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The Kingdom Tales #1
Kingdom of Beauty
Peasant girls don’t mingle with dragons, princes, and beastly curses…or so Felicity thought
After a lifetime with a grief-stricken father and a self-absorbed brother, Felicity isn’t daunted by sacrifice. But when protecting her father means falling afoul of the curse that has swallowed the Summer Castle, and Prince Justin along with it, her own safety is not all that’s at stake. The prince’s monstrous form is the least of her concerns—the whole castle has been trapped by his pride, and his absence from the capital is driving the kingdom to ruin.
Justin was born to be a king, not a beast. Between the inhuman coldness he learned from his father, the humiliation of his cursed form, and his powerlessness against his hidden enemies back in the capital, laughter is the last thing on his mind. But even though she’s a prisoner, nothing seems to dampen the intruder’s maddening cheerfulness. Justin has to break his curse, and he needs someone like Felicity to do it. But as she begins to thaw the ice around his heart, he discovers her past is not what it seems.
With time running out, not just for the castle’s inhabitants, but for the kingdom of Albury, they will need more than the help of a dragon to break the curse and prevent disaster before it’s too late. But for all Felicity’s warmth and laughter, even she could never look at Justin and like what she sees.
Could she?
After a lifetime with a grief-stricken father and a self-absorbed brother, Felicity isn’t daunted by sacrifice. But when protecting her father means falling afoul of the curse that has swallowed the Summer Castle, and Prince Justin along with it, her own safety is not all that’s at stake. The prince’s monstrous form is the least of her concerns—the whole castle has been trapped by his pride, and his absence from the capital is driving the kingdom to ruin.
Justin was born to be a king, not a beast. Between the inhuman coldness he learned from his father, the humiliation of his cursed form, and his powerlessness against his hidden enemies back in the capital, laughter is the last thing on his mind. But even though she’s a prisoner, nothing seems to dampen the intruder’s maddening cheerfulness. Justin has to break his curse, and he needs someone like Felicity to do it. But as she begins to thaw the ice around his heart, he discovers her past is not what it seems.
With time running out, not just for the castle’s inhabitants, but for the kingdom of Albury, they will need more than the help of a dragon to break the curse and prevent disaster before it’s too late. But for all Felicity’s warmth and laughter, even she could never look at Justin and like what she sees.
Could she?
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 19, 2021
297 people are currently reading
2504 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Grace White
44 books354 followersDeborah Grace White was more or less born reading. She grew up on a wide range of books, from classic literature to light-hearted romps. Her love of fantasy was inevitable from the time her father read the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy to her and her siblings when she was four years old.
The love of reading has traveled with her unchanged across multiple continents, and carried her from her own childhood all the way to having children of her own.
But if reading is like looking through a window into a magical and beautiful world, beginning to write her own stories was like discovering she could open that window and climb right out into fantasyland.
Now she gets to live that childhood dream amidst the fun and chaos of life with her husband and their four kids.
Visit Deborah at her website: http://deborahgracewhite.com
Or follow her on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/DeborahGrace...
Or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deborahgrac...
The love of reading has traveled with her unchanged across multiple continents, and carried her from her own childhood all the way to having children of her own.
But if reading is like looking through a window into a magical and beautiful world, beginning to write her own stories was like discovering she could open that window and climb right out into fantasyland.
Now she gets to live that childhood dream amidst the fun and chaos of life with her husband and their four kids.
Visit Deborah at her website: http://deborahgracewhite.com
Or follow her on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/DeborahGrace...
Or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deborahgrac...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 211 reviews
March 22, 2025
4 stars ✨
Very much the classic Beauty and the Beast storyline—but there’s dragons so that was fun for me, haha! There’s a lot of similarities to the Disney movie, but I liked the differences that this book had (particularly the lack of a wolf attack scene!) and I also really liked Felicity.
I went back and forth between the ebook and audiobook, which was great because of some of the names in this book. 😅😂
This is going to be oddly specific, but you know in the old early/mid 2000s Barbie movies, how Barbie would randomly have a sassy comment or eye roll? That was exactly what Felicity reminded me of! Kind, polite, sweet, and then a sassy remark or banter here and there.
Justin was insufferable and I wanted to push him off a bridge. She was a saint to put up with him—especially because this lasted for the majority of the book! Despite this fact, I did end up really enjoying this retelling and will be reading the next book soon!
Main Content-
Being a Beauty and the Beast retelling, it’s all about the curses, enchanters/enchantresses, and magical items (called artifacts or talismans) throughout the whole story; There’s also (talking) dragons and it’s said that magic entered the human land when the dragons first appeared and some people were more inclined towards it (also said that they have magic in their blood); One important note on magic in this world is that magic is not good or bad, it just is a tool (it’s the intent of the person welding it); A magic transformation; People believe and say that the castle is cursed, haunted, and has ghosts; Some believe Felicity has lost her mind because she’s taking to and about people who aren’t there (due to the curse they are invisible; She comments once that she’s talking to the spirits that haunt the place).
No major language said, but there are a couple mentions of curses (said by Justin, but not written out); A couple usages of different forms of “blast/blasted”; “Thank heavens” and “Heaven knows” are said a couple times; Sarcasm & Eye rolling; It’s said that someone is “full of manure”.
Major pain, falling through a frozen lake, rescuing someone, attacking someone/seeing someone attacked, being tied-up and threatened, being tossed from a horse/seeing someone tossed (up to a few sentences); Nightmares (including of someone bleeding and injured).
Justin’s father was very harsh to him and we see how that’s made Justin into the man he is (including being cold to others and finding others’ weaknesses to use against them); Felicity is concerned that a dragon may eat her horse.
Mentions of deaths & grief (including Felicity’s father for her mother & Justin’s mother for his sister and how her mother died of a broken heart from her passing); Mentions of wars & fighting; Mentions of possible executions/hangings; Mentions of some believing Felicity to be dead/killed by the beastly prince; Mentions of extreme pain & injuries; Mentions of prejudice towards magic users & kingdoms casting them out because of their abilities; Mentions of lies & lying; A few mentions of the possibility of Justin in his beast-form being able to rip people apart limb from limb or eating them; A couple mentions of bandit attacks; A couple mentions of wine & drinking it at dinner (Justin has a glass but Felicity does not); A couple mentions of a young boy’s grief over the loss of his dog; A couple mentions of hatred; A mention of a man falling off of his horse and dying.
1 cheek kiss,
1 kiss lasting a sentence,
2 kisses lasting a couple sentences,
1 kiss lasting a few sentences,
Thinking about kissing someone (up to a couple sentences); Touches, Embraces, Hand holding, Nearness, Noticing, & Blushes (up to a couple sentences).
Felicity faces unwanted advances from the Gaston character (unwanted nearness, touches, and comments); When he hears about a prince with twelve younger sisters, Justin thinks that the prince’s parents really ought to stop trying for a spare.
Mentions of kisses, kissing, & kisses possibly breaking curses; A few mentions of men ogling or staring at Felicity.
See my content reviews of the other books in this series:
Book #1, Book #2, Book #3, Book #4, Book #5, Book #6, and Connecting Book
Very much the classic Beauty and the Beast storyline—but there’s dragons so that was fun for me, haha! There’s a lot of similarities to the Disney movie, but I liked the differences that this book had (particularly the lack of a wolf attack scene!) and I also really liked Felicity.
I went back and forth between the ebook and audiobook, which was great because of some of the names in this book. 😅😂
This is going to be oddly specific, but you know in the old early/mid 2000s Barbie movies, how Barbie would randomly have a sassy comment or eye roll? That was exactly what Felicity reminded me of! Kind, polite, sweet, and then a sassy remark or banter here and there.
Justin was insufferable and I wanted to push him off a bridge. She was a saint to put up with him—especially because this lasted for the majority of the book! Despite this fact, I did end up really enjoying this retelling and will be reading the next book soon!
Main Content-
Being a Beauty and the Beast retelling, it’s all about the curses, enchanters/enchantresses, and magical items (called artifacts or talismans) throughout the whole story; There’s also (talking) dragons and it’s said that magic entered the human land when the dragons first appeared and some people were more inclined towards it (also said that they have magic in their blood); One important note on magic in this world is that magic is not good or bad, it just is a tool (it’s the intent of the person welding it); A magic transformation; People believe and say that the castle is cursed, haunted, and has ghosts; Some believe Felicity has lost her mind because she’s taking to and about people who aren’t there (due to the curse they are invisible; She comments once that she’s talking to the spirits that haunt the place).
No major language said, but there are a couple mentions of curses (said by Justin, but not written out); A couple usages of different forms of “blast/blasted”; “Thank heavens” and “Heaven knows” are said a couple times; Sarcasm & Eye rolling; It’s said that someone is “full of manure”.
Major pain, falling through a frozen lake, rescuing someone, attacking someone/seeing someone attacked, being tied-up and threatened, being tossed from a horse/seeing someone tossed (up to a few sentences); Nightmares (including of someone bleeding and injured).
Justin’s father was very harsh to him and we see how that’s made Justin into the man he is (including being cold to others and finding others’ weaknesses to use against them); Felicity is concerned that a dragon may eat her horse.
Mentions of deaths & grief (including Felicity’s father for her mother & Justin’s mother for his sister and how her mother died of a broken heart from her passing); Mentions of wars & fighting; Mentions of possible executions/hangings; Mentions of some believing Felicity to be dead/killed by the beastly prince; Mentions of extreme pain & injuries; Mentions of prejudice towards magic users & kingdoms casting them out because of their abilities; Mentions of lies & lying; A few mentions of the possibility of Justin in his beast-form being able to rip people apart limb from limb or eating them; A couple mentions of bandit attacks; A couple mentions of wine & drinking it at dinner (Justin has a glass but Felicity does not); A couple mentions of a young boy’s grief over the loss of his dog; A couple mentions of hatred; A mention of a man falling off of his horse and dying.
1 cheek kiss,
1 kiss lasting a sentence,
2 kisses lasting a couple sentences,
1 kiss lasting a few sentences,
Thinking about kissing someone (up to a couple sentences); Touches, Embraces, Hand holding, Nearness, Noticing, & Blushes (up to a couple sentences).
Felicity faces unwanted advances from the Gaston character (unwanted nearness, touches, and comments); When he hears about a prince with twelve younger sisters, Justin thinks that the prince’s parents really ought to stop trying for a spare.
Mentions of kisses, kissing, & kisses possibly breaking curses; A few mentions of men ogling or staring at Felicity.
See my content reviews of the other books in this series:
Book #1, Book #2, Book #3, Book #4, Book #5, Book #6, and Connecting Book
August 16, 2021
I can't say I particularly enjoyed the plotline of this "Beauty and the Beast" retelling, one that was closer to the Disney interpretation than the fairy tale, beginning with the motivation for the curse and other elements, such as a Gaston character that read lifted straight from the animated film.
But what I found definitely disappointing was the characterisation. Felicity is meant to be spunky and strong, but instead comes across as annoying, pig-headed, has superior airs, and an off-putting tendency to snort at anything and everything (I lost count of the times she's said to "snort" and roll her eyes at this and that and yonder), and and least in one occasion is blatantly Too Stupid to Live. The Beast character, Prince Justin, is meant to be charmingly and sexily broody, but ends up an stereotypical Alphahole with behaviour and trust issues (and critical thinking issues).
I did like the inclusion of the dragon side plot, however. It's nice to see a magical creature not being hunted and not be a shape-shifter in need of a lesson in manners and redemption, and would've loved to see the dragon play a larger role than a quasi-Deus ex machina one. But unfortunately, it wasn't enough to compensate for the novel's issues in my opinion.
But what I found definitely disappointing was the characterisation. Felicity is meant to be spunky and strong, but instead comes across as annoying, pig-headed, has superior airs, and an off-putting tendency to snort at anything and everything (I lost count of the times she's said to "snort" and roll her eyes at this and that and yonder), and and least in one occasion is blatantly Too Stupid to Live. The Beast character, Prince Justin, is meant to be charmingly and sexily broody, but ends up an stereotypical Alphahole with behaviour and trust issues (and critical thinking issues).
I did like the inclusion of the dragon side plot, however. It's nice to see a magical creature not being hunted and not be a shape-shifter in need of a lesson in manners and redemption, and would've loved to see the dragon play a larger role than a quasi-Deus ex machina one. But unfortunately, it wasn't enough to compensate for the novel's issues in my opinion.
May 20, 2021
Kingdom of Beauty was a fun retelling book to dive into. Honestly, any retelling will be good in my eyes. Especially when it's about Beauty and the Beast. Ugh, Belle's library still gives me envy. Also, it had dragons which - yes. I want more retellings with dragons please.
I will admit that some things did confuse me in this one though. For example, spying on someone but not really acknowledging that someone else could betray them and such? Especially when they didn't trust them in the beginning.. but details.
Then there's the romance and honestly I really wanted more. Yeah, the kisses were kind of cute here and there but I just wanted more than that. What I got was okay though and I can't be mad about that. Kisses are better than nothing I guess.
Other than that, the story went by pretty quickly. Even though this was never on my radar to begin with, I'm glad that I randomly found it and it was free on KU to dive into. Might even dive into the next book!
I will admit that some things did confuse me in this one though. For example, spying on someone but not really acknowledging that someone else could betray them and such? Especially when they didn't trust them in the beginning.. but details.
Then there's the romance and honestly I really wanted more. Yeah, the kisses were kind of cute here and there but I just wanted more than that. What I got was okay though and I can't be mad about that. Kisses are better than nothing I guess.
Other than that, the story went by pretty quickly. Even though this was never on my radar to begin with, I'm glad that I randomly found it and it was free on KU to dive into. Might even dive into the next book!
February 23, 2022
Honestly, this is one of the better retellings I’ve read (and I’ve read several).
For any BatB fan, this one needs to move up in your TBR pile. I regret waiting so long to read it
For any BatB fan, this one needs to move up in your TBR pile. I regret waiting so long to read it
July 23, 2021
Delightful and Engaging
I loved this story. It was uplifting, kept me turning page after page, the characters were lovable but flawed, the heroine was spunky but oh so kind, and the hero was appropriately broody. Very true to the original fairy tale and yet this book held twists that made it entirely it’s own story. Did I mention there is a dragon? There is. There is definitely a dragon.
I loved this story. It was uplifting, kept me turning page after page, the characters were lovable but flawed, the heroine was spunky but oh so kind, and the hero was appropriately broody. Very true to the original fairy tale and yet this book held twists that made it entirely it’s own story. Did I mention there is a dragon? There is. There is definitely a dragon.
January 1, 2025
I picked up this book hoping for a sweet, adorable fairy tale retelling. What I got was a sweet, adorable fairy tale retelling with intrigue, twists and turns, DRAGONS!, and characters that absolutely stole the show!
This is a good Beauty and the Beast retelling. It has all the right elements, and Felicity and Justin make an adorable couple!
After reading this book, I ended up binging all the released books in this series in a matter of a week, and each book just got even better!
This is a good Beauty and the Beast retelling. It has all the right elements, and Felicity and Justin make an adorable couple!
After reading this book, I ended up binging all the released books in this series in a matter of a week, and each book just got even better!
dnf
November 28, 2022Llegué a la página 150 y nada, o sea, no pude conectar con ningún personaje por lo que mi interés se perdió.
June 3, 2021
3.5 stars.
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this retelling. The characters were well developed and the plot and world building were interesting. Now I get to read the rest of the series!
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this retelling. The characters were well developed and the plot and world building were interesting. Now I get to read the rest of the series!
April 18, 2022
3.5
I've been wanting to try one of Ms. White's books for awhile now and I'm glad I finally did!
This was a fun retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I admit, it took me a bit to get into, the writing was good and I liked the characters, it just didn't grab me for some reason. But after awhile, I was hooked and sucked into the story. It's similar to the Disney movie version which maybe played a hand in my boredom at first (it felt like a story I had already read before), but there are some tweaks along the way that kept things interesting. It also seems to be setting up for the rest of the books in the series, and I look forward to reading those as well. I liked Felicity and Justin and thought their romance was believable and sweet.
If you like the movie, then you'll like this book.
Content Rated G
Romance: Kissing
Language: None
Violence: None-mild
I've been wanting to try one of Ms. White's books for awhile now and I'm glad I finally did!
This was a fun retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I admit, it took me a bit to get into, the writing was good and I liked the characters, it just didn't grab me for some reason. But after awhile, I was hooked and sucked into the story. It's similar to the Disney movie version which maybe played a hand in my boredom at first (it felt like a story I had already read before), but there are some tweaks along the way that kept things interesting. It also seems to be setting up for the rest of the books in the series, and I look forward to reading those as well. I liked Felicity and Justin and thought their romance was believable and sweet.
If you like the movie, then you'll like this book.
Content Rated G
Romance: Kissing
Language: None
Violence: None-mild
June 21, 2021
I write notes as I read so I can remember my first impressions. Here is note #1:
The plot is thunking along.
Yikes, not a great start. I recently read a Beauty and the Beast retelling that blew me away, so I was expecting a lot from this version.
The first part of this book felt like the Disney movie only with different names and less likable characters. We are also randomly introduced to a dragon who has no tie in until we’re well past half way. You have long forgotten that dragons are a “thing” in this world (which I attribute to poor world building) when suddenly he reappears. He’s not as adorable and personable as Toothless and I unabashedly hold that against him. I don’t understand his purpose except to solve problems the author couldn’t figure out a different way to solve. Perhaps dragons will tie into the rest of the series more, but making the book you are currently working on the best it can be and not setting too much up for what’s coming down the line seems like a better route. There are also frequent “info dumps” by the dragon and other characters that feel thrown in to catch the reader up on how everything works out and connects.
On the flip side, there were enough questions and mystery added into the story by the halfway mark that I did perk up at one point and look forward to reading more. The relationship between Felicity and Justin (the Beast) grew slowly which felt natural for the situation they are in and I supported it.
Sadly, my favorite part of the book was reading the prologue and first chapter of
Kingdom of Slumber that is included at the end of the Kindle version. WOAH. Those pages had me completely enthralled. I’ll be continuing on with the series - and hopeful of its improvement - solely based on those final bits of content.
The plot is thunking along.
Yikes, not a great start. I recently read a Beauty and the Beast retelling that blew me away, so I was expecting a lot from this version.
The first part of this book felt like the Disney movie only with different names and less likable characters. We are also randomly introduced to a dragon who has no tie in until we’re well past half way. You have long forgotten that dragons are a “thing” in this world (which I attribute to poor world building) when suddenly he reappears. He’s not as adorable and personable as Toothless and I unabashedly hold that against him. I don’t understand his purpose except to solve problems the author couldn’t figure out a different way to solve. Perhaps dragons will tie into the rest of the series more, but making the book you are currently working on the best it can be and not setting too much up for what’s coming down the line seems like a better route. There are also frequent “info dumps” by the dragon and other characters that feel thrown in to catch the reader up on how everything works out and connects.
On the flip side, there were enough questions and mystery added into the story by the halfway mark that I did perk up at one point and look forward to reading more. The relationship between Felicity and Justin (the Beast) grew slowly which felt natural for the situation they are in and I supported it.
Sadly, my favorite part of the book was reading the prologue and first chapter of
Kingdom of Slumber that is included at the end of the Kindle version. WOAH. Those pages had me completely enthralled. I’ll be continuing on with the series - and hopeful of its improvement - solely based on those final bits of content.
April 21, 2021
Fun YA variant of the classic fairytale
I'm predisposed toward Beauty & the Beast stories because it's my favorite fairytale. This one is pretty good. It's got a few plot weaknesses, but it's engaging & well written.
***SPOILERS***
Having already been told that her father & brother were gone, the immediate logical conclusion would have been for Felicity to ask Justin to locate them in the mirror (similar to the original fairytale) or for Justin to have offered to do so. Running off to the village with Kurt & other potential predators lurking was kinda stupid since they were all aware of some potential danger for her.
It didn't really make sense that Justin was willing to spy on his own uncle & court but not willing to similarly keep tabs on Felicity when he believed she might be a threat to himself & therefore his kingdom
***END SPOILERS***
Mixing in dragons to the original seems like an unnecessary add-on to the story, but time (& the rest of the series) will tell if the overarching plot makes for a worthwhile series-connecting story. I'll definitely be looking out for them
*Romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
I'm predisposed toward Beauty & the Beast stories because it's my favorite fairytale. This one is pretty good. It's got a few plot weaknesses, but it's engaging & well written.
***SPOILERS***
Having already been told that her father & brother were gone, the immediate logical conclusion would have been for Felicity to ask Justin to locate them in the mirror (similar to the original fairytale) or for Justin to have offered to do so. Running off to the village with Kurt & other potential predators lurking was kinda stupid since they were all aware of some potential danger for her.
It didn't really make sense that Justin was willing to spy on his own uncle & court but not willing to similarly keep tabs on Felicity when he believed she might be a threat to himself & therefore his kingdom
***END SPOILERS***
Mixing in dragons to the original seems like an unnecessary add-on to the story, but time (& the rest of the series) will tell if the overarching plot makes for a worthwhile series-connecting story. I'll definitely be looking out for them
*Romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
September 30, 2022
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
Kingdom of Beauty had a rocky start, as the first few chapters seemed to be pulled straight from Disney's Beauty and the Beast. But I'm so glad I stuck with the story! Once Felicity/Beauty ended up at the castle and began sparring verbally with Prince Justin/the Beast, I was drawn into the story. Add a fascinating magic system, fun side characters, and a gripping plot (with a ticking clock) and you've got me hooked.
I didn't appreciate the eleventh hour misunderstanding between Felicity and Justin--it was one of those "If they'd only have an open conversation, this would be resolved in two minutes" situations. But overall, Kingdom of Beauty is an intriguing Beauty and the Beast retelling that features a dragon, magic, and clean romance.
Kingdom of Beauty had a rocky start, as the first few chapters seemed to be pulled straight from Disney's Beauty and the Beast. But I'm so glad I stuck with the story! Once Felicity/Beauty ended up at the castle and began sparring verbally with Prince Justin/the Beast, I was drawn into the story. Add a fascinating magic system, fun side characters, and a gripping plot (with a ticking clock) and you've got me hooked.
I didn't appreciate the eleventh hour misunderstanding between Felicity and Justin--it was one of those "If they'd only have an open conversation, this would be resolved in two minutes" situations. But overall, Kingdom of Beauty is an intriguing Beauty and the Beast retelling that features a dragon, magic, and clean romance.
June 6, 2021
I've read too many Beauty and the Beast retellings lately that they're all just blurring together in my head 😳😅 I loved Kingdom of Beauty though!! So good. :)
April 21, 2021
Did I like what I read? YES!!
I was so excited to find Deborah Grace White has released a new series! Surprised that it wasn’t the one about mermaids as she had anticipated but I knew that it was going to be a treat. And Kingdom of Beauty was exactly that, a delightful treat!
I thoroughly enjoyed this version of Beauty and the Beast! I’ve read many variations over the years, some specifically a retelling and others simply borrowing the theme. I’m quite sure this is my favorite of them all. And not just because there were dragons!
Felicity is the lovely heroine who had lived with her father and older brother since her mother died. She was so kind, selfless, and generous with her time and abilities. And just a little bit sassy! Everything a fairy tale heroine should be. And yet she had major insecurities related to the neglectful way her family treated her, not to mention how they left her to the mercy of the beast and her imprisonment! A weakness Prince Justin deftly exploited.
Yeah, Justin was beastly. His even more beastly father had raised him that way. I really enjoyed seeing his internal struggles as he began to fall under the enchantment of Felicity’s gentle spirit – believing it was wrong and weak and unprincely.
The addition of the dragon to the story was the icing on the cake. If my memory serves me well, Rekavidur is newly introduced though I imagine he is from Eldreki’s new colony. I so enjoy the author’s portrayal of dragons in her stories!
While sticking fairly closely to other versions of Beauty and the Beast, Kingdom of Beauty was original and had some very interesting variations! I was quite astonished when the reason behind the enchantment was revealed! And loved the surprises along the way and the hints to the stories that are to come. I was so glad that the timeline made sense – this was not a week-long transformation, instead, the relationship between Felicity and Justin spanned months.
Young adults, older adults, lovers of fairy tales with plenty of intrigue, suspense, and, of course, dragons, will want to be sure to read Kingdom of Beauty and prepare for the rest of The Kingdom Tales series — Kingdom of Slumber will be releasing May 21, 2021!
And those of you who want to read about mermaids, don’t despair! I have it on good authority the mermaids are still on the way!
Originally Reviewed on Among The Reads
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
I was so excited to find Deborah Grace White has released a new series! Surprised that it wasn’t the one about mermaids as she had anticipated but I knew that it was going to be a treat. And Kingdom of Beauty was exactly that, a delightful treat!
I thoroughly enjoyed this version of Beauty and the Beast! I’ve read many variations over the years, some specifically a retelling and others simply borrowing the theme. I’m quite sure this is my favorite of them all. And not just because there were dragons!
Felicity is the lovely heroine who had lived with her father and older brother since her mother died. She was so kind, selfless, and generous with her time and abilities. And just a little bit sassy! Everything a fairy tale heroine should be. And yet she had major insecurities related to the neglectful way her family treated her, not to mention how they left her to the mercy of the beast and her imprisonment! A weakness Prince Justin deftly exploited.
Yeah, Justin was beastly. His even more beastly father had raised him that way. I really enjoyed seeing his internal struggles as he began to fall under the enchantment of Felicity’s gentle spirit – believing it was wrong and weak and unprincely.
The addition of the dragon to the story was the icing on the cake. If my memory serves me well, Rekavidur is newly introduced though I imagine he is from Eldreki’s new colony. I so enjoy the author’s portrayal of dragons in her stories!
While sticking fairly closely to other versions of Beauty and the Beast, Kingdom of Beauty was original and had some very interesting variations! I was quite astonished when the reason behind the enchantment was revealed! And loved the surprises along the way and the hints to the stories that are to come. I was so glad that the timeline made sense – this was not a week-long transformation, instead, the relationship between Felicity and Justin spanned months.
Young adults, older adults, lovers of fairy tales with plenty of intrigue, suspense, and, of course, dragons, will want to be sure to read Kingdom of Beauty and prepare for the rest of The Kingdom Tales series — Kingdom of Slumber will be releasing May 21, 2021!
And those of you who want to read about mermaids, don’t despair! I have it on good authority the mermaids are still on the way!
Originally Reviewed on Among The Reads
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
May 10, 2025
I appreciate that this book leaned into the beast character's beastly side, which not all "Beauty and the Beast" retellings are willing to do, but at the same time Justin was toxic and not trustworthy enough for a character like Felicity to commit to him. Especially after that last fight they had (or, the last time he yelled at her and she just took it for some reason). So that made it a lot harder for me to enjoy this, even as I liked aspects, and even as I love dragons. I am intrigued by some of the magic aspects and I might give the next book a chance because it won't have a character like Justin as the love interest, but I don't think the themes of this book were as good as they could have been. They were there, but they were almost assumed rather than explored. The themes were naturally woven into the original story, and not as prevalent in the changes. Justin didn't learn the lesson about not trusting appearances when it came to Felicity, for he lost trust in her despite her character. And the writing was just fine. So we'll see.
May 17, 2025
I liked this okay.
One of the downfalls is the uneven pacing. The beginning brings things into motion…and then we move on kind of slowly (including unnecessary stupidity of all characters around) and then the very end is quite quick again.
I really liked the nuanced view on why the prince is a jerk at first and why he warms up to Felicity. Their character and relationship development were certainly the highlights of this book.
I didn’t like how this was pretty boring and unoriginal. Yes, this is a retelling…but like, come on, you just wrote down the plot of the Disney movie and added a few sparkles. Like, even the rescuing her from wandering in the snow scene was in there (though no wolves but a frozen lake)! Like, you even copied Gaston! And to be completely honest: I didn’t care about the addition of dragons. Especially because that kind of came out of left field. Felicity meets a dragon at the very beginning, then we forget all about them only for him to come to rescue at the end. It was a little convenient and I don’t think it added much to the overall story.
What was a little more original was the addition of political intrigue and conflict. Though this came in rather late and was handled a little quickly at the end.
The characters also happen to be conveniently stupid when the plot needs them to be.
„We must be missing something obvious”, Philip said.
Yeah, absolutely you have! And I’m sitting here getting really, really frustrated! Like, the reader knows the solution to most questions from the very beginning! But it's portrayed like this big mystery! It's so, so frustrating!
For example: Justin is looking through his magic mirror to watch his uncle handle state affairs and thinks: I’m suspicious of him…I think he wants to take over the crown permanently! While we can also observe what happens: Justin’s uncle gets bossed around by his advisor and is constantly so obviously manipulated! But for some reason, Justin sees exactly that and goes: ah, yes, my uncle is the scheming one here!
There are also certain plot points that feel just like setup for the following installments, which I found rather boring. Focus on establishing a good first book! That is better advertisment for the follow-ups than making whole chapters about them!
All in all: this was okay. It was entertaining and fun enough to read if you ignore some flaws in the narration. But as one of many Beauty and the Beast retellings, it doesn’t really stand out.
One of the downfalls is the uneven pacing. The beginning brings things into motion…and then we move on kind of slowly (including unnecessary stupidity of all characters around) and then the very end is quite quick again.
I really liked the nuanced view on why the prince is a jerk at first and why he warms up to Felicity. Their character and relationship development were certainly the highlights of this book.
I didn’t like how this was pretty boring and unoriginal. Yes, this is a retelling…but like, come on, you just wrote down the plot of the Disney movie and added a few sparkles. Like, even the rescuing her from wandering in the snow scene was in there (though no wolves but a frozen lake)! Like, you even copied Gaston! And to be completely honest: I didn’t care about the addition of dragons. Especially because that kind of came out of left field. Felicity meets a dragon at the very beginning, then we forget all about them only for him to come to rescue at the end. It was a little convenient and I don’t think it added much to the overall story.
What was a little more original was the addition of political intrigue and conflict. Though this came in rather late and was handled a little quickly at the end.
The characters also happen to be conveniently stupid when the plot needs them to be.
„We must be missing something obvious”, Philip said.
Yeah, absolutely you have! And I’m sitting here getting really, really frustrated! Like, the reader knows the solution to most questions from the very beginning! But it's portrayed like this big mystery! It's so, so frustrating!
For example: Justin is looking through his magic mirror to watch his uncle handle state affairs and thinks: I’m suspicious of him…I think he wants to take over the crown permanently! While we can also observe what happens: Justin’s uncle gets bossed around by his advisor and is constantly so obviously manipulated! But for some reason, Justin sees exactly that and goes: ah, yes, my uncle is the scheming one here!
There are also certain plot points that feel just like setup for the following installments, which I found rather boring. Focus on establishing a good first book! That is better advertisment for the follow-ups than making whole chapters about them!
All in all: this was okay. It was entertaining and fun enough to read if you ignore some flaws in the narration. But as one of many Beauty and the Beast retellings, it doesn’t really stand out.
October 8, 2021
In my mind, one of the better adaptations of the classic fairy tale, although Beauty and the Best is possibly my least favorite fairy tale ever. I felt like the beast/prince could have still developed into a better person than where the story ended. The character development was a little rushed at the end that lends a feeling of impermanence. But I quite liked Felicity as the MC.
May 31, 2024
Decent Retelling
Overall I enjoyed reading this. The characters were well rounded and there was some good humor throughout. It ended on a good note so that it could definitely be a stand-alone book. There were a some unanswered questions which can make you want to read more books in the series.
Overall I enjoyed reading this. The characters were well rounded and there was some good humor throughout. It ended on a good note so that it could definitely be a stand-alone book. There were a some unanswered questions which can make you want to read more books in the series.
April 11, 2022
Light hearted adventure with moral growth
Light hearted adventure with moral growth... The first beauty and the beast that I have truely enjoyed. Worth the read a fun series where you could pick up any of the books and enjoy... but with an entwined story of enchantment run I thought like a web binding them together.
Light hearted adventure with moral growth... The first beauty and the beast that I have truely enjoyed. Worth the read a fun series where you could pick up any of the books and enjoy... but with an entwined story of enchantment run I thought like a web binding them together.
January 16, 2024
I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!! I am so in love with Justin, Sorry Felicity he is mine. Any ways this book was a beautiful masterpiece of words. When you read it you are transferred to a place of magic, love, and dragons!!!!!!
March 28, 2022
This wasn't my favorite retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It felt slow until the last fourth of the book.
August 10, 2023
3.5 star
July 12, 2024
also really good 😌
April 8, 2024
"Kingdom of Beauty: A Retelling of Beauty and the Beast" by Deborah Grace White, the inaugural offering in the Kingdom Tales series, is a captivating journey into a world where classic fairy tales intertwine with inventive twists, delivering a delightful reading experience.
The plot follows Felicity, a resilient young woman navigating a life shadowed by a grief-stricken father and a self-absorbed brother. Unexpectedly entangled in a curse that has ensnared the Summer Castle and its prince, Justin, Felicity embarks on a quest to protect her father and break the curse. The story weaves a tale of sacrifice, pride, and the transformative power of love against the backdrop of a kingdom teetering on the brink of ruin.
White's retelling introduces intriguing twists, breathing new life into the familiar Beauty and the Beast narrative. The inclusion of a dragon, Rekavidur, adds a unique and enchanting dimension, setting this retelling apart. The world-building is meticulous, seamlessly blending elements of a classic fairy tale with inventive nuances.
This book marked my introduction to White's work when I read it , and her storytelling prowess left me eager to explore more of her creations. The narrative unfolds with the expected elements of a Beauty and the Beast retelling – a cursed prince, a spirited heroine, and the symbolism of roses – but introduces a dragon into the mix, elevating the story to new heights.
The world she has crafted is thoughtfully detailed, offering a fresh take on the familiar tale. The narrative's unique elements go beyond the conventional Beauty and the Beast retelling, sparking intrigue and curiosity. I found myself immersed in the story, captivated by its mysteries and the promise of more tales from this enchanting world.
Felicity, the heroine, emerges as a well-developed character – complex, vulnerable, yet spunky and feisty, with a straightforward kindness that maintains a sense of humor. Prince Justin, on a predictable path of transformation, evolves from a callous figure to one seeking redemption and change. The supporting characters are equally well-crafted, hinting at their potential roles in future installments of the series.
The introduction of Rekavidur, the dragon, adds an unexpected and delightful layer to the narrative. His role in aiding Felicity and Prince Justin, coupled with allusions to other fairy tales, promises rich storytelling in subsequent books. The addition of a fascinating magic system, fun side characters, and a gripping plot contribute to the overall enjoyment of the tale.
White's portrayal of dragons is a highlight, and the storytelling unfolds seamlessly, keeping readers engaged. "Kingdom of Beauty" manages to stay true to the essence of Beauty and the Beast while introducing original and surprising variations. The narrative unfolds over months, avoiding a rushed transformation, adding a layer of realism to Felicity and Justin's evolving relationship.
The story's revelations, surprises, and hints at future tales ensure that readers are left eager for more. White's skillful blend of magic, political intrigue, and a well-paced plot makes this retelling a standout in a genre filled with reinterpretations. I eagerly anticipate reading the rest of The Kingdom Tales series, ready to embark on more enchanting journeys crafted by Deborah Grace White.
The plot follows Felicity, a resilient young woman navigating a life shadowed by a grief-stricken father and a self-absorbed brother. Unexpectedly entangled in a curse that has ensnared the Summer Castle and its prince, Justin, Felicity embarks on a quest to protect her father and break the curse. The story weaves a tale of sacrifice, pride, and the transformative power of love against the backdrop of a kingdom teetering on the brink of ruin.
White's retelling introduces intriguing twists, breathing new life into the familiar Beauty and the Beast narrative. The inclusion of a dragon, Rekavidur, adds a unique and enchanting dimension, setting this retelling apart. The world-building is meticulous, seamlessly blending elements of a classic fairy tale with inventive nuances.
This book marked my introduction to White's work when I read it , and her storytelling prowess left me eager to explore more of her creations. The narrative unfolds with the expected elements of a Beauty and the Beast retelling – a cursed prince, a spirited heroine, and the symbolism of roses – but introduces a dragon into the mix, elevating the story to new heights.
The world she has crafted is thoughtfully detailed, offering a fresh take on the familiar tale. The narrative's unique elements go beyond the conventional Beauty and the Beast retelling, sparking intrigue and curiosity. I found myself immersed in the story, captivated by its mysteries and the promise of more tales from this enchanting world.
Felicity, the heroine, emerges as a well-developed character – complex, vulnerable, yet spunky and feisty, with a straightforward kindness that maintains a sense of humor. Prince Justin, on a predictable path of transformation, evolves from a callous figure to one seeking redemption and change. The supporting characters are equally well-crafted, hinting at their potential roles in future installments of the series.
The introduction of Rekavidur, the dragon, adds an unexpected and delightful layer to the narrative. His role in aiding Felicity and Prince Justin, coupled with allusions to other fairy tales, promises rich storytelling in subsequent books. The addition of a fascinating magic system, fun side characters, and a gripping plot contribute to the overall enjoyment of the tale.
White's portrayal of dragons is a highlight, and the storytelling unfolds seamlessly, keeping readers engaged. "Kingdom of Beauty" manages to stay true to the essence of Beauty and the Beast while introducing original and surprising variations. The narrative unfolds over months, avoiding a rushed transformation, adding a layer of realism to Felicity and Justin's evolving relationship.
The story's revelations, surprises, and hints at future tales ensure that readers are left eager for more. White's skillful blend of magic, political intrigue, and a well-paced plot makes this retelling a standout in a genre filled with reinterpretations. I eagerly anticipate reading the rest of The Kingdom Tales series, ready to embark on more enchanting journeys crafted by Deborah Grace White.
July 4, 2021
It's hard to get back into the fairy tale retelling grind after completing such a great original fantasy series. Some fairy tale retellings are unique, while others stick pretty closely to the original story. Kingdom of Beauty by Deborah Grace White fell somewhere in the middle. It was just similar enough to the original "Beauty and the Beast" that it suffered from a case of sameness after so many other retellings. That is not to say that it was bad or poorly written. In fact, it was quite good for the first book in a new series of fairy tale retellings. It's just very vanilla.
Kingdom of Beauty is about a girl named Felicity who lives with her eccentric father and brother, Ambrose. Ambrose is friends with a bully who forces his affections on Felicity no matter how much she rejects him. Though his name is Kurt, he is such a cookie-cutter archetype that it might as well have been Gaston. Every other chapter in the book switches to the perspective of Justin, a prince who was cursed to have the body of a beast in a castle that became virtually invisible to outsiders. Only someone who looks at him and likes what they see can break the spell. The third-person narrative eliminates any confusion about whose perspective each chapter is told from, which I appreciated after reading books that swap around a lot in the first-person narrative.
We all know what happens next. Felicity's father goes on a business trip with Ambrose and disappears in the mysterious castle while trying to steal a rose for his daughter. When Felicity learns what happened, she seeks to find the castle and volunteers to take his place. There was one portion near the beginning of the book that I thought the story was going to take a very difficult turn from the fairy tale in which a dragon swoops down from out of nowhere and starts having a casual conversation with Felicity. However, things quickly fall back into the old routine and don't get interesting again until near the end of the book.
One thing I liked about this book was the way it fleshed out the magic and the kingdom as a whole. It clarified Justin's place in the monarchy as well as the corruption that went on behind the crown. It also explained that the enchantress's curse that turned him into a beast was separate from the one that hid the castle away, which makes sense since that would make it a lot harder for him to find someone to break the spell. I liked the dragon lore that will likely become a connecting thread throughout the series, although I would have liked to see more dragons since they were the only thing that made this book stand apart from other "Beauty and the Beast" retellings.
Overall, this is a standard and safe adaptation of "Beauty and the Beast." It's easy to predict most things that happen leading up to the climax, but it is still written well with a strong setting. I would recommend this book to fans of "Beauty and the Beast" that want to read every retelling they can get their hands on as well as people who have not read a lot of fairy tale retellings already. There were some elements that made it stand apart from other adaptations, but you have to be willing to read through a lot of familiar territories to get to them.
Kingdom of Beauty is about a girl named Felicity who lives with her eccentric father and brother, Ambrose. Ambrose is friends with a bully who forces his affections on Felicity no matter how much she rejects him. Though his name is Kurt, he is such a cookie-cutter archetype that it might as well have been Gaston. Every other chapter in the book switches to the perspective of Justin, a prince who was cursed to have the body of a beast in a castle that became virtually invisible to outsiders. Only someone who looks at him and likes what they see can break the spell. The third-person narrative eliminates any confusion about whose perspective each chapter is told from, which I appreciated after reading books that swap around a lot in the first-person narrative.
We all know what happens next. Felicity's father goes on a business trip with Ambrose and disappears in the mysterious castle while trying to steal a rose for his daughter. When Felicity learns what happened, she seeks to find the castle and volunteers to take his place. There was one portion near the beginning of the book that I thought the story was going to take a very difficult turn from the fairy tale in which a dragon swoops down from out of nowhere and starts having a casual conversation with Felicity. However, things quickly fall back into the old routine and don't get interesting again until near the end of the book.
One thing I liked about this book was the way it fleshed out the magic and the kingdom as a whole. It clarified Justin's place in the monarchy as well as the corruption that went on behind the crown. It also explained that the enchantress's curse that turned him into a beast was separate from the one that hid the castle away, which makes sense since that would make it a lot harder for him to find someone to break the spell. I liked the dragon lore that will likely become a connecting thread throughout the series, although I would have liked to see more dragons since they were the only thing that made this book stand apart from other "Beauty and the Beast" retellings.
Overall, this is a standard and safe adaptation of "Beauty and the Beast." It's easy to predict most things that happen leading up to the climax, but it is still written well with a strong setting. I would recommend this book to fans of "Beauty and the Beast" that want to read every retelling they can get their hands on as well as people who have not read a lot of fairy tale retellings already. There were some elements that made it stand apart from other adaptations, but you have to be willing to read through a lot of familiar territories to get to them.
June 18, 2025
Content:
Language: None.
Violence: Mild. Mostly threats and things like being thrown off a horse or tied up.
Sexual: Mild. Kissing, chaste touching, warm-feelings and attraction described but not even close to spice. Totally clean.
Triggers: Physical and emotionally negligent parental figures depicted. There is also a character that is in the space of the female MC and makes her really nervous/afraid. He's a creeper. May trigger people.
At first, I had a hard time getting into the story because it was so reminiscent of the Disney Beauty and the Beast that I found my attention wandering. The familiarity got me a bit bored, but that only lasted the first 3 chapters, then it deviated enough that I was quite happy the rest of the book.
This could be considered a grumpy/sunshine trope, which if done well, is one of my favorites. Felicity's character was easy to relate to, because I share her 'easily amused' personality trait. The fact that instead of getting angry (like Justin) she often just found the situations she was in super amusing and laughed. You don't see that often enough in books! It's a real problem for me because I sometimes laugh when I most definitely should NOT, and Felicity had the same issue.
Justin though was also so well portrayed with his upbringing and emotional stuntedness, which he covered any vulnerability by lashing out in anger. Seeing his epiphanies throughout the book, and the way he changes was nice. Some of them were whiplash fast, but others he had to keep telling himself that yes, he could trust people, over and over. which...real thing.
Basically, this was a well plotted, good character arc, fairy tale retelling. It was a comfy read and I enjoyed the introduction to the world and look forward to reading the rest of the books.
And dragons. They make everything better.
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:
I'm delighted to say that the second read through was enhanced and so fun as an audiobook. Rachel Beresford did an excellent job, my only irritation was sometimes she sounded like she had a bit of a stuffy nose when doing the male voices. I immediately went and grabbed the next book to listen to, and am giddy at being able to listen to the series I enjoyed so much. You know a series is good when it seems like the book improved when you re-read it. I'm more and more impressed with the character arcs in this book on my second perusal. I can already tell this series is going to go on my comfort re-read rotation for audio.
Language: None.
Violence: Mild. Mostly threats and things like being thrown off a horse or tied up.
Sexual: Mild. Kissing, chaste touching, warm-feelings and attraction described but not even close to spice. Totally clean.
Triggers: Physical and emotionally negligent parental figures depicted. There is also a character that is in the space of the female MC and makes her really nervous/afraid. He's a creeper. May trigger people.
At first, I had a hard time getting into the story because it was so reminiscent of the Disney Beauty and the Beast that I found my attention wandering. The familiarity got me a bit bored, but that only lasted the first 3 chapters, then it deviated enough that I was quite happy the rest of the book.
This could be considered a grumpy/sunshine trope, which if done well, is one of my favorites. Felicity's character was easy to relate to, because I share her 'easily amused' personality trait. The fact that instead of getting angry (like Justin) she often just found the situations she was in super amusing and laughed. You don't see that often enough in books! It's a real problem for me because I sometimes laugh when I most definitely should NOT, and Felicity had the same issue.
Justin though was also so well portrayed with his upbringing and emotional stuntedness, which he covered any vulnerability by lashing out in anger. Seeing his epiphanies throughout the book, and the way he changes was nice. Some of them were whiplash fast, but others he had to keep telling himself that yes, he could trust people, over and over. which...real thing.
Basically, this was a well plotted, good character arc, fairy tale retelling. It was a comfy read and I enjoyed the introduction to the world and look forward to reading the rest of the books.
And dragons. They make everything better.
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:
I'm delighted to say that the second read through was enhanced and so fun as an audiobook. Rachel Beresford did an excellent job, my only irritation was sometimes she sounded like she had a bit of a stuffy nose when doing the male voices. I immediately went and grabbed the next book to listen to, and am giddy at being able to listen to the series I enjoyed so much. You know a series is good when it seems like the book improved when you re-read it. I'm more and more impressed with the character arcs in this book on my second perusal. I can already tell this series is going to go on my comfort re-read rotation for audio.
May 11, 2021
Good. The overall story kept me engaged, although it could have been a little shorter. Some of Felicity's and Justin's responses and actions confused me. Why did Felicity laugh all the time? Justin wasn't actually that beastly. Felicity's family's actions didn't make sense to me either. The dragon was confusing, and I honestly forgot about it for half of the book. And, all of the mystery surrounding Justin's sister and Felicity's mother really had me thinking that Felicity and Justin were related....awkward... I guess I was just confused overall.
But Justin and Felicity were kind of cute, and I liked their ending.
But Justin and Felicity were kind of cute, and I liked their ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2022
This book was rather… vanilla, for me, at least at the beginning.
I do appreciate the inclusion of dragons, the cast was alright. Definitely had a bunch of sympathetic cringe moments with Justin; poor Justin.
(I tend to get second-hand embarrassment pretty easily, so the cringe is real in some scenes lol. It’s not objectively super clingy though, so you should be good).
The more I read, and the more I’m introduced to the world, the more interested I got. I’m very curious to see how she does Sleeping Beauty (because I liked the Prince when he was introduced) and I’m sort of curious to see how Swan Princess goes too, I suppose.
It was a nice way to pass the time. I liked the characters enough to like seeing their story, but not so much that I’d continue to follow them if given the choice.
So, yeah. Give it a read if you like fairy tale retellings and need something sweet and simple to pass the time. It’s on KU, so it shouldn’t break your bank.
Content warnings: Nothing explicit in terms of romantic content, swearing, or violence.
There is a character who harasses Felicity (mc) and his general creepiness is enough to make the scenes very uncomfortable even though he never did anything more than touch her hair or step too close, so if that kind of thing bothers you then maybe don’t read because he shows up multiple times (deserved his ending though, if that makes you feel better).
I do appreciate the inclusion of dragons, the cast was alright. Definitely had a bunch of sympathetic cringe moments with Justin; poor Justin.
(I tend to get second-hand embarrassment pretty easily, so the cringe is real in some scenes lol. It’s not objectively super clingy though, so you should be good).
The more I read, and the more I’m introduced to the world, the more interested I got. I’m very curious to see how she does Sleeping Beauty (because I liked the Prince when he was introduced) and I’m sort of curious to see how Swan Princess goes too, I suppose.
It was a nice way to pass the time. I liked the characters enough to like seeing their story, but not so much that I’d continue to follow them if given the choice.
So, yeah. Give it a read if you like fairy tale retellings and need something sweet and simple to pass the time. It’s on KU, so it shouldn’t break your bank.
Content warnings: Nothing explicit in terms of romantic content, swearing, or violence.
There is a character who harasses Felicity (mc) and his general creepiness is enough to make the scenes very uncomfortable even though he never did anything more than touch her hair or step too close, so if that kind of thing bothers you then maybe don’t read because he shows up multiple times (deserved his ending though, if that makes you feel better).
April 16, 2023
I've been wanting to read these retold fairytales by this author for a while now and just not gotten around to doing it. Honestly, it was a fun, easy read and mostly good. Unfortunately, it didn't quite capture my attention as much as I expected it would and unlike most of the reviewers...I thought the whole "dragon subplot" was odd and just a random excuse to include dragons. Yes, dragons are incredible, but I believe that every main part of a story needs to have a solid purpose for its inclusion. Throwing in cool magical beasts for fun seems a bit superfluous for my taste.
I have read a handful of fairytale retellings and perhaps this one didn't strike my fancy or I've read much better tales. Honestly, if I compare this to K.M. Shea's series... this book can't hold a candle to it! So perhaps I'm being a bit unfair with my 3-star rating and I surmise if I would've read White's book first (before Shea), then I might have given it a 4-star rating instead.
Overall, a fun, heavily cute fantasy fairytale re-telling with a linked plot that ties in other tales in the following books. If you enjoy cutesy fairytales, then this is a good book for you!
I have read a handful of fairytale retellings and perhaps this one didn't strike my fancy or I've read much better tales. Honestly, if I compare this to K.M. Shea's series... this book can't hold a candle to it! So perhaps I'm being a bit unfair with my 3-star rating and I surmise if I would've read White's book first (before Shea), then I might have given it a 4-star rating instead.
Overall, a fun, heavily cute fantasy fairytale re-telling with a linked plot that ties in other tales in the following books. If you enjoy cutesy fairytales, then this is a good book for you!
August 5, 2021
I liked this book, though I found it very similar to others with the same trope. This, three stars, which for me means it was an averagely good book. It had good characters, a good ending, and was decently paced.
My only pet peeve was that this author really needs to show not tell. Don’t tell me that Felicity laughs at everything, just show me. By the end of the first couple chapters I felt like her sense of humour was being crammed down my throat without me actually seeing all that much evidence. It was that same to a lesser degree with Justin’s coldness, Viola’s bubliness, the cook’s sternness, and the dragon’s haughtiness. Not that those aspects weren’t there on every character. It’s just that I was told the character was like that before I saw it myself, and then was told repeatedly to hammer in the point through different characters.
But overall it was a good, clean romance that wasn’t particularly exceptional but still have a light feel-goodness at the end.
My only pet peeve was that this author really needs to show not tell. Don’t tell me that Felicity laughs at everything, just show me. By the end of the first couple chapters I felt like her sense of humour was being crammed down my throat without me actually seeing all that much evidence. It was that same to a lesser degree with Justin’s coldness, Viola’s bubliness, the cook’s sternness, and the dragon’s haughtiness. Not that those aspects weren’t there on every character. It’s just that I was told the character was like that before I saw it myself, and then was told repeatedly to hammer in the point through different characters.
But overall it was a good, clean romance that wasn’t particularly exceptional but still have a light feel-goodness at the end.
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