins to realize her full potential even if she hasn't entirely embraced it yet.
Author Jennifer Silverwood has written vivid descriptions of people and places, and you can almost feel the darkness of the surrounding forest as you read these pages. As well, she's given us a look inside Vynasha's head and heart, which are sometimes in sync and sometimes at war -as they are in any young woman.
The story also gives us several questions to consider: where did Vynasha really come from? What's going on with Ceddrych? Is Grendall relegated to the past, or part of her future? What will happen to her next?
Overall, I really enjoyed the dark tone and felt that this book really didn't suffer horribly from "middle movie syndrome" which often happens in the second book of a trilogy. Yes, the story is left open, but it didn't feel incomplete.
Goes well with: crusty bread with butter and fruit preserves and strong tea.
May 27, 2024
This is a very obscure retelling of Beauty and the Beast. The magic is interesting and the "Beauty" Vynasha is very different which is refreshing. The story continues when Vynasha is reunited with her brother Ceddrych and learns more of herself and her magic.
Vynasha and her brother Ceddrych are earnestly looking for their nephew Wyll and plan to build a better life for themselves. They still have a few things standing in their way. The curse over the land is strong, the wylderfolk are scared of Vynasha's magic, the curse isn't willing to let everyone go so easily and the Beast still wants to claim Beauty as his.
I assumed that this being an ARC, it was not 100% finished. I noticed some missing, duplicate, and misspelled words that must be corrected before release. This second book in the series is not the last and the ending is confusing. I am not sure what happened but as a whole, I think with a bit of tweaking, this story could get a higher rating.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Vynasha and her brother Ceddrych are earnestly looking for their nephew Wyll and plan to build a better life for themselves. They still have a few things standing in their way. The curse over the land is strong, the wylderfolk are scared of Vynasha's magic, the curse isn't willing to let everyone go so easily and the Beast still wants to claim Beauty as his.
I assumed that this being an ARC, it was not 100% finished. I noticed some missing, duplicate, and misspelled words that must be corrected before release. This second book in the series is not the last and the ending is confusing. I am not sure what happened but as a whole, I think with a bit of tweaking, this story could get a higher rating.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 21, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book gets a rounded up 3 out of 5 stars for me.
Some of the parts were pretty good, others though, I wasn't a huge fan of.
I will admit I was very on the edge with this book. There were several times that I wanted to put this book down and walk away from it. I very much enjoyed the first book in this series and all the little twists that kept me guessing.
I was curious to see what would happen to Asha and her family in this second outing. I was fairly disappointed at some parts of it, especially when I felt like she was suffering from the same fate as all female main characters who have to save the day, everyone all of a sudden loves her and wants her, which as Asha was portrayed as a strong female heroine who didn't need anyone to save her.
Of course, the twist at the end, I was expecting and was mad at myself for not catching it right away.
I am cautiously waiting for the 3rd book in the series. If this second book is anything to go by, it will be an interesting adventure.
This book gets a rounded up 3 out of 5 stars for me.
Some of the parts were pretty good, others though, I wasn't a huge fan of.
I will admit I was very on the edge with this book. There were several times that I wanted to put this book down and walk away from it. I very much enjoyed the first book in this series and all the little twists that kept me guessing.
I was curious to see what would happen to Asha and her family in this second outing. I was fairly disappointed at some parts of it, especially when I felt like she was suffering from the same fate as all female main characters who have to save the day, everyone all of a sudden loves her and wants her, which as Asha was portrayed as a strong female heroine who didn't need anyone to save her.
Of course, the twist at the end, I was expecting and was mad at myself for not catching it right away.
I am cautiously waiting for the 3rd book in the series. If this second book is anything to go by, it will be an interesting adventure.
September 11, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to the author and BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own!
I really struggled on the rating for this book, and eventually settled on four stars. It immediately continues the story of Craving Beauty, and as it's been almost a year since I read that book, I definitely could have used a few more reminders about the events of the first book. The main character finds herself in a new setting, finally reunited with her brother, and struggling to understand her new power. It's a solid plotline, with a twist that I half called but still appreciated, and definitely has me interested in book three.
For sensitive readers, this book contains death (of loved ones and children), violence, body horror, torture, and some limited sexuality.
I really struggled on the rating for this book, and eventually settled on four stars. It immediately continues the story of Craving Beauty, and as it's been almost a year since I read that book, I definitely could have used a few more reminders about the events of the first book. The main character finds herself in a new setting, finally reunited with her brother, and struggling to understand her new power. It's a solid plotline, with a twist that I half called but still appreciated, and definitely has me interested in book three.
For sensitive readers, this book contains death (of loved ones and children), violence, body horror, torture, and some limited sexuality.
May 10, 2024
If dark gothic fairy tale retellings are your jam, you will want to check out this series from Jennifer Silverwood. Even if you don't normally read this type of book, you might enjoy this series.
The first book retells Beauty & the Beast, but this one resembles a mashup of several fairy tales. This is not a bad thing!
Vynasha is still coming to terms with her past and what she doesn't know about herself. She is still pulled into dreamworlds, which impacts her in the real world, but this isn't something she can't handle.
This continuation from the first book is engaging, dark, and full of magick. Jennifer kept me engaged in the story, wondering what might happen next for Vynasha. Will she discover the truth about her past? How will these dreams that take her back to the castle pan out? Is Grendall part of her future or her past? What about Ceddrych? The story unfolds and will provide some answers to these questions, but some are left unsaid and might be answered in the third book due out next year.
I know it is hard for Vynasha to accept her powers and how she came to be, but it is the best thing for her and those around her. It takes time for her to understand and accept who she is and who she is meant to be.
Overall, enjoyed the journey and gave it 4 paws up.
The first book retells Beauty & the Beast, but this one resembles a mashup of several fairy tales. This is not a bad thing!
Vynasha is still coming to terms with her past and what she doesn't know about herself. She is still pulled into dreamworlds, which impacts her in the real world, but this isn't something she can't handle.
This continuation from the first book is engaging, dark, and full of magick. Jennifer kept me engaged in the story, wondering what might happen next for Vynasha. Will she discover the truth about her past? How will these dreams that take her back to the castle pan out? Is Grendall part of her future or her past? What about Ceddrych? The story unfolds and will provide some answers to these questions, but some are left unsaid and might be answered in the third book due out next year.
I know it is hard for Vynasha to accept her powers and how she came to be, but it is the best thing for her and those around her. It takes time for her to understand and accept who she is and who she is meant to be.
Overall, enjoyed the journey and gave it 4 paws up.
May 1, 2024
Wow. This was interesting setup. As the first was a B&B kinda retelling this reminded me to Red Riding Hood without the redhood.
Again very twisted and interesting way. I loved the magick tools a lot but (maybe as Im fed with the cold now and waiting for summer) I wanted to move the whole book to a non-winter world. But otherwise the world built is fantastic as ever.
I should confess I had to read back B1 for Grendel and Ferox as I got the names totally out of my mind but I loved the dream intrraction.
Im absolutely up for another ;)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Again very twisted and interesting way. I loved the magick tools a lot but (maybe as Im fed with the cold now and waiting for summer) I wanted to move the whole book to a non-winter world. But otherwise the world built is fantastic as ever.
I should confess I had to read back B1 for Grendel and Ferox as I got the names totally out of my mind but I loved the dream intrraction.
Im absolutely up for another ;)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 29, 2024
A must read for lovers of retellings. This is a completely unexpected but very welcome twist compared to the other retellings out there.This second book was full of more hair raising adventures for Vynasha. Vynasha is a beauty that has become a beast in her transformation through blood magik with Grendell. The chemistry between Vynasha and Baalor makes the book very exciting. The author does a wonderful job of setting the scene and keeping one interested and invested in the plight of the heroine. I am looking forward to the upcoming release of the third installment.
April 23, 2024
This second book was full of more hair raising adventures for Vynasha. She and her brother Ceddrych set out to find their nephew Wyll who was kidnapped. But along the way, they had to face the most challenging tasks of their life. This book was a rollercoaster ride of excitement and anticipation. Im really enjoying this YA fantasy series and looking forward to book 3. I highly recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews