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The Beast Within #1

The Beast Within

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It's easy to accept the supernatural aspects of life when you're raised to hunt demons. You're less likely to believe your eyes when the demon that comes out of your closet becomes the man you'd once loved.
Renee finds out, she not only is destined to rid her world of the monsters, but she is supposed to help the monsters defeat the curse put on them by her own father. Finding out she'd been born over and over within a hundred years, Renee struggles to believe she is a princess from another world, destined to find the ultimate power to bring down a tyrant.
Pylira has spent 100 years under a dark curse, in an attempt to rid the world of the self-proclaimed Buio King. In doing so, the people of Pylira put the Kingdom's daughter at the mercy of the curse. Now Tyson Cole needs to find the princess, and find a way to bring her back to the real world and to him?

272 pages, Paperback

First published June 23, 2015

16 people are currently reading
845 people want to read

About the author

S.L. Perrine

35 books134 followers
S.L. Perrine is a wife to a mechanic and mother of four crazy teenagers (3 are boys) who eat her out of house and home. Among writing, reading is another passion of hers. She also enjoys camping, fishing, and anything that means family time.
During the summer she can be found at camp with her laptop by the pool. She and her family reside in Troy, NY.

“I write stories to fill the world with imagination for those who have a hard time finding their own.”

- SL PERRINE, 2016

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5 stars
16 (34%)
4 stars
15 (31%)
3 stars
8 (17%)
2 stars
4 (8%)
1 star
4 (8%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Tèo Sip.
133 reviews58 followers
Read
November 13, 2017
Some chapters are in third person and the others are in first, even though they are told from the perspective of the same character, and they are not prologues nor flashbacks @@
Profile Image for Chad Dennis.
71 reviews1 follower
January 6, 2016
Different in a good way

This isn't my usual read but the cover and blurb were quite eye catching and I'm glad I chose it! The storyline was unique to me with some interesting world building and has definitive peaks and valleys that help to pull you along in interest. The romance in the book was refreshing to me as the main character wasn't in love with a vampire or werewolf as well as the fact that she wasn't a cop or detective. This alone sets it apart for me. There are some minor hiccups in the book but they in no way detract from the story. I will definitely be purchasing the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Kimber Buelow- 561 Bookgirl.
117 reviews13 followers
November 7, 2017
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have to be brutally honest. While I liked the story, I had a lot of problems with it. The story arc was a good one, but the writing style stunted my enjoyment of the story. Going back and forth between two sets of characters is not unusual, but the transition is not very smooth, and I found myself having to reread parts to try to fully understand what was happening in the switch off. This did not help that the story actually changed point of view. Not point of view between characters but the writing switching his writing POV. One part of the story is told in first person narrative (very well, I might add), and then the second part moved to a third person omniscient. It made everything extremely disjointed, and many times had me ready to stop reading all together.

Fortunately, I stuck with it and the story is worth it. I was satisfied with the outcomes of the story, and now that I have an inkling of the way the author writes, I will be willing to try another book in the series.
Profile Image for Tom Leeland.
66 reviews10 followers
February 27, 2017
My Five Star Review of “The Beast Within”
Written by S.L.PERRINE
This story is fresh in idea, different than most other fiction I’ve read in genres that are similar. This story is a genre breaker. Or this story redefines genres. Young Adult, Romance, Dystopian, Medieval, Magical beasts both human and animal. Demons or Spirits I’m just not sure as I read this story and that’s just one of many reasons why I kept reading. I Also read this story because of the vibrant description that lit up the ambiance of a world that was once mundane for the main character and soon through a series of events was changed into something world consuming for her. This story is about a life lived set in repetition of a war between what lived in one world who’s essence leaked into the human world. The main character is part of a family whose very existence is to protect humanity from this world of horror and wonder. Everything changes for the main character and all the beliefs she had are shaken. Her Town and her friends are affected. A demon she tries to excise from her world may not be a demon at all. This other world is a place of horror, instead this other world is a place of magic, mystery, kings, queens and all the court intrigue the reader can imagine. The misplacement or possible loss of a loved family member only increases the angst, fear and life changing effects the main character and her love interest deal with. The other World is closed off and there are loved ones on both sides separated. Above all is the main character’s self-worth, beliefs in herself and the role she has to play on a much grander scale than she ever imagined. Renee soon learns that not even her own growing love is safe, not even her own beliefs are safe and her entire life will soon change. The cast of characters are filled with a vibrant and imaginative description. The dialogue is playful, engrossing, and full of maturity. The story flows naturally and kept my attention riveted and not once did I have the need to backtrack for anything I may have missed. I really think this story has out shined all the previous work I’ve read from this author.
Profile Image for H.L. Girton.
Author 6 books40 followers
October 18, 2017
So, I am finding myself torn with this book. On one hand I think the concept of the story is great. I love the idea behind it and I love a good tragic love story that long lost lovers find each other again. However, I had a hard time reading this. I felt the execution of the writing was lacking. It jumped around a lot and for half the book I was confused. There was a lot of repetitions of back story that really just had me wanting to stop reading.

I also felt that there were descriptions that were all in the wrong place. For example, the main character goes to visit the uncles to question them. She later returns in the story line after a chapter or two and we get a description of the inside house as if she has never seen it before. Then again another description of the house when she walks there alone to find Ty in the gardens like she never saw the outside of the house before the two previous times she was there. Did she not look around her the first time to witness the house she walked into when she visited the uncles? All descriptions should have been there and not thrown in randomly after the fact. I think some work on plot and scene placement needs some improvement.

The constant jumping around kept pulling me from the story. When reading the synopsis, I was intrigued. The idea is a fantastic idea, but it needs some more work. There was so much confusion that I couldn't thoroughly enjoy it. Then it abruptly ended. We spent the whole story with confusion and a naive girl that had no idea who she was. She wasn't as strong of a female lead role as I would have liked. I do hope she grows into that, but as of right now she is a bit out there. There were some characters I didn't quite get the point of or others I wished would have had more in depth development as to their purpose. I didn't even know Ty had a sister. The whole time I thought she was his mother until he greeted her at the end. The whole locket thing and giving it as a gift from the mother to Renee had me certain Tabby was the mother and then it was his sister? So confusing. All in all it was okay, but not over the top exciting. I'm on the fence on if I would continue this series or recommend it.
Profile Image for Heather.
112 reviews
June 4, 2017
I won this book from a goodreads giveaway, I love the plot but I have to say there was some dry spots... The story is only 178 pages and some of them are blank but there was spots where I just lost interest. I do hate that its such a short book and we have to wait a year for the next part... Which I will read cause its a good enough plot to want to know what happens... Just hope I remember it when I pick up the next one. I love that its a twisted fairytale sorta story just I think maybe its meant for a younger audience? I look forward to the next one, hope its more action packed, or has more stuff going on... I really hated the Chris and tabby chapters, up until the last two pages, when you finally see the two stories connect, then your like oh..I get it but their chapters were boring and I hated that you had to start to read the chapter to see whose POV it was in.. Overall gave a 3 for plot, dark fairytale feel.
Profile Image for Nikki Yager.
Author 6 books39 followers
March 11, 2017
Fantastic read by S.L. Perrine!

This was a wonderful story full of magic and mayham. I was a little confused at times but so was the main character so I'm sure that was expected. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Ani Manjikian.
Author 3 books17 followers
November 15, 2017
The book ended with a cliffhanger. No, that isn't the reason I'm giving it 3 stars. There were structural problems I couldn't get over. The cliffhanger was more like a season ender on a TV series rather than an author chopping a book in half so readers must buy the second book, as some have complained about in other reviews. I kind of wish there was a little more of satisfactory ending, but I can live with it.

The first of the structural problems was the MC. She didn't appear until the second chapter and then she was in third person POV. For the rest of the book she was in first person. As I went through the chapters, I kept wondering if we was going to be in first or third because there was no real good reason for her to be in third at the beginning.

Second was the pacing, other than the fight scenes the beginning dragged. By the middle, I got into the story. Realized there were two groups, one questing toward something and one staying in a centralized area discovering things. Both of them related, but not sure why. The adventures and discoveries became interesting. Then just as things put themselves together the cliffhanger happened.

Third, sometimes I wasn't feeling the characters and felt like I was an observer looking in instead a person living the adventure. Still I was hooked enough to finish the story.

No predictability or foretelling, which I loved! :) The concept of beasts, demons, and curses is part of mythical lore, but the way this was done was definitely a fresh take. Will I get the second book when it comes out? Yeah, probably, just because I want to see how the adventure continues.
Profile Image for Lauren Churchwell.
12 reviews
September 28, 2017
I highly recommend this book! It is a fabulous start to a great series. It has fairies, beasts, magic, romance. Tyson is by far my favorite character. He is the mysterious boy in the beginning an as time goes on his character development is stunning. A beautiful prince with sky blue eyes, protective over his soulmate. You find so many good twists and turns throughout this book. Renee is confused about everything going on but as time goes on in this town she realizes everything that's ever happened. I look forward to reading book two!!
Profile Image for Vanessa Haley.
108 reviews29 followers
November 28, 2017
"The Beast Within" the first installment in the new series by S.L. Perrine, is an exciting new
addition to the Fantasy/Witchcraft/Young Adult/New Age genres. With an abundance of activity from the start, with many unexpected twists and turns in the plot, it is easily to get hooked.

"The Beast Within" has many highlights that stand out including:
* An original and creative world created between Earth and Pylaria. Attention to detail of the Pylaria realm adds depth to the fantasy world. Many favorable elements are given including the relationships between the beings from different realms, an interesting way to travel between realms via a portal, and the "monster" form that Pylaria beings show on earth, and most intriguing, the curse on the men from Pylaria.
* Renee, the main character in the story, is portrayed as a strong female, who doesn't easily back down. The story begins with Renee being a powerful fighter against the demons that haunt the earth. As the story develops, and her whole world is turned inside out, she continues to remain strong, even when the weight of a curse rests on her shoulders. Renee has a big heart, always looking out for others, and doing her best to help them. A character that easily invokes an interest in her outcome.
* The plot for "The Beast Within" is full of unexpected changes, which are unraveled as the story develops. This keeps the story interesting and entertaining. Also with the many elements of witchcraft, curses, fantasy, paranormal, romance and more, the plot remains exciting to the very end. Lastly, the notion of love that crosses between realms, that of a soul love that is greater than human life, more a part of their love to be destiny and something that will always be, adds a magical and romantic touch to the story.

"The Beast Within" by S.L. Perrine is a great first edition to "The Beast Within" series. The ending of the first installment leaves many unanswered questions, leading the way to a great second addition. I look forward to seeing what is next install in the series. I recommend this series for all readers who enjoy fantasy mixed with many paranormal and romance elements.
Profile Image for Ankita Singh.
Author 4 books45 followers
November 3, 2017
First of all, thanks to Fiction-Atlas and the author for providing me with an ARC of this book!

The cover is absolutely W-O-W. It's beautiful, enchanting and something I'd definitely want to display on my shelf!

The novel itself was pretty amazing too.

I loved the whole concept, it was so new. The characters were new (species wise) the destinations were new and the story was new!

Renee and Ty were both awesomely crafted characters, so were Chris and Tabby.

The one think that kinda irritated me was how in a few instances where either Renee or Ty just yells, without any preceding notion of them being agitated. It felt a little weird, that's all.

By the time I reached 25%, I was like this book will probably get a 3 stars rating from me but now I have to give it a solid, well deserved 4.

The Beast Within was full of magic, dark and light and totally unputdownable. I couldn't finish it fast enough! And now I have to wait till April for the next book! No fair!
Profile Image for Rachel Fuente.
Author 5 books72 followers
November 7, 2017
The Beast Within kept me hooked until the last page. I powered through it in almost one sitting, ignoring chores and work (not necessarily a good thing). The storytelling kept me wanting to know what happened next, and who everyone was. The characters were fun and engaging, and I enjoyed learning new things with Renee (the female lead).

I HIGHLY recommend buying this book, and it's sequel when it comes out, but maybe wait until you don't have much on your to-do list to start reading it.
Profile Image for Pike Perrie.
134 reviews9 followers
February 11, 2018
S.L. Perrine has created a world with magic, faeries, and hunters; a world that entices you to enter timidly at first, but then you can't help but jump all in. The characters are feisty, sarcastic, and completely loveable. Renee is a true heroine who grows and comes into her own. The battle of good vs. evil has blurred lines that make for twists and turns that keep you turning page after page. A book I couldn't put down!!!
Profile Image for Denise Campbell.
320 reviews5 followers
August 9, 2017
Great story i want more!!!!

Renee is a hunter who goes after beast from another world, that is until one day when her mom goes missing and what she thought was a beast reforms into human form. I loved the story and how the author progressed the story. I just wish the sequel was in my hands right now!!!!
Profile Image for Chandra Fry.
Author 93 books621 followers
December 20, 2017
I really enjoyed the story. Very unique and great characters. I struggled with the change from first to third person back and forth but overall was able to appreciate the story and will definitely read the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Tresa.
390 reviews5 followers
September 27, 2017
Great story though I was a little confused at first😆😆😆. But as I read, I was drawn into this very unique and engaging story of Renee and Tyson and how they alone can break a powerful curse!!! A great first book in a new, fantastic series!!!
Profile Image for Sondra Hicks.
Author 20 books89 followers
November 9, 2017
First, the cover was designed to perfection. Also, the blurb drew me in so much I had to get the paperback. The story was emotionally grabbing and held on with all it had. The characters truly spoke to you and were very well thought out. I couldn't ask for a better story and I want more.I know that won't be an issue.
Profile Image for Arien/Sloan.
255 reviews3 followers
March 16, 2017
Loved it! This is a great book for the start of this series, can't believe I have to wait so long for the next book! Well written, the story is very engaging and you hardly want to put it down.
Profile Image for Amber Daniels.
Author 3 books28 followers
October 31, 2017
I wasn't quite sure of this book at first. It is a little hoppy and confusing. But I pushed on through and the story ended well. I think with just a little fine tuning so to speak this book would go from ok to awesome.
13 reviews1 follower
April 17, 2017
Good

Good book but you have to stick with it the story line is a bit rough. It all comes together at the end.
Profile Image for Shekeilah.
53 reviews13 followers
January 25, 2018
Could I just say that the cover is amazing!

If I would be honest, I'm not sure I liked it much. It must be because I don't like a lot of romance in books. I don't know. There were just parts that I feel like I'm not interested anymore. I also felt like there was too much "damsel in distress" parts and I'm not really a fan of it.
Profile Image for Chelsea.
51 reviews
March 29, 2018
First things first, the cover of this book is gorgeous. I wanted to read it based on that alone. The story is so unique and filled with fantasy, drama, and the unexpected. The story really drew me in and I can't wait to see what is next for Renella and Tyson and the rest of the characters.
Profile Image for TL Travis.
Author 94 books628 followers
October 1, 2018
Another great installment

Into this series. The descriptions are written so well, you can’t help but be drawn into the scenes write along with them.

I love SL Perrine’s books and will forever rad everything she writes.
Profile Image for Tori  Belflower.
115 reviews2 followers
January 29, 2018
I read it, just couldn't get into it. Everything seemed mediocre and the plot was non-existing. I'm not sure what threw me off worse while reading, but I finished it none the less.
Profile Image for Daryl Ball.
Author 10 books35 followers
June 30, 2019
This was fun, intriguing, and ended with just enough questions answered and new ones being asked to keep you wondering what was next. That said there was one element that initially threw me off. if you read the book's blurb and then begin reading the story, you may quickly get the impression you were only told about one side of it. This is because throughout the book you are following two separate stories, that while obviously connected, how they tie in with each other directly doesn't start to become clear until more than halfway through the book. It makes sense why it was done this way once you see how it all ties together and leaves you with a nice hook at the end.

The preview for book 2 suggests it will be more of the backstory that led to the present day story so that should be interesting as we've gotten only very quick snippets of it so far.
Profile Image for Stephanie Herman.
214 reviews21 followers
May 4, 2019
The Beast Within is a YA fantasy with magic, fairies, demons, and hunters. When the magic that keeps the portals open between worlds fails, Renee realizes her mother is trapped on the other side with no way back.

This outstanding novel is as bright and vibrant as the cover would lead you to believe. The blurb is what captured my attention and I’m so happy it did! This is my first novel by this author but it will not be my last.

I felt as if I was right there, alongside the characters as the story progressed. It was so hard to put this book down and it filled my thoughts whenever I stepped away from it. The story jumped around a bit, but not so bad that I couldn’t follow it. I truly enjoyed my time spent in this world that Perrine created! Great story building! Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Pamela Gramlisch.
761 reviews3 followers
August 26, 2018
New world to be invited into

This story was so different and I really liked it, but it left it at a cliffhanger. So we're going to have to read Book 2. I must know what's going to happen. 😃

Okay, you start reading the book at the beginning and it then at the second chapter it jumps to other people. So on the first chapter we follow the story of Christina (Chris) and Tabitha (Tabby) then the next chapter was Renee and (Tyson) Ty. The story is filled with Magic (both light & dark), Kings, Queens, Princess, Princes, Reapers, Fae, sorcerer, sorceress, hunters and so much more.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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