The Beast's Heart: A Novel of Beauty and the Beast

I've known about this book for a while, and it's been on my "TBR" list for longer than I'd like to admit (as a Beauty and the Beast enthusiast.) When I had some extra credits on Audible, I decided "Well, what the heck!? Let's get this audiobook!" And in all honesty, I was a little apprehensive from the voice of the narrator. I was afraid I'd become bored and put this book aside (just as some other reviews here on Goodreads said they did ultimately.)I'm very familiar with the original tale of "Beauty and the Beast" - the sisters, the rose garden, the nightly proposals, the enchanted castle, and the magical ring that transports Beauty to and from the Beast's castle. So, I knew this was going to be more true to the tale than perhaps someone who thinks of just the Disney tale. And I wasn't disappointed - not by far.I loved hearing the Beast's pov; I probably sound a little dismal in saying that I enjoyed feeling his longing, feeling his hopelessness. And the emotions as he explores what love is, if it's what he was feeling towards Isabeau (Beauty). I really enjoyed seeing a bit more of the "backstory" to the Beast - though, there were times that I felt a little perplexed. What had happened to all the servants when he had been changed (For it was magic that served him later as a Beast?) How did he live for decades? Small things that didn't take away from the story - but just left me pondering as I listened to the story.I really enjoyed the audiobook - and actually, was unable to finish listening to the ending as I had to go out and about in public, so I quickly bought the e-book version, just so that I could read the ending. There are a few things in the book that I felt were a little bit "over the top" - such as a scene regarding Isabeau's father. I was shocked, for sure - but then felt a little angry that the father had resorted to such an act. And the ending - there were a few things that made me roll my eyes a little, but at the same token, I appreciated seeing more than where the story usually leaves us. And the Beast was given a name! A Name! I was thrilled.I loved the stories of the sisters and their life after Isabeau left. I liked that there was more of a reason as to why Isabeau took care of the family before she left, rather than the traditional, "they were mean sisters." I think that fairy tale element gets a little old after so many "Cinderella" retellings.For anyone who enjoys "Beauty and the Beast" - you'll love this. If you loved "Beauty" or "Rose Daughter" by Robin McKinley - then this is exactly your speed. If you're more of a "A Curse So Dark and Lonely" reader - then, maybe just approach this book knowing it is a little slow. But it's not a terrible slow - it's the sort of slow that begins like a lazy summer day, and then suddenly by the end, you're racing to the rose garden to save your precious Beast.Now I just want Leife to write an Isabeau POV - just so we can see the dreams! I desperately want to see all the dreams that Isabeau experienced (because there were a few times, I got very tired of her tears, and just wanted to know what the heck was going on with her.)

**Contains SpoilersI loved the Beast (which is probably something to be expected as it's his side of the story), but I didn't like Isabeau at all. I found her aloof, a bit snobbish and **gringe mentally unstable.Claude and Marie were also unrelateable. Shallcross alluded to them at the start of the book as being somewhat lazy, selfish and self-involved and overnight they turned into 'what-was-supposed-to-be' likeable characters. That is just bad character development in the writing.I missed the magical and mystical objects.

A unique retelling of. Beloved classic. I love a good fairytale with Beauty and the Beast being my favourite. This delightful book takes us into the story through the Beasts loin of view.I loved it.

This unique retelling of Beauty and the Beast is my all time favorite!Told from the perspective of the Beast this story takes you on a journey that not many people dwell on. How Beast actually became the beast and how Beauty changed his life.Wonderful!

September 19, 2019This is soley a review on the quality of the paperback book and packaging, not the overall story itself.I recently purchased this book as "New" for a friend as a gift to her who is a huge fan of Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast'. Upon receiving the book today, it came packaged in a large box (with two other items I had purchased: colored pencils & coloring book) without any kind of protection so the items moved freely within the box. There are dents along the spine of the book. On the front cover, along the edges of the book, it has a damaged/used quality to it. There are these slight "nicks" along the edges (also on a couple pages) which may be due to the way it was stored or handled before sending to buyer or even a combination of both aspects. I feel there is a possible production issue as the covers front edge doesn't meet with the pages. One could interpret the book as being "used" based on the imperfect quality of the book.For those who like perfect books without any defects; when purchasing as "New" do expect you may receive a book that may look like the one I received today. I personally do not mind the imperfections of this book. When I buy books I do look for the best ones possible but an imperfect book never bothered me. :) I would be happy with this despite the way it looks. My concern is how the "receiver" of the book would take it.I've provided pictures of the paperback book I received for anyone who is curious to see how it looks.Happy reading! 😊

Beauty and the Beast has always been one of my favorite fairy tales. I've read other novelizations (ex. Robin McKinley's Beauty), so I was curious about a story told from the Beast's point of view. Shallcross's novel hits most of the right notes. We see a lost creature who regains his humanity, and realizes that he's desperately lonely. His need for companionship drives his horrific demand that the merchant send his daughter, Isabeau, to stay with him for a year, and, under her influence, the Beast's character becomes compassionate, loving, caring - more human. As in all good fairy tales, everything works out for the best and everyone lives happily ever after.

Probably one of the most beautiful retellings of Beauty and the Beast ever! Told completely from Beast's POV this book absolutely broke me.Unlike some other versions (thank God!), there is no villainous Gaston out to kill the Beast or force Beauty to marry him, no wicked sisters or step-sisters trying to spoil things for Beauty. In fact, everybody in the story seem to be decent, loving people - even Beast whose main failing seems to be that he tried so hard NOT to be his father that he shut himself off emotionally and refused to love anybody after his grandmother died.This is one I'm going to read more than once for sure - once the tears dry up a bit, that is

This YA fantasy is a retelling of the fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast, but from the perspective of the Beast. I really enjoyed this. The writing was mystical and ethereal. I felt it was quite close to the original fairy tale, with references to the many proposals Beast makes to Isabeau. For a standalone, this was great, and I think the author should try another perspective fairy tale. My only criticism is that there was a lot of background on Isabeau’s sisters left behind at the farm. Whilst I understand it allows for the growth of characters, I found it a little distracting, and felt it could have been pulled back slightly. Trigger warnings for suicidal thoughts/tendencies.

What a delightful book! I love how the fairytale itself was seamlessly matched by the utterly charming tone and voice of the book.It was good to see this fairytale told from the Beast's perspective and to see the thought processes he goes through as he learns and changes. He makes a lot of mistakes, and I did have to yell "oh, buddy, no!" a couple of times.There are also moments where his behaviour is on the wrong side of creepy, which is handled sensitively and without trying to excuse it, which I appreciated, but he's aware of it and, while he doesn't exactly change his behaviour, his motives for it change. I don't know whether that makes him pure or not, but it certainly makes him human, which is rather the point of this tale.And Isabeau's agency and determination at the end were a delight.I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I had really enjoyed reading the story of beauty and the beast from a new angle.... seeing it from the POV of the beast felt more real and it was easy to slip into the story and see it as it unfolds.It has a bit of a slow start but the more you read the more absorbed you get.If you are a fan of the story I encourage you to read this version of it.. you might come to like it as I did

We may know the story, but this is an utterly enchanting tale, beautifully written and a delight to read. I was completely sucked into the Beast's world and heart. Loved it.

I really really enjoyed this! Went in reading it knowing the 1991 film off by heart so found this retelling very interesting. Great price too!