Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge
This book was kind of a dark twist on Beauty and the Beast, but unlike other failed attempts at this kind of story, Cruel Beauty actually pulls it off.
Cruel Beauty is a mix between Greek Mythology and The Beauty and the Beast. Here is my suggestion: if you don’t know anything about Greek mythology, do some research (perhaps by reading Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan) before you start this book.
“If one of us had to die, it ought to be the one with poison in her heart.”
Our main character is named Nyx. She has been destined to marry the evil ruler of her kingdom ever since she was born- and forced with the task of saving her people by trapping him- and herself- in his house forever, never to escape.
Nyx has built up burning rage and hatred for everyone- her father, who forced her into this horrible deal, her aunt, who replaces her mother’s place in their home, her sister, who everyone loves and adores, and most of all, she hates herself for the poison in her heart.
When she turns seventeen, she goes to marry the horrible monster that she will be trapped with forever. She goes unwillingly, afraid, angry, determined and prepared for anything. Anything, that is, except what happens-
She falls in love with him.
He isn’t anything what she expected- protective, caring, and maybe even loving. He makes her feel something she has never felt before- the wickedness coming out of her heart. As she learns more about him, she realizes that the treachery and despicable acts he has done to her people may not be entirely her fault.
“They said that love was terrifying and tender, wild and sweet, and none of it made any sense.
But now I knew that every mad word was true.”
This book wasn’t anything I expected it to be. It was so different from the other retellings of Beauty and the Beast that I’ve read, and yet at the same time it was so intense, dark and thrilling that I couldn’t put it down.
Were there some character flaws that I disliked? Some holes in the plot? Some annoying, cheesy quotes? The answer is yes. You might be confused- but here is my verdict. Pick this up to be entertained- not to find a new favorite book. It’s good, memorable, fresh; but not what I would consider to be amazing.
Short and sweet because I am out of time! See you guys in a few days for another review!
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