When I asked a group of my high school students their interpretation of the message in Beauty and the Beast, they emphatically answered that it's not what's on the inside that counts. However, I then proceeded to point out to them that the "inside" of the beast, at least in Disney-fied and many other version of this tale, is that of a jerk for much of the story. For the most part, he's not nice and does not deserve Belle's affections or kindness. Finally, we have a retelling that breaks this mold. Keep in mind, Leife Shallcross' The Beast's Heart truly is a retelling of the traditional tale. There is not much different plot-wise: a prince-turned-beast, a father in need stumbling upon a castle, the beast saves his life, the beast demands the father's youngest daughter in exchange for his life, youngest daughter shows up, the two tiptoe around one another for months, and then the beast and daughter fall in love.

Readers will finally see the tale from Beast's point-of-view, and it is rather refreshing, honestly. Beast hates himself more than anything, and acknowledges his selfishness while also having brilliant moments of selflessness. Leife Shallcross' The Beast's Heart is a gorgeously written retelling of a classic story, shedding light on the other side of the tale to allowing readers a glimpse into what it's like for a man to find himself inside the body of a beast.

This is an imaginative premise that mostly delivers on its charm. There are interesting character twists, with the inversion of the sisters' and father's feelings regarding the heroine's capture and subsequent good fortune. The Beast is written well, and the account from his point of view adds both dimension, depth, and humanity to the character.

That said, the plot doesn't differ greatly from the known story, and because of the nature of the narrative (largely recounting their day-to-day activities) the book feels stiff and slow in a few places in the middle. Readers could skim or skip large chunks without significant detriment or loss of storytelling. It is for that reason that I wouldn't feel comfortable recommending this for YA readers, though it otherwise fits the bill quite well.

*Thank you to the author and NetGalley for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Literally one of the best retelling's of Beauty and the Beast I have ever read. It was so unique and I love the spin that was put on this.

The Beast has been put under a curse from a fairy. For centuries he lives alone in a castle, battling with his beast self. A man is lost and struggling through the woods so he uses the magic that his Chateau grants him to help the man survive. He sees in the man's dreams that he has a beautiful daughter. The beast terrifies the man into bringing the daughter to live with him so that he will not be alone anymore. However, stricken with guilt for being so selfish, he tells Isabeau of his loneliness and gives her the choice to stay with him for a year to quench his solitude.

I loved that this story completely took out any of the "Stockholm syndrome" critiques that some people have of this tale. It was simply a story of a woman trying to help a beast. It made so much sense to me and I was intrigued by the friendship they were building and the mystery of why the beast was cursed. The only reason this didn't get 5 stars was that in the middle there was a lot of the beast watching his enchanted mirror and following Isabeau's family in the wake of her departure. Some of it got a little boring and I wanted to know what was going to happen with Isabeau and the beast. Those parts however, made the story so much more than a love story so I do appreciate them for what they were.

A beautifully written fairy tale featuring The Beast from Beauty and The Beast fame. This is told from Beast's point of view, starting from his memories of living wild in the forest. Beast finds his way back to his castle, now a falling down ruin after many years of neglect. Magic within the house takes care of the Beast, his needs, and the house. He slowly evolves into a more human-like Beast, which is when he encounters Beauty's father, setting in motion the Beast's fascination with Beauty. This story is so well written, echoing the classic movie versions which most are familiar with, but expanding into the lives of Beauty, her family, and The Beast's feelings and thoughts. I so hate the thought of finishing this book I have already decided that I will start it again, it is that good.