Beast by Donna Jo Napoli
"Meet the Beast -- before there was Beauty Orasmyn is the prince of Persia and heir to the throne. His religion fills his heart and his mind, and he strives for the knowledge and leadership his father demonstrates. But on the day of the Feast of Sacrifices, Orasmyn makes a foolish choice that results in a fairy's wretched punishment: he is turned into a beast, a curse to be undone only by the love of a woman.
Thus begins Orasmyn's journey through the exotic Middle East and sensuous France as he struggles to learn the way of the beast, while also preserving the mind of the man. This is the story of his search, not only for a woman courageous enough to love him, but also for his own redemption."
Description from Goodreads.
I like this telling of Beauty and the Beast because as both the title and description make clear, it is about the beast. It is about him before He meets Her and falls in love. It also takes place in the middle east, which is a nice change of pace given most take place in England or France (which this does venture in). I don't like giving spoilers, cause I figure the reader likes to find things out for herself. If you like fantasy, fairy tales this is a very good book.
Spindle's End by Robin McKinley
" All the creatures of the forest and field and riverbank knew the infant was special. She was the princess, spirited away from the evil fairy Pernicia on her name-day. But the curse was cast: Rosie was fated to prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel and fall into a poisoned sleep-a slumber from which no one would be able to rouse her." Description from Goodreads.
Ok, I read this book a couple years ago so I can't remember many of the details. I do remember that I liked it. I obviously didn't love it or I would be able to remember more about it. It is a retelling of Sleeping Beauty and a good one. Like Beast, if you like the classical fairy tales this should be one you like.
Last but not least there is Beauty by Sheri S. Tepper
"On her sixteenth birthday, Beauty, daughter of Philip, Duke of Montfort, Westfaire and Ylles, sidesteps the sleeping curse placed upon her by her wicked aunt, the fairy Carabosse -- only to be kidnapped by voyeurs from another time and place, far from the picturesque castle in 14th century England. Captivating, uncompromising and unforgettable, Beauty will carve its own unique place in the hearts and minds of readers."
A definitely unique take on Sleeping Beauty. I liked this one, mainly because of how the plot developed and the ways the writer allowed for the characters to solve their problems. Meaning, a lot of things happen you do not expect.
Good Day and Good Reading
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