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Beastly Tales #3
Devastation
**Adult Romance**
The Beauty and the Beast saga ends with Devastation...
Abused and rejected, Benella strives to regain a purpose for her life, and finds herself returning to the last place she ever wanted to see. She must learn when it is right to forgive and when it is time to move on.
Intended for adult readers only due to sexual situations, violence, and moderate language.
The Beauty and the Beast saga ends with Devastation...
Abused and rejected, Benella strives to regain a purpose for her life, and finds herself returning to the last place she ever wanted to see. She must learn when it is right to forgive and when it is time to move on.
Intended for adult readers only due to sexual situations, violence, and moderate language.
229 pages, ebook
First published August 25, 2015
441 people are currently reading
1678 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Haag
37 books1,012 followersMJ Haag is the bestselling author of the Beastly Tales and the Resurrection Chronicles. Writing as both MJ Haag and Melissa Haag, she has sold more than three hundred thousand copies worldwide and authored several other series, including the Judgement of the Six and Of Fates and Furies.
She thinks bios written in third person are hilariously pretentious and doesn't take much in life seriously, including her author photo.
She lives in Wisconsin with her three children and husband.
Connect with the Author:
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Check out her YA books at melissahaag.com
She thinks bios written in third person are hilariously pretentious and doesn't take much in life seriously, including her author photo.
She lives in Wisconsin with her three children and husband.
Connect with the Author:
Website
Check out her YA books at melissahaag.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 415 reviews
December 4, 2017
Things to know about this book:
-> chapters end with Benella's bed dipping
-> Alec keeps asking her to marry him
-> she keeps refusing him
-> her sisters are the worst (even a whore is closer to Beauty than her sisters)
-> Tennen is disgusting to the very end
That been said, I'm glad I'm done with the Beastly Tales!
-> chapters end with Benella's bed dipping
-> Alec keeps asking her to marry him
-> she keeps refusing him
-> her sisters are the worst (even a whore is closer to Beauty than her sisters)
-> Tennen is disgusting to the very end
That been said, I'm glad I'm done with the Beastly Tales!
August 30, 2019
Reread December 2017
This one still makes me feel all squishy inside.
-------------------------
That epilogue turned me into a squishy pile of mush. Someone please slap me back to normal
This one still makes me feel all squishy inside.
-------------------------
That epilogue turned me into a squishy pile of mush. Someone please slap me back to normal
July 24, 2024
This is the best retelling of beauty and the beast a must read for anyone who likes retellings.
Happy Reading 📙📚📓📒📘📗📓📚📙📕📚📓📒📒📗📗📙📙📚📓📗📚📒📓📒📙📕📚📗📔📖
Happy Reading 📙📚📓📒📘📗📓📚📙📕📚📓📒📒📗📗📙📙📚📓📗📚📒📓📒📙📕📚📗📔📖
February 3, 2016
Mary Sue, she dunno she's beautiful. She's a martyr. Everyone keeps trying to rape her.
Beastie Boy spends the book trying to convince, seduce, manipulate, win her heart. He must protect his precious, fragile flower because: Kidnappers. Attackers. Rapists. The only place she's safe is on his estate. It must be a really bad neighborhood or something.
One rapey dude is dealt some justice. The fat, Pillsbury Doughboy rapey baker not only gets away with it - the whole town, including her sisters, calls the victim a whore. I am not at all down with that crap.
Beastie Boy spends the book trying to convince, seduce, manipulate, win her heart. He must protect his precious, fragile flower because: Kidnappers. Attackers. Rapists. The only place she's safe is on his estate. It must be a really bad neighborhood or something.
One rapey dude is dealt some justice. The fat, Pillsbury Doughboy rapey baker not only gets away with it - the whole town, including her sisters, calls the victim a whore. I am not at all down with that crap.
June 15, 2018
Welp, I survived. It wrapped up nicely, however, it was a tad anticlimactic. I think the author spent waaaaay too much time building up for certain scenes, only gives us one page of what the readers were most excited for.
That being said, it was a satisfying conclusion. I can't wait to read more dark and twisted fairytale retellings.
That being said, it was a satisfying conclusion. I can't wait to read more dark and twisted fairytale retellings.
May 26, 2016
This review is going to include all three installments and will contain spoilers.
I really started out liking this series a lot. After reading the first book I might have said that this would be considered one of my favorite Beauty and the Beast retellings. It was a little bit dark, just like I like it and definitely not something that could be considered YA due to the sexual content within. Despite the Beast being despicable, I didn't really hate him - because I felt like I was watching him change for the better. I would have told you that the book was oozing both sexual and romantic tension and that despite the fact that he insisted Benella be either extremely scantily clothed or completely naked which could be considered humiliating and sexist (there was actually a reason for this) - I still was rooting for him to become a better person (beast whatever) and was enjoying watching Benella consistently put him in his place. I would have told you that the dialogue was witty and intelligent and completely right up my alley. I would have told you that I absolutely abhorred Benella's sisters but could tolerate them for the sake of the story. I would have told you that I found Tennen to be an average run of the mill, been there done that type of villain, but I tolerated that too for the sake of the story.
However towards the end of the second book I started getting annoyed with everything. You see, there was this attempted rape. I really hate when rape is included. In this particular case it wasn't something committed by and then forgiven of the love interest. No, this was definitely a villain. I will just say that it shouldn't be included if it's not dealt with in a realistic manner. Victims don't just get over it after a few short weeks or months of not really wanting to be touched. There was also the weird added fact of the Beast, now curse-free just standing in the doorway, not watching it happen or anything, he made it stop by simply speaking up - but he never did go and hand out the deserved ass-beating. This is because Rose, the old curse wielding witch somehow stopped him. I didn't get this but I wouldn't have dwelled on it had Benella not dwelled on it. It was supposed to be significant somehow. It caused Benella to lose faith in Alec. It was what made her decide she couldn't trust him. It's what caused her to tell him no over and over again at every marriage proposal. However, it was also somehow important for the reader to determine that it wasn't Alec who was holding back, it was that old witch. The old witch whom Benella had known by a different identity and considered a friend. It wasn't anything sinister either, at the time, it felt like there was supposed to be some lesson learned from it. Later in the book Benella accuses the old witch of trying to make some sort of lesson out of it. The witch tells her rape is never a lesson. Yet the scratches on Alec's shoulder are made to be significant. The witch caused them by holding him back, or that's what Benella thinks. And why? I don't know. It is absolutely never made clear. If it wasn't some sort of lesson then what the hell? There is another cryptic comment made by the witch during this same discussion between she and Benella. Something along the lines of "two are gone and two remain" and I have absolutely no idea what she's talking about and just like the standing around in the doorway scene, it's never explained. It was irritating. And the would-be rapist, he gets no punishment whatsoever, just leaves town. Quite a bit of slut-shaming follow and specific questions about did he or didn't he actually rape her. NO, no he didn't. Thank goodness for his giant fat belly, which made actual penetration so difficult that Benella's saviors had enough time to get there. And you know, no penetration - no rape. Let's just downplay the whole damn thing. It's not like there would be no aftereffects just because he was belly-blocked. Benella didn't like to be touched and that’s about it. Then it happens AGAIN. Different attacker – same unsuccessful attempted rape. This time there were consequences. Good. But why did the first attacker get to go unpunished? And why do romance authors include rape so often and then downplay it?
In addition, I found the third book kind of boring. Absolutely nothing happened other than the planning of the Harvest Feast and the demonstration of a combination of control tactics displayed by both Rose, the old witch and Alec, the beast no more. I really don’t think a would-be rape victim would be okay with all that control. Rose threatens that if there is no Harvest Feast Alec will once again become a beast. Rose threatens that if Alec is not married by the Winter solstice, Alec will once again become a beast. Alec is only interested in marrying Benella and Benella wants nothing to do with being touched due to the near-rapes. What does he do? He announces their engagement at the Harvest Feast. He tells Benella that he will marry no one if not her and become the Beast again. He also tells her that he won’t wait. He’s not patient enough to wait until she’s ready for a sexual relationship. He will not wait past their wedding night. The way it was said, I suspect was meant to demonstrate the power of his feelings for her. It disgusted me and I also think it caused their wedding night scene to be an uncomfortable reading experience.
I really started out liking this series a lot. After reading the first book I might have said that this would be considered one of my favorite Beauty and the Beast retellings. It was a little bit dark, just like I like it and definitely not something that could be considered YA due to the sexual content within. Despite the Beast being despicable, I didn't really hate him - because I felt like I was watching him change for the better. I would have told you that the book was oozing both sexual and romantic tension and that despite the fact that he insisted Benella be either extremely scantily clothed or completely naked which could be considered humiliating and sexist (there was actually a reason for this) - I still was rooting for him to become a better person (beast whatever) and was enjoying watching Benella consistently put him in his place. I would have told you that the dialogue was witty and intelligent and completely right up my alley. I would have told you that I absolutely abhorred Benella's sisters but could tolerate them for the sake of the story. I would have told you that I found Tennen to be an average run of the mill, been there done that type of villain, but I tolerated that too for the sake of the story.
However towards the end of the second book I started getting annoyed with everything. You see, there was this attempted rape. I really hate when rape is included. In this particular case it wasn't something committed by and then forgiven of the love interest. No, this was definitely a villain. I will just say that it shouldn't be included if it's not dealt with in a realistic manner. Victims don't just get over it after a few short weeks or months of not really wanting to be touched. There was also the weird added fact of the Beast, now curse-free just standing in the doorway, not watching it happen or anything, he made it stop by simply speaking up - but he never did go and hand out the deserved ass-beating. This is because Rose, the old curse wielding witch somehow stopped him. I didn't get this but I wouldn't have dwelled on it had Benella not dwelled on it. It was supposed to be significant somehow. It caused Benella to lose faith in Alec. It was what made her decide she couldn't trust him. It's what caused her to tell him no over and over again at every marriage proposal. However, it was also somehow important for the reader to determine that it wasn't Alec who was holding back, it was that old witch. The old witch whom Benella had known by a different identity and considered a friend. It wasn't anything sinister either, at the time, it felt like there was supposed to be some lesson learned from it. Later in the book Benella accuses the old witch of trying to make some sort of lesson out of it. The witch tells her rape is never a lesson. Yet the scratches on Alec's shoulder are made to be significant. The witch caused them by holding him back, or that's what Benella thinks. And why? I don't know. It is absolutely never made clear. If it wasn't some sort of lesson then what the hell? There is another cryptic comment made by the witch during this same discussion between she and Benella. Something along the lines of "two are gone and two remain" and I have absolutely no idea what she's talking about and just like the standing around in the doorway scene, it's never explained. It was irritating. And the would-be rapist, he gets no punishment whatsoever, just leaves town. Quite a bit of slut-shaming follow and specific questions about did he or didn't he actually rape her. NO, no he didn't. Thank goodness for his giant fat belly, which made actual penetration so difficult that Benella's saviors had enough time to get there. And you know, no penetration - no rape. Let's just downplay the whole damn thing. It's not like there would be no aftereffects just because he was belly-blocked. Benella didn't like to be touched and that’s about it. Then it happens AGAIN. Different attacker – same unsuccessful attempted rape. This time there were consequences. Good. But why did the first attacker get to go unpunished? And why do romance authors include rape so often and then downplay it?
In addition, I found the third book kind of boring. Absolutely nothing happened other than the planning of the Harvest Feast and the demonstration of a combination of control tactics displayed by both Rose, the old witch and Alec, the beast no more. I really don’t think a would-be rape victim would be okay with all that control. Rose threatens that if there is no Harvest Feast Alec will once again become a beast. Rose threatens that if Alec is not married by the Winter solstice, Alec will once again become a beast. Alec is only interested in marrying Benella and Benella wants nothing to do with being touched due to the near-rapes. What does he do? He announces their engagement at the Harvest Feast. He tells Benella that he will marry no one if not her and become the Beast again. He also tells her that he won’t wait. He’s not patient enough to wait until she’s ready for a sexual relationship. He will not wait past their wedding night. The way it was said, I suspect was meant to demonstrate the power of his feelings for her. It disgusted me and I also think it caused their wedding night scene to be an uncomfortable reading experience.
August 26, 2015
It was hard to like this one as much as the other two, because it felt as though Benella was being willfully ignorant about Alec's true feelings. She nursed her hurt more than anything else, which made this book feel drawn out and not as interesting.
November 17, 2022
3.5 stars overall.
This series was pretty good, but not great. I love a Beauty and the Beast retelling, and a slow burn romance, and this was definitely unique! Although a bit darker, these books still managed to make me squeal with laughter, and even had some sweet moments.
However I recommend checking TW because there were actually quite a few SA’s and attempted SA situations. So please be aware of the adult content.
Besides being consistently frustrated with the male characters that felt entitled to women’s bodies, the FMC’s sisters were SO horrible… that they made Nesta & Elain Archeron, look like saints.
All that being said, I still liked this series. Because unlike most retellings, the female character doesn’t just immediately marry the prince, once he turns back into a human. She feels like he’s a completely different person (for good reason) afterwards, and has some traumas & feelings to work through, before she can get to know him or maybe… fall in love with him again. Even though this made it frustrating to read, it made it more unique.
This series was pretty good, but not great. I love a Beauty and the Beast retelling, and a slow burn romance, and this was definitely unique! Although a bit darker, these books still managed to make me squeal with laughter, and even had some sweet moments.
However I recommend checking TW because there were actually quite a few SA’s and attempted SA situations. So please be aware of the adult content.
Besides being consistently frustrated with the male characters that felt entitled to women’s bodies, the FMC’s sisters were SO horrible… that they made Nesta & Elain Archeron, look like saints.
All that being said, I still liked this series. Because unlike most retellings, the female character doesn’t just immediately marry the prince, once he turns back into a human. She feels like he’s a completely different person (for good reason) afterwards, and has some traumas & feelings to work through, before she can get to know him or maybe… fall in love with him again. Even though this made it frustrating to read, it made it more unique.
August 26, 2015
It happened. It's really over. I'm utterly devastated, but ultimately satisfied with the thrilling conclusion to one of the most original re-tellings I've had the pleasure of reading. Not knowing what was in store for my beloved Benella, I had to force myself to stop holding my breath as I read. I literally gripped the sheets in some of the more intense places, shielding myself from the possibly horrible outcomes! Readers of the trilogy are rewarded for their time and patience, but I don't want to spoil anything so you will just have to get your copy to find out! Few souls are as depraved and deceitful as the one behind it all, and the devastation they leave in their wake comes to a head in this final installment. 5 stars and a genuine lack of regret for staying up release night to read this one!
March 17, 2019
You know when you bought cheap Chinese firecrackers as a kid, expected big bang for your buck, and then, some of them just went pffft?
This is something similar. Third book in a series, long simmered culmination, and then... nothing. Underwhelming delivery of what should have been galaxy exploding, teeth-hernia inducing copulation.
Where did all those "pent energies" go???
I should have known, when the Beast finally reappeared as a human (after decades?), it was similar. Like he went to the barber on the corner and back. Oh, new haircut, ok.
This author should work on her skills for building and resolving the tension. All the build and no hehehey makes book dull, girl.
This is something similar. Third book in a series, long simmered culmination, and then... nothing. Underwhelming delivery of what should have been galaxy exploding, teeth-hernia inducing copulation.
Where did all those "pent energies" go???
I should have known, when the Beast finally reappeared as a human (after decades?), it was similar. Like he went to the barber on the corner and back. Oh, new haircut, ok.
This author should work on her skills for building and resolving the tension. All the build and no hehehey makes book dull, girl.
February 29, 2020
One the best retellings of beauty and the beast I have ever read. The audiobook is equally as good.
October 4, 2021
Warnings first.
Another graphic attempted rape scene. Not pleasant.
Other than that, I did enjoy seeing the part after the change to human and when the HEA happened and how they worked to make the estate viable again.
3.5 stars, rounded down to 3 due to the second attempted rape scene and the sisters being evil and stupid.
Another graphic attempted rape scene. Not pleasant.
Other than that, I did enjoy seeing the part after the change to human and when the HEA happened and how they worked to make the estate viable again.
3.5 stars, rounded down to 3 due to the second attempted rape scene and the sisters being evil and stupid.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2015
Perfect conclusion. Will add a review closer to release date!
Full review posted on 8/25/15 at BookCrushin
Devastation is the third and final part, of the three part serial, The Beastly Tales and this may contain minor spoilers from book 1 & 2, but I will try and limit anything plot-blowing as well as keeping this short took keep the risk of spoilers at a minimum. My initial thoughts upon finishing Devastation was that it was quite the perfect conclusion. I really couldn’t ask for more! I was so pleased and I had such a book hangover that I had to re-read it just a few days after I finished it!
Devastation picks right up where Deceit left us dangerously perched on that cliff and throws us right into the thick of the story. Which I won’t spoil. I will say that I thought this book was the strongest of the three and everything just flowed perfectly. I was so wrapped up in the story that I was *devastated* when it ended; not nearly as bas as I was after Deceit, but this time you know it truly is over and there is nothing to look forward to next month. I just wanted to keep reading; I wanted to keep going, to give me more.
I said this before but the characters have so much depth and such development that you are cheering on some and jeering the others! Benella is so strong and so wise beyond her years! I wish I could say that I would have been able to bounce back from such a blow as she did and to still hold my chin up high and do what she knew was best for her and her family. Her thoughtfulness is overwhelming and she has a heart of gold…I can’t help but be excited for her happily ever after! (oh I hope that wasn’t spoilery)
I loved this series; the story is crafted in such a way that has the reader hooked, surprised and desperate for more throughout the entire series.
Full review posted on 8/25/15 at BookCrushin
Devastation is the third and final part, of the three part serial, The Beastly Tales and this may contain minor spoilers from book 1 & 2, but I will try and limit anything plot-blowing as well as keeping this short took keep the risk of spoilers at a minimum. My initial thoughts upon finishing Devastation was that it was quite the perfect conclusion. I really couldn’t ask for more! I was so pleased and I had such a book hangover that I had to re-read it just a few days after I finished it!
Devastation picks right up where Deceit left us dangerously perched on that cliff and throws us right into the thick of the story. Which I won’t spoil. I will say that I thought this book was the strongest of the three and everything just flowed perfectly. I was so wrapped up in the story that I was *devastated* when it ended; not nearly as bas as I was after Deceit, but this time you know it truly is over and there is nothing to look forward to next month. I just wanted to keep reading; I wanted to keep going, to give me more.
I said this before but the characters have so much depth and such development that you are cheering on some and jeering the others! Benella is so strong and so wise beyond her years! I wish I could say that I would have been able to bounce back from such a blow as she did and to still hold my chin up high and do what she knew was best for her and her family. Her thoughtfulness is overwhelming and she has a heart of gold…I can’t help but be excited for her happily ever after! (oh I hope that wasn’t spoilery)
I loved this series; the story is crafted in such a way that has the reader hooked, surprised and desperate for more throughout the entire series.
December 1, 2015
I just don't know what to make of this. I LOVED the first two books, but this one just didn't have the same vibe. I really struggled with finding reasons to like Alec. The qualities that were acceptable for a beast didn't translate to human form.
Benella spent the majority of this book struggling with PTSD, but Alec kept pushing. Then he went all 50 Shades of Beast on her at the harvest dinner. I mean, One should not make major life decisions while recovering from a trauma! She was a shadow of herself and really never seemed to fully recover.
But then he got his chance at redemption, proved himself, blah blah blah. If you're looking for a happy ending, you'll probably enjoy this. It just wasn't my happy ending.
Also, what little smexy times occurred in this book were used to manipulate and were decidedly unsmexy.
Benella did recover enough to break her silence and get those who wronged her punished. Starbump for that.
Benella spent the majority of this book struggling with PTSD, but Alec kept pushing. Then he went all 50 Shades of Beast on her at the harvest dinner. I mean, One should not make major life decisions while recovering from a trauma! She was a shadow of herself and really never seemed to fully recover.
But then he got his chance at redemption, proved himself, blah blah blah. If you're looking for a happy ending, you'll probably enjoy this. It just wasn't my happy ending.
Also, what little smexy times occurred in this book were used to manipulate and were decidedly unsmexy.
Benella did recover enough to break her silence and get those who wronged her punished. Starbump for that.
October 10, 2015
What I liked of this book was the idea that when the Beast comes back as a human everything is not "happily ever after", a whole new set of problems are starting.
But that's probably the only thing that I really enjoyed.
I was hoping for more romance but the title of the book should probably be "the making of the Harvest feast".
Surely the world building was great but after a while I didn't really care of reading about the day-to-day chores of running the estate and making preparations for the Harvest feast.
And what really seemed too much was the second attempt of rape to the heroine: come on, only horny savages were living in that village?
And the ending was too "happy ending": Bryn miraculously became a lovely sister, Rose the enchantress was "forgiven and thanked" for her bitchy meddling in the Beast and Beauty lives. She probably deserved a punch in the face, not a hug.
The book was still ok, I still give 3 stars but for the potential that the story and characters had with the first book (that I very much loved, by the way) I thought I would enjoy the final book much, much more.
But that's probably the only thing that I really enjoyed.
I was hoping for more romance but the title of the book should probably be "the making of the Harvest feast".
Surely the world building was great but after a while I didn't really care of reading about the day-to-day chores of running the estate and making preparations for the Harvest feast.
And what really seemed too much was the second attempt of rape to the heroine: come on, only horny savages were living in that village?
And the ending was too "happy ending": Bryn miraculously became a lovely sister, Rose the enchantress was "forgiven and thanked" for her bitchy meddling in the Beast and Beauty lives. She probably deserved a punch in the face, not a hug.
The book was still ok, I still give 3 stars but for the potential that the story and characters had with the first book (that I very much loved, by the way) I thought I would enjoy the final book much, much more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2022
Absolutely crazy but entertaining.
This installment is more than anything, the push and pull of the characters until they finally come to their senses and decide to be together.
In short, the trilogy is entertainment for the moment and not much else, but it gets the job done anyway.
This installment is more than anything, the push and pull of the characters until they finally come to their senses and decide to be together.
In short, the trilogy is entertainment for the moment and not much else, but it gets the job done anyway.
August 25, 2015
***I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are 100% my own.***
When we left off in Deceit, I was close to throwing the book. I was so mad and hurt and upset. I wanted to thrash more people at the end of that book than I wanted to shake hands with. And that’s where we start off. RIGHT where that left us. So we’re dealing with a very hurt and sad Benella. So, when Bernard is offered a position at the estate, they both evaluate whether it is a good position for him to take. And they both decide it is and go there. Once there, Benella has to come to terms that the Beast is gone and in its place is a seemingly indifferent man.
But Rose’s interference doesn’t end when the curse is lifted and she’s placed a newer bunch of obstacles in order for Alec and the inhabitants of the estate to keep their freedom. And Benella decides to do all in her power to help Alec and those in his employ. Along the way, she learns a few hard truths about herself.
I will say that this one ended on a much better note. So all questions and worries are answered and accounted for by book’s end. And in reading all three stories together as one makes for one heckuva read. It’s really a great retelling of Beauty and the Beast.
Ms. Haag’s introduction into the world of adult romance is done with a bang. It’s not surprising that the quality is there. It’s not surprising that the world building is there. I will say that after having read so many books with no nookie the fact that there is made me go “oh my!” a time or two, but it’s done tastefully and it’s done without being too graphic. I know that some would take issue with Benella’s age. BUT bearing in mind it’s a fantasy tale set in a time reminiscent of our 17-18th century, girls were women once they were physically capable of bearing children. So by that standard, Benella is long in the tooth. So all said and done, it’s steamy without being racy. It’s delicately written without holding back. So would I recommend this to the adult crowd. Yup, I would I would!
When we left off in Deceit, I was close to throwing the book. I was so mad and hurt and upset. I wanted to thrash more people at the end of that book than I wanted to shake hands with. And that’s where we start off. RIGHT where that left us. So we’re dealing with a very hurt and sad Benella. So, when Bernard is offered a position at the estate, they both evaluate whether it is a good position for him to take. And they both decide it is and go there. Once there, Benella has to come to terms that the Beast is gone and in its place is a seemingly indifferent man.
But Rose’s interference doesn’t end when the curse is lifted and she’s placed a newer bunch of obstacles in order for Alec and the inhabitants of the estate to keep their freedom. And Benella decides to do all in her power to help Alec and those in his employ. Along the way, she learns a few hard truths about herself.
I will say that this one ended on a much better note. So all questions and worries are answered and accounted for by book’s end. And in reading all three stories together as one makes for one heckuva read. It’s really a great retelling of Beauty and the Beast.
Ms. Haag’s introduction into the world of adult romance is done with a bang. It’s not surprising that the quality is there. It’s not surprising that the world building is there. I will say that after having read so many books with no nookie the fact that there is made me go “oh my!” a time or two, but it’s done tastefully and it’s done without being too graphic. I know that some would take issue with Benella’s age. BUT bearing in mind it’s a fantasy tale set in a time reminiscent of our 17-18th century, girls were women once they were physically capable of bearing children. So by that standard, Benella is long in the tooth. So all said and done, it’s steamy without being racy. It’s delicately written without holding back. So would I recommend this to the adult crowd. Yup, I would I would!
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April 16, 2016For some strange reason i didn't write a review for this one, so i'll keep it short.
First of all, i'd like to say this is the review for all 3 books in this series, because they were all short. For some strange reason, M J Haag thinks that 150 pages is a good novel lenght book. She says that she started it but it was too long, so she divided it into 3 novel lenght books, but it doesn't seem average to me. It may be because Sarah J. Maas writes long ass books of 600 pages, i think. If the series had been two books, i would've been happy 150+150+150= 450, and if that was really long... 450:2=225 aprox. ---but forget all my complaining, i had more books on my reading challenge in 2016, and this time without cheating myself.
Another reason i didn't really enjoy it that much was beacause Benella was 16, but she was too mature for that age. It may be because of her circumstances, or because it's set in the past, but for a 16 year old, Benella is way more mature than i will ever be.
And i really hate her sisters, (deja vu), and i get that her sisters must be crappy, or the story don't advance. But luckily my sisters weren't that bad. --Thanks God.
i'll give Benella one thing, she is awesome, even if she's too naive. Even if she refuses to marry Beast, just because he is not a beast anymore, he isn't her beast because he is different. (I just now realised how repetitive that was, but what th hell!) She is a perfect girl in nearly every way, and i say nearly because she is way too nice for this world, she don't exist,and never will someone exist that nice. Sorry girl, i don't get it.
First of all, i'd like to say this is the review for all 3 books in this series, because they were all short. For some strange reason, M J Haag thinks that 150 pages is a good novel lenght book. She says that she started it but it was too long, so she divided it into 3 novel lenght books, but it doesn't seem average to me. It may be because Sarah J. Maas writes long ass books of 600 pages, i think. If the series had been two books, i would've been happy 150+150+150= 450, and if that was really long... 450:2=225 aprox. ---but forget all my complaining, i had more books on my reading challenge in 2016, and this time without cheating myself.
Another reason i didn't really enjoy it that much was beacause Benella was 16, but she was too mature for that age. It may be because of her circumstances, or because it's set in the past, but for a 16 year old, Benella is way more mature than i will ever be.
And i really hate her sisters, (deja vu), and i get that her sisters must be crappy, or the story don't advance. But luckily my sisters weren't that bad. --Thanks God.
i'll give Benella one thing, she is awesome, even if she's too naive. Even if she refuses to marry Beast, just because he is not a beast anymore, he isn't her beast because he is different. (I just now realised how repetitive that was, but what th hell!) She is a perfect girl in nearly every way, and i say nearly because she is way too nice for this world, she don't exist,and never will someone exist that nice. Sorry girl, i don't get it.
February 21, 2018
I dislike stories where the plot point centers around rape.
The first two installments (up until the ending of the second) had hints of such horrors, but for the most part women were misused but were otherwise willing partners. This third book centered on Benella’s trauma, and it didn’t stop after this one incident.
If I look back on it, the whole trilogy is centered around rape; there is certainty that had the estate and the beast not been there to save Benella those fateful times, Tennan would have had his way with her.
I struggled to enjoy this one for another reason. Despite how much Benella voiced and told through body language that she didn’t want Alec—regardless of her feelings for the beast, and regardless of the misguided failed seductions, she said no over and over again—he kept pursuing her. I understand that with this sort of dark romance genre that the mysterious sexy guy who will do anything for the heroine and to have her no matter what is the trope, and maybe because I’m older and don’t buy into it anymore, I found his behavior very off-putting and manipulative. (This didn’t help that Benella is also only supposed to be seventeen and he is twenty three; not a huge age difference but older guy going after younger girl—not good.)
I am glad I read it and finished the story on the happy note, but after this third one I felt icky. Rape just isn’t something that should be the focal point of fiction; I know it’s a very real thing that is unavoidable, and it shouldn’t be unaddressed in fiction, but there should be more purpose to the story than a girl escapes rape twice because a possessive hot-tempered man in power, who also doesn’t take no for an answer, saves her.
The first two installments (up until the ending of the second) had hints of such horrors, but for the most part women were misused but were otherwise willing partners. This third book centered on Benella’s trauma, and it didn’t stop after this one incident.
If I look back on it, the whole trilogy is centered around rape; there is certainty that had the estate and the beast not been there to save Benella those fateful times, Tennan would have had his way with her.
I struggled to enjoy this one for another reason. Despite how much Benella voiced and told through body language that she didn’t want Alec—regardless of her feelings for the beast, and regardless of the misguided failed seductions, she said no over and over again—he kept pursuing her. I understand that with this sort of dark romance genre that the mysterious sexy guy who will do anything for the heroine and to have her no matter what is the trope, and maybe because I’m older and don’t buy into it anymore, I found his behavior very off-putting and manipulative. (This didn’t help that Benella is also only supposed to be seventeen and he is twenty three; not a huge age difference but older guy going after younger girl—not good.)
I am glad I read it and finished the story on the happy note, but after this third one I felt icky. Rape just isn’t something that should be the focal point of fiction; I know it’s a very real thing that is unavoidable, and it shouldn’t be unaddressed in fiction, but there should be more purpose to the story than a girl escapes rape twice because a possessive hot-tempered man in power, who also doesn’t take no for an answer, saves her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2017
Devastation is the third and concluding book of M.J. Haag's Beastly Tales trilogy. Like before, I feel I should mention that there are sexual parts within this entire series, and some are dark (attempted rape). So please be warned.
I gave each Beastly Tales book a 3* rating when in truth I was torn between a 2 or 2 1/2 and 3. I decided on giving each a 3* rating because I feel the entire series as a whole deserves 3*'s. Each book felt too short for me on their own and I think it would be better if they were merged into one.
I talked a bit about the story in my reviews on books 1 and 2, so I don't think I'll go into details in this one. I don't want to spoil anything, especially not in the last book. I will say, however, that I really liked the ending for the Beastly Tales. I thought it was very fitting.
M.J. Haag created an enjoyable adult Beauty and the Beast retelling. It's layered with dark themes, twists, and sexual situations. I loved her characters, dialogue and her ability to maintain the "fairy tale" feel through out her story. If you're looking for something a little dark, and like Beauty and the Beast then this might be for you.
I gave each Beastly Tales book a 3* rating when in truth I was torn between a 2 or 2 1/2 and 3. I decided on giving each a 3* rating because I feel the entire series as a whole deserves 3*'s. Each book felt too short for me on their own and I think it would be better if they were merged into one.
I talked a bit about the story in my reviews on books 1 and 2, so I don't think I'll go into details in this one. I don't want to spoil anything, especially not in the last book. I will say, however, that I really liked the ending for the Beastly Tales. I thought it was very fitting.
M.J. Haag created an enjoyable adult Beauty and the Beast retelling. It's layered with dark themes, twists, and sexual situations. I loved her characters, dialogue and her ability to maintain the "fairy tale" feel through out her story. If you're looking for something a little dark, and like Beauty and the Beast then this might be for you.
February 27, 2019
Bk3 of this series was DEVASTATINGLY disappointing!! Benella got on my last fucking nerves. The only reason why I'm not one starting this is because all the bad people got their just to and the epilogue was nice. I honestly think this story was long and drawn out. Author could've easily extended book 2 and extra hundred pages instead of squeezing out another full book. But I guess she wanted to make some extra coins.
PS I also think the author is obsessed with food and eating since everyone of her books in this series seemed to be centered on a lot of meal time scenes!! And descriptions of food!!!!
PS I also think the author is obsessed with food and eating since everyone of her books in this series seemed to be centered on a lot of meal time scenes!! And descriptions of food!!!!
December 16, 2025
The first two books were fun; nothing of real substance but the plot was more engaging than I thought it would be! This last book though… 100+ pages of cleaning the manor every day?? Repetitive as fuuuuuck lol.
August 29, 2015
This author really enjoys writing about what the characters cook. And too often chapters ended "The bed dipped..." It got tiring.
July 23, 2016
4 stars
I'm going to miss Alec. Thai story was too cute.
I'm going to miss Alec. Thai story was too cute.
August 17, 2019
I was not sure what to expect of this book, since the curse was already broken in the last book, but wow, this was an interesting read, especially because the plot did something a lot of books never do, because they consider it boring and slowing down the story. This plot actually gave our main character the time to come to terms with everything that happened, with herself and with her future and what she wants it to look like.
There were a lot of scenes in this book that were far from easy to read. The main character goes through some things that I actually hope no person should ever go through, even though physically she "escapes" her faith multiple times. I love how the emotional coping is written, how we see her struggling with nightmares, how we see her afraid of her wedding night, how we see her fight judgment and the scars people have left on her.
It makes her growth all the more beautiful to watch. It goes slowly and at times as a reader I wished it would go a little faster, but it was honest and raw and sometimes ugly and therefore very realistic. Some things leave scars, and sometimes we need time to let old wounds heal. And I'm so glad the author chose to tell this part of the story too.
The last book in this series was once again very different from the previous two, but it all lead to a nice and satisfying ending of this series. A series that was entirely different from what I expected, but surely not less good.
There were a lot of scenes in this book that were far from easy to read. The main character goes through some things that I actually hope no person should ever go through, even though physically she "escapes" her faith multiple times. I love how the emotional coping is written, how we see her struggling with nightmares, how we see her afraid of her wedding night, how we see her fight judgment and the scars people have left on her.
It makes her growth all the more beautiful to watch. It goes slowly and at times as a reader I wished it would go a little faster, but it was honest and raw and sometimes ugly and therefore very realistic. Some things leave scars, and sometimes we need time to let old wounds heal. And I'm so glad the author chose to tell this part of the story too.
The last book in this series was once again very different from the previous two, but it all lead to a nice and satisfying ending of this series. A series that was entirely different from what I expected, but surely not less good.
May 28, 2021
Wow! What a great series, I was not expecting this! Booktok recommended this one and I thought it would just be a long smut read, but this is a wonderful retelling of the Beauty and the Beast. So sweet 😍 this has way less spice than ACOTAR despite all the 18+/mature content warnings and any intimate scene served a purpose.
Benella was a wonderful character and her way of thinking enchanted me completely. The Beast is so wonderful! Both characters had great development and I was pleasantly surprised in all the ways Haag worked details of the original story into this retelling.
I blazed through this series in two days and I'd recommend this as a nice palette cleanser between high fantasy reads. Each book is quite short (less than 250 pages) but I'd recommend reading them all as one book since each installment picks up right where the previous ended.
Benella was a wonderful character and her way of thinking enchanted me completely. The Beast is so wonderful! Both characters had great development and I was pleasantly surprised in all the ways Haag worked details of the original story into this retelling.
I blazed through this series in two days and I'd recommend this as a nice palette cleanser between high fantasy reads. Each book is quite short (less than 250 pages) but I'd recommend reading them all as one book since each installment picks up right where the previous ended.
July 15, 2019
Wow. Why did any of this happen. I liked the characters planning for the festival, but everything else could have either been avoided or just wasn’t necessary. I understand that drama and tension is needed, but either make it longer in those spots or more realistic. I’m sorry but why and even how did half of this book happen as it did? Interesting, yes, and I liked that it tried, but what...?
July 11, 2023
*2.5* Benella annoyed me. I mostly only enjoyed the first 8ish percent and the last chapter+epilogue.
November 17, 2021
1*
I recognize that my reviews of Depravity and Deceit (books 1 and 2) were less than complimentary. Yet, despite the fact that I could easily have put this series down when I clearly wasn’t enjoying it as much as the majority of other readers for these books, I’ve stuck it out. I didn’t stop and I never called it quits. Why? Great question. Especially now, having finished book 3, I too am most definitely doubting my life choices for the past few days.
Unfortunately, Devastation (book #3) is the worst book in the series, hands down. It took my already low expectations and tore them to shreds in a way that almost seemed intentional. And, where the broad and over-arching plotline (because, hey, it’s still “Beauty and the Beast”) along with the fast, easy, and engaging pace had once kept me just hooked enough to continue this journey with Benella and Alec, this book really struggled to hold my attention.
I was so incredibly BORED. In a nutshell, here’s how this story plays out:
Alec: Will you marry me?
Benella: No
Alec: Will you marry me?
Benella: No
Alec: Will you marry me, now?
Benella: No
Alec: How about now?
Benella: No
Alec: Marriage?
Benella: No
Alec: If we were married….
Benella: No
Alec: I have to get married, and I’d like to marry you.
Benella: No
Alec: Ugh! Marry me!
Benella: No
Alec: You loved the Beast, I’m the same man! Please marry me.
Benella: No
Alec: Everyone, listen up! Benella and I are getting married!
Benella: *sigh* Fine. *eye roll*
While at the same time….
Benella: Harvest festival cleaning
Benella: Harvest festival cleaning
Benella: Harvest festival menu prep
Benella: Harvest festival cleaning
Benella: Ooo…apples.
Benella: picking/preparing apples
Benella: Harvest festival menu prep
Benella: Harvest festival cleaning
Benella: more cleaning
……. On and on
It felt like Alec’s pursuit of Benella was about 50% of the entire plot and the other 50% was taken up by Benella cleaning and making arrangements for the harvest festival. But let’s not forget another attempted rape on Benella (with Tammen this time) or Benella’s (doormat) silence when it comes to her sisters. This book took the meaning of repetitive to an entirely new level; one I’ve rarely seen in a book. Kudus to the author for accomplishing that, I guess.
Once you get past the repetitive activities of the characters along with the repetitive dialogue, it’s still a pretty unimaginative story and it’s drawn out to the point of ridiculousness. This is the longest book but what I’ve mentioned above IS the story (and at least half of the ideas/plotlines were recycled themes from the prior 2 novels).
I think one of the things that the author has been able to do well throughout this series is keep her readers hooked with the sexual tension between Benella and Alec. This book was no different except that when *things* finally happened (and yes, you DO get to wait until the very last chapter of the book! Yay! *sarcasm here, guys), it wasn’t exactly everything I imagined. I’ll be honest and say that I suspected this (based on the authors’ writing style in Deceit (book 2) when it came to the steam) but to have this unequivocally confirmed (again, after having suffered long and hard through this sludge), I can’t help but feel a bit cheated and disappointed.
To make matters worse, the resolution of the story (with Benella and Alec living their Happily Ever After), could have been accomplished so much sooner if Benella hadn’t been so willfully naïve and stupid regarding Alec’s feelings for her. She wallowed (because how could he love someone like her?). I was over it in about 5 seconds flat.
This book was underwhelming and dull. I honestly can’t believe I didn’t DNF it, but I felt like I had already committed so much of my time to this series, I couldn’t stop so close to the end. I’m so glad that I got to read these books for free. I’d be pretty aggravated if I’d wasted my money on this.
I recognize that my reviews of Depravity and Deceit (books 1 and 2) were less than complimentary. Yet, despite the fact that I could easily have put this series down when I clearly wasn’t enjoying it as much as the majority of other readers for these books, I’ve stuck it out. I didn’t stop and I never called it quits. Why? Great question. Especially now, having finished book 3, I too am most definitely doubting my life choices for the past few days.
Unfortunately, Devastation (book #3) is the worst book in the series, hands down. It took my already low expectations and tore them to shreds in a way that almost seemed intentional. And, where the broad and over-arching plotline (because, hey, it’s still “Beauty and the Beast”) along with the fast, easy, and engaging pace had once kept me just hooked enough to continue this journey with Benella and Alec, this book really struggled to hold my attention.
I was so incredibly BORED. In a nutshell, here’s how this story plays out:
Alec: Will you marry me?
Benella: No
Alec: Will you marry me?
Benella: No
Alec: Will you marry me, now?
Benella: No
Alec: How about now?
Benella: No
Alec: Marriage?
Benella: No
Alec: If we were married….
Benella: No
Alec: I have to get married, and I’d like to marry you.
Benella: No
Alec: Ugh! Marry me!
Benella: No
Alec: You loved the Beast, I’m the same man! Please marry me.
Benella: No
Alec: Everyone, listen up! Benella and I are getting married!
Benella: *sigh* Fine. *eye roll*
While at the same time….
Benella: Harvest festival cleaning
Benella: Harvest festival cleaning
Benella: Harvest festival menu prep
Benella: Harvest festival cleaning
Benella: Ooo…apples.
Benella: picking/preparing apples
Benella: Harvest festival menu prep
Benella: Harvest festival cleaning
Benella: more cleaning
……. On and on
It felt like Alec’s pursuit of Benella was about 50% of the entire plot and the other 50% was taken up by Benella cleaning and making arrangements for the harvest festival. But let’s not forget another attempted rape on Benella (with Tammen this time) or Benella’s (doormat) silence when it comes to her sisters. This book took the meaning of repetitive to an entirely new level; one I’ve rarely seen in a book. Kudus to the author for accomplishing that, I guess.
Once you get past the repetitive activities of the characters along with the repetitive dialogue, it’s still a pretty unimaginative story and it’s drawn out to the point of ridiculousness. This is the longest book but what I’ve mentioned above IS the story (and at least half of the ideas/plotlines were recycled themes from the prior 2 novels).
I think one of the things that the author has been able to do well throughout this series is keep her readers hooked with the sexual tension between Benella and Alec. This book was no different except that when *things* finally happened (and yes, you DO get to wait until the very last chapter of the book! Yay! *sarcasm here, guys), it wasn’t exactly everything I imagined. I’ll be honest and say that I suspected this (based on the authors’ writing style in Deceit (book 2) when it came to the steam) but to have this unequivocally confirmed (again, after having suffered long and hard through this sludge), I can’t help but feel a bit cheated and disappointed.
To make matters worse, the resolution of the story (with Benella and Alec living their Happily Ever After), could have been accomplished so much sooner if Benella hadn’t been so willfully naïve and stupid regarding Alec’s feelings for her. She wallowed (because how could he love someone like her?). I was over it in about 5 seconds flat.
This book was underwhelming and dull. I honestly can’t believe I didn’t DNF it, but I felt like I had already committed so much of my time to this series, I couldn’t stop so close to the end. I’m so glad that I got to read these books for free. I’d be pretty aggravated if I’d wasted my money on this.
January 10, 2022
The following review contains topics that can be triggering, please be mindful when reading this review.
The first book hooked me in with a determined heroine, the second left me disgusted and horrified weighing up if I should bother reading the last book, and the third left me almost DNF-ing several times. Not because of the characters, but because of this Author's writing, excuses for "plot development" and downplaying of rape.
I simply cannot write a proper review for this series because I am seriously appalled by this poor excuse for a "spicy romance".
Red Flags/Trigger Warnings:
- Benella (protagonist) is 16 years old. IMO, there is no need for a 16 year old to be the lead in what's meant to be a spicy romance, especially in a retelling of a story.
- There are 2 attempted rapes (book 2 and book 3) used as some form of "plot development" that is poorly done and brushed off and downplayed far too easily.
- There are several scenes of abuse and physical altercations between Benella and 2 young men.
On top of the unpleasantness of many of the characters towards Benella, which in my opinion was near insufferable but only bared with it to finish the trilogy, there are many questions left unanswered. Most of them revolving around Rose, the witch, and most of it happens in book 3, where you'd expect to be receiving answers and clarification which just adds to the sloppiness of the writing as the books progressed. It was both upsetting to read and became incredibly frustrating with what felt like no reward for putting up with 3 books worth of progressively worse writing.
Absolutely does not deserve any of the hype that it has been getting.
The first book hooked me in with a determined heroine, the second left me disgusted and horrified weighing up if I should bother reading the last book, and the third left me almost DNF-ing several times. Not because of the characters, but because of this Author's writing, excuses for "plot development" and downplaying of rape.
I simply cannot write a proper review for this series because I am seriously appalled by this poor excuse for a "spicy romance".
Red Flags/Trigger Warnings:
- Benella (protagonist) is 16 years old. IMO, there is no need for a 16 year old to be the lead in what's meant to be a spicy romance, especially in a retelling of a story.
- There are 2 attempted rapes (book 2 and book 3) used as some form of "plot development" that is poorly done and brushed off and downplayed far too easily.
- There are several scenes of abuse and physical altercations between Benella and 2 young men.
On top of the unpleasantness of many of the characters towards Benella, which in my opinion was near insufferable but only bared with it to finish the trilogy, there are many questions left unanswered. Most of them revolving around Rose, the witch, and most of it happens in book 3, where you'd expect to be receiving answers and clarification which just adds to the sloppiness of the writing as the books progressed. It was both upsetting to read and became incredibly frustrating with what felt like no reward for putting up with 3 books worth of progressively worse writing.
Absolutely does not deserve any of the hype that it has been getting.
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