Beauty and Beastly: Steampunk Beauty and the Beast

Steampunk Fairy Tales #3

by Melanie Karsak

In this tale as old as time, Isabella Hawking must tinker a solution to a heartbreaking mystery.

When Isabelle and her papa set out from London on a sea voyage, Isabelle was thrilled. Visiting foreign courts, learning from master tinkers, and studying new ways to manipulate mechanicals sounded like a dream. But an unexpected gale turns the waters violent, and the ship is lost. Isabelle survives the tempest only to be shipwrecked on a seemingly-deserted island. Dotted with standing stones, faerie mounds, and a crumbling castle, the haunting place hints of a magical past. Isabelle may be an unwitting guest, but her arrival at the forgotten citadel heralds a new beginning for the beastly residents inside.

Beauty and Beastly is a retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast fairy tale set in 1814 Regency England.

Genres: Steampunk, Fantasy, Romance, Retellings, Beauty and The Beast, Fairy Tales, Fiction

213 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2017

About the author

New York Times and USA Today best-selling historical fantasy author Melanie Karsak is the author of the Celtic Blood series, Steampunk Red Riding Hood, Steampunk Fairy Tales, the Road to Valhalla Series, and other works of fantasy and fiction. The author currently lives in Florida with her husband and two children.

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Reviews

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beauty and Beastly is the third book in the Steampunk fairytales series, and although I liked it a little more than the previous book, unfortunately, some aspects of it disappointed me. I love steampunk and fairytale retellings, so I was pretty excited when I discovered this series. The cover of this book is gorgeous, but in a way, after reading the book, it is slightly misleading.

The book is a retelling of "Beauty and the beast" but for me, it was way too close to that story. The only difference was, the heroine is a tinker by trade, throw some cogs in, and we have a steampunk retelling. I was hoping for something a little different, something off the beaten track, so to speak.

I thought the beginning of the story was entertaining, but before halfway, things became tedious and rushed. Our heroine, Isabelle, fell in love with Rhys far too quickly, which made it terribly tongue-in-cheek. I know she was going to fall in love with him, it was inevitable, but there was a distinct lack of "style" to it.

Even though I was able to warm towards the characters, for me, they just weren't developed enough. I wanted to know more about Rhys, and what happened to him in the past. Characters kind of fly through the book, with no explanation of what they are really about.

Despite my negativity, I did enjoy the world, and the steampunk side of things with this story. I could quite easily imagine the setting. My favourite book of this series so far is definitely Curiouser and Curiouser, which is an Alice in wonderland retelling, but, I'll definitely finish the series.

[Babel · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an enchanting and clever retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I never tire of this theme, though I never thought I'd see the day that a steampunk version was born :-D

Curiosity is what leads the reader throughout the story. I was curious about this Isabelle who is into mechanics, clockwork, books of ancient artifacts, and lives in a London brimming with airships and Tinker markets. The first part of the book has a cozy atmosphere and a sense of adventure as she and her father make preparations to embark on a sea journey that will change their lives.

I got really excited as the events mirrored this tale as old as time, yet with a vibrant layer of steampunk creativity. Therefore, I stayed curious as folklore magic and bewildering curses created a new angle on the Beast, his servants and his land. They all seemed delightfully mysterious, innovated, forlorn, and so very steampunk!

Admittedly, I'd expected a heavier dose of romance. However, Isabelle is a brave, smart and spirited woman who never ceases to explore, build fantastical clockwork machines, and discover secrets and puzzles. I adored her. The climax of the story is full of drama, adventure and emotion. The romance finally paid off as Isabelle shows courage and infinite determination to save the beast she's come to love.

Beautiful, imaginative and rich retelling with a marvelous steampunk twist that I truly loved. I sincerely hope this fairy tale collection keeps growing.

[Kayla Silverss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cool take on Beauty and the Beast and I loved the setting!

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Beauty and the Beast has always been one of my favorite Disney movies -- yes, yes, I know it has roots from fairy tales, but I am mostly familiar with the Disney version. This is a nice retelling with steampunk setting, with Beauty as a tinker, and Beast as an automaton.

I like this version of Beauty. Let's face it, while Beauty is a voracious reader in that Disney movie, but she doesn't really do anything else *lol*. While in here, Isabelle is an excellent tinker, and she shows her talent and ability. You go, Isabelle!

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will always read a BATB retelling because of how much I love it. This was a unique retelling. I wanted more about Rhys but it wasn’t too far from the original, idk I wanted a bit more difference

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I meant to do this review a few weeks ago because this book was amazing. The Steampunk FairyTale series has some connections between characters and I do enjoy reading them in order however I think it can be read as a standalone also. This story is about Isabella the book loving, mechanics, clockwork maker who finds herself on an enchanted Island with mysterious clockwork people. I adored how this story followed the classic story of beauty and the beast but with a steampunk twist.

The story is set a little before the end of Ice and Ember. You sort of meet up with the end of the story and you are seeing a few things in Isabella's point of view. I really liked her and the clockwork pieces that she made before her voyage seemed so amazing, I actually want one. I love the details about the clockwork pieces and also within the world. Melanie paints a very pretty picture helping you really get a feel for the world and the characters. Isabella was a wonderful character and the chemistry between her and Rhys was sweet. I was really rooting for them as it got closer to the end.

This series is quickly become a favorite for me. Melanie Karsak is an amazing author and I am loving her books and plan to devour a lot more this year. I can't recommend this book enough and the series. I would recommend reading it in order but however you choose to read them I do hope you love them as much as I did! :)

Thanks for stopping by to check out my review.

Have a great day and Happy Reading!

This review was originally posted on Because reading is better than real life

[Brigia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet steampunk version of Beauty and the Beast, in which the Beast and his household were cursed to be automatons. It's a pretty close re-telling, so there weren't many surprises in it. I liked that the MC was what she was meant to be - an independent, self-reliant woman who has the courage and the heart to look beyond the surface. That's really what makes this story so magical, after all!

[Jeanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfectly fun

I love Beauty and the Beast stories and this one was so fun. History, steampunk, paranormal and a yummy beast

[Faye Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beauty and Beastly retells the classic Beauty and the Beast fairy tale in a steampunk, 1814 Regency England. The story follows Isabella Hawking, an inventive young woman who embarks on a sea voyage with her father, only to be shipwrecked on a seemingly deserted island after a violent storm. The island, filled with ancient magical remnants and a crumbling castle, becomes her new home, where her presence brings hope to its mysterious inhabitants.

At around 220 pages, this is a quick and enjoyable read. It feels comfortably familiar to the classic Disney version of the story, yet the steampunk setting alongside the curse was a real surprise. The fresh setting was definitely the best thing about this book, and it was a fun read! My only critique would be the length - if it had been longer, there would have been more time to build up tension between the main characters and to learn more about Rhys as a person since we don't have much time getting to know him.

This is a short and clean Beauty and the Beast retelling with a unique setting and a fresh take on the classic fairytale, and it was a fun, quick read. At the time of writing, this book is available on Kindle Unlimited.

[anjuli · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first book in the series. I listened to the audiobook version of this story. The narrator did a great job with the tones, emotions and accent. This is a retelling of Beauty and the beast story only in a steampunk style. I actually was intrigued by it cuz I do like steampunk genre.

However, I felt this book overall was a mediocre for me. I enjoyed how Isabelle was introduced being a dedicated and brilliant tinker. There are few descriptive pages of her inventions and creativity. But, as the book progressed the whole thing just became a bit meh. When she was introduced to the prince beastly character things just started to happen predictably. I understand that it is a retelling and a certain inevitability is bound to happen. However, I was missing the spark! There was no Ooomph to the whole story, dialogue and characters per se. I would have liked a bit of tension. The whole "fall in love" just happened and I did not feel anything....but a mere oh ok, I know it is supposed to happen. It felt toooo insta and more of a this is how B&B original story is supposed to be like. There was just lack of romance development/connection for me.

I did enjoy it to an extent. As I mentioned, the whole steampunk side to it definitely was intriguing for me. I liked that.

[Noonecansinkmyship (Tissa) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and woven from spun sugar. I loved it.

I also love how the author incorporated pieces of the original fairy tale in. It was such a sweet read too. Belle or Isabelle was interesting too. I love her character and how spunky she is haha. I also really enjoyed the author’s unique twists to the fairy tale.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the ending, but found that at times it was a little too close to the Disney version of the story.



Qualifies for the scavenger hunt clue 10

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

ITA/ENG
Questo credo che sia il miglior retelling che io abbia mai letto, o almeno è quello che mi è piaciuto di più in assoluto.
Dal titolo avrete ovviamente intuito che si tratta di un retelling della Bella e La Bestia, ma in chiave steampunk.
Abbiamo quindi Isabelle, che vive con suo padre e realizza incredibili sculture in metallo dotate di musica, praticamente dei carillon steampunk.
Ogni mercoledì si recano al mercato, dove Isabelle, cercando di scansare le avances sempre più pressanti di Gerard (Gaston) compra libri sui goblin e sugli inventori del passato.
Ma mentre sono in viaggio verso l’irlanda per consegnare i doni di nozze ad un ricco signore che ha commissionato i lavori di Isabelle, la loro nave fa naufragio e Isabelle si trova sola su un’isola.
Sull’isola trova un castello circondato da un giardino interamente fatto di metallo, e robot abitano nel castello, vestiti da maggiordomi, cameriere… c’è persino un robot che si crede il Lord!
Isabelle pensa che i robot, abbandonati a loro stessi, si siano inventati questi ruoli, ma non conosce la maledizione che grava su di loro.
Beh, avrete sicuramente intuito la maledizione, la vera natura dei robot, e più o meno come andrà a finire la storia, giusto?
Quello che non sapete è che l’autrice ha ingentilito tutti i personaggi, il Lord in testa; ha creato una protagonista straordinaria, intelligente e coraggiosa, che non soffre di sindrome di Stoccolma, come ha tenuto a precisare nelle note alla fine del romanzo. Ho battuto le mani quando l’ho letto, perché è riuscita a togliere un contesto negativo ahimè presente spesso negli YA. Lui mi tratta male, mi picchia, è cattivo con me, lo amo tantissimo.
Qui non è affatto così. Le invenzioni steampunk, le meraviglie costruite con metallo sono magiche, se fosse trasposto in film o almeno in cartoni renderebbe benissimo.
L’autrice ha mischiato anche folklore inglese, romanticismo, sentimenti e azione, senza tralasciare il fatto che alcuni dei capitoli hanno i titoli delle famose canzoni disney, come Be Our Guest!!
E cosa ancora più importante: ha dato un ruolo di rilievo a tutte le donne nella narrazione, non solo la protagonista: lei non è superiore alle altre, non odia tutte le altre, aiuta chiunque come può, e ad un certo punto, in necessità di un pilota di airship, trova Lily, comandante. Donna ovviamente.
In conclusione: è uno standalone, leggetelo senza problemi; mi è piaciuto tantissimo, in un modo che forse non riesco neanche ad esprimere, e ringrazio l’autrice per avermi incluso nel team e averlo potuto leggere in anteprima.
ENG:
I can’t express how much I loved this book!
I read a lot of retelling in the past years, I even partecipate in a challenge based on retellings, and I never found one that I really really like. For example: I like the idea of Dorothy Must Die, but I didn’t like the MC.
But Isabelle Hawking is a great main character! She’s strong, and intelligent, she doesn’t despise the other girls, and she creates wonderful creations made of metal and music.
First of all: some of the chapters title are the same of the famous songs from the movies! I don’t know you, but I sing those songs a lot. No, I’m not a good singer.
Second: the author has turn down the Stockolm syndrome tipically associated with this tale. So we don’t have a Beast very angry, and bad and violent with Isabelle, and she isn’t a passive character. This is so important to me, because Melanie Karsak spread a great message with that: violence is not love.
Obviously, there is romance in this book, and drama and adventure, all mixed. I’m not a romantic girl, but I found it so cute!
The world that the author has written is beautiful: I have a special place in my heart for steampunk settings, and this is incredible. Just imagine the castle where the beast live, like in the last movie, but all made in metal, and clockwork. To this world, add some airship, fairies and Celtic folklore.
All the female characters in the book are great: the fairy that has cast the spell on the castle, Isabelle, and Lily, an amazing airship’s captain that has her own adventure in another book, “Chasing The Star Garden”.

[Red Tide · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heady

She has done an awesome job. She explains at the end of the book that she spent a lot of time studying versions of "beauty and the beast".

It shows and (even if you are not a fan of steam punk) you will experience an excellent example of the genre and discover a well done story.

[Elsbeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story! Enchanting, magical and mechanical. A steampunk, 19th Century fairy tale. Wonderful characters, set on a magical island. Well written, I can almost smell the metal flowers! :-)
I received a copy and am very happy to review it. I'm looking forward to reading more of these steampunk fairy tales!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much that if I could give it more than 5* I would. The latest in the author's series of steampunk twists on fairytales, this is a new version of Beauty and the Beast (like you hadn't guessed from the title!!), and readers of the other books in the series will note that it stars Isabelle Hawking, the tinker seen in the Ice Queen story with her father (also seen in this book). I won't go into the plot of this story any further - you can get the basics from the book description above, and more than that would be spoilers! - but I'd like to commend the author on her imaginative retelling of the story, and the details she brings to it (I especially loved the garden and the folly descriptions).
I highly recommend both this book (which can be read as a standalone) and the whole series to anyone who loves steampunk and fairytale retellings - the combination of the two in these is just divine! I can't wait to see which story comes next!
I had read the book of this steampunk fairytale before, when it was first released, but to listen to the audiobook, excellently narrated by Lesley Parkin, was almost like experiencing the story for the first time. Lesley really brings the story to life, and I would heartily recommend listening to this book (or reading it!) if you love adult fairytale retellings, steampunk stories or, best of all, a combination of the two, with a dash of romance and a twist of magic to provide the perfect story for your listening pleasure.

[Lene Blackthorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

One very enticing, enchanting, and unique twist on the classic fairytale that I utterly enjoyed.
Isabelle and her father are tinkers, both very skilled in mechanics, and preparing for a journey to a noble wedding. On the way, they get shipwrecked and end on a mysterious island, cursed and bewitched. Isabelle stays, so that her father could leave and fetch help - and meanwhile, opens her heart to the strange situation in the castle dominating the island. Cursed to live as automatons, Isabelle is determined to find the key to break the curse.
Of all the retellings of the Beauty and the Beast, this one was one of my favorites. The blossoming romance between Belle and her beast seemed more natural with Rhys behaving as gentleman, although bitter and detached at first because of the curse. As a bookworm and intellectual, Belle was always one of my two favorite princesses, and I loved to watch her in the men's world of clockwork and metal. The touch of magic in the character of the cruel fairy was decent, and yet it created the right atmosphere and strong feeling of its presence. I absolutely adore steampunk, and seeing one of my favorite stories set into this era with such skill and finesse was a blessing.

[Elly · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I enjoy this series I struggle with the limitations of the length and how character relationship development falls by the wayside. This was especially difficult in a B&B retelling where the development of the romance is such a major part of the story. In this one it felt like insta love because they have so few interactions.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was truly wonderful. I still think that the theme of Beauty and the Beast is about loving a person for who they are and not what they look like. I think this new trend of calling it Stockholm syndrome is short sighted. The steampunk elements were wonderful and not something I had read before. The writer did an excellent job bringing me into that world. The heroine gave me a total competency boner. I was jealous.

[Melanie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow can I just say the Beauty and The Beast is my favorite fairytale story ever. And now it has been retold with a steampunk insperation. Two of my favorite things. I can not tell you how much I enjoyed this book. My imagination went wild and i would have loved to stay in that castle. Well really i would have lived in the library. lol

[Frankiebeebeastly · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous world I just ventured into. This is my first steampunk book I’ve ever read, it was quite fantastic. Very interesting twist with automatons. I love,loved, loved it. What a roller coaster of emotions but loved how it all came together. certainly a tale as old as time.

[Mudelit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un coup de cœur pour cette réécriture de mon conte préféré ! La revisite de la malédiction est très moderne et originale. Le cœur de la version originelle est gardé pour mon plus grand plaisir ! Je l'ai lu en anglais sans soucis de compréhension! Un coup de cœur!

[Minni Mouse]

DNF at 23% because not engaged by the average writing.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This steampunk version of Beauty and the Beast was so fun and clever!
.
I really loved all of the mechanical elements that were added to the original.
.
Highly recommend!

[Kay J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This got a 5 star from me! I loved it, I loved it! I'm a little under the weather but this book had been on my mind all day so I just had to finish reading the few chapters I had left.....I can easily see this as a movie or a mini tv series what an awesome read, and cool twist.

[Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beauty and the Beast is not usually one of my favorite fairy tales but I loved Karsak's retelling in this steampunk version. Nothing like Uprooted or A Crown of Thorns and Roses, this still breathed new life into a story as old as time.

Isabella is a tinker, just like her father. She makes beautiful clockwork music boxes. On their way to a wedding their airship crash lands on an island and Isabella must stay with the strange clockwork lord while her father races home to rescue her.

Uniquely reimagined, this was a great listen of a familiar fairy tale.

[Cristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, a steampunk rendition of the classic Beauty and the Beast. A 3.5 would more accurately reflect how I felt about the novel. The story follows the plot of the well-known story of Beauty and the Beast, according to the Disney classic (Heroine is the daughter of an inventor, is pursued by an undesirable and conceited marriage prospect, is lost in an enchanted castle where she eventually helps a cursed lord/royal find his humanity, the enchantment is broken, and they live happily ever after). Due to the non-originality of the plot, I gave this book a 3. However, I love what Karsak does with the characters.

The heroine in Beauty & Beastly, Isabella, is the daughter of a mechanic. She is an expert in clockworks where she mends clockwork and music together in her musical boxes. I love that Isabella is a stubborn mechanic and tinkerer who ends her days full of oil and grime. I appreciate that the author does not sexualize Isabella nor overemphasizes her beauty. Thus, the cursed castle and all the automatons are eventually saved due to her engineering capabilities & ability to emphasize rather than her beauty.

The read itself is easy and does not pose a challenge. Being accustomed to more challenging prose and complex plots, I found the ease a bit frustrating (if that's even possible). The novel is great for pre-teens & young adults, and of course, an adult who likes fantasy--like myself. I would definitely read more of Melanie Karsak's Steampunk Fairy Tales series.

[Simone Everett · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was eh

I decided to read this book because a friend liked it, also because I never read anything with a steampunk theme to it. To me, it only seemed like Isabelle fell in love with him because she saw the human form of him in the mirror. The mirror as well as some other aspects of the story seemed very forced. She could have made this her own story because it was trying way to hard to fit into the mold of the typical beauty and the beast story. Also the ending seemed to be very rushed and had a lack of detailing.

[Kathy Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I am a sucker for a Beauty and the Beast retelling! While searching for Steampunk novels, I came across Beauty and Beastly and was intrigued. After reading a few reviews I thought I would give this book a try.

I was pleasantly surprised. I have to admit that it was slow going for me in the beginning but about halfway through it started picking up and I ended up enjoying it.

This was my first book by Melanie Karsak and I'm looking forward to reading more books by her.

Nominated for a 2018 Swoony Award, vote here http://bit.ly/2CWYB9U

[Jennifer Thompson-Thalasinos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second steampunk Beauty and the Beast story I’ve read and I really enjoyed it.

Isabelle is shipwrecked alone on an island that time seems to have forgotten. Think about the autons in Doctor Who and you have an idea about the servents inhabiting the Beast’s castle.

This takes from various versions of the beloved fairy tale along with a completely different twist that makes it truly unique.