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Beyond the Four Kingdoms #2
A Tale of Beauty and Beast
Princess Sophia has helped her twin sister Lily save the duchy of Marin. But now Sophie faces an even greater threat when she sets out to free the cursed kingdom of Palinar from its beastly prince. Alone, and with danger on every side, Sophie must navigate a magical castle and its even more mysterious master to discover the secret to breaking the curse.
Except the more time she spends with Prince Dominic, the more she starts to question who exactly she's supposed to be saving. With time running out for the trapped inhabitants, and the reappearance of an old enemy, Sophie may have to choose between saving the kingdom and following her heart.
Except the more time she spends with Prince Dominic, the more she starts to question who exactly she's supposed to be saving. With time running out for the trapped inhabitants, and the reappearance of an old enemy, Sophie may have to choose between saving the kingdom and following her heart.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 26, 2017
1055 people are currently reading
3900 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Cellier
126 books2,745 followersMelanie Cellier grew up on a staple diet of books, books and more books. And although she got older, she never stopped loving children’s and young adult novels.
She always wanted to write one herself, but it took three careers and three different continents before she actually managed it.
She now feels incredibly fortunate to spend her time writing from her home in Adelaide, Australia where she keeps an eye out for koalas in her backyard. Her staple diet hasn’t changed much, although she’s added choc mint Rooibos tea and Chicken Crimpies to the list.
She writes young adult fantasy including her Spoken Mage series, and her Four Kingdoms and Beyond the Four Kingdoms series which are made up of linked stand-alone stories that retell classic fairy tales.
She now feels incredibly fortunate to spend her time writing from her home in Adelaide, Australia where she keeps an eye out for koalas in her backyard. Her staple diet hasn’t changed much, although she’s added choc mint Rooibos tea and Chicken Crimpies to the list.
She writes young adult fantasy including her Spoken Mage series, and her Four Kingdoms and Beyond the Four Kingdoms series which are made up of linked stand-alone stories that retell classic fairy tales.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 502 reviews
June 17, 2024
3.75 stars ✨
Retellings of Beauty and the Beast can be hit or miss for me. Mostly because the beast part and how the prince dude needs to learn manners, to not be a complete jerk to the girl, and to lose the animal-like behavior—which this one definitely needed that lesson. I begun to think we need Super Nanny for the Prince Beast boy because he was driving me—and Sophie—up a wall. 🥴
I felt a bit stressed for Sophie and Lily’s sakes—particularly because of the lack of being with their twin and their special connection.
I’ll admit that this book felt a bit long/dragging to me, but that might be because I don’t love this fairytale to begin with. (I know, I know, all the book girlies are supposed to love Beauty and the Beast because of the library, but while that’s all great and good, the beast prince that needs to learn ~human~ valuable lessons like treating the girl kindly? Hmm, no, no thank you. 🤪)
Definitely not my favorite of both series, but it did have some moments I enjoyed (like the snowball fight).
Main Content:
All about the curse/curses/enchantments that Dominic and his kingdom are under (including comments about the darkness that has come over the land); Dominic looks like a beast with being hairy, having fangs, & roaring/growling; Sophie thinks of him as evil; Many mentions of those curses, being cursed, godmothers and their magical items, magical mirrors, & the High King (who reigns from the Palace of Light); Magic is mentioned pretty often (the most out of this series so far, I would say) and there’s people who are in another “realm” so they can’t be hurt (at first, Sophie wonders what the invisible voices are because they don’t seem like “otherworldly spirits”); Mentions of this other realm; Sophie and Lily received a gift from their godmother at their Christening to have a great bond which included them being able to “project” to the other in their minds (they say it is not telepathy).
A fire & a baby nearly dying (up to a few sentences); Being attacked/kidnapped/tied-up, Held at knife-point & threatened with having a slit throat,Surrounded by wolves, Pain, Injuries, & Blood/Bleeding (unto a handful of sentences); Being threatened with harm, death, and the deaths of loved ones; Seeing fights (including with wolves), people held at knife-point, injuries, & blood/bleeding (up to a handful of sentences); When Sophie doesn’t hear from Lily, she’s concerned that she could be injured or dead (barely-above-not-detailed); Sophie wonders what the Beast did to be cursed (including wondering if he killed his family); Sophie does lie & go back on her word, which she feels guilty for, but justifies because of the situations.
Mentions of a terrible ruler that murdered his people including infants & caused an accidental death of a spouse (up to a few sentences, but no gore; *Spoiler* ); Mentions of criminals, treason, a prisoner, arrests, interrogation, & hostages; Mentions of possible deaths, illnesses, injuries, pain, & blood/bleeding; Mentions of hatred; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; A few mentions of wine glasses & wine at dinners; A couple mentions of gossip; A mention of stealing; A mention of a man who was mauled by a bear; A mention of a horse possibly being gotten by a wolf or bear.
No language stronger than ‘idiot’ and ‘how/what in the kingdoms’; A couple mentions of others cursing (but not written out); A couple mentions of curses (said but not written out); Eye rolling & Sarcasm.
Three almost kisses (lasting up to a few sentences in length and one being longer), two nose kisses, a cheek kiss, two kisses lasting a couple sentences, and a kiss lasting a handful of sentences; Wanting to be kissed, touched, & embraced (up to a couple sentences); Touches, Embraces, Dancing, Nearness, & Noticing (including muscles, up to a few sentences of details on everything else); Blushes; Being pulled into a guy’s lap & cuddling (also seeing another couple do this and kiss, a couple sentences); Wanting to kiss, touch, & embrace (up to a few sentences).
In the first half, Sophie doesn’t want the Beast to touch her; The Beast is naked when the waist up when injured; Two girls describe the other as willowy (which makes that girl correct her and say skinny without a single curve) and the other as having a large bosom (which makes her blush); Sophie makes sure that those in the “other realm” aren’t naked (they aren’t, but she panics that they could be); A couple times of misunderstandings about Sophie going to Dominic’s bedchambers after dark (not sexual but it’s that awkward moment of realizing she said something that could have been taken that way about her being in his bedroom); A man is slightly creepy to Sophie in the way he compliments her and gets close to her a few times; Mentions of kisses & almost kisses; A few mentions of jealousy; A mention of a maid saying a man is delicious to look at.
Retellings of Beauty and the Beast can be hit or miss for me. Mostly because the beast part and how the prince dude needs to learn manners, to not be a complete jerk to the girl, and to lose the animal-like behavior—which this one definitely needed that lesson. I begun to think we need Super Nanny for the Prince Beast boy because he was driving me—and Sophie—up a wall. 🥴
I felt a bit stressed for Sophie and Lily’s sakes—particularly because of the lack of being with their twin and their special connection.
I’ll admit that this book felt a bit long/dragging to me, but that might be because I don’t love this fairytale to begin with. (I know, I know, all the book girlies are supposed to love Beauty and the Beast because of the library, but while that’s all great and good, the beast prince that needs to learn ~human~ valuable lessons like treating the girl kindly? Hmm, no, no thank you. 🤪)
Definitely not my favorite of both series, but it did have some moments I enjoyed (like the snowball fight).
Main Content:
All about the curse/curses/enchantments that Dominic and his kingdom are under (including comments about the darkness that has come over the land); Dominic looks like a beast with being hairy, having fangs, & roaring/growling; Sophie thinks of him as evil; Many mentions of those curses, being cursed, godmothers and their magical items, magical mirrors, & the High King (who reigns from the Palace of Light); Magic is mentioned pretty often (the most out of this series so far, I would say) and there’s people who are in another “realm” so they can’t be hurt (at first, Sophie wonders what the invisible voices are because they don’t seem like “otherworldly spirits”); Mentions of this other realm; Sophie and Lily received a gift from their godmother at their Christening to have a great bond which included them being able to “project” to the other in their minds (they say it is not telepathy).
A fire & a baby nearly dying (up to a few sentences); Being attacked/kidnapped/tied-up, Held at knife-point & threatened with having a slit throat,Surrounded by wolves, Pain, Injuries, & Blood/Bleeding (unto a handful of sentences); Being threatened with harm, death, and the deaths of loved ones; Seeing fights (including with wolves), people held at knife-point, injuries, & blood/bleeding (up to a handful of sentences); When Sophie doesn’t hear from Lily, she’s concerned that she could be injured or dead (barely-above-not-detailed); Sophie wonders what the Beast did to be cursed (including wondering if he killed his family); Sophie does lie & go back on her word, which she feels guilty for, but justifies because of the situations.
Mentions of a terrible ruler that murdered his people including infants & caused an accidental death of a spouse (up to a few sentences, but no gore; *Spoiler* ); Mentions of criminals, treason, a prisoner, arrests, interrogation, & hostages; Mentions of possible deaths, illnesses, injuries, pain, & blood/bleeding; Mentions of hatred; Mentions of lies, lying, & liars; A few mentions of wine glasses & wine at dinners; A couple mentions of gossip; A mention of stealing; A mention of a man who was mauled by a bear; A mention of a horse possibly being gotten by a wolf or bear.
No language stronger than ‘idiot’ and ‘how/what in the kingdoms’; A couple mentions of others cursing (but not written out); A couple mentions of curses (said but not written out); Eye rolling & Sarcasm.
Three almost kisses (lasting up to a few sentences in length and one being longer), two nose kisses, a cheek kiss, two kisses lasting a couple sentences, and a kiss lasting a handful of sentences; Wanting to be kissed, touched, & embraced (up to a couple sentences); Touches, Embraces, Dancing, Nearness, & Noticing (including muscles, up to a few sentences of details on everything else); Blushes; Being pulled into a guy’s lap & cuddling (also seeing another couple do this and kiss, a couple sentences); Wanting to kiss, touch, & embrace (up to a few sentences).
In the first half, Sophie doesn’t want the Beast to touch her; The Beast is naked when the waist up when injured; Two girls describe the other as willowy (which makes that girl correct her and say skinny without a single curve) and the other as having a large bosom (which makes her blush); Sophie makes sure that those in the “other realm” aren’t naked (they aren’t, but she panics that they could be); A couple times of misunderstandings about Sophie going to Dominic’s bedchambers after dark (not sexual but it’s that awkward moment of realizing she said something that could have been taken that way about her being in his bedroom); A man is slightly creepy to Sophie in the way he compliments her and gets close to her a few times; Mentions of kisses & almost kisses; A few mentions of jealousy; A mention of a maid saying a man is delicious to look at.
November 18, 2020
You all know how much I love retellings! A Tale of Beauty and the Beast by Melanie Cellier is the 2nd book in the Beyond the Four Kingdoms series. In the first book, A Dance of Silver and Shadow, the princess tourney is over and Princess Sophie is the winner–which means she must journey to Palinar to meet her betrothed. Prince Dominic is said to be a beast and his country cursed. However, she isn’t too worried. She and her sister Lily have a special connection and can speak to each other through their minds. They are twins and have never been alone. When she crosses the Palinar border her connection to her sister is severed. She is alone for the first time in a cursed place. She will need to figure out a way to destroy the curse to free Palinar and be reunited with her sister.
I absolutely adored this retelling! This retelling has more similarities with the Disney version of Beauty and the Beast, rather than the classic fairytale. There are servants but she can’t see them, but because of her unique gift, she can hear them. It reminded me of the scene when Belle walks into the castle for the first time and she can hear Lumiere and Cogsworth but she doesn’t realize what they are. I also love that her gift helps her communicate with Dominic. He cannot speak in his beast form. So if it were anyone else who won the tourney communication would have been impossible. Their communication leads to them being able to connect.
I loved how this book talks about loneliness. Sophie has never been alone. There are moments where she is utterly distraught. The book moves at a pretty good pace and has some great twists and turns. There came a point where I could not stop listening to the book. I think I listened to it for 4 hours nonstop. The narrator Esther Wane does a phenomenal job as always. Her beast voice is a little awkward at times but I can’t imagine it was easy to portray. Overall, I rate this audiobook 5 out of 5 stars!
I absolutely adored this retelling! This retelling has more similarities with the Disney version of Beauty and the Beast, rather than the classic fairytale. There are servants but she can’t see them, but because of her unique gift, she can hear them. It reminded me of the scene when Belle walks into the castle for the first time and she can hear Lumiere and Cogsworth but she doesn’t realize what they are. I also love that her gift helps her communicate with Dominic. He cannot speak in his beast form. So if it were anyone else who won the tourney communication would have been impossible. Their communication leads to them being able to connect.
I loved how this book talks about loneliness. Sophie has never been alone. There are moments where she is utterly distraught. The book moves at a pretty good pace and has some great twists and turns. There came a point where I could not stop listening to the book. I think I listened to it for 4 hours nonstop. The narrator Esther Wane does a phenomenal job as always. Her beast voice is a little awkward at times but I can’t imagine it was easy to portray. Overall, I rate this audiobook 5 out of 5 stars!
December 2, 2019
AHHHHHHHH THE FEELS!!
With Disney+ and this series, I'm just getting all teary-eyed! I love re-tellings.. and freaking Beauty & The Beast! Definitely dream about that wonderful library every damn day - #goals! A Tale of Beauty and Beast is exactly that. A wonderful retelling.. that will make you think of the Disney movie! Some things were a little different but everything was highly entertaining.
The romance was cute and adorable.. but I am rather fond of the movie version more. Mostly because I grew up on that shit and nothing can ever replace it. In it, you will get to see Sophie and Dominic's friendship, and relationship, grow throughout the book. Sophie was an okay "beauty" but not really my favorite. She did tend to annoy me here and there but with Dominic around, she was a lot more bearable.
Speaking of Dominic, I loved him so much! Definitely a great "beast" and would love to read more about him. Other than that, still loved the crap out of this thing and can't wait to dive into the next book of this series!
With Disney+ and this series, I'm just getting all teary-eyed! I love re-tellings.. and freaking Beauty & The Beast! Definitely dream about that wonderful library every damn day - #goals! A Tale of Beauty and Beast is exactly that. A wonderful retelling.. that will make you think of the Disney movie! Some things were a little different but everything was highly entertaining.
The romance was cute and adorable.. but I am rather fond of the movie version more. Mostly because I grew up on that shit and nothing can ever replace it. In it, you will get to see Sophie and Dominic's friendship, and relationship, grow throughout the book. Sophie was an okay "beauty" but not really my favorite. She did tend to annoy me here and there but with Dominic around, she was a lot more bearable.
Speaking of Dominic, I loved him so much! Definitely a great "beast" and would love to read more about him. Other than that, still loved the crap out of this thing and can't wait to dive into the next book of this series!
February 9, 2021
Oki ahhhhhh 😍
February 15, 2022
*chef kiss*
February 26, 2018
Another delightful retelling, this one of my favorite fairy tale. I have enjoyed so much reading stories about the twins from the first book in this series. Their twin relationship is fun, especially with their godmother gift. :-)
I enjoyed the romance and the way this story ties in with the rest of the series. Lots of exciting action and a sweet romance. I think I liked Lily's romance better, but this one is good too. I guess I just wanted . . . more. Which is a whole lot better than wanting less . . . Heh.
If you love fairy-tale retellings and haven't yet discovered Melanie Cellier, you're missing out on a whole lot of fun!
I enjoyed the romance and the way this story ties in with the rest of the series. Lots of exciting action and a sweet romance. I think I liked Lily's romance better, but this one is good too. I guess I just wanted . . . more. Which is a whole lot better than wanting less . . . Heh.
If you love fairy-tale retellings and haven't yet discovered Melanie Cellier, you're missing out on a whole lot of fun!
March 21, 2025
While I was frustrated by LITERALLY EVERYONE'S refusal to communicate with Sophie, I still loved the book. And now to wait for the next one to come in from the library....
September 10, 2025
So so so so beautiful! I think this is my favorite book, maybe right behind the Princess companion of these two series! It was amazing. I wanted to re read it literally while I was reading it. The part where the beast told his past made me cry 🥹❤️ so much. This book was beautiful and seeing Sophie change the castle was just beautiful. Ahh I loved every second of it. Onto Celine 😁!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2021
Ok I’m officially in love with this series and the characters!🥰
Most Beauty and the Beast retellings aren’t favorites of mine, but I still thoroughly enjoyed this one! My only complaint is that the storyline was very predictable until about 3/4 of the way through. Until that point, the book had many recognizable events (like the wolf fight) from the original story. It didn’t take much away from the story, but for me it only took away some of the anticipation and suspense.
I really loved the personalities and the intriguing, magical parts of the book! It was neat to see how Sophie’s special mental abilities were useful in her new environment. I could definitely tell that I read a lot of fantasy, because it was fun to figure out the magical elements (sometimes before the characters, which was interesting).
AND DOMINIC!!!! He was so protective and his eyes so expressive. And his strength....*swoon*🥺
Sophie was perfectly delightful too. I love those twins and enjoyed seeing Sophie’s perspective on life.
Before I conclude, may I mention that Jon and Lily were in this story occasionally and were positively hilarious?? I love those two🥰
Just like the last book, this retelling is clean (no language and kissing is as far as the romance goes). If anything from Beauty and the Beast is a problem for you violence-wise, beware of that. Also, we get some of the Beast’s trauma and backstory, but it’s tastefully written.
Most Beauty and the Beast retellings aren’t favorites of mine, but I still thoroughly enjoyed this one! My only complaint is that the storyline was very predictable until about 3/4 of the way through. Until that point, the book had many recognizable events (like the wolf fight) from the original story. It didn’t take much away from the story, but for me it only took away some of the anticipation and suspense.
I really loved the personalities and the intriguing, magical parts of the book! It was neat to see how Sophie’s special mental abilities were useful in her new environment. I could definitely tell that I read a lot of fantasy, because it was fun to figure out the magical elements (sometimes before the characters, which was interesting).
AND DOMINIC!!!! He was so protective and his eyes so expressive. And his strength....*swoon*🥺
Sophie was perfectly delightful too. I love those twins and enjoyed seeing Sophie’s perspective on life.
Before I conclude, may I mention that Jon and Lily were in this story occasionally and were positively hilarious?? I love those two🥰
Just like the last book, this retelling is clean (no language and kissing is as far as the romance goes). If anything from Beauty and the Beast is a problem for you violence-wise, beware of that. Also, we get some of the Beast’s trauma and backstory, but it’s tastefully written.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2022
While I didn't love this one quite as much as the first one, I still really enjoyed it. Only two things dampened my enjoyment. I didn't love Sophie as a character as much as I loved Lily (because Lily is the sassier of the two) and Beauty and the Beast retellings can be hard to pull off without making the main guy come off as a complete creeper.
At the beginning of the book, I wasn't sure I was going to like the romance. I didn't like the main guy and girl together at all, and this book skirted the edge between an unlikeable guy and making him so unlikeable he was creepy. I don't think it crossed the line, but it was close. But, it is a Beauty and the Beast retelling, and, like I said, those can be really hard to pull off.
Still, I enjoyed it. The servants were the best part of the book, and after the wolf attack, the main guy really started to come around. The ending was really cool.
I also really liked how this book managed to balance being a retelling of both the original version of Beauty and the Beast and a retelling of the Disney version that everyone is most familiar with.
The audiobook narration was just as well done as the first book, and I really hope the author eventually makes the rest of the series into audiobooks!
At the beginning of the book, I wasn't sure I was going to like the romance. I didn't like the main guy and girl together at all, and this book skirted the edge between an unlikeable guy and making him so unlikeable he was creepy. I don't think it crossed the line, but it was close. But, it is a Beauty and the Beast retelling, and, like I said, those can be really hard to pull off.
Still, I enjoyed it. The servants were the best part of the book, and after the wolf attack, the main guy really started to come around. The ending was really cool.
I also really liked how this book managed to balance being a retelling of both the original version of Beauty and the Beast and a retelling of the Disney version that everyone is most familiar with.
The audiobook narration was just as well done as the first book, and I really hope the author eventually makes the rest of the series into audiobooks!
May 2, 2020
This is a difficult review for me to compile because I'm struggling to come to terms with why I didn't really love the story as a whole. I think it comes down to the romance factor for me. I mean hello, it's Beauty and the frickin' beast here. As per usual when it comes to any re-telling of this particular tale, we're all on pins and needles waiting for the supposed inevitable moment(s) when the heroine starts to fall for the beast. I feel like unfortunately Melanie really missed the "slow burn" train during this book because I didn't feel any attraction on Sophie's part almost the entire book.
Look, I get that she's scared out of her mind and missing her twin. She's in a spooky castle with invisible servants, carriages that pull themselves, and it's all an enchanted mess. It's also bizarre that the elusive beast Dominic proposes to her every single night. Desperate much? Understandably so. I recognize that she refuses him every single time because she's adamantly opposed to his cold demeanor and illusive persona. Again, I get this. What I struggle with is that she has multiple positive experiences with him over the numerous months she is there. There are literally no outside forces or interference so it really is what one would consider "quality time" that they share. He shows her that he remembers things she enjoys and he continually displays snippets of vulnerability with her. Well duh, he's falling for her hard-core. He continues proposing every night and she refuses just as strongly each time. She even becomes irritated by his continued proposals. This does not make sense to me.
What really irritated me about all this journey between them is that even after months of seemingly positive experiences, she refuses to even consider being with Dominic even when the alternative was to marry the creepy bad guy from the previous book. This astounds me! I wanted to sit down and have a nice little chat with her to know why that makes sense. I'd say to her "You mean to tell me, you continue to refuse a marriage with Dominic EVEN THOUGH a bad guy is coming in trying to kidnap you and marry you...? Don't you realize that being with Dominic cures the curse and makes it so you don't have to go with the creep back at the kingdom?" She spends days fretting over what to do with said villain when she fails to recognize that being with Dominic would fix literally everything. It's as though the thought of being with Dominic was so unthinkable that she feels being with the villain is the only solution. What an insult to Dominic!
Truthfully, Dominic isn't quite prince charming on paper. He is a bit blunt and definitely doesn't shower her with empty praises. However, he is kind and considerate of her. He offers her space and is civil with her. I don't see how she can avoid the thought of even liking him (let alone marrying the prince) the entire time and then suddenly realize she's madly in love with him after she leaves the castle and he runs to her aid (almost killing himself in the process). This is too rushed and unrealistic for me. Also, what a bummer that I was reading the entire book eager for moments when she would be softened toward him and sparks would fly...SPOILER: it doesn't happen.
I think it was such a feeble barrier between them the entire book that she was just still creeped out by him. You'd think after months of spending time together, that would eventually fade away right? I guess this was not so with Sophie, so much so that she would rather consider marrying a complete psycho villain instead of even imagining herself with Dominic.
What a bummer, really. I was seriously underwhelmed the entire time. When the eventual moment comes where she realizes she's apparently been in love with him all along, she doesn't really apologize for not seeing the good in him or giving him the time of day all those months. I imagine, he was so in love with her that he didn't even care. If that is the case, what a bummer that the story wasn't told from his perspective because I would have preferred to know his journey to falling in love with her. That would have been altogether more exciting to witness.
Look, I get that she's scared out of her mind and missing her twin. She's in a spooky castle with invisible servants, carriages that pull themselves, and it's all an enchanted mess. It's also bizarre that the elusive beast Dominic proposes to her every single night. Desperate much? Understandably so. I recognize that she refuses him every single time because she's adamantly opposed to his cold demeanor and illusive persona. Again, I get this. What I struggle with is that she has multiple positive experiences with him over the numerous months she is there. There are literally no outside forces or interference so it really is what one would consider "quality time" that they share. He shows her that he remembers things she enjoys and he continually displays snippets of vulnerability with her. Well duh, he's falling for her hard-core. He continues proposing every night and she refuses just as strongly each time. She even becomes irritated by his continued proposals. This does not make sense to me.
What really irritated me about all this journey between them is that even after months of seemingly positive experiences, she refuses to even consider being with Dominic even when the alternative was to marry the creepy bad guy from the previous book. This astounds me! I wanted to sit down and have a nice little chat with her to know why that makes sense. I'd say to her "You mean to tell me, you continue to refuse a marriage with Dominic EVEN THOUGH a bad guy is coming in trying to kidnap you and marry you...? Don't you realize that being with Dominic cures the curse and makes it so you don't have to go with the creep back at the kingdom?" She spends days fretting over what to do with said villain when she fails to recognize that being with Dominic would fix literally everything. It's as though the thought of being with Dominic was so unthinkable that she feels being with the villain is the only solution. What an insult to Dominic!
Truthfully, Dominic isn't quite prince charming on paper. He is a bit blunt and definitely doesn't shower her with empty praises. However, he is kind and considerate of her. He offers her space and is civil with her. I don't see how she can avoid the thought of even liking him (let alone marrying the prince) the entire time and then suddenly realize she's madly in love with him after she leaves the castle and he runs to her aid (almost killing himself in the process). This is too rushed and unrealistic for me. Also, what a bummer that I was reading the entire book eager for moments when she would be softened toward him and sparks would fly...SPOILER: it doesn't happen.
I think it was such a feeble barrier between them the entire book that she was just still creeped out by him. You'd think after months of spending time together, that would eventually fade away right? I guess this was not so with Sophie, so much so that she would rather consider marrying a complete psycho villain instead of even imagining herself with Dominic.
What a bummer, really. I was seriously underwhelmed the entire time. When the eventual moment comes where she realizes she's apparently been in love with him all along, she doesn't really apologize for not seeing the good in him or giving him the time of day all those months. I imagine, he was so in love with her that he didn't even care. If that is the case, what a bummer that the story wasn't told from his perspective because I would have preferred to know his journey to falling in love with her. That would have been altogether more exciting to witness.
April 28, 2022
2020 First read- Words can’t express how beautiful this book is... or how much I loved it. It was so good I could just cry right now.
This may just be my very favorite Beauty and the Beast retelling of all time. It was definitely one of the best fairytale retellings I’ve ever read.
Although I liked Lily in the first one, Sophie is my favorite twin. She is such an incredible character. She is kind but also strong and I loved her story so, so much. And as for Dominic, he completely stole my heart! He was hard not to love, even with all his growling.😉
If you haven’t read the first one in the series, go do that! It makes this one even more special in my opinion.❤️
I will say it again, Melanie Cellier’s writing is absolutely beautiful! This book was incredible.
2022 Reread-
I loved this book just as much as the first time! It’s still beautiful and so romantic. *happy sigh* Dominic and Sophie are just precious. ❤️
This may just be my very favorite Beauty and the Beast retelling of all time. It was definitely one of the best fairytale retellings I’ve ever read.
Although I liked Lily in the first one, Sophie is my favorite twin. She is such an incredible character. She is kind but also strong and I loved her story so, so much. And as for Dominic, he completely stole my heart! He was hard not to love, even with all his growling.😉
If you haven’t read the first one in the series, go do that! It makes this one even more special in my opinion.❤️
I will say it again, Melanie Cellier’s writing is absolutely beautiful! This book was incredible.
2022 Reread-
I loved this book just as much as the first time! It’s still beautiful and so romantic. *happy sigh* Dominic and Sophie are just precious. ❤️
December 19, 2017
This charming and thrilling sequel to A Dance of Silver and Shadow did notdisappoint! Beauty and the Beast is a challenge, y'all. It's not easy to fill those shoes and keep it fresh! But Mrs. Cellier has done just that, in my personal opinion. A Tale of Beauty and Beast kept the same building tension from A Dance of Silver and Shadow. It didn't end with the same heart-stopping cliff hanger, but it did whisper of more to come.
Characters, old and new, made me smile. Cellier nailed the beast. Spot on! And I really enjoyed how she created him, characteristically speaking. The reason and background she put into his story held obvious care and wit. He wasn't just some random, selfish character to fit the classic shoes. He truly had a past that showed why he was the way he was and how he came to desire and strength to overcome that past. Sophie was just as thrilling as before and it was interesting to see the other half of the puzzle, so to speak, rather than just how Lily saw her. Oh, and the servants of the castle! This, I think, was probably my favorite part. Cellier's ingenious approach to the servants is one that I've never seen before. Completely unique and it made the story even more compelling! The plot was full of delicious nods to the classic, (I especially loved the true classic nods, not just the sweet Disney nods) beloved tale as well as thrilling Four Kingdoms schemes, so intricately woven together. The writing style was easy and the book was well-written. No swearing, minimal and tactfully handled violence, and a very mild, but sweet romance. Loved it! Now, what, when, and where is book three?!!?
Characters, old and new, made me smile. Cellier nailed the beast. Spot on! And I really enjoyed how she created him, characteristically speaking. The reason and background she put into his story held obvious care and wit. He wasn't just some random, selfish character to fit the classic shoes. He truly had a past that showed why he was the way he was and how he came to desire and strength to overcome that past. Sophie was just as thrilling as before and it was interesting to see the other half of the puzzle, so to speak, rather than just how Lily saw her. Oh, and the servants of the castle! This, I think, was probably my favorite part. Cellier's ingenious approach to the servants is one that I've never seen before. Completely unique and it made the story even more compelling! The plot was full of delicious nods to the classic, (I especially loved the true classic nods, not just the sweet Disney nods) beloved tale as well as thrilling Four Kingdoms schemes, so intricately woven together. The writing style was easy and the book was well-written. No swearing, minimal and tactfully handled violence, and a very mild, but sweet romance. Loved it! Now, what, when, and where is book three?!!?
April 8, 2025
"If I truly believed I had power over my own actions and choices, then my apologies and thanks couldn't be conditional on his."
"My gratitude for his rescue was not contingent on his gratitude for me rescuing him back. The beast might not deserve my good attitude, but I did. I wanted to be a royal who earned respect, not one who demanded it."
I'm so happy to have found a retelling of Beauty and the Beast that rivals Beauty, by Robin McKinley in how much I enjoyed it. The story mostly follows the traditional plot line, but there are some interesting variations that lend depth to the story world and character motivations.
Near the end of the story, when you are fully invested in the relationship between beauty and beast but everything is falling asleep, I must admit to audibly scolding Sophie for not seeing the reality of the situation! Funny how even knowing the general idea of how the story will end doesn't reduce the mounting tension of the lead-up to the climax.
The one thing that bothered me a bit early on was how often Sophie referenced the beast's appearance. I wanted to tell her, "Yes, yes. I got it the first 50 times. You can stop now." But honestly it was a pretty minor irritation amid wonderful character development and story-telling.
Definitely would recommend this book, especially to lovers of stories such as Robin McKinley's Beauty.
"My gratitude for his rescue was not contingent on his gratitude for me rescuing him back. The beast might not deserve my good attitude, but I did. I wanted to be a royal who earned respect, not one who demanded it."
I'm so happy to have found a retelling of Beauty and the Beast that rivals Beauty, by Robin McKinley in how much I enjoyed it. The story mostly follows the traditional plot line, but there are some interesting variations that lend depth to the story world and character motivations.
Near the end of the story, when you are fully invested in the relationship between beauty and beast but everything is falling asleep, I must admit to audibly scolding Sophie for not seeing the reality of the situation! Funny how even knowing the general idea of how the story will end doesn't reduce the mounting tension of the lead-up to the climax.
The one thing that bothered me a bit early on was how often Sophie referenced the beast's appearance. I wanted to tell her, "Yes, yes. I got it the first 50 times. You can stop now." But honestly it was a pretty minor irritation amid wonderful character development and story-telling.
Definitely would recommend this book, especially to lovers of stories such as Robin McKinley's Beauty.
May 9, 2019
“Beauty and the Beast” is my favorite fairy tale so I was eager to read this interpretation of it, especially considering it was told from Princess Sophie’s perspective, a character I fell in love with in The Princess Companion and A Dance of Silver and Shadow. Melanie Cellier did a wonderful job combining aspects from the traditional tale and twisting them to make them her own to make an extremely sweet and magical retelling.
The plot unfolded at a gradual pace as Sophie slowly uncovers the mysteries of the castle and the curse the Kingdom of Palinor is under. The nature of the enchantment was unique and the backstory about how it came about was both interesting and heartbreaking. I loved the creative take on the cursed servants being invisible; it was amazing how distinct and well-developed these secondary characters were despite us not being able to see them. In addition, Sophie's sudden inability to telepathically communicate with her beloved twin sister really added to the plot; Sophie's loneliness and the sense she's lost a piece of herself while remaining trapped in castle added depth to the already difficult situation she finds herself in and made the bravery she summons in order to rise above her circumstances and figure out how to break the curse plaguing the kingdom all the more triumphant.
The romance was slow burning and sweet. I loved how Sophie used her godmother gift to learn to communicate with the Beast, first on an intellectual and then later on emotional level as it blossomed into something deeper. The growth and slow-blooming romance of Sophie and Prince Dominic was well developed; by the end of their story, it’s clear they belong together. In addition, even though Sophie and Lily were separated for most of the book, I loved how Sophie's experiences strengthened not only her relationship with the Beast but helped her better understand herself and further strengthen her bond with her sister. In this sense, the love portrayed in this story was more than a princess learning to see a prince within a beast; it was also about the unbreakable bond between sisters, which I found beautiful.
One thing that bothered me was Sophie’s narrative voice. In A Dance of Silver and Shadow she’s portrayed as being gentle and kind-hearted but her narrative voice was the opposite, full of bitterness, quick judgment, lack of understanding or forgiveness, and often rudeness towards the Beast as she repeatedly tries to put him in his place and maintain the upper hand. I was disappointed in this aspect of her character. While I understand some resentment is expected, it was a bit too much and went on too long for who I thought Sophie to be; I’d have preferred her to have demonstrated more inner beauty in her situation. She did later, but it took longer for her to get to that point than I would have liked. I suppose it did make a good starting off point for her later growth. Despite this, I still loved her as a character, though admittedly not as much as Lily.
Overall, A Tale of Beauty and the Beast is a fresh take on the classic “Beauty and the Beast” with the perfect combination of old and new elements to make the story fresh and enchanting, while still maintaining the beautiful message that true love is inward and breaks any curse.
The plot unfolded at a gradual pace as Sophie slowly uncovers the mysteries of the castle and the curse the Kingdom of Palinor is under. The nature of the enchantment was unique and the backstory about how it came about was both interesting and heartbreaking. I loved the creative take on the cursed servants being invisible; it was amazing how distinct and well-developed these secondary characters were despite us not being able to see them. In addition, Sophie's sudden inability to telepathically communicate with her beloved twin sister really added to the plot; Sophie's loneliness and the sense she's lost a piece of herself while remaining trapped in castle added depth to the already difficult situation she finds herself in and made the bravery she summons in order to rise above her circumstances and figure out how to break the curse plaguing the kingdom all the more triumphant.
The romance was slow burning and sweet. I loved how Sophie used her godmother gift to learn to communicate with the Beast, first on an intellectual and then later on emotional level as it blossomed into something deeper. The growth and slow-blooming romance of Sophie and Prince Dominic was well developed; by the end of their story, it’s clear they belong together. In addition, even though Sophie and Lily were separated for most of the book, I loved how Sophie's experiences strengthened not only her relationship with the Beast but helped her better understand herself and further strengthen her bond with her sister. In this sense, the love portrayed in this story was more than a princess learning to see a prince within a beast; it was also about the unbreakable bond between sisters, which I found beautiful.
One thing that bothered me was Sophie’s narrative voice. In A Dance of Silver and Shadow she’s portrayed as being gentle and kind-hearted but her narrative voice was the opposite, full of bitterness, quick judgment, lack of understanding or forgiveness, and often rudeness towards the Beast as she repeatedly tries to put him in his place and maintain the upper hand. I was disappointed in this aspect of her character. While I understand some resentment is expected, it was a bit too much and went on too long for who I thought Sophie to be; I’d have preferred her to have demonstrated more inner beauty in her situation. She did later, but it took longer for her to get to that point than I would have liked. I suppose it did make a good starting off point for her later growth. Despite this, I still loved her as a character, though admittedly not as much as Lily.
Overall, A Tale of Beauty and the Beast is a fresh take on the classic “Beauty and the Beast” with the perfect combination of old and new elements to make the story fresh and enchanting, while still maintaining the beautiful message that true love is inward and breaks any curse.
November 28, 2017
Another beautiful novel that I couldn't read fast enough and hated to see end! I honestly think this book was my favorite ... though I have felt that many times reading the different fairy tale retellings in Melanie's books.
The Four Kingdoms Books and Beyond the Four Kingdoms novels have honestly become my favorite series of books. That says a lot as I am an avid reader and have many authors I treasure, but I know with each book of Melanie Cellier's I will not be disappointed but only enchanted.
Beauty and the Beast has always been my favorite treasured fairy tale, and I know many share that sentiment as well. I cannot imagine the pressure it would be to try to capture the story's essence while also making it new and unique. Melanie did such a beautiful job doing exactly this!
I love the way Beauty and Beast discover how to connect and communicate in such a way as done in this retelling, as well as how Beauty truly was the perfect heroine to break the curse. I was also enchanted with the way the curse affected the kingdom and those within the castle.
However, I don't know if I could truly appreciate this book near as much had I not already read the previous novel (the retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses) prior. By reading the previous novel you come to love and understand Beauty and are able to TRULY get a feel as to how great this trial was for her and the gravity of being 'trapped' in the castle, how she really felt cut off and alone for the first time in her life, and that she'd lost a piece of herself by attempting to make a life there in the castle. A hefty sacrifice indeed.
*** Side note to Author ***
Melanie, waiting for this novel to be released was torture. If you ever need or want someone to read your books prior to being released .... I volunteer my services! (hint, hint, nudge, nudge, wink, wink) 😉
The Four Kingdoms Books and Beyond the Four Kingdoms novels have honestly become my favorite series of books. That says a lot as I am an avid reader and have many authors I treasure, but I know with each book of Melanie Cellier's I will not be disappointed but only enchanted.
Beauty and the Beast has always been my favorite treasured fairy tale, and I know many share that sentiment as well. I cannot imagine the pressure it would be to try to capture the story's essence while also making it new and unique. Melanie did such a beautiful job doing exactly this!
I love the way Beauty and Beast discover how to connect and communicate in such a way as done in this retelling, as well as how Beauty truly was the perfect heroine to break the curse. I was also enchanted with the way the curse affected the kingdom and those within the castle.
However, I don't know if I could truly appreciate this book near as much had I not already read the previous novel (the retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses) prior. By reading the previous novel you come to love and understand Beauty and are able to TRULY get a feel as to how great this trial was for her and the gravity of being 'trapped' in the castle, how she really felt cut off and alone for the first time in her life, and that she'd lost a piece of herself by attempting to make a life there in the castle. A hefty sacrifice indeed.
*** Side note to Author ***
Melanie, waiting for this novel to be released was torture. If you ever need or want someone to read your books prior to being released .... I volunteer my services! (hint, hint, nudge, nudge, wink, wink) 😉
October 6, 2018
After A DANCE OF SILVER AND SHADOW, I had to read A TALE OF BEAUTY AND BEAST immediately. This is Princess Sophie's story, as the consequence of the events that occurred in her sister Lily's story, which is the prequel. A TALE OF BEAUTY AND BEAST is my favorite Melanie Cellier I have ever read (and that's saying a lot, because her books are a-w-e-s-o-m-e).
Princess Sophie is betrothed to the fearsome Prince Dominic of Palinar, a kingdom of wastelands and dark magic. Unfortunately, Dominic is also known as the "Beast," and is as terrifying as she can imagine. Even worse, Sophie's telepathic link to her sister Lily has been broken off, and now she feels more alone than ever.
I'm not gonna lie; I normally hate retellings of "Beauty and the Beast," mainly because I adore the original fairytale as it is. But Sophie's book was so sweet and so lovely and so genuine that it became my favorite fairytale retelling! Her soft nature helped her see the Beast for who he really was, instead of some ferocious monster that everyone hated. She even started trying to overcome the barrier between them.
Then there was the history of Palinar itself. This story is perhaps one of the most touching by Melanie Cellier, THE PRINCESS FUGITIVE and THE PRINCESS SEARCH aside. I like that it's not fluffy and lighthearted and a joke on everything... well, most B&B retellings aren't, now that I think about it....
Anyway, this was an awesome book. I took an awful long time to review it, though.............
Princess Sophie is betrothed to the fearsome Prince Dominic of Palinar, a kingdom of wastelands and dark magic. Unfortunately, Dominic is also known as the "Beast," and is as terrifying as she can imagine. Even worse, Sophie's telepathic link to her sister Lily has been broken off, and now she feels more alone than ever.
I'm not gonna lie; I normally hate retellings of "Beauty and the Beast," mainly because I adore the original fairytale as it is. But Sophie's book was so sweet and so lovely and so genuine that it became my favorite fairytale retelling! Her soft nature helped her see the Beast for who he really was, instead of some ferocious monster that everyone hated. She even started trying to overcome the barrier between them.
Then there was the history of Palinar itself. This story is perhaps one of the most touching by Melanie Cellier, THE PRINCESS FUGITIVE and THE PRINCESS SEARCH aside. I like that it's not fluffy and lighthearted and a joke on everything... well, most B&B retellings aren't, now that I think about it....
Anyway, this was an awesome book. I took an awful long time to review it, though.............
February 17, 2019
3.5 stars rounded up. I was pleasantly surprised by the writing. Does that mean I’m pessimistic? Probably. This was a decent retelling of Beauty and the Beast. There are psychic twins, but it wasn’t lame. I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narration.
March 24, 2022
First of all, this book was sooooo romantic! I can't get over how much this book made me blush. I wasn't expecting this one to be so much like Beauty and the Beast, which my favorite fairy tale. I had a sneaking suspicion that this book was going to be the best one so far. And my favorite! There are so many good things I can say about this book and the story. Too many that I can't fit it in one review. So I'll just gave the highlights and what I loved the most.
#1. The beast. Ah! Oh my goodness! He was so perfect (I am aware I say that about every character). He hard on the surface but soft on the inside. He just needed that one perfect girl to help him see beyond the Beast. And Sophie was the other who could do that. The Tourney had chosen the right girl after all. Which goes to show you, there's only one perfect person in the world for you. I did my best to picture what Dominic looked like as the Beast. I feel like it was somewhere between animal and human. Like he stuck in the middle of the two. My favorite thing about him, was once he stopped fighting it, I could see how sweetly in love he was with Sophie. I've always associated Beauty and the Beast pure, unconditional love. This book really gave me that. He was so romantic a many parts that it made me heart ache.
#2. Ah! I can also tell the difference between Sophie and Lily too, Jon! My mind was blown on how Sophie so easily different from her twin, Lily. Sure I got the sense of that in book one, but in her own story, Sophie truly let her light shine. She's the caring, sweet and loving sister, unlike Lily. And that's what made her perfect for Dominic. No other girl could had handle him the way that would have let him see beyond the ugly Beast. At first she was lost. She didn't know how to live without Lily by her side. I was excited how she slowly learned who she could be without her twin. She learned she was brave, strong and that she could handle anything. I liked how she was timid and pure even tho she was trapped in a magical castle. Although I'm really frustrated with her that it took so long to see beyond the Beast and that she was in love with Dominic. But thankfully, she finally realized it.
#3. At first the castle was creepy. Personally I would have hauled my bed out to the stable and slept outside if I started hearing whispering voice. You have no idea how excited I got when I realized the truth about the doors opening by themselves or dishes floating around the empty kitchen. I slowly begun to understand the curse. And really got mad when the servants and Dominic refused to tell Sophie about the curse (which resulted in many of their fights). The servants were so great. I loved how even they were cursed they still loved and served their prince. Although if I was Sophie I would have probably had a heart attack if I saw candles and plates floating around randomly!
#4. Once again I really felt like this book was too focused on the villiany, but it did deliver on that aspect. I wish that the bad guy would just disappear one day in Dominic's dungeon. I have a feeling however, that there's more to him than anyone realizes. I have a feeling he might be coming back and there's something he's hiding, that when revealed will completely blow my mind.
#5. Something I loved about this story was the Beauty and the Beast retelling. Since Beauty and the Beast is my favorite fairy tale, I was anxious to get to this book. The elements of the fairy tale was so naturally woven into this book about foreign lands and princesses from the Four Kingdoms. It felt like Beauty and the Beast, but still it was it's own story. And my mind just can't get over, if Sophie and Lily had never begged to join the delegation to the new lands, either one of them both had met their true love. I know that these stories can go anywhere since their written by amazing aurthor but I also sometimes feel, while reading them, that so many things could have happened differently. I just can't get over Melanie's amazing talent and how amazing these books truly are. I love fairy tales just like Sophie and I will always treasure these books!
#6. Content was as usual. Of course there was a big bad Beast that roared every now and again (especially when Sophie and Dominic got into a fight). A couple "idiots". No killings. A mild mention of blood. And of course a wolf attack. A few kisses at the end. Over very clean. :)
#7. Lastly, I was so happy and pleased about this book! I hope y'all decide to read them. But start at the first book in the first series! I promise I loved this book sooooo much! I can't get over how romantic it was. No matter what THIS will be my favorite Beyond the Four Kingdoms book!
#1. The beast. Ah! Oh my goodness! He was so perfect (I am aware I say that about every character). He hard on the surface but soft on the inside. He just needed that one perfect girl to help him see beyond the Beast. And Sophie was the other who could do that. The Tourney had chosen the right girl after all. Which goes to show you, there's only one perfect person in the world for you. I did my best to picture what Dominic looked like as the Beast. I feel like it was somewhere between animal and human. Like he stuck in the middle of the two. My favorite thing about him, was once he stopped fighting it, I could see how sweetly in love he was with Sophie. I've always associated Beauty and the Beast pure, unconditional love. This book really gave me that. He was so romantic a many parts that it made me heart ache.
#2. Ah! I can also tell the difference between Sophie and Lily too, Jon! My mind was blown on how Sophie so easily different from her twin, Lily. Sure I got the sense of that in book one, but in her own story, Sophie truly let her light shine. She's the caring, sweet and loving sister, unlike Lily. And that's what made her perfect for Dominic. No other girl could had handle him the way that would have let him see beyond the ugly Beast. At first she was lost. She didn't know how to live without Lily by her side. I was excited how she slowly learned who she could be without her twin. She learned she was brave, strong and that she could handle anything. I liked how she was timid and pure even tho she was trapped in a magical castle. Although I'm really frustrated with her that it took so long to see beyond the Beast and that she was in love with Dominic. But thankfully, she finally realized it.
#3. At first the castle was creepy. Personally I would have hauled my bed out to the stable and slept outside if I started hearing whispering voice. You have no idea how excited I got when I realized the truth about the doors opening by themselves or dishes floating around the empty kitchen. I slowly begun to understand the curse. And really got mad when the servants and Dominic refused to tell Sophie about the curse (which resulted in many of their fights). The servants were so great. I loved how even they were cursed they still loved and served their prince. Although if I was Sophie I would have probably had a heart attack if I saw candles and plates floating around randomly!
#4. Once again I really felt like this book was too focused on the villiany, but it did deliver on that aspect. I wish that the bad guy would just disappear one day in Dominic's dungeon. I have a feeling however, that there's more to him than anyone realizes. I have a feeling he might be coming back and there's something he's hiding, that when revealed will completely blow my mind.
#5. Something I loved about this story was the Beauty and the Beast retelling. Since Beauty and the Beast is my favorite fairy tale, I was anxious to get to this book. The elements of the fairy tale was so naturally woven into this book about foreign lands and princesses from the Four Kingdoms. It felt like Beauty and the Beast, but still it was it's own story. And my mind just can't get over, if Sophie and Lily had never begged to join the delegation to the new lands, either one of them both had met their true love. I know that these stories can go anywhere since their written by amazing aurthor but I also sometimes feel, while reading them, that so many things could have happened differently. I just can't get over Melanie's amazing talent and how amazing these books truly are. I love fairy tales just like Sophie and I will always treasure these books!
#6. Content was as usual. Of course there was a big bad Beast that roared every now and again (especially when Sophie and Dominic got into a fight). A couple "idiots". No killings. A mild mention of blood. And of course a wolf attack. A few kisses at the end. Over very clean. :)
#7. Lastly, I was so happy and pleased about this book! I hope y'all decide to read them. But start at the first book in the first series! I promise I loved this book sooooo much! I can't get over how romantic it was. No matter what THIS will be my favorite Beyond the Four Kingdoms book!
January 17, 2018
The second book in the Beyond the Four Kingdoms series by Melanie Cellier. The Princess Tourney is over and now is it time for Princess Sophie, twin sister to Princess Lily of A Dance of Silver and Shadow: A Retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses, to travel to Palinar to meet the beast, I mean, Prince Dominic. All Sophie hears at first is his growls and reads his demands on the notes he writes to her. But she keeps hearing voices and realizes that, though she can't hear her sister's voice anymore, there are people that she can hear. Eventually, she can even hear the prince. And every night the Beast asks her, "Will you marry me?" But she longs for her sister and only wants to leave.
A few twists to the story but it stays pretty loyal to some aspects of the tale. It was a fun version of the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale.
A few twists to the story but it stays pretty loyal to some aspects of the tale. It was a fun version of the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale.
March 21, 2018
I read this immediately after A Dance of Silver and Shadow: A Retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses, so it took a little bit to adjust to Sophie's voice instead of Lily's, but despite being slower to pull me in, by the end I loved it just as much as the first book.
April 24, 2020
4.5 Stars
I've had my fair share of the Beauty and the Beast retelling. I must admit that this is the one of the best ones I've read. I really loved it.
I've had my fair share of the Beauty and the Beast retelling. I must admit that this is the one of the best ones I've read. I really loved it.
January 8, 2023
It's rare to find a unique Beauty and the Beast retelling, since the fairy tale has been retold hundreds of times, but this story manages to stay true to the original story (and echo the popular Disney adaptions), as well as add its own unique touches. Princess Sophie, the winner of the Princess Tourney from the last book, comes to the cursed kingdom of Palinar as the betrothed of the beastly Prince Dominic. The inhabitants of the Prince's castle have been transported into a parallel world, able to interact with objects, but not be seen (thanks to the curse). Dominic has to learn to love, and learn to forgive himself (though his guilt is mostly misplaced), while Sophie has to learn to trust and stand on her own two feet. The characters are great (especially Sophie's hilarious maidservants), and the plot at the end diverges from the original story line just enough to keep the readers guessing. This s another fairy tale masterpiece from Melanie Cellier.
Re-read, re-review January 2023
In a lot of ways, this is a classic, straightforward retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Beautiful Princess Sophie is forced (out of concern for others) to stay in an enchanted castle with a now-beastly former prince. Slowly they fall in love, then something happens to separate them, but they end up back together and live happily ever after.
In other ways, it's quite different -- the servants are in a separate dimension, so they're invisible, yet Sophie finds a way to communicate with them. Plus, the villain
Re-read, re-review January 2023
In a lot of ways, this is a classic, straightforward retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Beautiful Princess Sophie is forced (out of concern for others) to stay in an enchanted castle with a now-beastly former prince. Slowly they fall in love, then something happens to separate them, but they end up back together and live happily ever after.
In other ways, it's quite different -- the servants are in a separate dimension, so they're invisible, yet Sophie finds a way to communicate with them. Plus, the villain
May 4, 2022
Reader thoughts: I thought I would miss Lily, but I really liked Sophie. She didn't waste time moping or complaining. She just worked on figuring out how to listen to voices/thoughts and how to break the curse (although she had almost nothing to go on).
I liked the magical limitations in this book. Sophie's and Lily's connection was blocked by a barrier. The beast prince could only go so far from the mansion. The servants were literally invisible, in another dimension/realm but could still move and touch objects. The curse had to be broken within a certain amount of time (3 years and 3 months and 3 days, if I remember correctly). All this led to mystery and excitement and chances for Sophie to get past/around such limitations.
I didn't really like the beast prince guy. I never do at first with a Beauty and the Beast retelling. He was better later, but I didn't understand why Sophie liked him so much. I hope he does a LOT more growing.
Writer thoughts: Neat idea to jump to the twin sister's pov for the sequel. Sophie kept referring to the prince as "Beast," but, over halfway through the novel, she started using his name. So, this was a great way to show the readers that Sophie thought of him as a real human, that she didn't look at his appearance anymore.
Authors can do a lot with a pov just by labeling people differently. In one pov, perhaps a character is only referred to by title, like His Majesty. In another pov, the same character could be referred to by family connection, like Uncle. In another pov, the same character could be Bushy Mustache or The Old King. This serves two purposes: it shows readers info about the pov character, and it shows info about the character being referred to.
I liked the magical limitations in this book. Sophie's and Lily's connection was blocked by a barrier. The beast prince could only go so far from the mansion. The servants were literally invisible, in another dimension/realm but could still move and touch objects. The curse had to be broken within a certain amount of time (3 years and 3 months and 3 days, if I remember correctly). All this led to mystery and excitement and chances for Sophie to get past/around such limitations.
I didn't really like the beast prince guy. I never do at first with a Beauty and the Beast retelling. He was better later, but I didn't understand why Sophie liked him so much. I hope he does a LOT more growing.
Writer thoughts: Neat idea to jump to the twin sister's pov for the sequel. Sophie kept referring to the prince as "Beast," but, over halfway through the novel, she started using his name. So, this was a great way to show the readers that Sophie thought of him as a real human, that she didn't look at his appearance anymore.
Authors can do a lot with a pov just by labeling people differently. In one pov, perhaps a character is only referred to by title, like His Majesty. In another pov, the same character could be referred to by family connection, like Uncle. In another pov, the same character could be Bushy Mustache or The Old King. This serves two purposes: it shows readers info about the pov character, and it shows info about the character being referred to.
December 29, 2017
A Tale of Beauty and the Beast, by Melanie Cellier.
I felt so moved by Sophie's trials and wins.
how could she ever find a way to reach through to the beast, and stay brave, and true to herself and her feeling.
but did you really want to find good left in beast hard shell, every time I thought maybe, he'd push her away from seeing the truth.
I love how Melanie Cellier worked with the story, balancing it with a fresh brezze over a tale as old as time.
as I read your work old favourites move happily down the leader board.
I can not wait to see, and read more. love the covers great chose's.
Amelia Eckert.
I felt so moved by Sophie's trials and wins.
how could she ever find a way to reach through to the beast, and stay brave, and true to herself and her feeling.
but did you really want to find good left in beast hard shell, every time I thought maybe, he'd push her away from seeing the truth.
I love how Melanie Cellier worked with the story, balancing it with a fresh brezze over a tale as old as time.
as I read your work old favourites move happily down the leader board.
I can not wait to see, and read more. love the covers great chose's.
Amelia Eckert.
February 25, 2021
So, the first quarter kinda dragged until Sophie figured out how to communicate, and it did hit the wolf attack-library gift-ball beats of the Disney movie, which ... is a B&B peeve of mine.
BUT! The working in of the marriage proposal from the original was amazing, the showdown was awesome, the reason and nature of the curse was interesting, and the Disney elements made sense for the characters and situation, so they didn't feel shoe-horned or forced, so I'm not mad at them???
I was solidly expecting to give this thing four stars for most of it, but that ending earned that fifth star all on its lonesome. Telepathic twins for the win!
BUT! The working in of the marriage proposal from the original was amazing, the showdown was awesome, the reason and nature of the curse was interesting, and the Disney elements made sense for the characters and situation, so they didn't feel shoe-horned or forced, so I'm not mad at them???
I was solidly expecting to give this thing four stars for most of it, but that ending earned that fifth star all on its lonesome. Telepathic twins for the win!
December 2, 2019
I enjoyed this book more then the first. I thought that having less characters meant it was easier to follow. I liked the beast and how he stayed a beast until the last few chapters. Cole turned out to be the baddie that I thought he was. Although they still don't know how he did it in the first place.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2020
2.5 stars.
I didn't like this one as much as the first book. The plot felt much more derivative and cliché. The characters were still interesting, and the worldbuilding is fine, but overall, it just didn't capture my attention as well.
I didn't like this one as much as the first book. The plot felt much more derivative and cliché. The characters were still interesting, and the worldbuilding is fine, but overall, it just didn't capture my attention as well.
February 2, 2024
This was such a fun read! I definitely missed the fact that it’s a sequel, but I still really enjoyed it and am definitely going to go back and read the first book. I loved how it stayed true to the original Beauty and the Beast story while also being its own romantic fantasy.
The worldbuilding is so beautiful, and I loved all the characters! It’s a super easy read too, which is always nice. I listened to the audio and sped through it! However, I wasn’t the biggest fan of the narrator.
If you’re a fan of retellings, I definitely recommend this one!
The worldbuilding is so beautiful, and I loved all the characters! It’s a super easy read too, which is always nice. I listened to the audio and sped through it! However, I wasn’t the biggest fan of the narrator.
If you’re a fan of retellings, I definitely recommend this one!
January 4, 2023
4.5 stars, rounded up
After taking a bit for the story to pick up, this was a fantastic retelling of a beloved fairy tale! I love how Cellier puts her own twist on such well-known stories and she delivered so well with the story of Sophie and Dominic. It's also so cool to see the little elements introduced in previous stories come to fruition and become cohesive.
Far more than the original series, Beyond the Four Kingdoms needs to be read in order as to not miss the overall story.
After taking a bit for the story to pick up, this was a fantastic retelling of a beloved fairy tale! I love how Cellier puts her own twist on such well-known stories and she delivered so well with the story of Sophie and Dominic. It's also so cool to see the little elements introduced in previous stories come to fruition and become cohesive.
Far more than the original series, Beyond the Four Kingdoms needs to be read in order as to not miss the overall story.
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