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The Classical Kingdoms #1-3
The Becoming Beauty Trilogy: Fairy Tale Retellings: Beauty and the Beast, The Princess and the Glass Hill, and Hansel and Gretel
He’s powerful but deeply flawed. She’s crippled but possesses a secret strength. Can they save the kingdom… and each other?
Prince Everard was raised to be a warrior, but after the death of his father, his entire life has fallen apart. Unsure of who he is and unable to cope with the pain, Everard makes a choice that puts both his Fortress and himself in great jeopardy…
Isabelle wishes she could be rid of the prince and his unruly temper. But when Everard summons the merchant’s daughter to help him break a curse, she wonders if the prince is the beast she always thought him to be. As she moves from resentment to acceptance to affection, she discovers the sheer joy love can bring… as well as the utter devastation of loss.
And even if Everard and Isabelle find love, can they defeat the forces of evil for their story to have a happy ending?
The Becoming Beauty Trilogy Boxed Set is a collection of three novels with unique takes on Beauty and the Beast, The Princess and the Glass Hill, and Hansel and Gretel. They are also the first three books in the Classical Kingdoms Collection. If you like complex characters, rich stories, and sweet, passionate romance, then you’ll love Brittany Fichter’s captivating retelling of three beloved classics.
Buy the boxed set to relive your favorite fairy tales today!
Prince Everard was raised to be a warrior, but after the death of his father, his entire life has fallen apart. Unsure of who he is and unable to cope with the pain, Everard makes a choice that puts both his Fortress and himself in great jeopardy…
Isabelle wishes she could be rid of the prince and his unruly temper. But when Everard summons the merchant’s daughter to help him break a curse, she wonders if the prince is the beast she always thought him to be. As she moves from resentment to acceptance to affection, she discovers the sheer joy love can bring… as well as the utter devastation of loss.
And even if Everard and Isabelle find love, can they defeat the forces of evil for their story to have a happy ending?
The Becoming Beauty Trilogy Boxed Set is a collection of three novels with unique takes on Beauty and the Beast, The Princess and the Glass Hill, and Hansel and Gretel. They are also the first three books in the Classical Kingdoms Collection. If you like complex characters, rich stories, and sweet, passionate romance, then you’ll love Brittany Fichter’s captivating retelling of three beloved classics.
Buy the boxed set to relive your favorite fairy tales today!
874 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2016
68 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
Brittany Fichter
72 books605 followersBrittany lives with her Prince Charming, their little fairy, and their tiny prince in a decently clean castle in whatever kingdom the Air Force has most recently placed them. When she's not writing, Brittany can be found chasing her kids around with a DSLR or belting it in the church choir. You can find more of her work at her website BrittanyFichterFiction.com.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 13, 2023
I love this trilogy! Fun, amazing, heart moving, and just what I needed to read right here and now, I have officially found a new favorite author and series! All three books are glowing five stars though I will say book three, Beauty Beheld, is my fave. ☺️
⚔️Before Beauty⚔️
What is this? A Beauty and the Beast retelling I actually love? Who am I?!?! LOL!
In all seriousness though I really love this book despite its rough start—this was clearly the author’s first book and it shows a bit in the first few chapters and in a few other minor ways throughout, so please give this book a bit of a chance before quitting because this story is so, so beautiful and worth the read (despite how long it took me to read it… *moods are so annoying*)
I actually liked that even though Ever is our “official beast” character both he and Isa were rather beastly in their own ways and had to overcome their own selfish hearts in order to become beautiful inside and out. I loved both Ever and Isa and felt so much for them, and their growth and change in themselves and towards each other is beautiful to watch. And Garin is one of my new new favorite mentors as he is just so amazing and cares about Ever so much.
The story is basic but no less amazing and moving, and I love the subtle yet powerful Christian messages and truths woven in though I think anyone of any faith can read and enjoy this story. Plus the Fortress is so unique—I really love the thought and creativity behind it and how the magic works.
A wonderful beginning to this series, and one of my new favorite fairy tale retellings!
‼️Content‼️
Language: damned (to describe some people’s situation)
Violence: a horse and cart step on/crush a girl’s wrist and ankle (not detailed); an order is made to kill weaker people (it’s never carried out); flaming arrows are shot at a character; injuries and blood (not detailed); giant hawks attack characters; a character is stabbed in the chest; fighting with weapons and magic (not detailed)
Sexual: kissing (not detailed)
Drug/Alcohol: a character gets drunk; a poisoned dagger
Other: magic; good and bad magical abilities and powers; a castle has magical powers granted to it by the Maker (God); a curse; death and grief; people look down on a girl for being a cripple
⚔️Blinding Beauty⚔️
This book was so hard to read at times due to Ever and Isa struggling with their marriage (and gave me tons of anxiety, not gonna lie, eheh) yet it was also so, so good and just what I needed to read at the time I read it.
I love how we get to see into the happily ever after which most fairy tale retellings don’t show and while it’s clear Ever and Isa love each other they still have struggles and pasts to overcome but they come out SO much stronger at the end and it’s beautiful and powerful to watch unfold. I also loved seeing from Isa’s brother, Launce, and how he had to grow and change too even though I will admit sometimes I wanted to rush past his chapters to get back to Ever and Isa, lol.
Also I’ve never heard of the fairy tale The Princess and the Glass Castle but I’m going to have to look into it now! It’s so nice to see authors retell obscure fairy tales along with well known ones, though I can’t say if it was a good representation of the original as of now. I loved the story even though, again, it gave me heaps of anxiety and the bad guy creeped me out, haha. Though I also wanted to punch him too…
I’m so excited to continue with Ever and Isa’s story and highly recommend this book! Brittany Fichter is DEFINITELY one of my new favorite authors now!
‼️Content‼️
Language: bastard; whore; hell
Violence: fighting with weapons and magic (not detailed); injuries and blood (not detailed); a sword nearly cuts a character’s neck; a couple characters are stabbed with swords; a brainwashed girl injures and nearly kills a woman
Sexual: kissing (not detailed); a drunk man takes off his pants (nothing is shown); kisses on the cheek and top of the head; a vague mention of a minstrel cramps; talk of a married couple not having a baby yet
Drug/Alcohol: several men get drunk; characters are given drugged drinks; a poisoned sword
Other: magic; good and bad magical abilities, objects, and powers; a castle has magical powers granted to it by the Maker (God); death and grief; a character is kidnapped and chained to a chair; a man magically manipulates people’s minds/hearts/actions; characters are thrown in a dungeon
⚔️Beauty Beheld⚔️
Oh my goodness, this is my favorite book in the trilogy, hands down! I loved this book so much I’m not sure I can put it into words (despite being an author, lol) but I’ll try my best.
Ever and Isa have grown so much from Blinding Beauty and it was so amazing to watch them work together to fight this new threat and grow closer and closer throughout while also struggling so realistically both as individuals and as a married couple. I love their healthy relationship and it has really given me a good look at what a healthy, growing married relationship looks like, and I really appreciate and applaud the author for that. Not to mention I just adore Isa and Ever and will follow them anywhere, lol.
And Henri and Genny!!!! I love these kids! They feel so real (even though I’ve never been around young kids) and I ached for them and what they had to live and go through in their young lives but also was so, so happy for them when they met Isa and Ever. And Garin… *sobs* I can’t say much more without spoilers, but I’m both sad and happy with how things with him were handled and remembered in the end.
The fairy tale retelling elements of Hansel and Gretel were well done though I honestly wouldn’t have cared if they weren’t since I love this book so much. I wasn’t expecting the fae twist though it works really well with this fairy tale, not to mention I did NOT expect all the other twists and turns and shocks this book took. My poor babies… 😩😭
Also as a potential trigger warning, infertility is a huge part of the story and talked about a lot, but I thought the topic and grief around it was handled well with a lot of compassion and understanding.
My only complaint is it’s over! 😭😭😭 I’m so sad I’ve reached the end of Ever and Isa’s story and there’s no more I can dive into though I’m for sure continuing the Classical Kingdom series, and I hope they make appearances in those books. *fingers crossed* And while I’m sad it’s over I’m happy with the way things ended and will for sure reread and visit these characters again. Another glowing five stars!
‼️Content‼️
TRIGGER WARNING: infertility
Language: bastard; damnation; damning
Violence: fighting with weapons and magic (not detailed); injuries and blood (not detailed); hints that a character was tortured (they’re battered and weak); a mob attempts to kill a character; a woman plans to kill her own children; a woman slaps a character
Sexual: kissing (not detailed); infertility; one extremely vague hint of a husband and wife sleeping together (nothing is shown here or even stated outright); an unfaithful husband results in an illegitimate child; a character is accused of having children outside of marriage (this is false)
Drug/Alcohol: a character is poisoned with hemlock
Other: magic; good and bad magical abilities, objects, and powers; fae; a castle has magical powers granted to it by the Maker (God); death and grief; characters are thrown in a dungeon; children are intentionally abandoned by their parents three times; children are being kidnapped/going missing; illegitimate children
[Read as one of my 2023 Specific New Books to Read goal]
⚔️Before Beauty⚔️
What is this? A Beauty and the Beast retelling I actually love? Who am I?!?! LOL!
In all seriousness though I really love this book despite its rough start—this was clearly the author’s first book and it shows a bit in the first few chapters and in a few other minor ways throughout, so please give this book a bit of a chance before quitting because this story is so, so beautiful and worth the read (despite how long it took me to read it… *moods are so annoying*)
I actually liked that even though Ever is our “official beast” character both he and Isa were rather beastly in their own ways and had to overcome their own selfish hearts in order to become beautiful inside and out. I loved both Ever and Isa and felt so much for them, and their growth and change in themselves and towards each other is beautiful to watch. And Garin is one of my new new favorite mentors as he is just so amazing and cares about Ever so much.
The story is basic but no less amazing and moving, and I love the subtle yet powerful Christian messages and truths woven in though I think anyone of any faith can read and enjoy this story. Plus the Fortress is so unique—I really love the thought and creativity behind it and how the magic works.
A wonderful beginning to this series, and one of my new favorite fairy tale retellings!
‼️Content‼️
Language: damned (to describe some people’s situation)
Violence: a horse and cart step on/crush a girl’s wrist and ankle (not detailed); an order is made to kill weaker people (it’s never carried out); flaming arrows are shot at a character; injuries and blood (not detailed); giant hawks attack characters; a character is stabbed in the chest; fighting with weapons and magic (not detailed)
Sexual: kissing (not detailed)
Drug/Alcohol: a character gets drunk; a poisoned dagger
Other: magic; good and bad magical abilities and powers; a castle has magical powers granted to it by the Maker (God); a curse; death and grief; people look down on a girl for being a cripple
⚔️Blinding Beauty⚔️
This book was so hard to read at times due to Ever and Isa struggling with their marriage (and gave me tons of anxiety, not gonna lie, eheh) yet it was also so, so good and just what I needed to read at the time I read it.
I love how we get to see into the happily ever after which most fairy tale retellings don’t show and while it’s clear Ever and Isa love each other they still have struggles and pasts to overcome but they come out SO much stronger at the end and it’s beautiful and powerful to watch unfold. I also loved seeing from Isa’s brother, Launce, and how he had to grow and change too even though I will admit sometimes I wanted to rush past his chapters to get back to Ever and Isa, lol.
Also I’ve never heard of the fairy tale The Princess and the Glass Castle but I’m going to have to look into it now! It’s so nice to see authors retell obscure fairy tales along with well known ones, though I can’t say if it was a good representation of the original as of now. I loved the story even though, again, it gave me heaps of anxiety and the bad guy creeped me out, haha. Though I also wanted to punch him too…
I’m so excited to continue with Ever and Isa’s story and highly recommend this book! Brittany Fichter is DEFINITELY one of my new favorite authors now!
‼️Content‼️
Language: bastard; whore; hell
Violence: fighting with weapons and magic (not detailed); injuries and blood (not detailed); a sword nearly cuts a character’s neck; a couple characters are stabbed with swords; a brainwashed girl injures and nearly kills a woman
Sexual: kissing (not detailed); a drunk man takes off his pants (nothing is shown); kisses on the cheek and top of the head; a vague mention of a minstrel cramps; talk of a married couple not having a baby yet
Drug/Alcohol: several men get drunk; characters are given drugged drinks; a poisoned sword
Other: magic; good and bad magical abilities, objects, and powers; a castle has magical powers granted to it by the Maker (God); death and grief; a character is kidnapped and chained to a chair; a man magically manipulates people’s minds/hearts/actions; characters are thrown in a dungeon
⚔️Beauty Beheld⚔️
Oh my goodness, this is my favorite book in the trilogy, hands down! I loved this book so much I’m not sure I can put it into words (despite being an author, lol) but I’ll try my best.
Ever and Isa have grown so much from Blinding Beauty and it was so amazing to watch them work together to fight this new threat and grow closer and closer throughout while also struggling so realistically both as individuals and as a married couple. I love their healthy relationship and it has really given me a good look at what a healthy, growing married relationship looks like, and I really appreciate and applaud the author for that. Not to mention I just adore Isa and Ever and will follow them anywhere, lol.
And Henri and Genny!!!! I love these kids! They feel so real (even though I’ve never been around young kids) and I ached for them and what they had to live and go through in their young lives but also was so, so happy for them when they met Isa and Ever. And Garin… *sobs* I can’t say much more without spoilers, but I’m both sad and happy with how things with him were handled and remembered in the end.
The fairy tale retelling elements of Hansel and Gretel were well done though I honestly wouldn’t have cared if they weren’t since I love this book so much. I wasn’t expecting the fae twist though it works really well with this fairy tale, not to mention I did NOT expect all the other twists and turns and shocks this book took. My poor babies… 😩😭
Also as a potential trigger warning, infertility is a huge part of the story and talked about a lot, but I thought the topic and grief around it was handled well with a lot of compassion and understanding.
My only complaint is it’s over! 😭😭😭 I’m so sad I’ve reached the end of Ever and Isa’s story and there’s no more I can dive into though I’m for sure continuing the Classical Kingdom series, and I hope they make appearances in those books. *fingers crossed* And while I’m sad it’s over I’m happy with the way things ended and will for sure reread and visit these characters again. Another glowing five stars!
‼️Content‼️
TRIGGER WARNING: infertility
Language: bastard; damnation; damning
Violence: fighting with weapons and magic (not detailed); injuries and blood (not detailed); hints that a character was tortured (they’re battered and weak); a mob attempts to kill a character; a woman plans to kill her own children; a woman slaps a character
Sexual: kissing (not detailed); infertility; one extremely vague hint of a husband and wife sleeping together (nothing is shown here or even stated outright); an unfaithful husband results in an illegitimate child; a character is accused of having children outside of marriage (this is false)
Drug/Alcohol: a character is poisoned with hemlock
Other: magic; good and bad magical abilities, objects, and powers; fae; a castle has magical powers granted to it by the Maker (God); death and grief; characters are thrown in a dungeon; children are intentionally abandoned by their parents three times; children are being kidnapped/going missing; illegitimate children
[Read as one of my 2023 Specific New Books to Read goal]
September 18, 2020
I am so glad that I took the chance on Brittany’s books! I have fallen in love with characters from the beginning. My Carolina Airman is the first book that I have read that was written by Brittany. I enjoyed it so much that I wanted to try out her fantasy books. I am so glad that I bought the whole set so I didn’t have to wait to read the other books. They were really good, and it was nice to read about the same characters growing and learning through their adventures!
Before Beauty is the first book in this collection. Before Beauty is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. In this book you first meet Ever and Isa, our heros. They are both broken and dealing with the difficulties of life. But the Maker has plans for them and allows their paths to cross. Isa comes to the Fortress to save her family from Ever, the cursed prince. This was a great beginning to Ever and Isa’s story. They had to learn to band together against an evil that has been hurting Ever since the beginning of his curse. Ever will have to learn to let go of his pride and trust the Fortress to care for his kingdom. Isa will have to let go of her insecurities and learn how to be used by the Fortress. This was a great beginning to a wonderful trilogy!
Blinding Beauty is the second book in the Becoming Beauty Trilogy. Blinding Beauty is a retelling of the Princess and the Glass Hill. This continues the story of Ever and Isa, they have been married four a couple of months now but not everything is peaceful. Ever and Isa have yet to have a child and marriage is harder than they thought it would be. Ever just wants to protect Isa especially when he hears of a danger in another kingdom. But Isa needs Ever to let her be his helpmate instead of just the person he pushes to the side. They will have to face a villain, who has the power to turn those they love against them. This may be one of the hardest evils they will have to face. Blinding Beauty was just as good as Before Beauty!
Beauty Beheld, is the last book in this collection and it may have been the best. It has been four years since the beginning of Ever and Isa’s journey in Before Beauty. In this book, Ever will have to learn how to let go of the past and learn to let others in. Isa will have to learn to find peace in the Fortress and to trust Ever. In the final installment of The Becoming Beauty Trilogy, Ever and Isa fight for their kingdom yet again, but this time they will face their toughest fight yet. One who very well may destroy their kingdom and take everything they hold dear. They will have to learn what it means to truly love and parent someone, and yet learn to trust the Fortress though it all. Beauty Beheld was the perfect book to end this trilogy!
This was a great trilogy, I am so glad that I read these books. I can’t wait to read the next books in the series! Ever and Isa have grabbed a hold of my heart and I hope to read about them in the other books.
Before Beauty is the first book in this collection. Before Beauty is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. In this book you first meet Ever and Isa, our heros. They are both broken and dealing with the difficulties of life. But the Maker has plans for them and allows their paths to cross. Isa comes to the Fortress to save her family from Ever, the cursed prince. This was a great beginning to Ever and Isa’s story. They had to learn to band together against an evil that has been hurting Ever since the beginning of his curse. Ever will have to learn to let go of his pride and trust the Fortress to care for his kingdom. Isa will have to let go of her insecurities and learn how to be used by the Fortress. This was a great beginning to a wonderful trilogy!
Blinding Beauty is the second book in the Becoming Beauty Trilogy. Blinding Beauty is a retelling of the Princess and the Glass Hill. This continues the story of Ever and Isa, they have been married four a couple of months now but not everything is peaceful. Ever and Isa have yet to have a child and marriage is harder than they thought it would be. Ever just wants to protect Isa especially when he hears of a danger in another kingdom. But Isa needs Ever to let her be his helpmate instead of just the person he pushes to the side. They will have to face a villain, who has the power to turn those they love against them. This may be one of the hardest evils they will have to face. Blinding Beauty was just as good as Before Beauty!
Beauty Beheld, is the last book in this collection and it may have been the best. It has been four years since the beginning of Ever and Isa’s journey in Before Beauty. In this book, Ever will have to learn how to let go of the past and learn to let others in. Isa will have to learn to find peace in the Fortress and to trust Ever. In the final installment of The Becoming Beauty Trilogy, Ever and Isa fight for their kingdom yet again, but this time they will face their toughest fight yet. One who very well may destroy their kingdom and take everything they hold dear. They will have to learn what it means to truly love and parent someone, and yet learn to trust the Fortress though it all. Beauty Beheld was the perfect book to end this trilogy!
This was a great trilogy, I am so glad that I read these books. I can’t wait to read the next books in the series! Ever and Isa have grabbed a hold of my heart and I hope to read about them in the other books.
July 29, 2019
I gave this three stars even though I have loved everything else I've read by Brittany Fichter, and that is everything that she has written - LOL! I had read the first story in this three set series and didn't go on to read the second and third. I decided to go ahead and read through this series again and re-read book one, loved it as much as the first time. I got through half of book two and ran into a cuss word - what??? I skipped to the end to find out what happens and then decided that I didn't want to risk the same thing happening in book three so I went to the end of it and read the last few chapters. I found a questionable word there, but it was correctly used so I read on, and quite enjoyed the ending of the story. I've never run into any kind of bad language in her other stories, so these surprised me.
Isa (Isabelle) is a merchants daughter who must go to the cursed prince if she is to save her family. Everard grew up in a home where he was taught that he was above anyone else and especially the common people, but Everard had a soft heart. One day, while the family is travelling through a town, a young girl is thrust in front of his horse and falls. Everard helps her up but sees the disapproval in his father's eyes and thrusts her away from himself which scares his horse and the horse tramples her leg and hand. The royal family simply moves on. This haunts Everard and he can't get her out of his mind or his dreams. When she shows up at the cursed Fortress years later he is overcome with hatred for her, but it doesn't stay that way. Everard needs a heart change and she is the one to show him the way.
I won't give you a synopsis of the next two stories because they would be spoilers for the first. They are re-tellings of other fairy tales though.
I loved the first story and was loving the second. I wish I could say this was a clean read.
Isa (Isabelle) is a merchants daughter who must go to the cursed prince if she is to save her family. Everard grew up in a home where he was taught that he was above anyone else and especially the common people, but Everard had a soft heart. One day, while the family is travelling through a town, a young girl is thrust in front of his horse and falls. Everard helps her up but sees the disapproval in his father's eyes and thrusts her away from himself which scares his horse and the horse tramples her leg and hand. The royal family simply moves on. This haunts Everard and he can't get her out of his mind or his dreams. When she shows up at the cursed Fortress years later he is overcome with hatred for her, but it doesn't stay that way. Everard needs a heart change and she is the one to show him the way.
I won't give you a synopsis of the next two stories because they would be spoilers for the first. They are re-tellings of other fairy tales though.
I loved the first story and was loving the second. I wish I could say this was a clean read.
September 21, 2017
Oh my word!!!!
Oh my word!!! I can not tell you what an absolute roller coaster ride these three books have put me through. I am at an absolute loss of words as to how to describe them. I guess the best words I can use are.... mind blowing!!! It is an absolute journey watching Ever and Isa grow from angry prince and injured child to the king and queen they become. I did not see the twist of Ever "disappearing" in the first book for Isa to come into her own and become the queen the Fortress saw in her!! Then to see Isa's little brother fall in love and be brought into the roll he seems to hold pretty well. And finally feeling Ever's pain learning about his sister.... and OMG the kids, they absolutely melted my heart. I couldn't believe the rough start they had in the third book, but then the Fortress intervened AGAIN.
All I can say to anyone who has read my entire rant is READ THIS SERIES!!!!! You won't be disappointed ..... unless your cold hearted and don't like classic stories retold.
Oh my word!!! I can not tell you what an absolute roller coaster ride these three books have put me through. I am at an absolute loss of words as to how to describe them. I guess the best words I can use are.... mind blowing!!! It is an absolute journey watching Ever and Isa grow from angry prince and injured child to the king and queen they become. I did not see the twist of Ever "disappearing" in the first book for Isa to come into her own and become the queen the Fortress saw in her!! Then to see Isa's little brother fall in love and be brought into the roll he seems to hold pretty well. And finally feeling Ever's pain learning about his sister.... and OMG the kids, they absolutely melted my heart. I couldn't believe the rough start they had in the third book, but then the Fortress intervened AGAIN.
All I can say to anyone who has read my entire rant is READ THIS SERIES!!!!! You won't be disappointed ..... unless your cold hearted and don't like classic stories retold.
October 9, 2017
I received advanced copies of the books included in this series. Leaving a review for this great trilogy was my idea.
The box set includes Ever and Isa's trilogy, that makes up part of the Classical Kingdoms Collection. I really enjoyed following Ever and Isa's story from the time they were both children through the early days of their marriage and later while they dealt with problems as a team. The third book, Blinding Beauty, was a fantastic and really satisfying conclusion. That said, I'm glad that characters from the trilogy show up here and there within the rest of the series.
Ever and Isa, whose first story is a Beauty and the Beast retelling, went on to have adventures in retellings of The Glass Hill and Hansel and Gretel. There was a lot of growth for both main characters within the trilogy. The stories were at times funny, sad, thoughtful, a little frustrating, and frequently romantic. I highly recommend this great trilogy.
The box set includes Ever and Isa's trilogy, that makes up part of the Classical Kingdoms Collection. I really enjoyed following Ever and Isa's story from the time they were both children through the early days of their marriage and later while they dealt with problems as a team. The third book, Blinding Beauty, was a fantastic and really satisfying conclusion. That said, I'm glad that characters from the trilogy show up here and there within the rest of the series.
Ever and Isa, whose first story is a Beauty and the Beast retelling, went on to have adventures in retellings of The Glass Hill and Hansel and Gretel. There was a lot of growth for both main characters within the trilogy. The stories were at times funny, sad, thoughtful, a little frustrating, and frequently romantic. I highly recommend this great trilogy.
April 5, 2018
I really enjoyed having al three of these books bundled together. It was an excellent deal and a fabulous read. Characters were well developed, and they were allowed to feel pain and loss on their way to a happy ending. Through it all, there were some well-developed themes about trusting in the Maker and the powers greater than ourselves.
There were some strong religious undertones that interested readers may want to know about ahead of time. They are important to the story, but the author does not beat the reader over the head with them. I found this inspirational and encouraging.
If you like fairy tale retellings, especially detailed ones, this is a good series. These three books do need to be read in order to be understood well.
There were some strong religious undertones that interested readers may want to know about ahead of time. They are important to the story, but the author does not beat the reader over the head with them. I found this inspirational and encouraging.
If you like fairy tale retellings, especially detailed ones, this is a good series. These three books do need to be read in order to be understood well.
August 20, 2024
Al primero de la serie le daría 3 estrellitas, es llevadero, entretenido aunque me falto química entre los personajes principales.
El segundo libro de la zaga es otra cosa totalmente distinta, no pude llegar ni hasta la mitad ! Ever si antes era un pelotudo en este libro se multiplica, y lo que tenia de bueno el personaje de Belle en este libro se esfuma por completo, parece otro personaje distinto. El libro prácticamente carece de sentido.
El segundo libro de la zaga es otra cosa totalmente distinta, no pude llegar ni hasta la mitad ! Ever si antes era un pelotudo en este libro se multiplica, y lo que tenia de bueno el personaje de Belle en este libro se esfuma por completo, parece otro personaje distinto. El libro prácticamente carece de sentido.
April 5, 2018
Beautiful story
This was a wonderful trilogy blending fantasy and universal truths in a delightful world where knights are valiant and love and true can conquer evil. Ever and Isa are wonderful main characters you love and feel that you would be good friends if they were real.
This was a wonderful trilogy blending fantasy and universal truths in a delightful world where knights are valiant and love and true can conquer evil. Ever and Isa are wonderful main characters you love and feel that you would be good friends if they were real.
August 7, 2019
Beautiful
Beautiful retelling of these clasics. Putting God and the Holy Spirit in these stories is absolutely a genius to bringing these stories to areal life reality. Bless you and your writting.
Beautiful retelling of these clasics. Putting God and the Holy Spirit in these stories is absolutely a genius to bringing these stories to areal life reality. Bless you and your writting.
December 23, 2017
A little heavier, a little darker than I wanted, but it did have some good character development. Satisfying ending.
May 14, 2018
I'm hooked!!
I loved these books!! Ever & Isa are wonderful characters and their love story is great. The similarity to a C.S. Lewis type of story only makes it better!!!
I loved these books!! Ever & Isa are wonderful characters and their love story is great. The similarity to a C.S. Lewis type of story only makes it better!!!
November 26, 2018
I read the first book of this series. That was all I could muster. What started out as an interesting take on my favorite fairy tale became a terrible, ableist pile of garbage.
May 29, 2020
Excellent story
July 17, 2024
I love the option to buy a trilogy or a book series as a single Kindle book. It's a great deal!
If you enjoy fairy tale retellings, Before Beauty is an original take on Beauty & the Beast. This book alone is 4/5 stars.
The book is told in third-person limited POV, offering both Ever ("the Beast") and Isa ("Beauty") to tell their stories.
The novel actually offers a good backstory to both characters prior to the plot after the curse. I appreciate seeing how Ever (and his father), even with their good intentions, fell away from the kind of leadership needed for the kingdom.
Instead of an enchantress, there is a sentient fortress that bestows power upon its chosen rulers. When Ever makes a terrible decision, the fortress curses him, his people, and his kingdom.
Isa was crippled as a child. As a young woman, she still struggles with some of the ramifications. I didn't love all of the author's decisions regarding Isa's disability, but overall, I appreciated seeing a disabled protagonist with her own unique strengths and beauty.
How Isa ends up at the fortress is quite familiar to the fairy tale.
I love watching Ever and Isa fight, get to know each other, and eventually fall in love.
The villain was quite interesting, but I feel like the author didn't really have a plan for her. I kept waiting for a more complete character arc.
Overall, I really enjoyed this, and I look forward to reading the second novel!
The overall novel is a light Christian allegory. It's pretty subtle, so I think readers of any faith background can still enjoy this novel without feeling preached to.
UPDATE: This is my review for the second novel, Blinding Beauty. This book is 3 1/2 / 5 stars.
Overall, I still greatly enjoyed reading this. I'm not as familiar with The Princess and the Glass Hill, but I still grasped the standard fairy tale elements.
This novel stood out as a second book in a series, at least compared to the other fairy tale retellings I read. Ever and Isa remain the protagonists, with the story told from alternating POVs. In addition, Isa's brother (Launce) becomes the third protagonist, with his POV included as well.
I appreciated watching newlyweds continue to work on their marriage, rather than their story ending with a wedding. This grounds the fairy tale in reality.
However, Ever's character development was awful. I feel like the author didn't have a better idea for conflict, so she just undid all of his character growth from the first book. It was incredibly frustrating to read. Even his POV, which was sympathetic to him, made me want to shake him. j
The Christian allegory is STRONG in the second novel. It doesn't bother me, but it's a heavy FYI for other readers.
The plot had great twists and turns which I couldn't predict. I read this frantically, dying to find out what would happen next.
UPDATE: This is my review for the third book, Becoming Beauty. This book is 4 stars. It is loosely based on Hansel and Gretyl. It takes place about four years after the previous two books. The Christian allegory is again very strong.
Like the other books, Isa and Ever are the protagonists, and the story alternates their POV. However, this book introduces a new character, a child named Henri, and some chapters are from his POV.
Isa and Ever's relationship is much more realistic. They have both grow as individuals and as a couple, and this clearly shows.
This novel adds more world-building and explains Garin's background.
I love the antagonist and their backstory. They were hurt and wronged in multiple ways. Even though their subsequent actions are wrong, the reader understands that thirst for revenge.
Henri and his sister Genny are such a sweet addition to the books!
We only briefly see Launce and Olivia, but their moments are delightful.
I once again read this quite quickly, desperate to know more!
If you enjoy fairy tale retellings, Before Beauty is an original take on Beauty & the Beast. This book alone is 4/5 stars.
The book is told in third-person limited POV, offering both Ever ("the Beast") and Isa ("Beauty") to tell their stories.
The novel actually offers a good backstory to both characters prior to the plot after the curse. I appreciate seeing how Ever (and his father), even with their good intentions, fell away from the kind of leadership needed for the kingdom.
Instead of an enchantress, there is a sentient fortress that bestows power upon its chosen rulers. When Ever makes a terrible decision, the fortress curses him, his people, and his kingdom.
Isa was crippled as a child. As a young woman, she still struggles with some of the ramifications. I didn't love all of the author's decisions regarding Isa's disability, but overall, I appreciated seeing a disabled protagonist with her own unique strengths and beauty.
How Isa ends up at the fortress is quite familiar to the fairy tale.
I love watching Ever and Isa fight, get to know each other, and eventually fall in love.
The villain was quite interesting, but I feel like the author didn't really have a plan for her. I kept waiting for a more complete character arc.
Overall, I really enjoyed this, and I look forward to reading the second novel!
The overall novel is a light Christian allegory. It's pretty subtle, so I think readers of any faith background can still enjoy this novel without feeling preached to.
UPDATE: This is my review for the second novel, Blinding Beauty. This book is 3 1/2 / 5 stars.
Overall, I still greatly enjoyed reading this. I'm not as familiar with The Princess and the Glass Hill, but I still grasped the standard fairy tale elements.
This novel stood out as a second book in a series, at least compared to the other fairy tale retellings I read. Ever and Isa remain the protagonists, with the story told from alternating POVs. In addition, Isa's brother (Launce) becomes the third protagonist, with his POV included as well.
I appreciated watching newlyweds continue to work on their marriage, rather than their story ending with a wedding. This grounds the fairy tale in reality.
However, Ever's character development was awful. I feel like the author didn't have a better idea for conflict, so she just undid all of his character growth from the first book. It was incredibly frustrating to read. Even his POV, which was sympathetic to him, made me want to shake him. j
The Christian allegory is STRONG in the second novel. It doesn't bother me, but it's a heavy FYI for other readers.
The plot had great twists and turns which I couldn't predict. I read this frantically, dying to find out what would happen next.
UPDATE: This is my review for the third book, Becoming Beauty. This book is 4 stars. It is loosely based on Hansel and Gretyl. It takes place about four years after the previous two books. The Christian allegory is again very strong.
Like the other books, Isa and Ever are the protagonists, and the story alternates their POV. However, this book introduces a new character, a child named Henri, and some chapters are from his POV.
Isa and Ever's relationship is much more realistic. They have both grow as individuals and as a couple, and this clearly shows.
This novel adds more world-building and explains Garin's background.
I love the antagonist and their backstory. They were hurt and wronged in multiple ways. Even though their subsequent actions are wrong, the reader understands that thirst for revenge.
Henri and his sister Genny are such a sweet addition to the books!
We only briefly see Launce and Olivia, but their moments are delightful.
I once again read this quite quickly, desperate to know more!
May 30, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this start to this series and universe. I am going to be hopping into the next book immediately.
(I have written more extensive reviews for each book individually.)
Steam Content: Hugs and Kisses. A potential assault occurs but is stopped immediately and it is made clear that that is not acceptable.
(I have written more extensive reviews for each book individually.)
Steam Content: Hugs and Kisses. A potential assault occurs but is stopped immediately and it is made clear that that is not acceptable.
April 29, 2024
I really enjoyed this trilogy though sometimes the progress in character growth was back and forth. Characters are well developed with good motivation. Excellent pacing. Characters have realistic fears and challenges. Villains range from obviously evil to misguided (but still evil). Highly recommended to anyone who really likes fairy tale retellings, particularly ones with strong heroines, loyalty, and uncommon retellings.
July 26, 2019
I received an ARC of this book, and I am voluntarily posting my review. I really enjoyed this trilogy. All three books are very creative takes on the the original fairytales. The characters are dynamic and well-developed. I especially loved that the second and third books are based on fairytales that have not been been retold nearly as often as beauty and the beast. These are definitely worth the read! I'm sure I will read them again.
February 15, 2020
Excellent trilogy! For full reviews, see the books individually here on Goodreads or check them out on my blog!
Becoming Beauty
Blinding Beauty
Beauty Beheld
Becoming Beauty
Blinding Beauty
Beauty Beheld
August 5, 2018
Beautiful
This trilogy follows the Isa and Ever through their trials. First in a retelling of beauty and the beast, then the princess and the glass hill, and finally Hansel and Gretel. Each story adds in new point of view characters. The underlying theology is clearly Christian, though instead of God and Jesus, it's the Fortress and the Maker. The religious undertones were uplifting and appropriate to the story.
This trilogy follows the Isa and Ever through their trials. First in a retelling of beauty and the beast, then the princess and the glass hill, and finally Hansel and Gretel. Each story adds in new point of view characters. The underlying theology is clearly Christian, though instead of God and Jesus, it's the Fortress and the Maker. The religious undertones were uplifting and appropriate to the story.
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February 9, 2019In my opinion this book is nice
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