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Mark of the Least
Skin Deep
The only one who can free him is the girl he’s hurt the most.Cursed for a youthful accident which maimed a young woman, Léon Beauregard roams his mountain as a bear, clinging to the scraps of his humanity. Too bad it’s not working. Every day he loses a little more of himself to the bear and his stupid fuzzy tail. But when Léon comes across Anwen, an enchanter scarred from an accident she doesn’t remember, she promises to free him, because she believes no one deserves this sort of punishment, no matter their crime.As the graceful enchanter tries to free him, Léon begins to realize Anwen is much more than just a passing enchanter. She’s the one he’s falling in love with. And she is the one whose life he ruined. He knows he must hide his part in Anwen’s past if he wants to keep her, but when bodies show up mauled by a large animal, even she begins to doubt his ability to be redeemed. With his heart, soul, and humanity in the balance, Léon has more to hide and everything to lose if Anwen ever learns the truth about the monster inside him. The Mark of the Least is a series of related stories designed to be read in any order.
337 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2019
About the author
Kendra Merritt
28 books85 followersBooks have been Kendra’s escape for as long as she can remember. She used to hide fantasy novels behind her government textbook in high school, and she wrote most of her first novel during a semester of college algebra.
Older and wiser now (but just as nerdy) Kendra writes retellings of fairytales with main characters who have disabilities. If she isn’t writing, she’s reading, and if she isn’t reading, she’s playing video games.
Kendra lives in Denver with her very tall husband, their book loving progeny, and a lazy black monster masquerading as a service dog.
Older and wiser now (but just as nerdy) Kendra writes retellings of fairytales with main characters who have disabilities. If she isn’t writing, she’s reading, and if she isn’t reading, she’s playing video games.
Kendra lives in Denver with her very tall husband, their book loving progeny, and a lazy black monster masquerading as a service dog.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 28, 2020
Too lazy to full review. So here are my general and biased-y thoughts.
I liked this! Just like before, it was GREAT! I mean, seriously, I FELT the time shift from the first book and I have no idea how....and I also loved the new characters and all the relationships being thrown around.
To be honest, though, I didn't really like the conclusion of the villain arc. Mostly cause it seemed kind of out there and I had thought it was setting up for a much different reveal.
Overall, though, good vibes. Great retelling, worldbuilding, characters, even if a little iffy on the plot. It's worth reading for the wordlbuilding and just the *how did you do this* of time shift tone, though...
Content: Little less of that archaic type language here. There were several mentions of something being, ahem, in their birthday suit thanks to the nature of some magic things....but it wasn't made to be...dirty.
I liked this! Just like before, it was GREAT! I mean, seriously, I FELT the time shift from the first book and I have no idea how....and I also loved the new characters and all the relationships being thrown around.
To be honest, though, I didn't really like the conclusion of the villain arc. Mostly cause it seemed kind of out there and I had thought it was setting up for a much different reveal.
Overall, though, good vibes. Great retelling, worldbuilding, characters, even if a little iffy on the plot. It's worth reading for the wordlbuilding and just the *how did you do this* of time shift tone, though...
Content: Little less of that archaic type language here. There were several mentions of something being, ahem, in their birthday suit thanks to the nature of some magic things....but it wasn't made to be...dirty.
May 4, 2023
A wonderful Beauty and the Beast retelling that makes me want to read the whole series!
September 1, 2020
I enjoyed reading Skin Deep with its humor, intrigue, and cute romance. Set hundreds of years before Catching Cinders and By Winged Chair, I loved learning more about the lore and history of their world.
March 8, 2021
This is the first of Kendra Merritt's novels that I've read--I'd never heard of them before, but picked this one up when someone recommended her as an author who writes fairytale retellings (something I love) with disability rep (something else I love!). I heard they didn't need to be read in order, so seeing that this one was a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, one of my favorite fairytales and Disney movies, it's the one I chose.
And I'm so glad I did. Too many BATB retellings are written in ways where the dynamic between the main characters is just... unhealthy, in my opinion, and I can't root for them to fall in love. But not Leon and Anwen. Anwen is fiercely determined, compassionate, and strong and staying with Leon to figure out how to break his curse is fully her choice. She's never made to feel like a prisoner and Leon knows he can't control her--in fact, he feels far more trapped than she does. I love Anwen's character. I love the choice of making her an enchanter, as a spin on Beauty and the Beast originally featuring an enchantress who curses the Beast, and I love how she's a beauty with a physical disability and a scarred face.
Leon annoyed me a little at first, with his comments about Anwen's scars especially, but given the type of story this is I just knew he'd shape up to be the kind of character I always love, and I wasn't wrong at all. He starts as an arrogant and selfish lord whose sole concern is breaking his curse and trying to make Anwen like him for that reason, all while keeping an incredibly important secret from her, but even from the beginning he has a soft side and seeing his inner thoughts goes a long way in showing that. He gets along with kids (and Emeline and Josselin are adorable!), he deeply fears hurting people as a bear, he loves to paint, he wrote an amazingly terrible poem for Fanny... and he grows and redeems himself in a beautiful way. Every single bit of his and Anwen's relationship development was so sweet but also so painful, knowing what he was keeping from her and just knowing that even though there's probably gonna be a happily ever after, this still all has to blow up in his face at one point.
The ending was both exciting and beautiful. The way some things were resolved (like the mystery of the killings and the way Leon's curse was finally broken) weren't quite what I'd expected but that's not a criticism at all, because it was even better than I thought it'd be. Anwen and Leon both had such fantastic character development. However, if I had to give just one criticism for the book, it'd be that when I got to the last page I expected there to be at least a couple more, or maybe an epilogue of some sort, because it felt a bit abrupt. But maybe that's just because when it ended I immediately started missing the characters!
This is definitely a character driven story, but I also love the worldbuilding of it! I felt so immersed in it from the beginning, learning about enchanters and where their power comes from, about the religion practiced by the people of this world, their culture and the holiday of LongNight (the parts where they were all celebrating it together were so cute!), about the Zevryn, a species of shapeshifters which includes Anwen's companion Brann, and about the interesting way that Leon's curse functioned and the mystery of how to break it. There were also several moments and lines that made me laugh out loud. This was a great read and I desperately wish more people knew it existed so there could be a fandom for it and I could get more of Leon, Anwen, Brann, and the rest of their found family! I read it for free on Kindle Unlimited but I plan to buy an actual copy soon because the cover design is gorgeous and I want it on my shelf.
And I'm so glad I did. Too many BATB retellings are written in ways where the dynamic between the main characters is just... unhealthy, in my opinion, and I can't root for them to fall in love. But not Leon and Anwen. Anwen is fiercely determined, compassionate, and strong and staying with Leon to figure out how to break his curse is fully her choice. She's never made to feel like a prisoner and Leon knows he can't control her--in fact, he feels far more trapped than she does. I love Anwen's character. I love the choice of making her an enchanter, as a spin on Beauty and the Beast originally featuring an enchantress who curses the Beast, and I love how she's a beauty with a physical disability and a scarred face.
Leon annoyed me a little at first, with his comments about Anwen's scars especially, but given the type of story this is I just knew he'd shape up to be the kind of character I always love, and I wasn't wrong at all. He starts as an arrogant and selfish lord whose sole concern is breaking his curse and trying to make Anwen like him for that reason, all while keeping an incredibly important secret from her, but even from the beginning he has a soft side and seeing his inner thoughts goes a long way in showing that. He gets along with kids (and Emeline and Josselin are adorable!), he deeply fears hurting people as a bear, he loves to paint, he wrote an amazingly terrible poem for Fanny... and he grows and redeems himself in a beautiful way. Every single bit of his and Anwen's relationship development was so sweet but also so painful, knowing what he was keeping from her and just knowing that even though there's probably gonna be a happily ever after, this still all has to blow up in his face at one point.
The ending was both exciting and beautiful. The way some things were resolved (like the mystery of the killings and the way Leon's curse was finally broken) weren't quite what I'd expected but that's not a criticism at all, because it was even better than I thought it'd be. Anwen and Leon both had such fantastic character development. However, if I had to give just one criticism for the book, it'd be that when I got to the last page I expected there to be at least a couple more, or maybe an epilogue of some sort, because it felt a bit abrupt. But maybe that's just because when it ended I immediately started missing the characters!
This is definitely a character driven story, but I also love the worldbuilding of it! I felt so immersed in it from the beginning, learning about enchanters and where their power comes from, about the religion practiced by the people of this world, their culture and the holiday of LongNight (the parts where they were all celebrating it together were so cute!), about the Zevryn, a species of shapeshifters which includes Anwen's companion Brann, and about the interesting way that Leon's curse functioned and the mystery of how to break it. There were also several moments and lines that made me laugh out loud. This was a great read and I desperately wish more people knew it existed so there could be a fandom for it and I could get more of Leon, Anwen, Brann, and the rest of their found family! I read it for free on Kindle Unlimited but I plan to buy an actual copy soon because the cover design is gorgeous and I want it on my shelf.
August 30, 2023
For the most part I enjoyed the story. I thought the characters were well written and exhibited meaningful growth through the course of their journey. It was a nice take on a classic story. I felt more comfortable rooting for the relationship between Léon and Enwen than I often do about Beauty and the Beast retellings. On the other hand, I was a bit disappointed by the message about Enwen’s scars. I had been hoping for more nuance in the perspective on her injuries than that her beauty is deeper than the scars, that she is beautiful because of who she is on the inside or was beautiful before the accident. That kind of thinking doesn’t really work for me, and it came up frequently enough that it bothered me, resulting in a lower rating. I would have expected it from Léon before he began to grow as a person, but it was unacceptable at the end. The ending of the story also felt a little too abrupt. It would have been nice for it to have more room to breathe instead of cramming all of the final details in at once. Overall, it was entertaining, but seemed to be missing something. Though I was a bit disappointed, I still really enjoy Merritt’s style.
July 28, 2022
I enjoyed By Winged Chair so much that I knew I had to continue on with the Mark of the Least series. The second volume, Skin Deep, is a Beauty and the Beast retelling, which is honestly a topic that has been a bit done to death. Once again, however, this read completely won me over.
Merritt writes from the perspective of Léon, the transformed prince. I feel like Beauty and the Beast retellings are almost always from Beauty's perspective, and it was so cool to get to see how it feels to be Léon. The depiction of his transformation back and forth from beast to man was so evocative. You really felt both the physical and emotional distress he faces, and it added a lot to his developing romantic feelings for Anwen.
I did find the use of misunderstandings as a central part of the romantic plot to be a tiny bit irritating? It's just not a trope I like, especially when it seems out of character for two people who are otherwise quite intelligent. But that didn't change the fact that this was a five-star read for me!
Merritt writes from the perspective of Léon, the transformed prince. I feel like Beauty and the Beast retellings are almost always from Beauty's perspective, and it was so cool to get to see how it feels to be Léon. The depiction of his transformation back and forth from beast to man was so evocative. You really felt both the physical and emotional distress he faces, and it added a lot to his developing romantic feelings for Anwen.
I did find the use of misunderstandings as a central part of the romantic plot to be a tiny bit irritating? It's just not a trope I like, especially when it seems out of character for two people who are otherwise quite intelligent. But that didn't change the fact that this was a five-star read for me!
October 13, 2022
An enjoyable and unique Beauty and the Beast retelling. It's a lovely and profound tale of forgiveness and redemption.
Lord Leon Beauregard was cursed to the form of a bear, doomed to lose his humanity drop by drop, for a terrible mistake he made. It's now been three long, bitter years, but when he encounters apprentice enchanter Anwen de Emrys, he hopes she can find a way to help him lift the curse. She, in turn, feels compassion for his state, believing that no one deserves the terrible punishment that's been meted out to him. But that belief will be tested as a series of animal attacks threatens to break her trust in the progress Leon has made in changing his heart back to that of a man. Leon, in his turn, hides a terrible secret, one he fears if Anwen learns he will lose his one chance at redemption: they met once before, on the day both of their lives were destroyed.
I particularly liked Anwen, and how her steadfast determination to see the best in people actually made them want to be better, to be the person she thought they could be.
Lord Leon Beauregard was cursed to the form of a bear, doomed to lose his humanity drop by drop, for a terrible mistake he made. It's now been three long, bitter years, but when he encounters apprentice enchanter Anwen de Emrys, he hopes she can find a way to help him lift the curse. She, in turn, feels compassion for his state, believing that no one deserves the terrible punishment that's been meted out to him. But that belief will be tested as a series of animal attacks threatens to break her trust in the progress Leon has made in changing his heart back to that of a man. Leon, in his turn, hides a terrible secret, one he fears if Anwen learns he will lose his one chance at redemption: they met once before, on the day both of their lives were destroyed.
I particularly liked Anwen, and how her steadfast determination to see the best in people actually made them want to be better, to be the person she thought they could be.
February 8, 2022
Beauty and the Beast retelling
Very good Beauty and the Beast retelling. The selfish arrogant Leon, Lord of Whitecliff manor was well done. Anwen, is physically scarred, but beauty is more than perfect skin, and she was beautiful inside and out. I liked the connection of Anwen's scars and Leon's curse, it provided the momentum for why Leon's reasons for secrecy changed.
The mystery if who is killing villagers was a great driving force for the plot.
I think my only complaint is the age of Anwen and Leon. I think they could each have been a couple years older when the accident happened, so that they could be a little older when their paths cross again.
I wouldn't recommend this to anyone younger than 12 or 13. There is are several instances of bodies being discovered mauled, with blood and injuries mentioned.
Very good Beauty and the Beast retelling. The selfish arrogant Leon, Lord of Whitecliff manor was well done. Anwen, is physically scarred, but beauty is more than perfect skin, and she was beautiful inside and out. I liked the connection of Anwen's scars and Leon's curse, it provided the momentum for why Leon's reasons for secrecy changed.
The mystery if who is killing villagers was a great driving force for the plot.
I think my only complaint is the age of Anwen and Leon. I think they could each have been a couple years older when the accident happened, so that they could be a little older when their paths cross again.
I wouldn't recommend this to anyone younger than 12 or 13. There is are several instances of bodies being discovered mauled, with blood and injuries mentioned.
April 5, 2019
It’s a dangerous thing, releasing a sophomore novel. It becomes more dangerous when an author changes the protagonist, utilizes multiple viewpoint characters, and creates a mystery instead of a straight adventure tale, yet the author has succeeded marvelously!
Beauty and the Beast, like Robin Hood (the inspiration for the first book in this universe), is a tale as old as time (forgive me, I couldn’t help it), and one that has been portrayed in multiple movies, tv shows, and literary versions, but none quite like this. While the myth has always had undertones of repentance, grace, and change, Skin Deep takes them all one step further- reminding us not only that the truest beauty comes from within, but also that it is possible for the most selfish soul to change.
Beauty and the Beast, like Robin Hood (the inspiration for the first book in this universe), is a tale as old as time (forgive me, I couldn’t help it), and one that has been portrayed in multiple movies, tv shows, and literary versions, but none quite like this. While the myth has always had undertones of repentance, grace, and change, Skin Deep takes them all one step further- reminding us not only that the truest beauty comes from within, but also that it is possible for the most selfish soul to change.
April 25, 2019
It’s a dangerous thing, releasing a sophomore novel. It becomes more dangerous when an author changes the protagonist, utilizes multiple viewpoint characters, and creates a mystery instead of a straight adventure tale, yet the author has succeeded marvelously!
Beauty and the Beast, like Robin Hood (the inspiration for the first book in this universe), is a tale as old as time (forgive me, I couldn’t help it), and one that has been portrayed in multiple movies, tv shows, and literary versions, but none quite like this. While the myth has always had undertones of repentance, grace, and change, Skin Deep takes them all one step further- reminding us not only that the truest beauty comes from within, but also that it is possible for the most selfish soul to change.
Beauty and the Beast, like Robin Hood (the inspiration for the first book in this universe), is a tale as old as time (forgive me, I couldn’t help it), and one that has been portrayed in multiple movies, tv shows, and literary versions, but none quite like this. While the myth has always had undertones of repentance, grace, and change, Skin Deep takes them all one step further- reminding us not only that the truest beauty comes from within, but also that it is possible for the most selfish soul to change.
November 6, 2019
*I*, a person who doesn't like fairytale retellings, absolutely LOVED this book! It's a beautiful tale about love and redemption and forgiveness and it gave me all the warm and fuzzy feelings.
Skin Deep is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, except Beauty is a scarred and disabled young enchantress, and the Beast is a bear. Who's actually the arrogant young lord whose carelessness and cruelty caused the woman's accident and almost killed her. The main cast also includes a snarky shapeshifter, a devoted servant, and his girlfriend, a best friend who's also a healer, and two adorable children a.k.a. the found family I needed and deserved.
This was seriously such a treat and now I'm very much excited to read more from the author.
Skin Deep is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, except Beauty is a scarred and disabled young enchantress, and the Beast is a bear. Who's actually the arrogant young lord whose carelessness and cruelty caused the woman's accident and almost killed her. The main cast also includes a snarky shapeshifter, a devoted servant, and his girlfriend, a best friend who's also a healer, and two adorable children a.k.a. the found family I needed and deserved.
This was seriously such a treat and now I'm very much excited to read more from the author.
January 4, 2021
In the true spirit of Robin McKinley, here’s a Beauty and the Beast adaptation! Nobleman Leon Beauregard (yes, his name means good looking) struggles against an enchantment that has bound him to the form of a huge bear for years, until he meets Anwen, herself an enchantress with a scarred past, compassionate enough to seek the healing of both his heart and his form. I enjoyed the unfolding of Leon’s character arc through the story, watching him hesitate in his creativity and love while learning to trust his new and changed heart.
August 4, 2021
This was so cool! I couldn't love the MC more! She was so brave, and her capacity for love and faith in people was fantastic. it is idealistic but the world would be a better place if everyone shared that empathy. She certainly made the beast a new man. This is also a good example of how power corrupts. I was not a fan of the religious undertones but it didn't bother me so much I won't read the rest of the series. MC's with disabilities is fantastic! Perfection is overrated and this shows that everyone has a place and something they can do.
July 5, 2019
Set centuries earlier than By Winged Chair, attentive readers will still recognize a name or two in Skin Deep. This tale of injury, forgiveness, and repentance is beautifully crafted with an obvious love for redemption. Somehow I found myself understanding each character’s choices and wondering if I would be able to choose as well, much less any better than they did. I thoroughly enjoyed Skin Deep and I’m looking forward to seeing where in time the next book takes me!
March 9, 2023
4.5 Rounded up. I think I still like By Winged Chair more than this one, that one let me revel longer in the HEA. However, my main issue was the amount of religion in this one. There was too much of "serving Him" and "serving the Almighty" that it was hard to detach the worldbuilding from Christian rhetoric which is triggering for me. That being said, I still loved this and loved the characters and story. I wanted an epilogue like the first book has but it still wrapped up very well.
May 5, 2022
Really interesting take on an old story and really well written
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