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Of Thorns and Beauty
"You think you know the tale as old as time, but you’ve already got it wrong.
There never was a beauty and a beast, only a girl who was both.
And that girl was me."
Zaina will never be free.
She's forced into an arranged marriage to a Viking King in a castle full of secrets. But she carries secrets of her own, and the scars of her haunted past.
Handed off from one monster to another, she has no choice but to do her best to survive and protect her sisters.
Even if it costs her everything.
A Beauty and the Beast retelling you won’t want to miss, where nothing is what it seems and time is running out.
There never was a beauty and a beast, only a girl who was both.
And that girl was me."
Zaina will never be free.
She's forced into an arranged marriage to a Viking King in a castle full of secrets. But she carries secrets of her own, and the scars of her haunted past.
Handed off from one monster to another, she has no choice but to do her best to survive and protect her sisters.
Even if it costs her everything.
A Beauty and the Beast retelling you won’t want to miss, where nothing is what it seems and time is running out.
346 pages, Paperback
First published August 25, 2020
681 people are currently reading
9812 people want to read
About the author
Elle Madison
33 books668 followersElle Madison is a faerie disguising herself as an author in the human world.
When she isn't wrestling her children, she's busy baking cookies for her husband and becoming a regular at every taco shop she comes across.
After hours, when she puts the kiddos to bed, you can usually find Elle working on creating new fantastical worlds, reading about them or playing Stardew Valley like the child she is.
Elle enjoys watching the sunset, trying new wines, the occasional raccoon or two, and being with people who make her laugh.
When she isn't wrestling her children, she's busy baking cookies for her husband and becoming a regular at every taco shop she comes across.
After hours, when she puts the kiddos to bed, you can usually find Elle working on creating new fantastical worlds, reading about them or playing Stardew Valley like the child she is.
Elle enjoys watching the sunset, trying new wines, the occasional raccoon or two, and being with people who make her laugh.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 578 reviews
September 26, 2020
It's been such a long time since I've loved a book so much that I'm speechless right now. This book certainly deserves much more recognition!
I'm generally not a fan of fairytale retellings. I think I feel like the story is already spoiled for me if there aren't enough twists to make it feel different and unique. And this was the case with Of Thorns and Beauty, a Beauty and the Beast retelling (which is my absolute favourite Disney movie by the way.) It’s different and unique enough to be thoroughly engaging and addictive.
The story begins with Zaina aka Belle, a desert princess/heiress of sorts, arriving at Alfhein Castle to marry King Einar aka Beast aka Powerful Viking King. She's a deadly beauty with spy worthy skills and enough sass to irritate the whole castle in less than a week. She also wears a nose ring and an ear cuff, and I just loved that detail so much I just felt the need to mention it.
In this retelling though, Beast is not a monster. He's far from it. He's considerate, gentlemanly, cares deeply for his subjects and he does not look like a giant dog with horns. He's VERY handsome. I imagined him to look somewhat like Ragnar Lodbrok (Vikings).
So... yeah. 😏
What we do get in Of Thorns and Beauty are many secrets and twists which slowly reveal themselves and kept me reading non stop until the wee hours of the night. I can't say too much without spoiling everything, but I was hooked from the very start and couldn't put it down until I finished it.
I can't wait to read the next books in this series, and I'm definitely going to give a go to the rest of the published books by the authors.
I'm generally not a fan of fairytale retellings. I think I feel like the story is already spoiled for me if there aren't enough twists to make it feel different and unique. And this was the case with Of Thorns and Beauty, a Beauty and the Beast retelling (which is my absolute favourite Disney movie by the way.) It’s different and unique enough to be thoroughly engaging and addictive.
The story begins with Zaina aka Belle, a desert princess/heiress of sorts, arriving at Alfhein Castle to marry King Einar aka Beast aka Powerful Viking King. She's a deadly beauty with spy worthy skills and enough sass to irritate the whole castle in less than a week. She also wears a nose ring and an ear cuff, and I just loved that detail so much I just felt the need to mention it.
In this retelling though, Beast is not a monster. He's far from it. He's considerate, gentlemanly, cares deeply for his subjects and he does not look like a giant dog with horns. He's VERY handsome. I imagined him to look somewhat like Ragnar Lodbrok (Vikings).
So... yeah. 😏
What we do get in Of Thorns and Beauty are many secrets and twists which slowly reveal themselves and kept me reading non stop until the wee hours of the night. I can't say too much without spoiling everything, but I was hooked from the very start and couldn't put it down until I finished it.
I can't wait to read the next books in this series, and I'm definitely going to give a go to the rest of the published books by the authors.
July 18, 2024
5 stars★★★★★
☞ Trigger warnings: **contains spoilers** .
Twisted Pages reviews:
#1 Of Thorns and Beauty: ★★★★★
#2 Of Beasts and Vengeance: ★★★★☆
#3 Of Glass and Ashes: not interested in reading (at the moment)
#4 Of Thieves and Shadows: not interested in reading (at the moment)
First read: February 2022
Second read: July 2024
The main character is Zaina, who has brown skin and has a background from a South-Asain or Arabic inspired country. Tell me why the cover is giving white girl in a ball gown. I don't think Zaina wears a single dress like this. She lives in an area inspired by Nordic people, with perpetual snow. She either wears South-Asian traditional clothes or furs. No ball gowns. The cover feels suspicious and pandering to white-people. White-washy.
Would I recommend this book?
I would recommend this book if you like dark fantasy retellings.
It is similar to Beauty and the Beast, Stain and An Enchantment Of Thorns.
Will I continue reading this series?
Will read the next book but I am unsure if I will continue with the next few books. They switch sisters and I am uninterested in Aika or Melodi's stories.
Will I re-read this book?
Maybe. I liked this book and the romance and might pick it up if I want a quick comfort re-read.
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November 6, 2020
3.5 stars
This was a nice Beauty and the Beast retelling, though calling it that is a bit of a stretch. I didn't think it needed a second book as there's not a lot I expect to happen in the next book except it's filled with unwinding journeys.
This was a nice Beauty and the Beast retelling, though calling it that is a bit of a stretch. I didn't think it needed a second book as there's not a lot I expect to happen in the next book except it's filled with unwinding journeys.
June 29, 2022
Of Thorns and Beauty leans too far on the sensual side for me. It certainly is an incredibly unique retelling of Beauty and the Beast, but the romance ended up being based more on physical attraction, and it felt over the top and repulsive. I don't want to pick this book up again, though I'm curious as to the conclusion of the jarring cliff-hanger I was left on. But if the other books in the series have the same content level, I won't be reading them.
September 6, 2021
It was an okay beauty and the beast retailing.liked that the author took a well known throne and made it their own (not sure if it's one author or more). But I'm not a huge fan of heavy fantasy romances but it was a decent audiobook and story.can see why many gives it such rave raitings
August 13, 2022
4.5 stars
This book was truly a gem and I'm so happy I stumbled upon it! I love fairytale retellings and Beauty and the Beast remains one of my favourites. Sadly, though, it's very hard to find any good retellings with just the right amount of classic fairytale-feeling mixed with an original storyline. In that regard, this story really served! I don't want to spoil too much. All you need to know is that Zaina is our protagonist, and she is sent to marry Einar, the king of the ice kingdom. Known to be very reclusive and shut off from the outside world, there isn't much Zaina knows about the people and their king. The only thing she does know is that the kingdom is reputed to be filled with ruthless warriors - including the king. She acquiesces to the marriage only to save her sisters. While that is an element from the classic story, the entire context surrounding her decision to marry the king in order to save her sisters is completely different.
I must say this story really surprised me, in particular with all the elements that were decidedly not at all similar to the Beauty and the Beast we all know. Just know that this story features:
- A fierce heroine who knows what she wants and is very emotionally intelligent
- A dragon
- A huge cat (at first very tiny) silver cat with metallic canines
- Two very emotional backstories
- A slow burn (though the story is pretty fast-paced)
While I loved this story, though, I couldn't give it the five stars I wish it deserved, because I honestly wanted it to be longer. I felt like an extra 100 pages would have allowed the reader to be immersed more into the world - not necessarily the plot because that was amazing. I felt that we didn't get to know enough about the respective lands/nations Zaina and Einar are from. The only thing that is clear is that Zaina hails from the Eastern Lands, which appears to be a bit Indian (or Persian) inspired. Einar is from Jokith, a kingdom that is inspired by Icelandic/Viking heritage. I wished the authors would have delved a bit more into this and did so a bit earlier in the story. While I hate info dumps, this book could've done with a bit more worldbuilding. Nevertheless, this book is a great work by indie authors and I honestly wish it garnered more readers!
This book was truly a gem and I'm so happy I stumbled upon it! I love fairytale retellings and Beauty and the Beast remains one of my favourites. Sadly, though, it's very hard to find any good retellings with just the right amount of classic fairytale-feeling mixed with an original storyline. In that regard, this story really served! I don't want to spoil too much. All you need to know is that Zaina is our protagonist, and she is sent to marry Einar, the king of the ice kingdom. Known to be very reclusive and shut off from the outside world, there isn't much Zaina knows about the people and their king. The only thing she does know is that the kingdom is reputed to be filled with ruthless warriors - including the king. She acquiesces to the marriage only to save her sisters. While that is an element from the classic story, the entire context surrounding her decision to marry the king in order to save her sisters is completely different.
I must say this story really surprised me, in particular with all the elements that were decidedly not at all similar to the Beauty and the Beast we all know. Just know that this story features:
- A fierce heroine who knows what she wants and is very emotionally intelligent
- A dragon
- A huge cat (at first very tiny) silver cat with metallic canines
- Two very emotional backstories
- A slow burn (though the story is pretty fast-paced)
While I loved this story, though, I couldn't give it the five stars I wish it deserved, because I honestly wanted it to be longer. I felt like an extra 100 pages would have allowed the reader to be immersed more into the world - not necessarily the plot because that was amazing. I felt that we didn't get to know enough about the respective lands/nations Zaina and Einar are from. The only thing that is clear is that Zaina hails from the Eastern Lands, which appears to be a bit Indian (or Persian) inspired. Einar is from Jokith, a kingdom that is inspired by Icelandic/Viking heritage. I wished the authors would have delved a bit more into this and did so a bit earlier in the story. While I hate info dumps, this book could've done with a bit more worldbuilding. Nevertheless, this book is a great work by indie authors and I honestly wish it garnered more readers!
February 20, 2021
This was and OK read but I don't think I will be reading book two.
September 30, 2022
I am mixed on this book. I really didn’t like the main character at all. She was bitter and angry and wholly unlikable. The world was alright, the story had potential but it was dragged down by a main character that brought nothing to the table. This was a miss for me, not too sure if I will continue this series but you never know.
February 27, 2024
I just have so many questions.
September 18, 2022
Zaina is forced into an arranged marriage with Einar, the king of Jokith. She soon discovers that the castle holds many secrets, but so does she. Zaina hates what she's been sent there to do, but she does what she needs in order to protect her sisters.
I love the world Mahle and Madison have created here! It feels like we are near my home in the north of Sweden, with snow, ice, aurora borealis, wolves and vikings! Even some of the names are Swedish, although a bit old-fashioned: Einar, Sigrid, Leif, Gunnar and Ulla. But dragons we don't have, unfortunatly... Zaina is from a different part of this world, which means some cultural clashes - and misunderstandings.
This is a re-telling of The Beauty and the Beast and we get the story through Zaina's eyes. This means we're in the dark when it comes to what's really going on in the castle, since we get the information at the same time as Zaina does. But we also only get snippets of Zaina's own secrets and background, when she chooses to reveal them. It makes me a bit frustrated, but at the same time it keeps my interest and makes it hard to stop reading. The cliffhanger is almost cruel and I'm very happy that I already have the second book available!
* I received a free copy of the book and I'm giving my honest review. *
I love the world Mahle and Madison have created here! It feels like we are near my home in the north of Sweden, with snow, ice, aurora borealis, wolves and vikings! Even some of the names are Swedish, although a bit old-fashioned: Einar, Sigrid, Leif, Gunnar and Ulla. But dragons we don't have, unfortunatly... Zaina is from a different part of this world, which means some cultural clashes - and misunderstandings.
This is a re-telling of The Beauty and the Beast and we get the story through Zaina's eyes. This means we're in the dark when it comes to what's really going on in the castle, since we get the information at the same time as Zaina does. But we also only get snippets of Zaina's own secrets and background, when she chooses to reveal them. It makes me a bit frustrated, but at the same time it keeps my interest and makes it hard to stop reading. The cliffhanger is almost cruel and I'm very happy that I already have the second book available!
* I received a free copy of the book and I'm giving my honest review. *
January 31, 2021
3.5 STARS
Of Thorns and Beauty is a Beauty and the Beast fantasy retelling and I have to admit that I found many similarities with the original fairytale, but also with other retellings that I have read in the past.
I loved the descriptions on this one. It was beautifully written and I loved how it was both enchanted and exotic at the same time. I liked that the heroine was inspired by Indian heritage and the hero of Northern Europe maybe?
I absolutely adored the scene with the Northern Lights!! I hope someday in my life I can manage to witness that myself and it was the first time that I read it in a scene, so it was very exciting for me. The sled rides too, all the mythical creatures that were mentioned. My most favorite of course was Khijhana!! I loved her as an animal companion, more than any other that I have met.
I have to admit that I'd rather read this book as a standalone and not as a series, because after some point , it dragged for me and I felt like I was reading long scenes that weren't offering much to the plot.
All in all, it was a very nice and interesting magical world. Thank you BookSirens for my copy!
Of Thorns and Beauty is a Beauty and the Beast fantasy retelling and I have to admit that I found many similarities with the original fairytale, but also with other retellings that I have read in the past.
I loved the descriptions on this one. It was beautifully written and I loved how it was both enchanted and exotic at the same time. I liked that the heroine was inspired by Indian heritage and the hero of Northern Europe maybe?
I absolutely adored the scene with the Northern Lights!! I hope someday in my life I can manage to witness that myself and it was the first time that I read it in a scene, so it was very exciting for me. The sled rides too, all the mythical creatures that were mentioned. My most favorite of course was Khijhana!! I loved her as an animal companion, more than any other that I have met.
I have to admit that I'd rather read this book as a standalone and not as a series, because after some point , it dragged for me and I felt like I was reading long scenes that weren't offering much to the plot.
All in all, it was a very nice and interesting magical world. Thank you BookSirens for my copy!
June 21, 2021
4 Stars
Well, this was definitely a whole different take on Beauty and the Beast. I got lost in the world building since I kept picturing myself in the snow and icy plains...oh and the animals are amazing! I had so much fun with this book.
Well, this was definitely a whole different take on Beauty and the Beast. I got lost in the world building since I kept picturing myself in the snow and icy plains...oh and the animals are amazing! I had so much fun with this book.
March 22, 2021
4.5 - I absolutely loved this retelling. This would have been a 5 star read for me had it not ended with a cliffhanger. 😲 Thankfully I have book 2. I will most likely do a combined review.
August 17, 2023
I'm still confused on how this was a beauty and the beast retelling?? However, throughout the book she talks about how she can't obey and speak her mind back home but....she had no problem doing it the first day in a strange kingdom with a "cruel" king. She was basically yelling at this man the first day I couldn't believe it. I also don't understand why her "Mother" had to be his love interest I found that really icky because EWWW why is that even a thing. Also since she put the curse on everyone why after 17 years you want to basically kill all of them....you might've as well done that when you cursed them it would've saved you energy and time. Also, I didn't feel the romance 60% of this book is them avoiding each other and if they're not avoiding each other they're yelling at each other. I forgot that he is like 65 years old (still look no older than 30 for some reason apparently they age slow never explained either) and she is 22...now I can let some age gaps slide BUT NOT THIS ONE.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2022
Dang. That was good. This is a dark fairy tale. Not much light or happily ever after in this. I really enjoyed the writing. I love B&B retellings. This was different and so interesting. Think assassin and the beast meat and this is there love story. I loved the bits of different culture added. You could feel how off these two were. This does not have an ending, you have to read the next story right after.
This would be PG 13-R ish. There is nudity but it is almost non sexual. Nothing happens, I should say it is sensual. There is a fade to black sex scene. I would rate this 18 and up
There is a rape that is talked about of a 13 year old. It was so sad and hard to read. There is some alluding to torture and rape.
A bit of alcohol and no swear words.
This would be PG 13-R ish. There is nudity but it is almost non sexual. Nothing happens, I should say it is sensual. There is a fade to black sex scene. I would rate this 18 and up
There is a rape that is talked about of a 13 year old. It was so sad and hard to read. There is some alluding to torture and rape.
A bit of alcohol and no swear words.
August 28, 2020
So I have read this twice now and it is an amazing mix of poignant, dark and whimsical. Not enough of any to bog down. Also I am tired and possibly not making any sense.
Recommended, go read it. 'Ware the cliff on the ending.
Recommended, go read it. 'Ware the cliff on the ending.
February 20, 2023
I have to say that this is one of the best Beauty and the Beast retellings I’ve come by.
Beware of the serious cliffhanger.
Note: NA due to memories of rape and an off-page scene between a married couple.
Beware of the serious cliffhanger.
Note: NA due to memories of rape and an off-page scene between a married couple.
June 17, 2024
After Scarlet (TLC) and Beastly Beauty, this would be my third Beauty and the Beast retelling in the last 2 weeks and each offered a different take on the story. I won't comment on Scarlet because it's not just B&B, it's part of a larger universe + it belongs to one of my favorite series in the world so I'm biased 😂
While Beastly Beauty is more focused on the inner turmoil of the characters and shows the depth of someone's personality, Of Thorns and Beauty is pure fun and action. Not to say that it doesn't have interesting characters, it does! But it's obviously written more as entertainment and has a heavy focus on banter and romance. Beastly Beauty has a more "serious" point to it and the writing is more complex. Again, both books are amazing in their own way and I gave both 4 stars 😄
OTAB was a super quick read and very entertaining, it helped that this is how I imagined Zaina and Einar 🤭
While Beastly Beauty is more focused on the inner turmoil of the characters and shows the depth of someone's personality, Of Thorns and Beauty is pure fun and action. Not to say that it doesn't have interesting characters, it does! But it's obviously written more as entertainment and has a heavy focus on banter and romance. Beastly Beauty has a more "serious" point to it and the writing is more complex. Again, both books are amazing in their own way and I gave both 4 stars 😄
OTAB was a super quick read and very entertaining, it helped that this is how I imagined Zaina and Einar 🤭
September 21, 2022
3.5. I am going to preface this with part of my not amazing experience with this book is the audio book. Did not like the reader at all. Too dramatic all. The. Time. So if you read it, I would actually read it. That being said, the beginning of the book was not super enjoyable to me, and it felt pretty slow. Main character is ok but has a lot of “I don’t feel my emotions” to “omg my emotions are so powerful” to “ugh I can’t believe I’m a human being and have to feel”. Again, part of this might be the audiobook’s fault. Second half of the book is much better though as it picks up and actually gets to the plot. I also think it could have been written better overall, not all the feelings have to be said out loud. Overall though, once it’s going it’s a good story to read not listen to. A very interesting take on beauty and the beast. Still trying to decide if I’m going to read the next one. I think I prolly will but I dunno how soon haha
August 30, 2020
A compellingly chilly take on Beauty and the Beast - and only a loosely inspired by retelling at that. While there were some things about it that frustrated me (not least the cliffhanger - I thought it was a stand-alone!), I'd say it was like a more sparse and introverted A Curse So Dark and Lonely with hints of a darker, decidedly more adult Disney threaded through.
The story starts with a girl, Zania, being taken to a cold and unfamiliar land to wed a king she's barely heard of, let alone met. His people are known for being reclusive and long-lived; that's it. Sent away by Madame, her "mother", she hints at having more purpose than just being married off... But enough of that. King Einar is as icy as his lands, and her reception by his unusually dressed subjects, thrust into their wedding ceremony mid-way through, is decidedly frosty. Zania knows that she must thaw his heart and ferret out the secrets of the castle by any means. Yet Einar's strange moods draw out her fiery nature in ways she cannot resist.
Zania is one of the cold narrators that actually works as a character; she shut down her emotions, yet that didn't alienate me from her as it does in some protagonists. I believed it was her voice rather than poor writing, and that makes all the difference. She's not one easy to love, and I didn't always get her, but it's hard not to feel for her as her past unravels. Einar is one of those inscrutable male leads, and at first I thought he was a terrible love interest - surely a guy with random mood swings can't ever be likeable. And yet... Again, he's not the easiest one to read, but he's not the usual "difficult" character trope; he doesn't boil with rage randomly before simpering and begging forgiveness. He too is a complex mix of cold, hard emotion shutdown. His moods weren't all that fun to read at first as it just didn't make sense to me, but later on he opens up a little more and I felt his character evened out. There's not a lot of side character action beyond a few named extras and a seemingly magical cat, so in that sense the story could feel a little sparse (I longed for a conversational friend character for either of the protagonists, just to give them some more depth).
The story is only loosely B&TB. There's a castle, magic, two people forced together... and a rose. It's quite a slow read, and while I wished we could have had a little more of Zania's mysterious past/mission given a bit sooner so that I understood her motives, it was well written enough to keep me guessing. It's also loosely and enemies to lovers via (my favourite trope) "I never actually meant to fall in love with you" - loosely because there's no smush. Non-graphic sexy tiemz to a certain extent, but no mooching or mooning. I like the subtle darkness of their relationship that neither side is sure whether to push or pull when they both know there's so much unsaid between them.
Now it does engage in a few indie mature-end-of-YA dark romance tropes that bug me. Without going into too much detail, one involves a female character having some kind of emotional turmoil that she decides to "distract" herself from by flinging herself at the guy - I've never understood that one and find it a bit troubling . The other is the good, old fashioned "who'd have thought it, we're getting along!" which suddenly in the next scene becomes "grr, let's argue because reasons!"
Also, Einar's culture isn't "Viking" or your usual "Northman Barbarian" fantasy trope. It's a bit odd really; it sounds like he lives in your standard fairytale castle, which isn't very Norse. While he carries round weaponry, says he's a great warrior and braids his beard (can we get an appreciation for the idea of a love interest with a beard? How often does that happen?), he's actually more... scholarly? I found that dichotomy hard to parse. The smattering of "North" cultural inspiration comes from dog sleds, igloo building and the odd Nordic sounding word in their language. I just found that a tad confusing.
Now Zania's backstory and cultural hints are slow in coming, but sound very interesting. From the cover and early lack of description I didn't expect her to be from a Middle-Eastern/Asian inspired culture. I hope that whatever else happened with Madame and her sisters is explored in more detail because it hints at so much more going on in the wider world and, dang, it's mysteriousness turned up to 11.
I still don't understand all her actions, but I'm looking forward to finding out if I'm right about where this will go next. Cliffhanger - argh!
A 3.5/4 star sort of thing. Unusual, but I'd still recommend for anyone looking for a dark romance twist on the Disney favourite. TW for hinted sexual abuse.
The story starts with a girl, Zania, being taken to a cold and unfamiliar land to wed a king she's barely heard of, let alone met. His people are known for being reclusive and long-lived; that's it. Sent away by Madame, her "mother", she hints at having more purpose than just being married off... But enough of that. King Einar is as icy as his lands, and her reception by his unusually dressed subjects, thrust into their wedding ceremony mid-way through, is decidedly frosty. Zania knows that she must thaw his heart and ferret out the secrets of the castle by any means. Yet Einar's strange moods draw out her fiery nature in ways she cannot resist.
Zania is one of the cold narrators that actually works as a character; she shut down her emotions, yet that didn't alienate me from her as it does in some protagonists. I believed it was her voice rather than poor writing, and that makes all the difference. She's not one easy to love, and I didn't always get her, but it's hard not to feel for her as her past unravels. Einar is one of those inscrutable male leads, and at first I thought he was a terrible love interest - surely a guy with random mood swings can't ever be likeable. And yet... Again, he's not the easiest one to read, but he's not the usual "difficult" character trope; he doesn't boil with rage randomly before simpering and begging forgiveness. He too is a complex mix of cold, hard emotion shutdown. His moods weren't all that fun to read at first as it just didn't make sense to me, but later on he opens up a little more and I felt his character evened out. There's not a lot of side character action beyond a few named extras and a seemingly magical cat, so in that sense the story could feel a little sparse (I longed for a conversational friend character for either of the protagonists, just to give them some more depth).
The story is only loosely B&TB. There's a castle, magic, two people forced together... and a rose. It's quite a slow read, and while I wished we could have had a little more of Zania's mysterious past/mission given a bit sooner so that I understood her motives, it was well written enough to keep me guessing. It's also loosely and enemies to lovers via (my favourite trope) "I never actually meant to fall in love with you" - loosely because there's no smush. Non-graphic sexy tiemz to a certain extent, but no mooching or mooning. I like the subtle darkness of their relationship that neither side is sure whether to push or pull when they both know there's so much unsaid between them.
Now it does engage in a few indie mature-end-of-YA dark romance tropes that bug me. Without going into too much detail, one involves a female character having some kind of emotional turmoil that she decides to "distract" herself from by flinging herself at the guy - I've never understood that one and find it a bit troubling . The other is the good, old fashioned "who'd have thought it, we're getting along!" which suddenly in the next scene becomes "grr, let's argue because reasons!"
Also, Einar's culture isn't "Viking" or your usual "Northman Barbarian" fantasy trope. It's a bit odd really; it sounds like he lives in your standard fairytale castle, which isn't very Norse. While he carries round weaponry, says he's a great warrior and braids his beard (can we get an appreciation for the idea of a love interest with a beard? How often does that happen?), he's actually more... scholarly? I found that dichotomy hard to parse. The smattering of "North" cultural inspiration comes from dog sleds, igloo building and the odd Nordic sounding word in their language. I just found that a tad confusing.
Now Zania's backstory and cultural hints are slow in coming, but sound very interesting. From the cover and early lack of description I didn't expect her to be from a Middle-Eastern/Asian inspired culture. I hope that whatever else happened with Madame and her sisters is explored in more detail because it hints at so much more going on in the wider world and, dang, it's mysteriousness turned up to 11.
I still don't understand all her actions, but I'm looking forward to finding out if I'm right about where this will go next. Cliffhanger - argh!
A 3.5/4 star sort of thing. Unusual, but I'd still recommend for anyone looking for a dark romance twist on the Disney favourite. TW for hinted sexual abuse.
September 13, 2020
Elle and Robin have done it again! I can never get enough of this dynamic duos amazing creativity! A great re-telling of one of my favorite fairytales! Loved our female protagonist, Zaina! Little bit of a temper, (but what great protagonist doesn’t have one?) Would do anything for the ones she loves, and very witty/sassy (especially when it comes to most of the conversations with her husband)! Loved the enemies to lovers set-up between Zaina and Einar! 😏 My favorite type of troupe! I really liked how they combined the two polar opposite cultures! I loved the description of Zaina’s outfits! Super bright, colorful, and fun (until she starts wearing the clothes that are better suited for her new home)! Can’t forget to mention Z’s badass sidekick, Khijha (definitely want a chalyx now)! I really liked the Viking, icey land imagery that’s described throughout the story as well! But ughhh! That cliffhanger though 😭 Why ladies?? Why? Need that 2nd book 😜
September 3, 2020
different and good 🖤
This was so unique and different.. i was so intrigued from the beginning! A different twist you won’t expect!! It took a few chapters for me to get used to the tone and time of this book but once i was in i couldn’t stop reading! i hate hate cliffhangers 😭 it had a pride and prejudice vibe to it as well. Cant wait for the next one!!
This was so unique and different.. i was so intrigued from the beginning! A different twist you won’t expect!! It took a few chapters for me to get used to the tone and time of this book but once i was in i couldn’t stop reading! i hate hate cliffhangers 😭 it had a pride and prejudice vibe to it as well. Cant wait for the next one!!
April 4, 2022
3.5 Stars ✨
Wasn’t sure I would like it at first, but I powered through. Glad I did, it was a very different retelling of Beauty and the Beast. There was a mystery that kept me glued until the end. Looking forward to seeing where this cliffhanger takes me.
Wasn’t sure I would like it at first, but I powered through. Glad I did, it was a very different retelling of Beauty and the Beast. There was a mystery that kept me glued until the end. Looking forward to seeing where this cliffhanger takes me.
September 2, 2020
Robin and Elle have done such a awesome job with this wonderful retelling of Beauty and the Beast.
Loved reading this wonderful book and highly recommend reading it...
Loved reading this wonderful book and highly recommend reading it...
October 9, 2020
4.5 estrellas
Comencé leyéndolo sin esperar nada y ha sido una gran sorpresa .
Este es uno de los mejores retellings de la bella y la bestia que he leído 👌
Comencé leyéndolo sin esperar nada y ha sido una gran sorpresa .
Este es uno de los mejores retellings de la bella y la bestia que he leído 👌
August 21, 2021
A beautifully written story with a heartbreaking yet intoxicating tale. I could not put it down and binged it in a day. I cannot wait to get my hands on book two and see the next step in Zaina’s journey.
February 16, 2021
This was just brilliant really!
In loose re-telling of Beauty and the Beast, we meet Zaina as she's shipped off to a strange, icy land, sold by her psychotic 'mother' (read sociopathic alchemist and all around sadistic bitch who kidnapped her as a child) as a wife to King Einar.
I don't really want to say more than that for fear of revealing too much, as watching the plot play out with its twists and turns is one of the many great things about this book.
I think what has managed to impress me the most about this book is that it manages to deal with fairly typical tropes in a really nuanced and effect way.
Zaina's characterisation was really complex, and in lesser authors she would have come across as a frosty bitch, but she was a brilliant balance of character traits that had me rooting for her, sympathising for her and wanting to tell at her at various stages. She has had a horrific life, but this also is dealt with really well, I think.
Her relationship with Einar is one that I loved, as it was a great enemies to lovers story with just the right malunt of build up and so much angst to come after that ending!
I can't think of anything to criticise really. Maybe it could be a bit steamier, but it's bit really that sort of book!
Highly recommend and off to read the second immediately.
In loose re-telling of Beauty and the Beast, we meet Zaina as she's shipped off to a strange, icy land, sold by her psychotic 'mother' (read sociopathic alchemist and all around sadistic bitch who kidnapped her as a child) as a wife to King Einar.
I don't really want to say more than that for fear of revealing too much, as watching the plot play out with its twists and turns is one of the many great things about this book.
I think what has managed to impress me the most about this book is that it manages to deal with fairly typical tropes in a really nuanced and effect way.
Zaina's characterisation was really complex, and in lesser authors she would have come across as a frosty bitch, but she was a brilliant balance of character traits that had me rooting for her, sympathising for her and wanting to tell at her at various stages. She has had a horrific life, but this also is dealt with really well, I think.
Her relationship with Einar is one that I loved, as it was a great enemies to lovers story with just the right malunt of build up and so much angst to come after that ending!
I can't think of anything to criticise really. Maybe it could be a bit steamier, but it's bit really that sort of book!
Highly recommend and off to read the second immediately.
September 6, 2020
Wow! I am extremely impressed!
I really enjoyed these author's previous series, but this one takes the cake! It was so deep and rich in its storytelling with many layers that sometimes made me tired (because these two characters can be very analytical), but also had me sitting up as a writer to take note. It's rare my "writer brain" turns on to try and study the writing instead of just enjoying the story (which I did a lot of too).
Yes, this story was indeed rich. I came in expecting one thing, but was blown away at Zaina's heartbreaking story. There were times where it felt overwhelming because it felt so hopeless and…hard. It was crushing and I just ached for her because of a variety of reasons. Much could be said here, but her story is one that I believe will be relatable and healing for many.
The worldbuilding was phenomenal! Definitely one of my favorite story worlds from the books I've read this year! SO good and highly recommend to readers who are looking for a new kind of setting and a blend of culture inspiration in fairy tale retellings. Seriously, despite the darker overtones of this story (which was a little hard for me to read for some reason this week), I would reread it just for that alone because I was so fascinated by the story world. Now that is not to say I didn't enjoy the story itself, as I greatly did!
Considering this is a NA (new adult) novel, I've perceived that this genre usually has very heavy sexual situations and on-the-page sex. I was deeply surprised how well this genre expectation was handled in Of Thorns and Beauty! You will find neither of those overwhelming the story in my opinion. Yes, there are times where there is heat on the page (definitely a little more than I personally prefer in my reading and is why I am giving this book four stars), but it was a clean read overall, especially in light of these expectations. Though forewarning, there is some none descriptive nudity (and they were my least favorite parts), but I also there was something powerful in how those situations were handled where sex is not the objective or end goal.
I would highly recommend this story to those who like in-depth POVs, fairy tale retellings, and fans of unique world building.
Eagerly looking forward to book two!
I really enjoyed these author's previous series, but this one takes the cake! It was so deep and rich in its storytelling with many layers that sometimes made me tired (because these two characters can be very analytical), but also had me sitting up as a writer to take note. It's rare my "writer brain" turns on to try and study the writing instead of just enjoying the story (which I did a lot of too).
Yes, this story was indeed rich. I came in expecting one thing, but was blown away at Zaina's heartbreaking story. There were times where it felt overwhelming because it felt so hopeless and…hard. It was crushing and I just ached for her because of a variety of reasons. Much could be said here, but her story is one that I believe will be relatable and healing for many.
The worldbuilding was phenomenal! Definitely one of my favorite story worlds from the books I've read this year! SO good and highly recommend to readers who are looking for a new kind of setting and a blend of culture inspiration in fairy tale retellings. Seriously, despite the darker overtones of this story (which was a little hard for me to read for some reason this week), I would reread it just for that alone because I was so fascinated by the story world. Now that is not to say I didn't enjoy the story itself, as I greatly did!
Considering this is a NA (new adult) novel, I've perceived that this genre usually has very heavy sexual situations and on-the-page sex. I was deeply surprised how well this genre expectation was handled in Of Thorns and Beauty! You will find neither of those overwhelming the story in my opinion. Yes, there are times where there is heat on the page (definitely a little more than I personally prefer in my reading and is why I am giving this book four stars), but it was a clean read overall, especially in light of these expectations. Though forewarning, there is some none descriptive nudity (and they were my least favorite parts), but I also there was something powerful in how those situations were handled where sex is not the objective or end goal.
I would highly recommend this story to those who like in-depth POVs, fairy tale retellings, and fans of unique world building.
Eagerly looking forward to book two!
February 8, 2024
some thoughts @ 61% :
This book was supposed to be dark and romantic. It is neither. Just because the characters have gone through some dark shit, doesn’t make the story “dark”. These two things are not the same. And having a few stilted conversations and a few kisses does not a romance make.
It is supposed to have a plot and superb writing. The writing has some shining moments, but is otherwise just decent. The plot…what plot? Dangling hints of secrets and intrigue is interesting and compelling in the beginning, but when it drags into the second half of the book, that’s just poor storytelling. It’s not compelling anymore; it’s frustrating and grounds for dnfing. I understand the drive to avoid the dreaded “info dumping” but not giving ANY background, history, or explanations isn’t the answer.
I’m trying to decide if I want to finish the book, especially because I just found out it ends on a cliffhanger (which I fundamentally disagree with) and is the beginning of a duology AND a series following the sisters which wraps up with a hastily written “fated soulmates” last book. 🫤🤔
dnf @ 90% because i just don’t care and life is short
This book was supposed to be dark and romantic. It is neither. Just because the characters have gone through some dark shit, doesn’t make the story “dark”. These two things are not the same. And having a few stilted conversations and a few kisses does not a romance make.
It is supposed to have a plot and superb writing. The writing has some shining moments, but is otherwise just decent. The plot…what plot? Dangling hints of secrets and intrigue is interesting and compelling in the beginning, but when it drags into the second half of the book, that’s just poor storytelling. It’s not compelling anymore; it’s frustrating and grounds for dnfing. I understand the drive to avoid the dreaded “info dumping” but not giving ANY background, history, or explanations isn’t the answer.
I’m trying to decide if I want to finish the book, especially because I just found out it ends on a cliffhanger (which I fundamentally disagree with) and is the beginning of a duology AND a series following the sisters which wraps up with a hastily written “fated soulmates” last book. 🫤🤔
dnf @ 90% because i just don’t care and life is short
May 7, 2021
I received a copy of this book from Elle and Robin. This is my honest review.
Now I was sold on this book as soon as I read this was about Vikings. I’m a huge fan of Vikings and fairytale retellings. So everything about this book screamed a big yes for me, and I was not let down!
Zaina was a loveable character, with a hard exterior which is completely understandable given her upbringing. Einar was just as loveable, if not more. His hard exterior that he has up is definitely for good reasons, but there is also a very loveable side to him, that makes him such an intriguing character.
I loved the development of the character, and it was great to see their walls break down slowly, and the trust to form between them in the most unexpected ways.
I am absolutely heartbroken with the cliffhanger of this book, and I’m furious with Elle and Robin for putting us through this torture. I’m dying for the next book, and don’t know how I can survive while the next one gets written!
Now I was sold on this book as soon as I read this was about Vikings. I’m a huge fan of Vikings and fairytale retellings. So everything about this book screamed a big yes for me, and I was not let down!
Zaina was a loveable character, with a hard exterior which is completely understandable given her upbringing. Einar was just as loveable, if not more. His hard exterior that he has up is definitely for good reasons, but there is also a very loveable side to him, that makes him such an intriguing character.
I loved the development of the character, and it was great to see their walls break down slowly, and the trust to form between them in the most unexpected ways.
I am absolutely heartbroken with the cliffhanger of this book, and I’m furious with Elle and Robin for putting us through this torture. I’m dying for the next book, and don’t know how I can survive while the next one gets written!
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