What do you think?
Rate this book
The Curse-Breaker Series #1
Scales: A Fresh Telling of Beauty and the Beast
A romantic, medieval retelling of the classic fairy tale...
The poisonous jealousy of a sister gives birth to curse of vengeance. The body of a princess is warped and twisted into the form of a scaly, snake-like monster, and her mind is lost in shadow. A misfit minstrel, with a voice like sunshine, may be her only hope for salvation--but only if he survives their first encounter.
A thrilling and unexpected reversal of the timeless romance of "Beauty and the Beast"--and the tale that launches Alydia Rackham's epic fairy tale series.
The poisonous jealousy of a sister gives birth to curse of vengeance. The body of a princess is warped and twisted into the form of a scaly, snake-like monster, and her mind is lost in shadow. A misfit minstrel, with a voice like sunshine, may be her only hope for salvation--but only if he survives their first encounter.
A thrilling and unexpected reversal of the timeless romance of "Beauty and the Beast"--and the tale that launches Alydia Rackham's epic fairy tale series.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
28 people are currently reading
870 people want to read
About the author
Alydia Rackham
125 books146 followersYou don’t have to be afraid when you read my books. Well—you might be terrified for the hero, because his arch-nemesis has him at gunpoint with his back to the river Thames, demanding that he hand over the code that could spell the downfall of Europe…
But you’ll never have to squint, worrying that the romantic scene is about to get FAR too steamy—or that, in a tirade, someone is about to spew a stream of obscenities that will make you want to shut the book and go take a shower.
I don’t write sexual scenes in my books. EVER. And I do not use profanity. EVER. And yes, God lives in my stories. He is the deep foundation—you can FEEL Him.
Yet, I can prove without a shadow of a doubt that WITHOUT ANYTHING risqué, you can still have the adventure of a lifetime between these pages. You’ll hold your breath, you’ll laugh, you’ll sit on the edge of your chair, you’ll stay up till two in the morning pinned to the page—and you might even cry. In fact, I’ll bet on that. And I HATE it when writers are lazy and tacky and beat you over the head with some philosophical or theological point they’re trying to make, instead of just TELLING THE STORY. So, I avoid that at all costs. Still not sold? Well, give one of these books a try. Go ahead—any of them! Whether we’re speeding through space, breaking through the ice on a frozen river, galloping on a chariot across the desert or running up the Asbru bridge chased by wolves…you’re still safe with me.
But you’ll never have to squint, worrying that the romantic scene is about to get FAR too steamy—or that, in a tirade, someone is about to spew a stream of obscenities that will make you want to shut the book and go take a shower.
I don’t write sexual scenes in my books. EVER. And I do not use profanity. EVER. And yes, God lives in my stories. He is the deep foundation—you can FEEL Him.
Yet, I can prove without a shadow of a doubt that WITHOUT ANYTHING risqué, you can still have the adventure of a lifetime between these pages. You’ll hold your breath, you’ll laugh, you’ll sit on the edge of your chair, you’ll stay up till two in the morning pinned to the page—and you might even cry. In fact, I’ll bet on that. And I HATE it when writers are lazy and tacky and beat you over the head with some philosophical or theological point they’re trying to make, instead of just TELLING THE STORY. So, I avoid that at all costs. Still not sold? Well, give one of these books a try. Go ahead—any of them! Whether we’re speeding through space, breaking through the ice on a frozen river, galloping on a chariot across the desert or running up the Asbru bridge chased by wolves…you’re still safe with me.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 15, 2019
Its a solid attempt to gender flip the Beauty and the Beast tale, but it wasn't grounded enough in the original tale or in any other tale - I was expecting to see motifs of the Singing Harp fairy tale, given the rival sisters and the musician, but sadly, no breast bone harps here. There was too much emphasis on pure fantasy of lots and lots of made up names, places, magic, etc., which made the story feel oddly adrift from anything to relate to.
May 27, 2021
Creative, fun, wholesome
Sweet, enchanting read. Loved the gender-swapped, reimagined telling of beauty and the beast. As always, Alydia’s writing is expressive, beautiful, and full of adventure without the smut and gore of many fantasy tales.
This book could use a once-over by an editor— it’s obviously self-published, and there are some minor formatting errors and typos. Not enough to detract from the story, though.
My one critique is that the characters fell a little flat. They weren’t quite as deep and well-rounded as many of her characters usually are.
Still, would highly recommend for someone looking for a short, delightful, romantic fantasy.
Sweet, enchanting read. Loved the gender-swapped, reimagined telling of beauty and the beast. As always, Alydia’s writing is expressive, beautiful, and full of adventure without the smut and gore of many fantasy tales.
This book could use a once-over by an editor— it’s obviously self-published, and there are some minor formatting errors and typos. Not enough to detract from the story, though.
My one critique is that the characters fell a little flat. They weren’t quite as deep and well-rounded as many of her characters usually are.
Still, would highly recommend for someone looking for a short, delightful, romantic fantasy.
Want to read
June 7, 2021💝 FREE on Amazon today (12/23/2018)! 💝
Blurb:
Princess Eleanora is very different from her younger sister, Oralia. While Oralia is golden-haired, sprightly and adored by all the men of the kingdom, Eleanora is ebony-haired and dark-eyed, and even-keeled. Wandering musician Amber of the Lute glimpses that difference right away—and his laughter and color bring out a sparkle in Eleanora. But this arouses vicious jealousy in Oralia, who acquires and casts a terrible spell on her sister—one that twists both the body and the mind. A spell that can only be broken by one who can see into Eleanora's heart, and love her enough to set her free.
Blurb:
Princess Eleanora is very different from her younger sister, Oralia. While Oralia is golden-haired, sprightly and adored by all the men of the kingdom, Eleanora is ebony-haired and dark-eyed, and even-keeled. Wandering musician Amber of the Lute glimpses that difference right away—and his laughter and color bring out a sparkle in Eleanora. But this arouses vicious jealousy in Oralia, who acquires and casts a terrible spell on her sister—one that twists both the body and the mind. A spell that can only be broken by one who can see into Eleanora's heart, and love her enough to set her free.
April 2, 2023
Content:
Language: None.
Violence: high mild. There is some blood depicted and multiple deaths though not graphic.
Sexual: Mild. Some kisses, nothing past that.
CW: There is a pretty heavy betrayal in the book to do with family. It was handled well, but I really was disgusted with the cruelty and evil nature of one character. It's not described enough to have sent me into 'stabbed in the heart' feels thankfully.
I've only read one other Beauty and the Beast retelling where the Beast was the girl, and in that one the girl truly was needing a redemption. This one was...different. In a good way. I was so intrigued by how the story was set up and played out; it had a very classic fairy tale feel with the stark line of good and evil.
Amber was one of those straight arrow moral characters with plenty of pragmatic optimism, so of course it's easy to like him. Thankfully he acts rationally and wasn't a DID (Dude in Distress). I enjoyed his character being a minstrel and the songs included that he sings in the story. That was a fun way to give nods at other fairy tales.
Ele was intriguing from page one. She had such a weird family dynamic, and it sucked me in trying to figure out what her role was within that family. I was dismayed at the curse, because by the time its cast you have an idea that things are very not right, and Ele is such a staunch, good person.
The twists employed made me perk up seeing the story anew, which is always a breath of fresh air in the most loved fairy tale retellings. I won't spoil it, but I was very happy that there wasn't any captivity trope happening in this one.
I'm quite happy to continue on with the Curse Breaker series and see what else Alydia has managed to create in the realm of retellings.
last thing: Oralia is the worst. Her character made me go into extreme frowny face many times.
Language: None.
Violence: high mild. There is some blood depicted and multiple deaths though not graphic.
Sexual: Mild. Some kisses, nothing past that.
CW: There is a pretty heavy betrayal in the book to do with family. It was handled well, but I really was disgusted with the cruelty and evil nature of one character. It's not described enough to have sent me into 'stabbed in the heart' feels thankfully.
I've only read one other Beauty and the Beast retelling where the Beast was the girl, and in that one the girl truly was needing a redemption. This one was...different. In a good way. I was so intrigued by how the story was set up and played out; it had a very classic fairy tale feel with the stark line of good and evil.
Amber was one of those straight arrow moral characters with plenty of pragmatic optimism, so of course it's easy to like him. Thankfully he acts rationally and wasn't a DID (Dude in Distress). I enjoyed his character being a minstrel and the songs included that he sings in the story. That was a fun way to give nods at other fairy tales.
Ele was intriguing from page one. She had such a weird family dynamic, and it sucked me in trying to figure out what her role was within that family. I was dismayed at the curse, because by the time its cast you have an idea that things are very not right, and Ele is such a staunch, good person.
The twists employed made me perk up seeing the story anew, which is always a breath of fresh air in the most loved fairy tale retellings. I won't spoil it, but I was very happy that there wasn't any captivity trope happening in this one.
I'm quite happy to continue on with the Curse Breaker series and see what else Alydia has managed to create in the realm of retellings.
last thing: Oralia is the worst. Her character made me go into extreme frowny face many times.
December 1, 2021
Rating: 3.5 Stars
What would it be like if the “Beauty” was actually a young man, and the “Beast” was a princess, trapped by a wicked curse?
This was a delightful Beauty and the Beast retelling. Featuring a refreshing MC gender flip, enchanting magic, and a satisfying ending where the author wraps everything up in a neat little bow.
Title: Scales (The Curse-Breaker Series #1)
POV(s): Multiple—Third Person
Interconnected Series: Yes
Standalone: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
HEA:
Relationship: M/F
Genre(s): Fantasy, Fairytale Retelling Romance
Triggers: N/A
Tags/Tropes:
❖ Beauty-and-the-Beast-Retelling
❖ Clean
❖ Cursed-Heroine
❖ Evil-Jealous-Sister
❖ Forced-Proximity
❖ Gender-Flip
❖ Princess-Heroine
❖ Sweet-Gentle-Hero
June 1, 2022
a very interesting retelling
ok…this is actually 4.5 stars because i don’t love it with all my heart right now, and also it didn’t really make me cry, but it’s still a really interesting, well-told story, and i will be checking out more of Ms Rackham’s books. I really like Ele, and Amber. My favourite scene is at the beginning, when Ele confronts Oralia. I think that showed maturity and restraint that you don’t often see in these stories. I also thought the making of the beast was reeeeally well foreshadowed and done incredibly well. Often in these B&B stories you don’t actually feel fear/revulsion at the beast - sure, it’s like a bear or a wolf, but we really like dogs and we generally aren’t repulsed by bears, just wary of them, so you often feel that you could act towards the Beast as well as the Beauty does. In Scales, the whole beast-snake aspect is developed deeply and as a result you really see the Beauty’s compassion and courage shine through. I did think the ending was a little too abrupt, and the villian just a little too flat, but overall it was an excellent tale.
ok…this is actually 4.5 stars because i don’t love it with all my heart right now, and also it didn’t really make me cry, but it’s still a really interesting, well-told story, and i will be checking out more of Ms Rackham’s books. I really like Ele, and Amber. My favourite scene is at the beginning, when Ele confronts Oralia. I think that showed maturity and restraint that you don’t often see in these stories. I also thought the making of the beast was reeeeally well foreshadowed and done incredibly well. Often in these B&B stories you don’t actually feel fear/revulsion at the beast - sure, it’s like a bear or a wolf, but we really like dogs and we generally aren’t repulsed by bears, just wary of them, so you often feel that you could act towards the Beast as well as the Beauty does. In Scales, the whole beast-snake aspect is developed deeply and as a result you really see the Beauty’s compassion and courage shine through. I did think the ending was a little too abrupt, and the villian just a little too flat, but overall it was an excellent tale.
January 8, 2026
I will never understand why this author isn't more widely recognised. Everything she writes is both exquisite and fiercely lyrical.
Without doubt, this is one of the best books I've ever read. While it's marketed as a fresh take on Beauty and the Beast, I honestly felt I was reading a story somehow both newer and much older than that supposedly being retold. And I literally could not put it down until I'd finished it.
Though there were dark and painful moments, this story is woven with so much light, love, music, and laughter. I adored the two main leads—they were exactly right for each other. I love how the settings held that timeless, fairy-tale quality without feeling so far in the past.
And I absolutely love the fact that I've found another story I can read without feeling like bathing after—quite the opposite. I felt revitalised and brimming with warmth when it was all over.
* Clean romance with kisses only.
Without doubt, this is one of the best books I've ever read. While it's marketed as a fresh take on Beauty and the Beast, I honestly felt I was reading a story somehow both newer and much older than that supposedly being retold. And I literally could not put it down until I'd finished it.
Though there were dark and painful moments, this story is woven with so much light, love, music, and laughter. I adored the two main leads—they were exactly right for each other. I love how the settings held that timeless, fairy-tale quality without feeling so far in the past.
And I absolutely love the fact that I've found another story I can read without feeling like bathing after—quite the opposite. I felt revitalised and brimming with warmth when it was all over.
* Clean romance with kisses only.
December 9, 2021
Great original retelling
I've loved all of Alydia Rackham's books that I've read, and this is no execution. She takes some fun twists (including a gender-bend) on the original story and makes it completely her own. The characters are fresh and interesting and lovable. I definitely recommend this book to people who enjoy Beauty and the Beast. I'm looking forward to reading more in this series!
I've loved all of Alydia Rackham's books that I've read, and this is no execution. She takes some fun twists (including a gender-bend) on the original story and makes it completely her own. The characters are fresh and interesting and lovable. I definitely recommend this book to people who enjoy Beauty and the Beast. I'm looking forward to reading more in this series!
June 10, 2021
Creative and fun!
This retelling of Beauty and the Beast has interesting world building and wonderful characterization. Reading the interactions between the two protagonists was nothing short of heartwarming. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a creative, character-driven retelling!
This retelling of Beauty and the Beast has interesting world building and wonderful characterization. Reading the interactions between the two protagonists was nothing short of heartwarming. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a creative, character-driven retelling!
Read
November 30, 2025In Scales, it's Beauty who's transformed into the Beast. She's cursed by her jealous sister, and of course, the curse can be broken only by true love. Scales is a sweet, wholesome, fantasy Beauty and the Beast retelling, and very well done, in my opinion.
More Beauty and the Beast retellings and inspired tales at https://www.theborrowedrose.com.
More Beauty and the Beast retellings and inspired tales at https://www.theborrowedrose.com.
September 29, 2018
While not the strongest BATB retelling I've ever seen, it was fine. I feel like I may have liked it more if I was younger. I did really enjoy the choice to make Silver a serpentine creature, that's something I haven't seen before; you'd think it'd be more common when Prince Lindworm exists.
September 22, 2019
A lovely, flipped retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Here, the lesson learned is not as much for the royal, although it is for her too, as much as it is for the entire kingdom, and I found the reversal very entertaining and clever.
August 26, 2020
Great Beauty and the Beast story-only who is the beast in this one? What I particularly liked about this version-the gradual attraction between the two main characters-from fear, to acceptance, to friendship and caring, and then to love.
February 4, 2021
Good
I really enjoyed the beginning, but I felt it really slow down all throughout the middle. All in all, a pretty cute story. Loved the black lady. I live in the South, so very easy to picture what she sounded like. Love the idea of breaking curses as a profession...
Christa
I really enjoyed the beginning, but I felt it really slow down all throughout the middle. All in all, a pretty cute story. Loved the black lady. I live in the South, so very easy to picture what she sounded like. Love the idea of breaking curses as a profession...
Christa
July 9, 2021
Great Retelling
I have read many many many beauty and the beast retelling. And I have to say this one is one of the better ones! I like the reversal of genders, the nature of the curse, especially who is the villian, and the ending. This was a well written story that keeps you interested, is clean, and teaches morals as fairy tales are suppose to. Highly recommend this book!
I have read many many many beauty and the beast retelling. And I have to say this one is one of the better ones! I like the reversal of genders, the nature of the curse, especially who is the villian, and the ending. This was a well written story that keeps you interested, is clean, and teaches morals as fairy tales are suppose to. Highly recommend this book!
July 21, 2020
I have found a new author to add to my favorites list! Loved this beauty and the beast retelling! (It should tell you how good this is considering I hate snakes....)
January 1, 2021
Very unique retelling of Beauty and the Beast with role reversal. The romance was full of sweet moment and selfless love. The imagery was beautiful and I loved how the magic manifested itself throughout the story.
Content:
Sexual: kissing
Violence: mild/medium (non-graphic)
Language: none
Content:
Sexual: kissing
Violence: mild/medium (non-graphic)
Language: none
October 31, 2017
A great and fresh retelling of beauty and beast.It had the standard moral of beauty is in the eye of beholder but the tale was so well spun that no part felt stale.
December 29, 2018
This was a really well done gender-swapped Beauty and the Beast.
May 23, 2019
if you love beauty and the beast then this retelling is for you, its a switch of roles, but its so well written and I highly recommend
January 13, 2021
A wholly original retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I don’t think I’ll ever read another story where I have empathy for a giant being who resembles a snake.
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews