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The Castamar Duology #1
The Musician and the Monster: A gothic Beauty and the Beast retelling
Music says things words never can. I love you. I miss you. I’m sorry I killed you.
Every night, Ceridwen Kinsley plays music on her rooftop for the spirit of her dead mother. A peaceful if odd ritual, until she witnesses a murder by something not quite human. The monstrous encounter earns her notoriety within the city and a visit from the reclusive Lord Protector Drystan Winterbourne.
Charged with protecting the backwater city of Teneboure by the king, Drystan is failing at his task, and he can’t afford another slip up. But when fate and the very monster he means to conquer bring Ceridwen to his notice, he seizes the opportunity and presents her with an offer: play music for him at his manor in exchange for the money her impoverished family desperately needs. Music eases the strain of his magic, and who better to hire than the woman whose tunes he secretly listens to at night?
At first, Ceridwen is put off by Drystan’s unkempt appearance and harsh demeanor, not to mention the odd ailment that plagues him. But as he embraces her passion for music and she draws the recluse out of his lonely tower, the two develop an unlikely attachment. Class lines begin to blur as fearful indifference shifts to unexpected desire, and Ceridwen yearns to help Drystan subdue the monster as well as provide for her family. However, the monster prowling the night isn’t their only enemy, and as terrible secrets come to light, protecting those they love may risk their lives and their hearts.
Every night, Ceridwen Kinsley plays music on her rooftop for the spirit of her dead mother. A peaceful if odd ritual, until she witnesses a murder by something not quite human. The monstrous encounter earns her notoriety within the city and a visit from the reclusive Lord Protector Drystan Winterbourne.
Charged with protecting the backwater city of Teneboure by the king, Drystan is failing at his task, and he can’t afford another slip up. But when fate and the very monster he means to conquer bring Ceridwen to his notice, he seizes the opportunity and presents her with an offer: play music for him at his manor in exchange for the money her impoverished family desperately needs. Music eases the strain of his magic, and who better to hire than the woman whose tunes he secretly listens to at night?
At first, Ceridwen is put off by Drystan’s unkempt appearance and harsh demeanor, not to mention the odd ailment that plagues him. But as he embraces her passion for music and she draws the recluse out of his lonely tower, the two develop an unlikely attachment. Class lines begin to blur as fearful indifference shifts to unexpected desire, and Ceridwen yearns to help Drystan subdue the monster as well as provide for her family. However, the monster prowling the night isn’t their only enemy, and as terrible secrets come to light, protecting those they love may risk their lives and their hearts.
380 pages, Paperback
First published May 7, 2024
467 people are currently reading
8249 people want to read
About the author
Megan Van Dyke
18 books586 followersMegan Van Dyke is a fantasy romance author with a love for all things that include magic and kissing. Many of her stories include themes of family (whether born into or found) and a sense of home and belonging, which are important aspects of her life as well. Megan also watched way too many Disney movies as a child, and adult, and has a deep love for fairytales and happily-ever-afters.
Megan is a former IT risk and security executive and current stay-at-home mom. When not writing, Megan loves to cook, play video games, explore the great outdoors, and spend time with her family. A southerner by birth and at heart, Megan currently lives with her family in Colorado.
Megan is a former IT risk and security executive and current stay-at-home mom. When not writing, Megan loves to cook, play video games, explore the great outdoors, and spend time with her family. A southerner by birth and at heart, Megan currently lives with her family in Colorado.
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April 16, 2024
The tale of Beauty and the Beast meets The Phantom of the Opera with a touch of Bridgerton in this gorgeous gothic romance retelling filled with magic, monsters and mystery as well as family, grief, love, hope and revenge.
[ Contains some spoilers ]
PLOT SUMMARY
In the city of Teneboure at the edge of the kingdom of Castamar, Ceridwen Kinsley is a flutist struggling to provide for her once-prosperous-now-destitute family. When a thief is murdered by a monstrous beast right in front of her and she lives to tell the tale, she becomes the talk of the town.
This attracts the attention of Drystan Winterbourne, Lord Protector of Teneboure, a Goddess-blessed man – meaning he has been gifted magical powers by the Goddess herself, used for strength and protection – who nobody knows much of as he keeps to himself. He offers Ceridwen a proposition she cannot refuse: she stays with and plays music for him at his manor and he will compensate handsomely for her services by providing her family money for their depts.
At Drystan’s grand yet rather empty manor, Ceridwen starts to develop feelings yet unravel dark secrets about its master. He is meant to be assigned to keep watch over the city, keeping the monster at bay. But what if the monster is closer than she realises? And what if it relates to the mysterious untimely death of her mother?
This is a dual-POV historical fantasy, told from the point of view of Ceridwen and Drystan.
OVERALL OPINIONS
Megan Van Dyke has done it again! Just as everyone was mesmerised by Ceridwen’s music, so too was I beguiled by Megan’s story. She has such a way with words and storytelling that touches the heart and clings to the soul. There were many funny moments but many realistic depictions of family and dealing with grief.
This is the second book I have read of hers, the first being Captive of the Stolen Empire . I was obsessed with her previous release, so I had a feeling I would enjoy this one. I was not wrong. I must say I still prefer CotSE more because of its uniqueness and surplus of action, but considering this story is a part of her Reimagined Fairytale series, it ticks all the boxes where this is concerned.
This is the first book in The Castamar Duology. I cannot wait to see what happens next! I assume it will go in the direction of Bronwyn and Malik.
I had not encountered the term “gaslamp fantasy” before but it is a subgenre of fantasy and historical fiction set in that of the Regency, Victorian or Edwardian eras, hence the gas lamp allusion. It also draws upon gothic tropes.
The Writing
This opening line alone really intrigued me and set the scene of the story. Here, just about all the themes within this story are mentioned: music, love, loss and mystery respectively. Who killed who and why? What happened? Then you are thrown straight into the action with the thief and the introduction of the beast who, of course, is a very important character. It is a page-turner the moment one picks up the book!
You can tell a lot of effort went into this, and the writing itself is very clever. Take the names, for example:
🠚 Ceridwen and Drystan are Welsh names, meaning “fair” (aka “beauty”, Belle) and “full of sorrow” respectively.
🠚 Drystan’s cousin is called Malik which means "ruler/king" in Arabic.
It just adds a whole other layer to the characters and they are really fitting names! Especially for Malik: whose side is he on? What is his goal?
🠚 The name of the city Teneboure is inspired by the Latin word “Tenebrae” meaning darkness.
Positives
🠚 There were so many moments within this book that I loved. To name a few: Drystan smiling at Ceridwen when she reacts to the first snow falling, him scrubbing up for the first snow dinner, the balcony scene, the “good girl” moment ahh, and the masquerade ball. The funniest scene has to be when Ceridwen invites both Drystan and Malik to her chambers haha.
🠚 There was a good amount of characterisation and buildup of tension from the get-go. The mysteries and questions just kept coming.
🠚 Ceridwen and her sister Bronwyn’s bond is the sweetest and healthiest thing! They have my heart. Loved every scene with the two of them.
🠚 The fact this is part of a series of books but can be read as a standalone is always a bonus for me.
🠚 I adore the rose chapter heading design! Of course, very appropriate.
Negatives
Perhaps if this allowed .5 ratings I would make this 4.5/5 but I did really enjoy it. The reason why I say this is the following:
🠚 Some of the plot felt too easy, especially the climax of the book. Everything goes to plan, everyone is fine and if not fully then they recover quickly after. I myself would have liked a scene equivalent to the Beast lying injured on the verge of death and Belle saving him by breaking the spell. Nothing much happens at times but that is due to the limitation of locations, I think.
🠚 I thought there would be more about her flute powers too, potentially that she possessed light magic.
🠚 Most of this was predictable, though I would not necessarily say it is completely a bad thing. You still are guessing at some moments, especially when it comes to Malik. As I have previously said, the whole point is this is a retelling so there will be some differences but not to the overall plot structure.
🠚 I like slowburns but I felt this was really slowburn
CHARACTERS
-ˋˏ ꒰ Ceridwen꒱ ˎˊ-
↳ I love her! I love her to bits. She makes a change from the usual strong female characters portrayed today (more like Bronwyn’s character) because while she can be strong and speaks her mind when she feels she must, ultimately she is quiet and reserved. I relate to this personally, as I’m a relatively quiet person who likes to keep to myself, and much rather prefers “music and plants to parties and gossip”. The nature of her character makes so much sense, being an outsider with a dark past.
-ˋˏ ꒰ Drystan꒱ ˎˊ-
↳ He is everything! He deserves the world more than he thinks he does. He is so interesting I loved whenever the reader is told anything from his point of view. ALSO, HE PUTS HIS COAT AROUND HER IN THE COLD. That’s a green flag right there!
-ˋˏ ꒰ Other characters꒱ ˎˊ-
🠚 Malik is such a complex man. I liked his aloofness yet gradual charm. By the end of the book, I liked him almost as much as Drystan!
🠚 Bronwyn is the best. She always says what she thinks, but is very caring. Just like me.
🠚 Adair, Ceridwen’s brother, is understandable with his temper. Glad he eventually calms down and helps them.
🠚 Jackoby, Kent and Gwen are so lovely. I would have liked to have seen them at the end of the story.
INSPIRATION
There are many parallels.
Beauty and the Beast
• Cursed to become a beast (due to turning to dark magic gifted by the Goddess / due to spell by Enchantress)
• Keeps main character in his estate
The Phantom of the Opera
• Love interest obsessed with and would listen to main character’s musical abilities for a while (Drystan would hear Ceridwen playing her flute in the late hours for a while / the Phantom would hear Christine Daaé singing for years and becomes her “Angel of Music”, tutoring her)
• Features an opera house (Grand Opera / Palais Garnier Opera House)
• Love interest watches to main character’s performance from high up
• Love interest visits main character through the mirror
• Masquerade ball
Bridgerton
• People have a love of gossiping and reporting scandals
• Brother demands a duel with main character’s love interest after finding them in a compromising position (Adair desiring to duel with Drystan / Anthony Bridgerton desiring to duel with Simon Bassett)
FAV QUOTES
• What would be the focus of their stories later? The monster who stalked the night, or the odd country girl who saw it?
• Clear blue eyes stared into her as she reached for the depths of his spirit, trying to see beneath the unkempt noble in front of her. Yet all she found were walls, high ones covered in thorns and impossible to breach.
• The candlesticks on the table flickered and wavered more than she did.
• “I am not your pet, nor anyone’s.”
• Their conversation was as strategic and important as a battle waged during a war.
• Dark and light. Predator and song bird.
• Guilt was a wicked burden on both of their hearts.
• “Will you ever be able to see me as a man and not a monster?”
“I see only you.”
• She was so much more than a monster like him deserved, yet he’d been unable to stop yearning for that light, for the beauty of her spirit that shone through in her songs and smiles.
• His scars told a story with as much heart and emotion as any song. Some marked his fall, others his suffering, yet the newer ones paved his path to vengeance.
══════════ ⋆★⋆ ══════════
I am honoured to have been selected as an ARC reader for this book, and I’d like to thank Megan Van Dyke for the opportunity. This has not affected my opinion in any way.
Not all monsters crept through the night, baring their fangs and claws for all to see.
[ Contains some spoilers ]
PLOT SUMMARY
In the city of Teneboure at the edge of the kingdom of Castamar, Ceridwen Kinsley is a flutist struggling to provide for her once-prosperous-now-destitute family. When a thief is murdered by a monstrous beast right in front of her and she lives to tell the tale, she becomes the talk of the town.
This attracts the attention of Drystan Winterbourne, Lord Protector of Teneboure, a Goddess-blessed man – meaning he has been gifted magical powers by the Goddess herself, used for strength and protection – who nobody knows much of as he keeps to himself. He offers Ceridwen a proposition she cannot refuse: she stays with and plays music for him at his manor and he will compensate handsomely for her services by providing her family money for their depts.
At Drystan’s grand yet rather empty manor, Ceridwen starts to develop feelings yet unravel dark secrets about its master. He is meant to be assigned to keep watch over the city, keeping the monster at bay. But what if the monster is closer than she realises? And what if it relates to the mysterious untimely death of her mother?
This is a dual-POV historical fantasy, told from the point of view of Ceridwen and Drystan.
OVERALL OPINIONS
Megan Van Dyke has done it again! Just as everyone was mesmerised by Ceridwen’s music, so too was I beguiled by Megan’s story. She has such a way with words and storytelling that touches the heart and clings to the soul. There were many funny moments but many realistic depictions of family and dealing with grief.
This is the second book I have read of hers, the first being Captive of the Stolen Empire . I was obsessed with her previous release, so I had a feeling I would enjoy this one. I was not wrong. I must say I still prefer CotSE more because of its uniqueness and surplus of action, but considering this story is a part of her Reimagined Fairytale series, it ticks all the boxes where this is concerned.
This is the first book in The Castamar Duology. I cannot wait to see what happens next! I assume it will go in the direction of Bronwyn and Malik.
I had not encountered the term “gaslamp fantasy” before but it is a subgenre of fantasy and historical fiction set in that of the Regency, Victorian or Edwardian eras, hence the gas lamp allusion. It also draws upon gothic tropes.
The Writing
“Music says things words never can.
I love you. I miss you. I'm sorry I killed you.”
This opening line alone really intrigued me and set the scene of the story. Here, just about all the themes within this story are mentioned: music, love, loss and mystery respectively. Who killed who and why? What happened? Then you are thrown straight into the action with the thief and the introduction of the beast who, of course, is a very important character. It is a page-turner the moment one picks up the book!
You can tell a lot of effort went into this, and the writing itself is very clever. Take the names, for example:
🠚 Ceridwen and Drystan are Welsh names, meaning “fair” (aka “beauty”, Belle) and “full of sorrow” respectively.
🠚 Drystan’s cousin is called Malik which means "ruler/king" in Arabic.
It just adds a whole other layer to the characters and they are really fitting names! Especially for Malik: whose side is he on? What is his goal?
🠚 The name of the city Teneboure is inspired by the Latin word “Tenebrae” meaning darkness.
Positives
🠚 There were so many moments within this book that I loved. To name a few: Drystan smiling at Ceridwen when she reacts to the first snow falling, him scrubbing up for the first snow dinner, the balcony scene, the “good girl” moment ahh, and the masquerade ball. The funniest scene has to be when Ceridwen invites both Drystan and Malik to her chambers haha.
🠚 There was a good amount of characterisation and buildup of tension from the get-go. The mysteries and questions just kept coming.
🠚 Ceridwen and her sister Bronwyn’s bond is the sweetest and healthiest thing! They have my heart. Loved every scene with the two of them.
🠚 The fact this is part of a series of books but can be read as a standalone is always a bonus for me.
🠚 I adore the rose chapter heading design! Of course, very appropriate.
Negatives
Perhaps if this allowed .5 ratings I would make this 4.5/5 but I did really enjoy it. The reason why I say this is the following:
🠚 Some of the plot felt too easy, especially the climax of the book. Everything goes to plan, everyone is fine and if not fully then they recover quickly after. I myself would have liked a scene equivalent to the Beast lying injured on the verge of death and Belle saving him by breaking the spell. Nothing much happens at times but that is due to the limitation of locations, I think.
🠚 I thought there would be more about her flute powers too, potentially that she possessed light magic.
🠚 Most of this was predictable, though I would not necessarily say it is completely a bad thing. You still are guessing at some moments, especially when it comes to Malik. As I have previously said, the whole point is this is a retelling so there will be some differences but not to the overall plot structure.
🠚 I like slowburns but I felt this was really slowburn
CHARACTERS
-ˋˏ ꒰ Ceridwen꒱ ˎˊ-
↳ I love her! I love her to bits. She makes a change from the usual strong female characters portrayed today (more like Bronwyn’s character) because while she can be strong and speaks her mind when she feels she must, ultimately she is quiet and reserved. I relate to this personally, as I’m a relatively quiet person who likes to keep to myself, and much rather prefers “music and plants to parties and gossip”. The nature of her character makes so much sense, being an outsider with a dark past.
-ˋˏ ꒰ Drystan꒱ ˎˊ-
↳ He is everything! He deserves the world more than he thinks he does. He is so interesting I loved whenever the reader is told anything from his point of view. ALSO, HE PUTS HIS COAT AROUND HER IN THE COLD. That’s a green flag right there!
-ˋˏ ꒰ Other characters꒱ ˎˊ-
🠚 Malik is such a complex man. I liked his aloofness yet gradual charm. By the end of the book, I liked him almost as much as Drystan!
🠚 Bronwyn is the best. She always says what she thinks, but is very caring. Just like me.
🠚 Adair, Ceridwen’s brother, is understandable with his temper. Glad he eventually calms down and helps them.
🠚 Jackoby, Kent and Gwen are so lovely. I would have liked to have seen them at the end of the story.
INSPIRATION
There are many parallels.
Beauty and the Beast
• Cursed to become a beast (due to turning to dark magic gifted by the Goddess / due to spell by Enchantress)
• Keeps main character in his estate
The Phantom of the Opera
• Love interest obsessed with and would listen to main character’s musical abilities for a while (Drystan would hear Ceridwen playing her flute in the late hours for a while / the Phantom would hear Christine Daaé singing for years and becomes her “Angel of Music”, tutoring her)
• Features an opera house (Grand Opera / Palais Garnier Opera House)
• Love interest watches to main character’s performance from high up
• Love interest visits main character through the mirror
• Masquerade ball
Bridgerton
• People have a love of gossiping and reporting scandals
• Brother demands a duel with main character’s love interest after finding them in a compromising position (Adair desiring to duel with Drystan / Anthony Bridgerton desiring to duel with Simon Bassett)
FAV QUOTES
• What would be the focus of their stories later? The monster who stalked the night, or the odd country girl who saw it?
• Clear blue eyes stared into her as she reached for the depths of his spirit, trying to see beneath the unkempt noble in front of her. Yet all she found were walls, high ones covered in thorns and impossible to breach.
• The candlesticks on the table flickered and wavered more than she did.
• “I am not your pet, nor anyone’s.”
• Their conversation was as strategic and important as a battle waged during a war.
• Dark and light. Predator and song bird.
• Guilt was a wicked burden on both of their hearts.
• “Will you ever be able to see me as a man and not a monster?”
“I see only you.”
• She was so much more than a monster like him deserved, yet he’d been unable to stop yearning for that light, for the beauty of her spirit that shone through in her songs and smiles.
• His scars told a story with as much heart and emotion as any song. Some marked his fall, others his suffering, yet the newer ones paved his path to vengeance.
══════════ ⋆★⋆ ══════════
I am honoured to have been selected as an ARC reader for this book, and I’d like to thank Megan Van Dyke for the opportunity. This has not affected my opinion in any way.
September 5, 2024
Ah yes, remember when Taylor brought Gracie on stage to play umm... [reading smudged writing] I love you. I miss you. I’m sorry I killed you.
She made sure to find the most exquisite quill and parchment paper, sat next to the balcony windows in the middle of a snowstorm, frost clouding her vision, her prison a winter wonderland, and proceeded to write her most ardent question:
''So, like, what are we? lolz...''
She made sure to find the most exquisite quill and parchment paper, sat next to the balcony windows in the middle of a snowstorm, frost clouding her vision, her prison a winter wonderland, and proceeded to write her most ardent question:
''So, like, what are we? lolz...''
May 6, 2024
This book needed to be longer. Such a beautiful story deserved more pages. I found myself lost in this gothic romantasy, retelling of The Beauty and the Beast and The Phantom of the Opera, a magnificent and breathtaking world from which I no longer wanted to leave. I read most of the book in one night, completely immersing myself in the story, which thanks to the author's beautiful writing managed to involve me and speak to me in a special and unique way. The author's poetic, passionate and soulful style, perfect for this story, made everything magical and immersive; I am strongly convinced that if this story had been written by someone else, without Megan's writing, it would not have turned out so well.
One thing that kept me reading until 4.30am, making my heart pound and scream, was the romance. Romance which, let's be clear, is slow burn, one of my favorite tropes. The chemistry was immediately perceivable, the tension that could be cut with a knife made me blush more than once. I really liked Ceridwen, how she related to Drystan's secret, how she understood it, without prejudice, and how their relationship evolved, it was truly fantastic. I would have preferred to see more of Ceridwen's powers, but in any case I was not disappointed. Drystan was, along with Malik, my favorite character. Drystan is a morally gray character, who I loved from the first moment. When I read his backstory I was literally crying and sobbing. He truly deserves the world.
And now Malik. Malik, from the first scene, when he arrived, I was sure I was going to love him. He gave off villain vibes, ironic, with a unique charm. I couldn't help falling in love with him. Then when Bronwyn (Ceridwen's sister) started to have more space in the plot and, above all, to relate more with Malik I really went crazy. I really hope Megan will dedicate a book to them because they are a couple with enormous potential, and above all I need to have a book with Malik as the protagonist!
This book was a whirlwind of emotions, tears and freakouts. I absolutely loved every single page. I have already purchased another book by Megan, Captive of the Stolen Empire, which I will definitely read this summer after my exams, because I absolutely have to catch up on everything by this author!
One thing that kept me reading until 4.30am, making my heart pound and scream, was the romance. Romance which, let's be clear, is slow burn, one of my favorite tropes. The chemistry was immediately perceivable, the tension that could be cut with a knife made me blush more than once. I really liked Ceridwen, how she related to Drystan's secret, how she understood it, without prejudice, and how their relationship evolved, it was truly fantastic. I would have preferred to see more of Ceridwen's powers, but in any case I was not disappointed. Drystan was, along with Malik, my favorite character. Drystan is a morally gray character, who I loved from the first moment. When I read his backstory I was literally crying and sobbing. He truly deserves the world.
And now Malik. Malik, from the first scene, when he arrived, I was sure I was going to love him. He gave off villain vibes, ironic, with a unique charm. I couldn't help falling in love with him. Then when Bronwyn (Ceridwen's sister) started to have more space in the plot and, above all, to relate more with Malik I really went crazy. I really hope Megan will dedicate a book to them because they are a couple with enormous potential, and above all I need to have a book with Malik as the protagonist!
This book was a whirlwind of emotions, tears and freakouts. I absolutely loved every single page. I have already purchased another book by Megan, Captive of the Stolen Empire, which I will definitely read this summer after my exams, because I absolutely have to catch up on everything by this author!
May 29, 2024
Your honor, I am fucking bored, so much so that I fear I would have fallen asleep if I tried to continue! The writing is decent but the characters are dreadfully dull, and good lord. It's been a third of the book, and what exactly is set to happen! Apparently, NOTHING! No progress in any regard of the plot! I'm moving on.
July 26, 2025
⭐️ 2.5/5 stars | 🌶️ 1/5 chili peppers
The Musician and the Monster had all the ingredients of a story I should have loved: a gothic, romantasy-leaning Beauty and the Beast retelling with a Bridgerton-esque setting and hints of cozy mystery. I’m not even sure how it landed on my TBR—likely a social media rec—but sadly, it didn’t live up to the promise for me.
Our FMC, Ceridwen, is the youngest of three siblings and a gifted musician whose flute playing and singing are described as near magical (though, disappointingly, never fully explored or realized as such). She’s sweet, soft-spoken, and… mostly just there. I found her character lacking depth and drive, which made it hard to root for her or connect emotionally.
Drystan Winterbourne, the reclusive and scarred Lord Protector, is our beast figure, and while the setup is familiar and had potential, the execution felt lackluster. There was so much space for yearning, tension, and emotional buildup, but instead, the story felt oddly quiet and drawn-out. Moments that should have sizzled with slow-burn chemistry or brooding intensity simply… didn’t.
What did shine were the side characters. Ceridwen’s spirited sister Bronwyn and Drystan’s cousin Malik brought much-needed energy and personality to the page. Their dynamic was more engaging than the main romance, and while I know the next installment focuses on them, I’m not sure Van Dyke’s writing style is for me. It’s not bad by any means—just not what I personally look for in romantasy.
I did finish the book (breaking my usual DNF-at-33% rule), but it was a slow, often disengaged read. If you love extremely gentle, low-stakes retellings with minimal spice and a soft gothic atmosphere, this might work for you. For me, it fell flat.
The Musician and the Monster had all the ingredients of a story I should have loved: a gothic, romantasy-leaning Beauty and the Beast retelling with a Bridgerton-esque setting and hints of cozy mystery. I’m not even sure how it landed on my TBR—likely a social media rec—but sadly, it didn’t live up to the promise for me.
Our FMC, Ceridwen, is the youngest of three siblings and a gifted musician whose flute playing and singing are described as near magical (though, disappointingly, never fully explored or realized as such). She’s sweet, soft-spoken, and… mostly just there. I found her character lacking depth and drive, which made it hard to root for her or connect emotionally.
Drystan Winterbourne, the reclusive and scarred Lord Protector, is our beast figure, and while the setup is familiar and had potential, the execution felt lackluster. There was so much space for yearning, tension, and emotional buildup, but instead, the story felt oddly quiet and drawn-out. Moments that should have sizzled with slow-burn chemistry or brooding intensity simply… didn’t.
What did shine were the side characters. Ceridwen’s spirited sister Bronwyn and Drystan’s cousin Malik brought much-needed energy and personality to the page. Their dynamic was more engaging than the main romance, and while I know the next installment focuses on them, I’m not sure Van Dyke’s writing style is for me. It’s not bad by any means—just not what I personally look for in romantasy.
I did finish the book (breaking my usual DNF-at-33% rule), but it was a slow, often disengaged read. If you love extremely gentle, low-stakes retellings with minimal spice and a soft gothic atmosphere, this might work for you. For me, it fell flat.
May 8, 2024
5 ⭐
The Musician and the Monster is a Beauty and the Beast retelling that destroyed me. This is the first time I have read anything by Megan Van Dyke, but I am sold. I ate this book up.
The story follows Ceridwen, the youngest daughter of a once well-off family currently struggling due to her father's illness. Ceridwen's gift and love has always been music, a gift her mother taught her. She honors her mother's memory nightly by playing her flute outside, playing with her whole soul. She always felt like she was playing for an audience, despite being alone each night.
The mysterious and reclusive Lord Drystan Winterbourne was that audience. He was addicted to her music.
After Ceridwen has a run in with the Monster of Tenebourne, Drystan requests she play at his manor as a live in musician. There is always a catch: she cannot leave and cannot see her family during her employment at his manor, but her family will be generously compensated and she will be well taken care of during her stay.
Ceridwen agrees.
Soon she finds Lord Winterbourne holds his own dark secrets.
There is so much tension between the two that I was in love. I was craving their interactions and the music intertwined with the more magical aspects of this retelling were phenomenal. There was a slow burn romance that was oh-so-sweet.
All of the characters had depth and felt real, especially Malik. Learning more about him was an unexpected highlight and how he presented himself vs his true nature was refreshing to see in a side character.
A sprinkle of Bridgerton with One Dark Window... Add in a masquerade ball, monsters, mysteries, grief and family, this was one of my favorite recent reads!
🎵 Dual POV
🎵 Slow Burn
🎵 Morally Grey MMC
🎵 Historical themes
🎵 Beauty & the Beast retelling
🎵 Phantom of the Opera Vibes
🎵 Music as a major focus
“Will you ever be able to see me as a man and not a monster?”
“I see only you.”
CW: death in childbirth (mentioned)
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the eARC of The Musician and the Monster by Megan Van Dyke
The Musician and the Monster is a Beauty and the Beast retelling that destroyed me. This is the first time I have read anything by Megan Van Dyke, but I am sold. I ate this book up.
The story follows Ceridwen, the youngest daughter of a once well-off family currently struggling due to her father's illness. Ceridwen's gift and love has always been music, a gift her mother taught her. She honors her mother's memory nightly by playing her flute outside, playing with her whole soul. She always felt like she was playing for an audience, despite being alone each night.
The mysterious and reclusive Lord Drystan Winterbourne was that audience. He was addicted to her music.
After Ceridwen has a run in with the Monster of Tenebourne, Drystan requests she play at his manor as a live in musician. There is always a catch: she cannot leave and cannot see her family during her employment at his manor, but her family will be generously compensated and she will be well taken care of during her stay.
Ceridwen agrees.
Soon she finds Lord Winterbourne holds his own dark secrets.
There is so much tension between the two that I was in love. I was craving their interactions and the music intertwined with the more magical aspects of this retelling were phenomenal. There was a slow burn romance that was oh-so-sweet.
All of the characters had depth and felt real, especially Malik. Learning more about him was an unexpected highlight and how he presented himself vs his true nature was refreshing to see in a side character.
A sprinkle of Bridgerton with One Dark Window... Add in a masquerade ball, monsters, mysteries, grief and family, this was one of my favorite recent reads!
🎵 Dual POV
🎵 Slow Burn
🎵 Morally Grey MMC
🎵 Historical themes
🎵 Beauty & the Beast retelling
🎵 Phantom of the Opera Vibes
🎵 Music as a major focus
“Will you ever be able to see me as a man and not a monster?”
“I see only you.”
CW: death in childbirth (mentioned)
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the eARC of The Musician and the Monster by Megan Van Dyke
January 16, 2026
My affinity for self-published “Beauty and the Beast” retellings strikes again! Unfortunately, “The Musician and the Monster” doesn’t stand out from the pack.
There’s nothing *glaringly* wrong with this novel. The prose contains a touch too much telling rather than showing (sentences like “His face purpled with rage” are spoon-feeding — within the context of the scene, “His face purpled” alone is enough to communicate rage to the reader), and the romance unfolds at the speed of light (as of their first kiss, all the FMC knows about the MMC is that he has some type of illness and he likes music and flowers), but those problems aren’t unforgivable.
Rather, I chose not to finish this novel because of what it *didn’t* do. I didn’t expect it to be groundbreaking, but I also didn’t expect it to be so generic. It’s a cocktail of tropes we’ve seen time and time again.
“But isn’t that the point of a retelling?” you ask. Not necessarily.
In my humble opinion, the point of a retelling is for an author to share their unique perspective on a familiar story. How does this particular author interpret this classic tale, and how does that interpretation differ from the ones we’ve seen so far? In that way, it’s the perfect vehicle for an author to demonstrate who they are and what sets them apart from other authors.
But after ~200 pages, I still have no idea who Megan Van Dyke is and what sets her apart from, say, the Julia Quinns and Lyndall Clipstones of the world. The prose, characters, and plot beats are all ones we’ve encountered before.
There’s nothing *glaringly* wrong with this novel. The prose contains a touch too much telling rather than showing (sentences like “His face purpled with rage” are spoon-feeding — within the context of the scene, “His face purpled” alone is enough to communicate rage to the reader), and the romance unfolds at the speed of light (as of their first kiss, all the FMC knows about the MMC is that he has some type of illness and he likes music and flowers), but those problems aren’t unforgivable.
Rather, I chose not to finish this novel because of what it *didn’t* do. I didn’t expect it to be groundbreaking, but I also didn’t expect it to be so generic. It’s a cocktail of tropes we’ve seen time and time again.
“But isn’t that the point of a retelling?” you ask. Not necessarily.
In my humble opinion, the point of a retelling is for an author to share their unique perspective on a familiar story. How does this particular author interpret this classic tale, and how does that interpretation differ from the ones we’ve seen so far? In that way, it’s the perfect vehicle for an author to demonstrate who they are and what sets them apart from other authors.
But after ~200 pages, I still have no idea who Megan Van Dyke is and what sets her apart from, say, the Julia Quinns and Lyndall Clipstones of the world. The prose, characters, and plot beats are all ones we’ve encountered before.
May 19, 2024
◦ I've received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ◦
⮞ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 ⮜
I enjoyed all the characters in the story, minus the king but I think everyone will hate him anyway lol. The cousin when I met him I legit thought he's an ass until you get to know him and then you start to like him so much. And Ceridwen + Drystan = ♥ loved them together and their dynamic and also the fact Ceridwen would let her mouth loose in so many occasions made me chuckle because you'd not expect her to be that brave, which also took by surprise Drystan.
⮞ 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝-𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 ⮜
Loved the details about the music, the winter scenes, and the overall vibe of the story was so beautiful. The world-building isn't the main attraction but you do get a lot of details that will make you transported into the story.
⮞ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝/𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝 ⮜
I enjoyed the overall story, it was catchy and I loved the retelling. This one is a Beauty and the Beast meets The Phantom of the Opera and you can find the Beauty and the Beast elements, haven't read or watched The Phantom of the Opera so I can't talk about that. I didn't feel the story had a dull moment, however, I did want the climax of the story to be a bit more dramatic, I felt things went a bit too quickly and everything returned to normal quite fast afterward.
⮞ 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞/TW ⮜
The story is not overly, overly spicy but it has it's spice and is a slow burn. The tension is palpable and really sweet. There is fighting in the story but nothing that happened has triggered me.
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⮞ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 ⮜
I enjoyed all the characters in the story, minus the king but I think everyone will hate him anyway lol. The cousin when I met him I legit thought he's an ass until you get to know him and then you start to like him so much. And Ceridwen + Drystan = ♥ loved them together and their dynamic and also the fact Ceridwen would let her mouth loose in so many occasions made me chuckle because you'd not expect her to be that brave, which also took by surprise Drystan.
⮞ 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝-𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 ⮜
Loved the details about the music, the winter scenes, and the overall vibe of the story was so beautiful. The world-building isn't the main attraction but you do get a lot of details that will make you transported into the story.
⮞ 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝/𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝 ⮜
I enjoyed the overall story, it was catchy and I loved the retelling. This one is a Beauty and the Beast meets The Phantom of the Opera and you can find the Beauty and the Beast elements, haven't read or watched The Phantom of the Opera so I can't talk about that. I didn't feel the story had a dull moment, however, I did want the climax of the story to be a bit more dramatic, I felt things went a bit too quickly and everything returned to normal quite fast afterward.
⮞ 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞/TW ⮜
The story is not overly, overly spicy but it has it's spice and is a slow burn. The tension is palpable and really sweet. There is fighting in the story but nothing that happened has triggered me.
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Review Policy
April 13, 2024
You know that feeling when a meal is so delicious you can’t help but lick the plate at the end and you even lick your fingers too? That’s what happened to me with this book. I. Ate. It. Up. No crumbs were left behind.
This story follows Ceridwen. She lives in a small city with her family and is incredibly poor. Her father is sick, and her family is barely scraping by. Ceridwen loves music, something her mother taught her to be passionate about before she passed away. Every night, to honor her mother, Ceridwen plays her flute on the roof among the stars.
Lord Winterbourne… Drystan… was sent to this small city of Teneboure to be the Lord Protector as punishment for his failures in the king’s service.
Drystan is one of the few known as the Goddess-Blessed… having power above normal men, and a possessor of magic, granted ages ago by the goddess herself. Only certain nobles of this strength were granted as Lord Protectors assigned to watch over the cities of the kingdom.
One day, Lord Winterbourne, who lives in the grand manor overlooking the city, comes to Ceridwen’s home and propositions her to live at the manor and play as a musician. He requires that she live on property, and is not permitted to leave. Her family begs her not to accept, but the family is so poor and her father’s health is declining rapidly that they need the money he offers in exchange for her services… and so… she accepts.
I won’t tell you the reason why Drystan needs Ceridwen nearby and to play her music… what I will say… is there are rumors of a monster roaming the streets of the city at night….
Right off the bat… this story practically smacks you right in the face with tension… by chapter 5… I was sweating.
“Saying his name aloud sent an odd fluttering through her, as it had when he’d spoken hers. Her name had rolled off his tongue like honey. Thick, sweet, and slow. The memory of it alone almost made her shudder.”
My eyes were in a constant state of bulging out of my head. The tension could be cut with a dull butter knife. I’ve never been so high strung over a slow burn romance.
This is one of my favorite scenes… “He slipped his hand into a pocket and pulled forth a brass key. Ceridwen raised her brows at him. “You just happened to have a key to my room in your pocket?” He grinned, and for a moment, he forgot what she’d asked, lost in the sight of the slight disapproving scowl on her features. Why such a look should give him such pleasure, he couldn’t decide. Finally, he said, “It opens all the locks in the manor.” “Oh.” She appraised the key with renewed interest, probably considering all the trouble she could get herself into with such a thing. She’d use it if she could, of that he had no doubt. Drystan returned the key to its resting place within the pocket of his pants. “You know where to find it if you’re brave enough to get it.” A soft gasp slipped from her lips as she looked away. He barely restrained the chuckle trying to break free.”
Literally somebody help me… I can’t take it.
There’s a good girl moment.
There’s a masquerade ball.
There’s magic. Light and Dark. Monsters. Mysteries. Revenge. Grief.
I absolutely loved the depiction of family. Two sisters who love each other, aren’t jealous of each other, support each other, tell each other every secret and trust they’ll keep it. There is an aspect of found family and truly an entire cast of characters that you fall in love with.
The vibes I got from this book were, Bridgerton, Beauty And The Beast, One Dark Window, and Phantom Of The Opera. And even with the immaculate vibes, this was unlike any story I’ve read before, it was completely its own story and adventure.
This is swoon worthy romance with big beautiful dresses, stolen glances and smirks, there’s fainting at overwhelming news, there’s sliding down walls and gasping holding your hand to your mouth over the shocking scandalous details, it was romanticized over the top dramatic fantasy drama at times. And then action packed scary magical adventure the next. This book literally has everything I could want.
And it’s a slow burn and the author makes you work for your spice. But it’s… so worth it.
There are twists that had me screaming out loud.
There’s a part where Drystan kneels before Ceridwen when apologizing. This whole story is proper romance dusted with desire and wicked thoughts like stopppp my heart was just beating fast the entire time.
There’s beautiful appreciation and explanation of music and song.
It’s so tasty and romantic. It’s sweet and sinful. And the mystery and lore of this world will keep you on the edge of your seat. This is a fantasy romance I won’t soon forget.
This story follows Ceridwen. She lives in a small city with her family and is incredibly poor. Her father is sick, and her family is barely scraping by. Ceridwen loves music, something her mother taught her to be passionate about before she passed away. Every night, to honor her mother, Ceridwen plays her flute on the roof among the stars.
Lord Winterbourne… Drystan… was sent to this small city of Teneboure to be the Lord Protector as punishment for his failures in the king’s service.
Drystan is one of the few known as the Goddess-Blessed… having power above normal men, and a possessor of magic, granted ages ago by the goddess herself. Only certain nobles of this strength were granted as Lord Protectors assigned to watch over the cities of the kingdom.
One day, Lord Winterbourne, who lives in the grand manor overlooking the city, comes to Ceridwen’s home and propositions her to live at the manor and play as a musician. He requires that she live on property, and is not permitted to leave. Her family begs her not to accept, but the family is so poor and her father’s health is declining rapidly that they need the money he offers in exchange for her services… and so… she accepts.
I won’t tell you the reason why Drystan needs Ceridwen nearby and to play her music… what I will say… is there are rumors of a monster roaming the streets of the city at night….
Right off the bat… this story practically smacks you right in the face with tension… by chapter 5… I was sweating.
“Saying his name aloud sent an odd fluttering through her, as it had when he’d spoken hers. Her name had rolled off his tongue like honey. Thick, sweet, and slow. The memory of it alone almost made her shudder.”
My eyes were in a constant state of bulging out of my head. The tension could be cut with a dull butter knife. I’ve never been so high strung over a slow burn romance.
This is one of my favorite scenes… “He slipped his hand into a pocket and pulled forth a brass key. Ceridwen raised her brows at him. “You just happened to have a key to my room in your pocket?” He grinned, and for a moment, he forgot what she’d asked, lost in the sight of the slight disapproving scowl on her features. Why such a look should give him such pleasure, he couldn’t decide. Finally, he said, “It opens all the locks in the manor.” “Oh.” She appraised the key with renewed interest, probably considering all the trouble she could get herself into with such a thing. She’d use it if she could, of that he had no doubt. Drystan returned the key to its resting place within the pocket of his pants. “You know where to find it if you’re brave enough to get it.” A soft gasp slipped from her lips as she looked away. He barely restrained the chuckle trying to break free.”
Literally somebody help me… I can’t take it.
There’s a good girl moment.
There’s a masquerade ball.
There’s magic. Light and Dark. Monsters. Mysteries. Revenge. Grief.
I absolutely loved the depiction of family. Two sisters who love each other, aren’t jealous of each other, support each other, tell each other every secret and trust they’ll keep it. There is an aspect of found family and truly an entire cast of characters that you fall in love with.
The vibes I got from this book were, Bridgerton, Beauty And The Beast, One Dark Window, and Phantom Of The Opera. And even with the immaculate vibes, this was unlike any story I’ve read before, it was completely its own story and adventure.
This is swoon worthy romance with big beautiful dresses, stolen glances and smirks, there’s fainting at overwhelming news, there’s sliding down walls and gasping holding your hand to your mouth over the shocking scandalous details, it was romanticized over the top dramatic fantasy drama at times. And then action packed scary magical adventure the next. This book literally has everything I could want.
And it’s a slow burn and the author makes you work for your spice. But it’s… so worth it.
There are twists that had me screaming out loud.
There’s a part where Drystan kneels before Ceridwen when apologizing. This whole story is proper romance dusted with desire and wicked thoughts like stopppp my heart was just beating fast the entire time.
There’s beautiful appreciation and explanation of music and song.
It’s so tasty and romantic. It’s sweet and sinful. And the mystery and lore of this world will keep you on the edge of your seat. This is a fantasy romance I won’t soon forget.
May 11, 2024
This is a delightful twist on the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast, incorporating a bit of Phantom of the Opera. It's set in a gaslamp fantasy world with strong gothic vibes. Check, check, and check for me!
In this retelling, Ceridwen witnesses the murder of a thief by a creature that is not quite human. Her encounter with the monstrous being brings her to the attention of the reclusive Lord Protector Drystan, tasked with protecting the tiny little city of Teneboure by the king.
Drystan offers her a deal: play music for him at his manor in exchange for much-needed financial support for her struggling family. Ceridwen reluctantly agrees and begins to unravel the mysteries surrounding him as romance blooms. Van Dyke skillfully weaves together elements of romance, mystery, and fantasy, creating a fairytale retelling that is enchanting and suspenseful.
The main characters are a particularly strong element. They are well-developed with a cast of intriguing side characters that add more depth to the book. I also love the incorporation of music as a central theme. It serves as a source of solace, healing, and connection for the characters. I love how powerful it is and how much it means to the characters.
This is a super fun read that will appeal to fans of romantic fairytale retellings and atmospheric fantasy standalones. It has an engaging story and it offers a fresh take on a beloved fairy tale classic.
Thanks to the author for the copy. This review is based on a complimentary pre-released copy and it is voluntary.
In this retelling, Ceridwen witnesses the murder of a thief by a creature that is not quite human. Her encounter with the monstrous being brings her to the attention of the reclusive Lord Protector Drystan, tasked with protecting the tiny little city of Teneboure by the king.
Drystan offers her a deal: play music for him at his manor in exchange for much-needed financial support for her struggling family. Ceridwen reluctantly agrees and begins to unravel the mysteries surrounding him as romance blooms. Van Dyke skillfully weaves together elements of romance, mystery, and fantasy, creating a fairytale retelling that is enchanting and suspenseful.
The main characters are a particularly strong element. They are well-developed with a cast of intriguing side characters that add more depth to the book. I also love the incorporation of music as a central theme. It serves as a source of solace, healing, and connection for the characters. I love how powerful it is and how much it means to the characters.
This is a super fun read that will appeal to fans of romantic fairytale retellings and atmospheric fantasy standalones. It has an engaging story and it offers a fresh take on a beloved fairy tale classic.
Thanks to the author for the copy. This review is based on a complimentary pre-released copy and it is voluntary.
April 2, 2024
Honestly, a 3 may have been a bit generous as I didn’t really love it, but I didn’t necessarily dislike it either? I was initially drawn in by the concept of it being a beauty and the beast retelling with a twist: the twist being phantom of the opera vibes thrown in.
As intriguing as it might sound, I don’t feel that the story delivered. Or maybe it’s just that the phantom of the opera and beauty and the beast didn’t mesh as well as I’d hoped? The characters inner dialogue and the banter just didn’t do it for me, and I found myself skimming through certain parts of the story. The ending was enjoyable enough and there were parts of the book that I DID like, I just can’t say that I loved it as a whole.
As intriguing as it might sound, I don’t feel that the story delivered. Or maybe it’s just that the phantom of the opera and beauty and the beast didn’t mesh as well as I’d hoped? The characters inner dialogue and the banter just didn’t do it for me, and I found myself skimming through certain parts of the story. The ending was enjoyable enough and there were parts of the book that I DID like, I just can’t say that I loved it as a whole.
April 29, 2024
4.5 Beauty and the Beast meets One Dark window. I ate this up in less than 48 hours. I was hoping for a duology but it ended so perfectly that I’m happy with it being a standalone. Can’t wait to read more by Megan!
July 28, 2024
2,5 ⭐
This fell sadly flat to me. It sounded very promising, but it didn't work for me.
It was so slow and it took 40% into the book before anything happened and I didn't care for the characters. The cover is beautiful so I'm bumped that the story it self wasn't that interesting.
This fell sadly flat to me. It sounded very promising, but it didn't work for me.
It was so slow and it took 40% into the book before anything happened and I didn't care for the characters. The cover is beautiful so I'm bumped that the story it self wasn't that interesting.
May 7, 2024
The Musician and the Monster by Megan Van Dyke is a swirling, glittering reimagining of Beauty and teh Beast but oh so very much more, darker, more succulent, dripping with intrigue.
The gorgeous imagery of Ceridwen on the roof in the dark, starry night, playing her flute sets the tone for her passion for music, in honour of her mother who passed away. Her father is ill, her family desperately poor and all she has is music..
Drystan is an intriguing character. He is superhuman, powerful and strong, a Lord, but a servant of the king. A servant who has made mistakes and as such, is sent to Ceridwens town as the Lord Protector
Upon hearing Ceridwen play, Drystan visits her home to make her family an offer they cannot refuse; to allow her to go and live in the lord's manor, never to return, and they will live in comfort for ever more. However, there is a reason that Drystan needs Ceridwens music, things are not as cut and dried as they seem
Megan Van Dyke is an incredibly skilled storyteller, scooping you up in a fantasy world that is bright colours and ambience, dark shadows and bright lights, all within and without the characters and scenes. I was utterly gripped and deeply invested in discovering why was Drystan so keen to prevent the spread of the threat within the darkness
Absolutely motherflippingly GLORIOUS
Thank you to The NerdFam and the awesome Megan Van Dyke for this outstanding ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
The gorgeous imagery of Ceridwen on the roof in the dark, starry night, playing her flute sets the tone for her passion for music, in honour of her mother who passed away. Her father is ill, her family desperately poor and all she has is music..
Drystan is an intriguing character. He is superhuman, powerful and strong, a Lord, but a servant of the king. A servant who has made mistakes and as such, is sent to Ceridwens town as the Lord Protector
Upon hearing Ceridwen play, Drystan visits her home to make her family an offer they cannot refuse; to allow her to go and live in the lord's manor, never to return, and they will live in comfort for ever more. However, there is a reason that Drystan needs Ceridwens music, things are not as cut and dried as they seem
Megan Van Dyke is an incredibly skilled storyteller, scooping you up in a fantasy world that is bright colours and ambience, dark shadows and bright lights, all within and without the characters and scenes. I was utterly gripped and deeply invested in discovering why was Drystan so keen to prevent the spread of the threat within the darkness
Absolutely motherflippingly GLORIOUS
Thank you to The NerdFam and the awesome Megan Van Dyke for this outstanding ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own
May 8, 2024
"Not all monsters crept through the night, baring their fangs and claws for all to see."
This is a fantastic read for anyone who loves a Beauty and the Beast inspired novel!
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Spice Level: 2/5
The Musician and the Monster is the first book that I have read by Megan Van Dyke, and I absolutely fell in love with her writing style. Gothic romantasy always hits the spot, and the story built in this book was right up my alley.
For lovers of Phantom of the Opera and the healing power of music, this one is for you too. I was really impressed all the tropes that went into this book, all fitting in a very natural and intriguing way.
Honestly, if I had the chance I would have read it in one sitting because I just didn't want to put it down. Please add this to your tbr if you enjoy slow burns, a morally grey MMC, a tortured and brave FMC, gothic romance, monsters, and magic.
This is a fantastic read for anyone who loves a Beauty and the Beast inspired novel!
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Spice Level: 2/5
The Musician and the Monster is the first book that I have read by Megan Van Dyke, and I absolutely fell in love with her writing style. Gothic romantasy always hits the spot, and the story built in this book was right up my alley.
For lovers of Phantom of the Opera and the healing power of music, this one is for you too. I was really impressed all the tropes that went into this book, all fitting in a very natural and intriguing way.
Honestly, if I had the chance I would have read it in one sitting because I just didn't want to put it down. Please add this to your tbr if you enjoy slow burns, a morally grey MMC, a tortured and brave FMC, gothic romance, monsters, and magic.
June 21, 2024
THE MUSICIAN AND THE MONSTER
BOOK I | THE CASTAMAR DUOLOGY
A bewitching novel that sweeps one into an enchanting tale of mystery and romance, The Musician & the Monster is a richly sketched atmospheric tale that tackles forbidden love with dramatic flair. Inspired by the classic Beauty & the Beast fantasy, Megan brilliantly breathes new life into this timeless romantic dynamic and spins an original tale that shocks as much as it delights. This imaginative duology (The Castamar Duology) opener paints the story of Ceridwen Kinsley, a modest musician who leans into the healing elements of her beloved instrument as an escape from her challenging existence. While the harmonic sounds of her playing becomes her greatest light, it soon attracts the attention of threats near and far. The greatest of which is the frightening monster that stalks the very roads of her forgotten city.
As she endures a harrowing close encounter with the threatening creature, an unforeseen opportunity knocks at her door which drastically alters her simple, family-reliant life as she knows it. Approached by Drystan, the noble Lord Protector charged with finding and eliminating the alarming beast, a rare partnership is presented to our brave lead which wavers on a line between a blessing and a curse. Now behind the extravagant and very private doors of his opulent manor, Ceridwen is forced to step into her most authentic self and lean into the power of her musical talents despite her apprehension. Though, as the story unfurls, the magnetic attraction between these two contrasting leads becomes unavoidable and only grows more enticing with their delicious tension beaming off the page. Drystan and Ceridwen's connection advances in a way that felt honest to both characters and witnessing them untangle their personal traumas together was heartbreaking yet moving in all its emotional facets. Along with these compelling moments, the pages of this story are brimming with captivating dialogue between a charismatic cast of supporting characters that dazzle on their own. Best of all, the witty interactions between two key personalities will snatch your attention every time they walk upon the page and may just become the objects of desire in the upcoming companion novel in this thrilling duology.
FINAL VERDICT // An incredible fairy tale retelling with a darker edge, The Musician and the Monster is an incredibly attractive take on risky romantic dynamics while the conflicting desire of revenge is delved into with a creative and gripping twist. Though most notable and wonderfully done is the use of music throughout this story and how it functioned as a magical property that enchants its audience with a charm all its own. A beautifully depicted story which hits every high note of a dark yet charming gothic romantasy, The Musician and the Monster is a winning retelling that shimmers with its intriguing secrets, compelling bonds and slow burn romance. Absolutely lovely, I can’t wait to read the next book in this enchanting duology.
*Many thanks to Megan Van Dyke and The Nerd Fam for an ARC for review, these are my honest thoughts of this book
BOOK I | THE CASTAMAR DUOLOGY
A bewitching novel that sweeps one into an enchanting tale of mystery and romance, The Musician & the Monster is a richly sketched atmospheric tale that tackles forbidden love with dramatic flair. Inspired by the classic Beauty & the Beast fantasy, Megan brilliantly breathes new life into this timeless romantic dynamic and spins an original tale that shocks as much as it delights. This imaginative duology (The Castamar Duology) opener paints the story of Ceridwen Kinsley, a modest musician who leans into the healing elements of her beloved instrument as an escape from her challenging existence. While the harmonic sounds of her playing becomes her greatest light, it soon attracts the attention of threats near and far. The greatest of which is the frightening monster that stalks the very roads of her forgotten city.
As she endures a harrowing close encounter with the threatening creature, an unforeseen opportunity knocks at her door which drastically alters her simple, family-reliant life as she knows it. Approached by Drystan, the noble Lord Protector charged with finding and eliminating the alarming beast, a rare partnership is presented to our brave lead which wavers on a line between a blessing and a curse. Now behind the extravagant and very private doors of his opulent manor, Ceridwen is forced to step into her most authentic self and lean into the power of her musical talents despite her apprehension. Though, as the story unfurls, the magnetic attraction between these two contrasting leads becomes unavoidable and only grows more enticing with their delicious tension beaming off the page. Drystan and Ceridwen's connection advances in a way that felt honest to both characters and witnessing them untangle their personal traumas together was heartbreaking yet moving in all its emotional facets. Along with these compelling moments, the pages of this story are brimming with captivating dialogue between a charismatic cast of supporting characters that dazzle on their own. Best of all, the witty interactions between two key personalities will snatch your attention every time they walk upon the page and may just become the objects of desire in the upcoming companion novel in this thrilling duology.
FINAL VERDICT // An incredible fairy tale retelling with a darker edge, The Musician and the Monster is an incredibly attractive take on risky romantic dynamics while the conflicting desire of revenge is delved into with a creative and gripping twist. Though most notable and wonderfully done is the use of music throughout this story and how it functioned as a magical property that enchants its audience with a charm all its own. A beautifully depicted story which hits every high note of a dark yet charming gothic romantasy, The Musician and the Monster is a winning retelling that shimmers with its intriguing secrets, compelling bonds and slow burn romance. Absolutely lovely, I can’t wait to read the next book in this enchanting duology.
*Many thanks to Megan Van Dyke and The Nerd Fam for an ARC for review, these are my honest thoughts of this book
April 28, 2025
3.75🌟 solid fantasy romance - beauty and the beast retelling. The writing was solid and I enjoyed the music and magic aspects.
Read
May 11, 2024DROPPED.
The slow start nearly bored me to death. As an avid Beauty and the Beast fan, and one who loves smutty sexual tension at that, well, there was zero intrigue towards the MCs. Drystan had potential, but his obvious attraction towards Ceridwen from the beginning left me with a bad aftertaste of 'predictability' in my proverbial mouth. The latter however, needed a good warm up to know the man beneath - that wasn't an issue at all because I dislike insta-love stories.
Somehow...I still found it sorely lacking.
WHAT WAS IT? I can't put my finger on it since I couldn't even make it past Chapter 10, but, it was definitely a slow start/burn that didn't compel me to stay. In other words, Drystan, while mysterious, was too much of a softie, and Ceridwen - I couldn't relate to. It wasn't her fault, I generally avoid the musicians troupe or characters - super not my thing.
I'm torn, because according to mixed reviews, this was supposed to be Beauty and the Beast meets Phantom of the Opera retelling - my top 2 favourite classics! Personally, it didn't deliver - even from the beginning chapters, which in my opinion, are very important to reel your readers in.
Maybe you'll like this if you're not a hardcore romantic/smutty/emotionally intense/angsty reader with overachieving expectations. 😅😅
The slow start nearly bored me to death. As an avid Beauty and the Beast fan, and one who loves smutty sexual tension at that, well, there was zero intrigue towards the MCs. Drystan had potential, but his obvious attraction towards Ceridwen from the beginning left me with a bad aftertaste of 'predictability' in my proverbial mouth. The latter however, needed a good warm up to know the man beneath - that wasn't an issue at all because I dislike insta-love stories.
Somehow...I still found it sorely lacking.
WHAT WAS IT? I can't put my finger on it since I couldn't even make it past Chapter 10, but, it was definitely a slow start/burn that didn't compel me to stay. In other words, Drystan, while mysterious, was too much of a softie, and Ceridwen - I couldn't relate to. It wasn't her fault, I generally avoid the musicians troupe or characters - super not my thing.
I'm torn, because according to mixed reviews, this was supposed to be Beauty and the Beast meets Phantom of the Opera retelling - my top 2 favourite classics! Personally, it didn't deliver - even from the beginning chapters, which in my opinion, are very important to reel your readers in.
Maybe you'll like this if you're not a hardcore romantic/smutty/emotionally intense/angsty reader with overachieving expectations. 😅😅
March 23, 2024
A soulful and enchanting story, Megan van Dyke has a hit on her hands with The Musician and the Monster.
I have long been a fan of Megan's reimagined fairytales that flip these timeless stories in new and entertaining ways. The Musician and the Monster flips the Beauty and the Beauty story by infusing but with dark magic, revenge, and loss.
Ceridwen Kinsley is a sweet and passionate FMC that uses music to connect with the mother she lost. She was the perfect FMC to follow for this story. Lord Drystan Winterbourne, attached to her music, makes a deal to cover her family's debts if she will move to his manor and play only for him. As the two spend time together, their connection grows. I loved Drystan as an MMC, trying to keep his inner demons a bay. I also loved the side characters, especially one side characters, I believed I would hate for the whole story, but truly ended up surprising me.
No worries of cliffhangers here. This story comes complete with a sweet HEA. It is the perfect romantic pick me up to read when you need to relax.
4.5/5
I have long been a fan of Megan's reimagined fairytales that flip these timeless stories in new and entertaining ways. The Musician and the Monster flips the Beauty and the Beauty story by infusing but with dark magic, revenge, and loss.
Ceridwen Kinsley is a sweet and passionate FMC that uses music to connect with the mother she lost. She was the perfect FMC to follow for this story. Lord Drystan Winterbourne, attached to her music, makes a deal to cover her family's debts if she will move to his manor and play only for him. As the two spend time together, their connection grows. I loved Drystan as an MMC, trying to keep his inner demons a bay. I also loved the side characters, especially one side characters, I believed I would hate for the whole story, but truly ended up surprising me.
No worries of cliffhangers here. This story comes complete with a sweet HEA. It is the perfect romantic pick me up to read when you need to relax.
4.5/5
April 12, 2024
✨The Musician and the Monster✨
Oh my goodness, this book was so precious. A wonderfully fun, musical spin on a Beauty and the Beast like retelling.
We follow 2 POVs. First, Ceradwin, a commoner who has big dreams, a heart filled with grief, a hope to help her family, and a love for playing her flute. Secondly, our morally grey MMC, Drysten, who harbors many deep secrets but finds that Ceradwin’s music eases the nightmares that haunt him.
After seeing a monster that’s been terrorizing their city murder a man, Ceradwin is asked by Drysten to be his personal musician in repayment for her experience… but also for his own selfish reasons.
The world building is simple and easy, but it allows us to focus on the characters and the curse more in depth. As Ceradwin and Drysten dance around feelings, Drysten’s secrets begin to uproot until finally all chaos breaks loose. Exactly how we like our books to go. 😁
TMATM would be classified by me as a cozy, Romantasy read. Some tropes within are: forced proximity, shifters, hidden identities, morally grey characters, slow burn, masquerade, plot twists, Phantom of the Opera vibes, grief healing, touch her and die, found family, light/dark magic. There’s mild language and spice is 2/5 with one open door scene. The romance is full of pining and angst. You’ll love it.
I’m so honored to have gotten to read this gifted arc by Megan that comes out May 4 and will continue to recommend it! Thank you!
Oh my goodness, this book was so precious. A wonderfully fun, musical spin on a Beauty and the Beast like retelling.
We follow 2 POVs. First, Ceradwin, a commoner who has big dreams, a heart filled with grief, a hope to help her family, and a love for playing her flute. Secondly, our morally grey MMC, Drysten, who harbors many deep secrets but finds that Ceradwin’s music eases the nightmares that haunt him.
After seeing a monster that’s been terrorizing their city murder a man, Ceradwin is asked by Drysten to be his personal musician in repayment for her experience… but also for his own selfish reasons.
The world building is simple and easy, but it allows us to focus on the characters and the curse more in depth. As Ceradwin and Drysten dance around feelings, Drysten’s secrets begin to uproot until finally all chaos breaks loose. Exactly how we like our books to go. 😁
TMATM would be classified by me as a cozy, Romantasy read. Some tropes within are: forced proximity, shifters, hidden identities, morally grey characters, slow burn, masquerade, plot twists, Phantom of the Opera vibes, grief healing, touch her and die, found family, light/dark magic. There’s mild language and spice is 2/5 with one open door scene. The romance is full of pining and angst. You’ll love it.
I’m so honored to have gotten to read this gifted arc by Megan that comes out May 4 and will continue to recommend it! Thank you!
May 6, 2024
𝙈𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙘 𝙨𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙨 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙖𝙣
𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪.
𝙄 𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪.
𝙄'𝙢 𝙨𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙮 𝙄 𝙠𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪.
This book kept me reading. Between the well written characters, the plot twists and the story line, this book is definitely a must read.
Ceridwen blames herself for her mother's death.
Drystan has a secret.
"𝙒𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙚 𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧?"
Ceridwen is the key to saving Drystan.
Drystan has to be able to trust those who he keeps at arms length.
"𝙏𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙢𝙚, 𝙞𝙛 𝙣𝙤 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚"
"𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙝𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧. 𝙒𝙚'𝙡𝙡 𝙙𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨. 𝙏𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧."
All the characters were so well rounded and their backgrounds. How everything intertwined and comes to light as the story progresses.
🖤 Slow Burn
🖤 Morally Grey MMC
🖤 Healing power of music
🖤 Beauty and the Beast Retelling
🖤 Phantom of the Opera
🖤 Determined MFC
🖤 Dual POVs
🖤 Historical
<
𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪.
𝙄 𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪.
𝙄'𝙢 𝙨𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙮 𝙄 𝙠𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪.
This book kept me reading. Between the well written characters, the plot twists and the story line, this book is definitely a must read.
Ceridwen blames herself for her mother's death.
Drystan has a secret.
"𝙒𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙚 𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧?"
Ceridwen is the key to saving Drystan.
Drystan has to be able to trust those who he keeps at arms length.
"𝙏𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙢𝙚, 𝙞𝙛 𝙣𝙤 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚"
"𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙝𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧. 𝙒𝙚'𝙡𝙡 𝙙𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨. 𝙏𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧."
All the characters were so well rounded and their backgrounds. How everything intertwined and comes to light as the story progresses.
🖤 Slow Burn
🖤 Morally Grey MMC
🖤 Healing power of music
🖤 Beauty and the Beast Retelling
🖤 Phantom of the Opera
🖤 Determined MFC
🖤 Dual POVs
🖤 Historical
<
August 20, 2025
As a reader that reads three / four books in a go, this book is the few that made me drop everything and just immerse myself to the world of this book. I’m a huge sucker for fairy tale retellings and respin, this book was SO FUN to read. Love loveee it
Want to read
October 26, 2024beauty and the beast meets phantom? fuckin sold man
June 19, 2024
I enjoyed this quite a bit, although the first half held my attention better than the second. Great ambiance and some properly swoony moments.
May 3, 2024
This was a very enjoyable Beauty and the Beast retelling with a few non-classic elements that made it unique. You get a touch of Phantom of the Opera vibes close to the end. Definitely worth the read for anyone who loves Beauty and the Beast retellings.
Thank you TheNerdFam for the gifted ARC
Thank you TheNerdFam for the gifted ARC
May 7, 2024
Can we just talk about how much I love Megan Van Dyke?
The first reimagined fairytale I read of hers was Second Star to the Left and I absolutely adored it. From there, I’ve successfully devoured her other ones, the Alice Curse and Stepsister. So when she announced ARC sign ups for a beauty and the beast retelling, I was there.
Whilst I enjoyed Alice and Stepsister, they weren’t my favourite in the series so I was keen to see if I got the same magic from Second Star for this one and let me tell you, Megan delivered.
I loved this so much.
The setting is gothic with steampunk vibes. It’s a cross between beauty and the beast and phantom of the opera - and it worked so well.
What I really loved about this book was the slow burn and the building of trust. I loved Malik as a character and I adored the creepy manor and monster vibes. The world building was done well with the magic explained in full. The love was so innocent and it unfurled beautifully just like the roses in this book.
The writing was good. The pacing great. And the chapters short and sharp. I adored the found family aspects and how we had a heroine who wasn’t your stereotypical badass. Her strength lay in her kindness and patience and her music. We need more of these FMC’s!
Speaking of, the theme of the music and grief in this book was done so well. I loved the whole concept of it taming the beast and finding the last stanza for the famous musical piece. This was a really nice subplot that played into the larger picture and I was impressed with how it all tied together.
Where it lost a star for me was the ending. Whilst the ball and fight scenes were great, it did seem too easy. With Adairs previous behaviour -and how it’s mentioned he can’t keep a secret- I would have loved to have seen him betray his sisters to the king (for a higher position) and up the stakes. In this, the king could have got the upper hand and we would have been on the edge of our seats.
For me, this was the elevation it missed. The ending and final fight was a bit too easy and convenient when there could have been more drama or tension or shock. (This is just a personal Opinion though)
Otherwise, this was such a great read and I adore Megan as an author. I’ve read Captive of the Stolen empire but you bet I’ll be jumping into the Faebound series.
Thank you to the author for a providing an ARC. I feel privileged ♥️
The first reimagined fairytale I read of hers was Second Star to the Left and I absolutely adored it. From there, I’ve successfully devoured her other ones, the Alice Curse and Stepsister. So when she announced ARC sign ups for a beauty and the beast retelling, I was there.
Whilst I enjoyed Alice and Stepsister, they weren’t my favourite in the series so I was keen to see if I got the same magic from Second Star for this one and let me tell you, Megan delivered.
I loved this so much.
The setting is gothic with steampunk vibes. It’s a cross between beauty and the beast and phantom of the opera - and it worked so well.
What I really loved about this book was the slow burn and the building of trust. I loved Malik as a character and I adored the creepy manor and monster vibes. The world building was done well with the magic explained in full. The love was so innocent and it unfurled beautifully just like the roses in this book.
The writing was good. The pacing great. And the chapters short and sharp. I adored the found family aspects and how we had a heroine who wasn’t your stereotypical badass. Her strength lay in her kindness and patience and her music. We need more of these FMC’s!
Speaking of, the theme of the music and grief in this book was done so well. I loved the whole concept of it taming the beast and finding the last stanza for the famous musical piece. This was a really nice subplot that played into the larger picture and I was impressed with how it all tied together.
Where it lost a star for me was the ending. Whilst the ball and fight scenes were great, it did seem too easy. With Adairs previous behaviour -and how it’s mentioned he can’t keep a secret- I would have loved to have seen him betray his sisters to the king (for a higher position) and up the stakes. In this, the king could have got the upper hand and we would have been on the edge of our seats.
For me, this was the elevation it missed. The ending and final fight was a bit too easy and convenient when there could have been more drama or tension or shock. (This is just a personal Opinion though)
Otherwise, this was such a great read and I adore Megan as an author. I’ve read Captive of the Stolen empire but you bet I’ll be jumping into the Faebound series.
Thank you to the author for a providing an ARC. I feel privileged ♥️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2025
I really enjoyed this book but actually wish it was longer. It’s a fun, quick read with good twists and yearning. I liked Bronwyn and Malik more than Ceridwen and Drystan (book 1) but wish we got more of them together.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun fantasy read who enjoys shifting and blood magic.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun fantasy read who enjoys shifting and blood magic.
April 10, 2025
I love fairytale retellings, and this one was such a beautiful take on the classic tale of Beauty And The Beast! The whole Gaslamp Fantasy is such an intriguing idea, and the Slow-Burn Romance was exquisitely done with just enough spice to not overpower the story but add to it very nicely! With such a perfect ending as well, I can not wait for the next book!
September 3, 2025
An unexpected gem of a book💎
February 2, 2024
Thank you so so deeply to the author for sharing an ARC of this book with me!!
“Music says things words never can.”
“And what am I to you?”Her heart clenched as she waited for his response, braced for more pain and indifference. “More than I expected, and more than I ever wanted him to know.”
Wonderful fourth instalment in the Reimagined Fairytales series by this author!!! There is not one book in this series I don’t fall deep in love with !! It seems to be getting only better the more I read !!! This time we have Beauty and the Beast meets the Phantom of the Opera in a unique fantasy romance book with forced proximity, shy girl and grumpy boy, secrets and beasts and towers and masks which I absolutely loved!!! Ceridwen and Drystan’s story was one of a kind and the moment I started reading the book I realised I couldn’t stop!! I read it in one day!! There was not a single piece of it that didn’t get straight to my soul. The constant anxiety and tension between the main characters and the action happening made this book so entertaining and beautifully written that it is impossible not to love it. The romance was always there, even if sometimes only on the back of our minds but the slow burn is real and frustrating but also so sweet and romantic that I found myself swooning more than once. With an MMC that is so broken and dark and mysterious and incredible that he is the perfect morally grey love interest, with an ability to be as sweet as he can be terribly cruel, something we all need while reading a book. Such great side characters too!!! And what an amazing HEA for these characters who have bene through so so much!!! Wonderful !!!! I can’t wait for the next book!!!
“Dark and light. Predator and song bird.”
“You’re my treasure. The light that keeps me going”
“Together they were balanced—light, dark, and gray. Just as the Goddess intended.”
“Music says things words never can.”
“And what am I to you?”Her heart clenched as she waited for his response, braced for more pain and indifference. “More than I expected, and more than I ever wanted him to know.”
Wonderful fourth instalment in the Reimagined Fairytales series by this author!!! There is not one book in this series I don’t fall deep in love with !! It seems to be getting only better the more I read !!! This time we have Beauty and the Beast meets the Phantom of the Opera in a unique fantasy romance book with forced proximity, shy girl and grumpy boy, secrets and beasts and towers and masks which I absolutely loved!!! Ceridwen and Drystan’s story was one of a kind and the moment I started reading the book I realised I couldn’t stop!! I read it in one day!! There was not a single piece of it that didn’t get straight to my soul. The constant anxiety and tension between the main characters and the action happening made this book so entertaining and beautifully written that it is impossible not to love it. The romance was always there, even if sometimes only on the back of our minds but the slow burn is real and frustrating but also so sweet and romantic that I found myself swooning more than once. With an MMC that is so broken and dark and mysterious and incredible that he is the perfect morally grey love interest, with an ability to be as sweet as he can be terribly cruel, something we all need while reading a book. Such great side characters too!!! And what an amazing HEA for these characters who have bene through so so much!!! Wonderful !!!! I can’t wait for the next book!!!
“Dark and light. Predator and song bird.”
“You’re my treasure. The light that keeps me going”
“Together they were balanced—light, dark, and gray. Just as the Goddess intended.”
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