Bren (Breninithaca) reviewed on 8/14/2008 + 377 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 2

I've always loved Robin McKinley and this book only added to my impression that she is one of the best writers out there of romantic fantasy. This book is a retelling of the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale, but it departs from the original story much more than her earlier book, Beauty. And don't expect anything like the Disney version - this book is much darker than any children's version although it is marketed as young adult fantasy.

My only complaint about this book is that I wish she had made the unicorns a bigger part of the story. They were such a surprise addition late in the book and I wish she had developed them more. And I also think she tied up the ending a little too quickly - you knew there was going to be a happily-ever-after - but she didn't take the story far enough to actually show it happening.

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