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Little Beauty
Cherbourg, Normandy – 1159
Shy Jehanne always lived at the mercy of her sisters’ spite and bitterness, preferring a life with the saints in her father’s library. Cherbourg was home and for her, it was the smaller pleasures of watching the ships in the harbor, searching for her father’s vessels.
She might have continued on that path, were it not for the storm that sank his beloved Maud and left her family ruined. Her sisters resented leaving Cherbourg’s society for a small home on the edges of a nearby wood. While her sisters griped over selling their baubles and her brothers struggled with simple woodcutting, she was teaching herself the basics of hunting to feed them through the long winter.
She never counted upon finding a huntsman and his party in the woods, nor accompanying him back to his country estate. No more that than the curse on his heart.
Shy Jehanne always lived at the mercy of her sisters’ spite and bitterness, preferring a life with the saints in her father’s library. Cherbourg was home and for her, it was the smaller pleasures of watching the ships in the harbor, searching for her father’s vessels.
She might have continued on that path, were it not for the storm that sank his beloved Maud and left her family ruined. Her sisters resented leaving Cherbourg’s society for a small home on the edges of a nearby wood. While her sisters griped over selling their baubles and her brothers struggled with simple woodcutting, she was teaching herself the basics of hunting to feed them through the long winter.
She never counted upon finding a huntsman and his party in the woods, nor accompanying him back to his country estate. No more that than the curse on his heart.
162 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 6, 2024
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 12, 2026
This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Little Beauty
Jehanne is unlike other girls. She bears the resemblance of a beast rather than the gentle and intelligent girl she is. And it is because of this that she is misunderstood and mistreated. When she is captured on a hunt, she is forced to live alongside Perrin. A crude man who does little to instill kindness, instead treating her as a mere beast at first. Yet despite all she has been through, and it will not be an easy road for her, she is sure to never turn to cruelty.
While Perrin is the subject of a curse, his behavior towards others will strike the reader just as much as the character. Written as a truly unlikable character, Perrin is a hard one to follow. He can be judgmental and cruel. Oftentimes, he gave in to his temper to say or do things to push characters away crudely but effectively. To others, he seems handsome, yet his temperament and ways are undesirable.
The two main characters serve to counterbalance each other as the story unfolds. Yet there are many times Perrin’s remarks about Jehanne may be too much for some readers. Jehanne’s inert goodness and desire to understand, even in the toughest times, can be both heartbreaking and hopeful.
Little Beauty is a conflicting tale, able to draw out a range of emotions from readers. Yet it is easy to see the fairytale inspirations. And some of the lessons from those well-known tales also translate well into the story. Things such as never assuming who someone is by their appearance, and to remain kind despite what life throws at you.
Jehanne is unlike other girls. She bears the resemblance of a beast rather than the gentle and intelligent girl she is. And it is because of this that she is misunderstood and mistreated. When she is captured on a hunt, she is forced to live alongside Perrin. A crude man who does little to instill kindness, instead treating her as a mere beast at first. Yet despite all she has been through, and it will not be an easy road for her, she is sure to never turn to cruelty.
While Perrin is the subject of a curse, his behavior towards others will strike the reader just as much as the character. Written as a truly unlikable character, Perrin is a hard one to follow. He can be judgmental and cruel. Oftentimes, he gave in to his temper to say or do things to push characters away crudely but effectively. To others, he seems handsome, yet his temperament and ways are undesirable.
The two main characters serve to counterbalance each other as the story unfolds. Yet there are many times Perrin’s remarks about Jehanne may be too much for some readers. Jehanne’s inert goodness and desire to understand, even in the toughest times, can be both heartbreaking and hopeful.
Little Beauty is a conflicting tale, able to draw out a range of emotions from readers. Yet it is easy to see the fairytale inspirations. And some of the lessons from those well-known tales also translate well into the story. Things such as never assuming who someone is by their appearance, and to remain kind despite what life throws at you.
December 20, 2024
Runte’s storytelling is inventive and captivating, with fresh twists that keep the reader engaged. Unlike traditional fairytales, where villains like wicked stepmothers or evil witches are the main threats, Little Beauty reimagines the "wolf" character, transforming it into a compassionate and humble figure, adding unexpected depth to the narrative.
The characters are richly developed in Little Beauty's revamping of classic fairytale archetypes. Jehanne, the heroine, starts as a shy, self-contained young woman living in wolf form, under the cruelty of her sisters. Her transformation into a brave, loving figure is both moving and empowering, challenging the "damsel in distress" trope.
The hero, Perrin, likewise cursed and burdened by emotional baggage, adds layers of complexity to their compelling relationship. His flaws and struggles redefine the traditional "perfect prince." Mentors, helpers, and sidekicks play unique roles, adding further depth to the story while maintaining the essence of classic fairytales.
Together, their journey is one of healing, faith, and mutual growth. The narrative promotes values like charity, family loyalty, and bravery, and reinforces the idea that love, faith, and inner beauty are more powerful than any curse or societal expectation.
This unique, refreshing story is a must-read for fans of folklore and fairytales. Little Beauty offers a new take on familiar tales, with depth, heart, and magic. Highly recommended for those who enjoy stories of redemption and transformative love. I’m happy to give it 5 out of 5 stars.
The characters are richly developed in Little Beauty's revamping of classic fairytale archetypes. Jehanne, the heroine, starts as a shy, self-contained young woman living in wolf form, under the cruelty of her sisters. Her transformation into a brave, loving figure is both moving and empowering, challenging the "damsel in distress" trope.
The hero, Perrin, likewise cursed and burdened by emotional baggage, adds layers of complexity to their compelling relationship. His flaws and struggles redefine the traditional "perfect prince." Mentors, helpers, and sidekicks play unique roles, adding further depth to the story while maintaining the essence of classic fairytales.
Together, their journey is one of healing, faith, and mutual growth. The narrative promotes values like charity, family loyalty, and bravery, and reinforces the idea that love, faith, and inner beauty are more powerful than any curse or societal expectation.
This unique, refreshing story is a must-read for fans of folklore and fairytales. Little Beauty offers a new take on familiar tales, with depth, heart, and magic. Highly recommended for those who enjoy stories of redemption and transformative love. I’m happy to give it 5 out of 5 stars.
December 31, 2024
Mark Runte's work gets better with each story I read. This is different than most of his other stories. It is based on a fairytale and seems a little separated from his usual urban lore. While it still offers his usual werewolves and other fantastical creatures, the overall feel is more fairytale and love-centric than the pure noir urban grit you find in his other stories. I'm a fan of both, and I think it shows a special talent to be able to write both.
Mark is a wonderful storyteller. He weaves together a tale that keeps you turning the pages well into the night and makes you really want to know what's going to happen. He also excels at building multiple different types of characters - the wounded mysterious hero, the strong, snappy heroine (sometimes hero in M/M fiction), and the often surprising villain. He is equally adept at writing loveable father's and cruel, horrible ones. An interesting skill set.
I am always delighted to read a new book by Mark, but I think this has been one of my favorite ones by him. As a lifelong reader, Beauty and the Beast has always been close to my heart, and this adaptation is one I believe does the original justice with interesting and compelling twists.
Whether you like the inspiration material or not, I believe you will enjoy this tale.
Who's it For?
Those who love fantasy stories, werewolves, historical fiction, and rich fantasy worlds. Mark also excels at world building.
Content warnings: Death, Violence, Cruelty, Betrayal, Infidelity, and More.
Mark is a wonderful storyteller. He weaves together a tale that keeps you turning the pages well into the night and makes you really want to know what's going to happen. He also excels at building multiple different types of characters - the wounded mysterious hero, the strong, snappy heroine (sometimes hero in M/M fiction), and the often surprising villain. He is equally adept at writing loveable father's and cruel, horrible ones. An interesting skill set.
I am always delighted to read a new book by Mark, but I think this has been one of my favorite ones by him. As a lifelong reader, Beauty and the Beast has always been close to my heart, and this adaptation is one I believe does the original justice with interesting and compelling twists.
Whether you like the inspiration material or not, I believe you will enjoy this tale.
Who's it For?
Those who love fantasy stories, werewolves, historical fiction, and rich fantasy worlds. Mark also excels at world building.
Content warnings: Death, Violence, Cruelty, Betrayal, Infidelity, and More.
December 24, 2024
This story starts with a simple idea - the shy, sweet girl mistreated and pushed out because she's different. In this case, the protagonist, Jehanne is a wolf, making her instantly a figure of fear, mistrust and abuse, most particularly from her sisters.
A Cinderella story? Not quite. Jehanne comes into her own more than any fairytale princess. She remains kind, but becomes a strong, brave figure who meets a cast of admirable, diverse characters. She is helped to grow and to find her own place in the world. But most important is her meeting with Perrin.
A likewise 'cursed' figure - different to the rest, it is a pleasure to see them come together and realise they are not alone in this world.
This story is a totally original take on a classic tropes - the characters are unique, the writing beautiful and the story a sweet, light read. The story has it's own tension - Jehanne's villainous family are unwilling to let her be happy, but she finds a home and fights to keep it safe.
I've read many of this author's books now, and as always, it has been a pleasure. Little historical details are woven into the descriptions, the characters are complex and interesting, and the plots always keep me hooked.
A Cinderella story? Not quite. Jehanne comes into her own more than any fairytale princess. She remains kind, but becomes a strong, brave figure who meets a cast of admirable, diverse characters. She is helped to grow and to find her own place in the world. But most important is her meeting with Perrin.
A likewise 'cursed' figure - different to the rest, it is a pleasure to see them come together and realise they are not alone in this world.
This story is a totally original take on a classic tropes - the characters are unique, the writing beautiful and the story a sweet, light read. The story has it's own tension - Jehanne's villainous family are unwilling to let her be happy, but she finds a home and fights to keep it safe.
I've read many of this author's books now, and as always, it has been a pleasure. Little historical details are woven into the descriptions, the characters are complex and interesting, and the plots always keep me hooked.
September 29, 2024
3 and a half to four ⭐ from me-- I couldn't decide which but I had such fun reading this that 3 would have been too low. A wolf-themed retelling of Beauty And The Beast with likeable characters and of course (since it's a fairytale) some less than pleasant villains to boo at.
The romance is of a subtle and slow-build type rather than exploding with swoon-worthy passion, but I liked it all the more for that; it felt meaningful and convincing, plus there was one particular scene which was very sweet. The twist on the beast character was a good creative spin too. At times the writing and descriptions felt a little vague rather than really coming to life and leaping from the pages, but it's still an enjoyable tale fans of fantasy and retellings should definitely consider checking out
The romance is of a subtle and slow-build type rather than exploding with swoon-worthy passion, but I liked it all the more for that; it felt meaningful and convincing, plus there was one particular scene which was very sweet. The twist on the beast character was a good creative spin too. At times the writing and descriptions felt a little vague rather than really coming to life and leaping from the pages, but it's still an enjoyable tale fans of fantasy and retellings should definitely consider checking out
April 25, 2025
wow!
Absolutely love this book! I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this story. It’s one of those books that stays with you, even after you finish it. The writing is simple but beautiful, and the message about love, friendship, and understanding really hits home. All of characters are easy to connect with, especially Little Beauty. There’s so much emotion packed into this short read—it made me think, smile, and even tear up a little.
I can’t wait to read more from mark!!!!
Absolutely love this book! I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this story. It’s one of those books that stays with you, even after you finish it. The writing is simple but beautiful, and the message about love, friendship, and understanding really hits home. All of characters are easy to connect with, especially Little Beauty. There’s so much emotion packed into this short read—it made me think, smile, and even tear up a little.
I can’t wait to read more from mark!!!!
January 8, 2026
Beauty and the Beast Inside Out
What if the cursed prince was still handsome and the girl he needs to love him is trapped in the body of a beast? All the pain and rejection of being a beast through no fault of her own-just born that way.
From this very different starting condition the tale unfolds as both familiar and strange. By the end I was so emotionally invested in it that I lost all track of time. A gripping read for fans of fairy tale retellings.
What if the cursed prince was still handsome and the girl he needs to love him is trapped in the body of a beast? All the pain and rejection of being a beast through no fault of her own-just born that way.
From this very different starting condition the tale unfolds as both familiar and strange. By the end I was so emotionally invested in it that I lost all track of time. A gripping read for fans of fairy tale retellings.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews