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Dirt-Stained Hands, Thorn-Pierced Skin
A queer, Beauty-and-the-Beast-inspired novella
Heron thought ey wanted to be with handsome, charming Tiel—but the relationship hasn’t quite lived up to eir expectations. With Tiel’s confidence comes a tendency to be overbearing, and now he wants Heron to leave eir farm life behind and move to town with him. And Heron can’t figure out how to explain to him that ey doesn’t want that.
When an accident strands Heron’s mother at a castle rumored to belong to a family of mages, Heron rushes off to make sure she’s all right—only to find the castle occupied by a single man who isn’t a mage at all. Prone to hiding behind his long mess of hair, the mysterious Theomer possesses a long-neglected, semi-magical garden. A job tending it is Heron’s perfect opportunity for some time away from Tiel while ey decides what to tell him.
Heron did not plan to be drawn in by Theomer’s attentive gaze and understated sense of humor. But as an undeniable bond forms between them, ey’s soon going to have a much bigger choice to make…
Heron thought ey wanted to be with handsome, charming Tiel—but the relationship hasn’t quite lived up to eir expectations. With Tiel’s confidence comes a tendency to be overbearing, and now he wants Heron to leave eir farm life behind and move to town with him. And Heron can’t figure out how to explain to him that ey doesn’t want that.
When an accident strands Heron’s mother at a castle rumored to belong to a family of mages, Heron rushes off to make sure she’s all right—only to find the castle occupied by a single man who isn’t a mage at all. Prone to hiding behind his long mess of hair, the mysterious Theomer possesses a long-neglected, semi-magical garden. A job tending it is Heron’s perfect opportunity for some time away from Tiel while ey decides what to tell him.
Heron did not plan to be drawn in by Theomer’s attentive gaze and understated sense of humor. But as an undeniable bond forms between them, ey’s soon going to have a much bigger choice to make…
90 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2022
1 person is currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Tabitha O’Connell
7 books32 followersTabitha O’Connell is a historic preservationist and writer of queer fiction living in New York (state, not city!). Eir favorite things include animals, abandoned places, alliteration, long walks, and long sentences (some of which may turn up in eir work…). Right now ey is probably drinking tea and daydreaming about stories centering ace, trans, and other queer characters.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 19, 2023
Inspired by Beauty and the Beast, but gentler and queer. I didn't intend to read this all in one sitting, but I fell for main character Heron, flaws and all, and the quiet connection ey was forming with the mysterious Theomer. No one from outside the castle is taken prisoner in this tale, which I liked, and I also liked how the curse was handled, both the nature of it and how/when it was revealed. Lovely novella with good character growth for the MC and plenty of magic.
September 21, 2022
What a delight! If you're in search of a comforting, queer re-telling of Beauty and the Beast, look no further. We meet main character Heron when ey are at an impasse. Ey thought ey wanted to be with handsome Tiel, but Tiel has become quite overbearing lately and now ey are having second thoughts. When Heron's mother goes missing, ey set out on a quest to find her, only to wind up coming face-to-face with a mysterious, old household where a solitary man resides with his mechanical servants. Drawn in by the mysterious stranger, Heron soon realizes ey has several life-changing choices to make. I will admit, I'm a fan of O'Connell and this latest book does not disappoint. A very satisfying read!
September 19, 2022
This novella had me captivated from page one and didn't loosen its grip until the end and beyond (I'm still thinking about it). O'Connell's ability to write a novella that reads as strongly with characterization, emotion, and plot as a novel shines through once again in eir newest work.
Heron the protagonist is headstrong yet conflicted, and ey finds emself at a crossroads in life, deciding between a future ey doesn't want and a different one ey could potentially have.
Enter Theomer - mysterious and troubled but not unkind and the sole inhabitant of a lonely mansion.
(mild spoiler)
I loved Heron and Theomer's connection from the start and each character in DSHTPS instantly stands out and the ways in which O'Connell worked the retelling elements into the story felt unique and unexpected.
My only complaint is that I wish this was longer because I want to sink into this world and these characters even more!
Heron the protagonist is headstrong yet conflicted, and ey finds emself at a crossroads in life, deciding between a future ey doesn't want and a different one ey could potentially have.
Enter Theomer - mysterious and troubled but not unkind and the sole inhabitant of a lonely mansion.
(mild spoiler)
I loved Heron and Theomer's connection from the start and each character in DSHTPS instantly stands out and the ways in which O'Connell worked the retelling elements into the story felt unique and unexpected.
My only complaint is that I wish this was longer because I want to sink into this world and these characters even more!
September 19, 2022
It's difficult to articulate what it is about this book that I loved so much. O'Connell has such a talent for character-driven stories spurred forward by highly emotional, personal stakes, and that was evident in STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY as much as it is evident here. DIRT-STAINED HANDS, THORN-PIERCED SKIN is a gem. Heron is at once a likeable protagonist, for all eir messy flaws, and the conflicts and decisions that unfold as a result of eir actions moves the story along at a pleasant pace. The other characters, from Heron's obnoxious lover to eir boistrous and impulsive mom, are all very well written. The gradual progression of romance between Heron and Theomer -- as well as the crackle of tension it causes -- is so maddeningly well done that I had to bite my hand to keep myself from screaming at the book in the middle of the night.
This novella is a delightful one-sitting read that will stay at the back of your mind long after you've reached the last page.
This novella is a delightful one-sitting read that will stay at the back of your mind long after you've reached the last page.
November 20, 2023
A very unique and queer take as a Beauty and the Beast retelling! It took awhile to read (only because I'm teacher and I just have a lot on my plate) but I enjoyed how the story was reframed. The gardening and plant magic really interested me, and the way Heron and Theomer reenacted readings of old plays felt very much like lovers having fun with Shakespeare.
Unrelated, but my mental narrator insisted on voicing this in a Scottish accent, can't explain why. But it was fun!
Unrelated, but my mental narrator insisted on voicing this in a Scottish accent, can't explain why. But it was fun!
February 15, 2024
This story might be inspired by Beauty and the Beast, but it takes out some core parts of the story, which in my opinion are some of the best parts. The biggest of this is that Theo is perfectly human with a curse that binds him to the castle, which doesn't really qualify him as a "Beast" and takes away all of that conflict. Also, Heron's stay at the castle is much more voluntary than in the original story, which again removes some of the conflict.
Heron actually dating the "Gaston" character was interesting at first, but in the end it only made Heron more unlikeable. Tiel is overwhelming and they're definitely not a good match and should break up, but he's not actually malicious, and he deserves better than being ghosted and cheated on because Heron is unable to actually communicate. Thankfully, Heron realizes this as well, but by that time it was kind of too late.
In general, I found Heron kind of frustrating and unlikeable. Also, I don't normally have a problem with characters who swear a lot, but here it didn't seem like it fit the story and the atmosphere for me.
I did like the enchanted garden and the automatons instead of the enchanted furniture a lot, those things were cool.
But like. Really. I know this isn't a proper retelling and only "inspired" by Beauty and the Beast, but what's the point if the love interest is not beastly in any way.
Heron actually dating the "Gaston" character was interesting at first, but in the end it only made Heron more unlikeable. Tiel is overwhelming and they're definitely not a good match and should break up, but he's not actually malicious, and he deserves better than being ghosted and cheated on because Heron is unable to actually communicate. Thankfully, Heron realizes this as well, but by that time it was kind of too late.
In general, I found Heron kind of frustrating and unlikeable. Also, I don't normally have a problem with characters who swear a lot, but here it didn't seem like it fit the story and the atmosphere for me.
I did like the enchanted garden and the automatons instead of the enchanted furniture a lot, those things were cool.
But like. Really. I know this isn't a proper retelling and only "inspired" by Beauty and the Beast, but what's the point if the love interest is not beastly in any way.
August 29, 2025
Warning: This review may be a little more incoherent than normal, because I stayed up late into the night, eager to finish reading this story.
Oh, this was wonderful! I love the worldbuilding and how so much of the world was crafted in so little time, especially the fantastical elements like the magic plants and the automatons. (I hope that after Theomer and Heron get together, they do end up letting Heron's ma paint faces on the automatons and possibly name them, and hopefully they're nice names like Rupert and Tiffany and not 'Missing Finger' or 'Dirt In Joints.' Speaking of the magic, I like to think of the overgrown rosebush and Theomer's curse as a metaphor for the trauma of a past toxic relationship holding a person back. Heron had to cut off Tiel to set emself free, and then helped free Theomer both literally and emotionally by loving him *and* freeing him from the curse. It has layers, I like it.
Speaking of Heron, eir personality just jumps off the page, the reader gets a clear understanding of eir perspective, and begins to root for em, from page one. I love em.
I also like Theomer a lot. Watching him grow and wondering about the secrets he was keeping helped move the plot along and kept me intrigued, and I was *not* disappointed about the reveal. I'll never look at a harpsichord the same way again.
On a slightly more personal note, this is the first ever fantasy book/novella I've ever read that features a protagonist with ey/em pronouns, and I love it for that. I always like reading and writing about characters that use neopronouns in general (because neopronouns deserve more love, dammit!) but reading about Heron touched me because I briefly questioned my gender identity and presentation and felt drawn to 'ey/em' pronouns in particular. While I'm happy with my pronouns of she/her, I'm still fond of 'ey/em' and the memories I have of the time when I felt drawn to them.
Anyway I'm gonna stop oversharing and rambling on Goodreads now and get some sleep, and I will definitely revel in the fact that, like the fairytale this story puts an amazing spin on, this book was an excellent bedtime story.
Oh, this was wonderful! I love the worldbuilding and how so much of the world was crafted in so little time, especially the fantastical elements like the magic plants and the automatons. (I hope that after Theomer and Heron get together, they do end up letting Heron's ma paint faces on the automatons and possibly name them, and hopefully they're nice names like Rupert and Tiffany and not 'Missing Finger' or 'Dirt In Joints.' Speaking of the magic, I like to think of the overgrown rosebush and Theomer's curse as a metaphor for the trauma of a past toxic relationship holding a person back. Heron had to cut off Tiel to set emself free, and then helped free Theomer both literally and emotionally by loving him *and* freeing him from the curse. It has layers, I like it.
Speaking of Heron, eir personality just jumps off the page, the reader gets a clear understanding of eir perspective, and begins to root for em, from page one. I love em.
I also like Theomer a lot. Watching him grow and wondering about the secrets he was keeping helped move the plot along and kept me intrigued, and I was *not* disappointed about the reveal. I'll never look at a harpsichord the same way again.
On a slightly more personal note, this is the first ever fantasy book/novella I've ever read that features a protagonist with ey/em pronouns, and I love it for that. I always like reading and writing about characters that use neopronouns in general (because neopronouns deserve more love, dammit!) but reading about Heron touched me because I briefly questioned my gender identity and presentation and felt drawn to 'ey/em' pronouns in particular. While I'm happy with my pronouns of she/her, I'm still fond of 'ey/em' and the memories I have of the time when I felt drawn to them.
Anyway I'm gonna stop oversharing and rambling on Goodreads now and get some sleep, and I will definitely revel in the fact that, like the fairytale this story puts an amazing spin on, this book was an excellent bedtime story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2024
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 since parts of what I didn't like were due to my own expectations and preferences.
A very cozy slow-burn read which felt pretty soft and low-stakes most of the time.
One reason I did not like this as much as I expected is that it is called "Beauty-and-the-Beast-inspired" and I expected, well, some kind of "beast" theme in this. Which it did not really have.
Apart from that expectation, the themes of a magical castle, of a recluse living there, and the slow burn of getting to know each other better while living together in said castle worked really well. It was a very character driven story, more about finding what's right for the main character emself, and where no one is a villain or hero because everyone is just a normal person. For such a character driven story that focuses on the emotional journey, it could have focused more on the growing feelings and the longing, as it is, it almost felt a bit too much like just a description of day to day work and slice of life.
This book might be for you if:
-you liked the animated movie but wanted them less mean and less scared
-you liked the animated movie for the slow burn but disliked the beast looking inhuman and having dangerous traits
-you like a non binary main character!
This book might not be for you if:
-you liked the animated movie but thought the danger and beastly themes were the best part
-you dislike neopronouns
-you dislike slow-burn
-want mostly action and high stakes
All in all, a good read, with sweet, human characters, a cozy mood, and a little bit of fairy tale magic.
A very cozy slow-burn read which felt pretty soft and low-stakes most of the time.
One reason I did not like this as much as I expected is that it is called "Beauty-and-the-Beast-inspired" and I expected, well, some kind of "beast" theme in this. Which it did not really have.
Apart from that expectation, the themes of a magical castle, of a recluse living there, and the slow burn of getting to know each other better while living together in said castle worked really well. It was a very character driven story, more about finding what's right for the main character emself, and where no one is a villain or hero because everyone is just a normal person. For such a character driven story that focuses on the emotional journey, it could have focused more on the growing feelings and the longing, as it is, it almost felt a bit too much like just a description of day to day work and slice of life.
This book might be for you if:
-you liked the animated movie but wanted them less mean and less scared
-you liked the animated movie for the slow burn but disliked the beast looking inhuman and having dangerous traits
-you like a non binary main character!
This book might not be for you if:
-you liked the animated movie but thought the danger and beastly themes were the best part
-you dislike neopronouns
-you dislike slow-burn
-want mostly action and high stakes
All in all, a good read, with sweet, human characters, a cozy mood, and a little bit of fairy tale magic.
November 14, 2022
I found this novella incredibly enchanting from the first page, an excellent Beauty and the Beast retelling. The characters are so vivid, their emotions and world around them so immersive. O'Connell is truly talented with character driven stories.
We meet the protagonist, Heron, when ey are at a crossroads. Though at first Heron is more hiding from eir problems, and less so even aware that there is a choice in front of em at all — eventually ey have to decide between two futures. One ey never even imagined.
Heron is a very likeable protagonist. Though at first ey tend to bottle everything up (emotions and conflicts), ey become more willful and determined, seeking the life ey want.
And then there is Theomer, the lone occupant of a old mansion. Mysterious, somewhat wistful, and ultimately of a truly kind heart. This stranger Heron meets is immediately intriguing.
The connection between these two characters unfolds naturally and heartfelt. All in all, a very enjoyable read.
We meet the protagonist, Heron, when ey are at a crossroads. Though at first Heron is more hiding from eir problems, and less so even aware that there is a choice in front of em at all — eventually ey have to decide between two futures. One ey never even imagined.
Heron is a very likeable protagonist. Though at first ey tend to bottle everything up (emotions and conflicts), ey become more willful and determined, seeking the life ey want.
And then there is Theomer, the lone occupant of a old mansion. Mysterious, somewhat wistful, and ultimately of a truly kind heart. This stranger Heron meets is immediately intriguing.
The connection between these two characters unfolds naturally and heartfelt. All in all, a very enjoyable read.
July 6, 2025
⭐ 3.75/5 ⭐
A Beauty and the Beast retelling. When Heron's ma ends up convalescing in the castle of mysterious and feared mages, ey set off to find her and bring her home.
- I enjoyed the setting and the castle (particularly the gardens) was enchanting and enjoyable with lots of descriptions. I felt I could picture the places well and the characters within them.
- This book achieves being a queer book where queerness isn't the focus of the plot and I enjoyed it a lot. It took me a while to adjust to the ey/em/eir pronouns of the protagonist but about 10% in it just flowed.
- The ending and certain plot points felt a bit rushed. This is a novella that could have benefitted from being expanded to a novel. The plot, setting and characters could have flourished more and the finish more expansive.
If you like fairytale adaptations with a hint or queerness, then this little novella is well worth your time.
A Beauty and the Beast retelling. When Heron's ma ends up convalescing in the castle of mysterious and feared mages, ey set off to find her and bring her home.
- I enjoyed the setting and the castle (particularly the gardens) was enchanting and enjoyable with lots of descriptions. I felt I could picture the places well and the characters within them.
- This book achieves being a queer book where queerness isn't the focus of the plot and I enjoyed it a lot. It took me a while to adjust to the ey/em/eir pronouns of the protagonist but about 10% in it just flowed.
- The ending and certain plot points felt a bit rushed. This is a novella that could have benefitted from being expanded to a novel. The plot, setting and characters could have flourished more and the finish more expansive.
If you like fairytale adaptations with a hint or queerness, then this little novella is well worth your time.
May 20, 2024
This was a lovely little romance novella with themes of Beauty and the Beast sprinkled throughout. Definitely recommend this book to readers of lgbtq+ romance and if you’re looking for a quick and complete story!
November 6, 2024
My favourite Disney film growing up was Beauty and the Beast so any retelling will catch my eye. this was enjoyable. Not amazing but worth a read. The idea that Heron (the main 'Belle' character) is non binary and ends up as a gardener for 'the Beast' is fun.
September 1, 2025
Cute and short romance. Heron is an interesting protagonist, ey are a bit of a doormat at the beginning because ey don't know what ey want. It's nice to see that change with Theomer and as they regained hope and some purpose
August 27, 2024
4.75⭐ (rounded off)
May 18, 2025
incredibly boring and even as someone who swears a lot, the swearing was so jarring??
February 25, 2024
4.5. Unexpectedly, I’m beginning to realise I really love Beauty and the Beast retellings. I mean, one made my top 10 books of 2023, and now this one is sitting at a well-deserved 4.5 stars! I can’t quite put my finger on why exactly I adore this type of story. Perhaps because the MCs are living the dream life (secluded, with lots of plants and books). Or maybe it’s because the MCs get to be completely alone with each other and fall in love over quiet moments. There’s definitely a roommates-to-lovers element I adore, too.
The romance here was gorgeous. I was on the edge of my seat with the slow-burn. Like I mentioned above, I loved how Heron and Theomer fell in love in the quiet moments, like reading, eating, and playing music together. I also loved how they grew as people *because* of their connection. Heron is finally able to figure out what ey want from life, and gains the resolve to achieve this. Meanwhile, Theomer realises he can expect more from life and that he deserves better.
Plant magic is also at play here, which was another lovely addition. The way it was used to retell the rose aspect of the original story was clever.
Heron’s mum was such an excellent side character. She was actually hilarious. I liked how the narrative retold the whole entrapment-of-parent thing; you can’t have a good retelling of Beauty and the Beast without addressing the imprisonment and lack of consent of the original.
I do wish the ending was written differently, as the third-act break-up felt a little contrived, and everything was rushed in comparison to the beautiful pacing of the rest of the novella.
Rep: genderqueer MC who uses neopronouns (ey/em), Achillean LI
The romance here was gorgeous. I was on the edge of my seat with the slow-burn. Like I mentioned above, I loved how Heron and Theomer fell in love in the quiet moments, like reading, eating, and playing music together. I also loved how they grew as people *because* of their connection. Heron is finally able to figure out what ey want from life, and gains the resolve to achieve this. Meanwhile, Theomer realises he can expect more from life and that he deserves better.
Plant magic is also at play here, which was another lovely addition. The way it was used to retell the rose aspect of the original story was clever.
Heron’s mum was such an excellent side character. She was actually hilarious. I liked how the narrative retold the whole entrapment-of-parent thing; you can’t have a good retelling of Beauty and the Beast without addressing the imprisonment and lack of consent of the original.
I do wish the ending was written differently, as the third-act break-up felt a little contrived, and everything was rushed in comparison to the beautiful pacing of the rest of the novella.
Rep: genderqueer MC who uses neopronouns (ey/em), Achillean LI
December 13, 2022
Dirt-Stained Hands, Thorn-Pierced Skin is such a lush and captivating novella. I can never say no to one of Tabitha O'Connell's works, and just like everything else I've read of eirs so far, it did not disappoint in the slightest. I'd even say that this might just be the best Beauty and the Beast retelling I've had the pleasure of reading!
January 29, 2024
6/10
I received a review copy of this novella as part of the SFINCS contest and will be keeping ratings to myself until the first round of the competition is over. My opinions are honest.
Dirt-Stained Hands, Thorn-Pierced Skin is a retelling of the classic fairytale: Beauty and the Beast. This version is a fantasy romance with a trans character named Heron in the “Beauty” role (pronouns: em, ey, emself). Set in Theomer’s castle, a place that is infamous for once having been owned by a family of sorcerers, there are now just Theomer and his staff of automaton servants living there, along with a garden full of overgrown magical plants. Heron becomes employed as a temporary gardener and a slow-burn romance soon begins between the two castle inhabitants, despite Heron already being in a somewhat unsatisfactory relationship. Their feelings for one another really start to become noticeable when Heron washes Theomer’s tangled hair. The romantic tension builds expertly in this emotionally-charged sensual scene. (Note: sensual, rather than sexual – this is not a spicy book).The two main characters in this novella are well-written and the love triangle dilemma which Heron finds emself in is dealt with carefully and does not get too much focus.
The climax to this novella was fairly horrifying, involving an evil ensorceled rosebush full of flesh-piercing thorns. On the whole, however, there is more romance than horror in the story and if you like fantasy retellings of well-known fairytales with an updated slant, you will surely enjoy it!
I received a review copy of this novella as part of the SFINCS contest and will be keeping ratings to myself until the first round of the competition is over. My opinions are honest.
Dirt-Stained Hands, Thorn-Pierced Skin is a retelling of the classic fairytale: Beauty and the Beast. This version is a fantasy romance with a trans character named Heron in the “Beauty” role (pronouns: em, ey, emself). Set in Theomer’s castle, a place that is infamous for once having been owned by a family of sorcerers, there are now just Theomer and his staff of automaton servants living there, along with a garden full of overgrown magical plants. Heron becomes employed as a temporary gardener and a slow-burn romance soon begins between the two castle inhabitants, despite Heron already being in a somewhat unsatisfactory relationship. Their feelings for one another really start to become noticeable when Heron washes Theomer’s tangled hair. The romantic tension builds expertly in this emotionally-charged sensual scene. (Note: sensual, rather than sexual – this is not a spicy book).The two main characters in this novella are well-written and the love triangle dilemma which Heron finds emself in is dealt with carefully and does not get too much focus.
The climax to this novella was fairly horrifying, involving an evil ensorceled rosebush full of flesh-piercing thorns. On the whole, however, there is more romance than horror in the story and if you like fantasy retellings of well-known fairytales with an updated slant, you will surely enjoy it!
December 31, 2022
CWs from the author: Minor injury, blood, mild body horror, reference to parent death
CW from me:
I did not consider that me having read Bryony and Roses earlier this month would be problem but the two books share a few similarities beyond the fact that they are both Beauty & The Beast retellings. So I'm gonna wait to write my review so I don't compare the two.
For now I will say I liked the familial relationship and the curse part of the retelling was introduced to late to leave an impact.
I received an advanced reading copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
CW from me:
I did not consider that me having read Bryony and Roses earlier this month would be problem but the two books share a few similarities beyond the fact that they are both Beauty & The Beast retellings. So I'm gonna wait to write my review so I don't compare the two.
For now I will say I liked the familial relationship and the curse part of the retelling was introduced to late to leave an impact.
I received an advanced reading copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
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