#TheQueensCouncilRebelRose #NetGalley
I liked this despite the lack of knowledge about this book. I hadn't heard anything about it. I think that young adults will enjoy it due to the well established characters. I liked the more independent female characters. Emma Theriault did a wonderful job of convey these characters who we already love so much.

Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite fairytales. This was a totally unexpected take on what happens after. After, something many of us daydream about. I bet when you day dream about Belle this isn't the after you imagine. This is a wonderfully imaginative after that is based in history and filled with suspense and tension. I loved how Belle had to come to terms with her new life, and the way her and Lio interacted. There were familiar characters from the before but it was the new ones that gripped me as I tried with Belle to figure out who could be trusted. The backdrop of the French Revolution added to the overall wow of the plot. I also really enjoyed the way the curse from before had effects that still rippled through the hearts of the characters in the after.

Wonderful. Creative. Tense. I'll be looking for more from this author.

I think one of the most clever things for an author to do is place a Disney princess in their historical time period. That is exactly what Emma Theriault does.

"Rebel Rose" takes Belle out from her new married life with the Beast and places her in the heart of the French Revolution. It has been a year since Belle broke the curse and she and Lio (the Beast) are touring Paris on their honeymoon. Yet while this is a pleasure tour, it is also a business for Prince Lio. Having been "ill" for ten years, Prince Lio must report to France's king Louie and restate his loyalty to the crown. However, there are whispers of rebellion in the streets of Paris. The commoners are starving and unsatisfied with how the opulent King and Queen are ruling the country. The commoners want blood. After witnessing a horrific murder of a nobeman by an angry mob, Belle wants nothing more than to escape back to Aveyon. Belle is trapped between two worlds--that of a peasant and that of a princesses. Neither side accepts her yet it is only Belle who can save Aveyon from the growing unrest from the city. For Belle, her friends, and her Prince will it be "viva la reine" or "down with the crown?"

I was lucky enough to get an advance copy of this book, which is a sequel to Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (specifically the live-action one, based on certain details) set during the French Revolution.

I loved the worldbuilding, how Theriault fit the existing story into history, and how she kept us guessing about various secondary characters’ allegiances, particularly Marguerite and Bastien. Belle’s journey of learning to trust her instincts rather than constantly second-guess herself and/or let herself be over-ruled by higher-ranking male figures was compelling, though “trust your instincts rather than anyone else” is not really a great message for a ruler! The plot was tense and exciting, there were queer characters that were better depicted than what I’ve heard of the live-action movie, and the foreshadowing made sense in retrospect without giving away the whole plot. My main quibble was that we didn’t see enough passion for me to believe that [SPOILER] was a fanatical revolutionary. It would almost have made more sense if [SPOILER] was trying to take the throne rather than bring it down.

This is Theriault’s first published novel, and it’s for a very prominent IP. I was super impressed with how she pulled it off! I can’t wait to see what she does next, and what the next author will do with this series.

I actually quit this book because I wasn't in the right mood for it at the time.

I don't have any issues, and intend to give it another try in the very near future!

Full review to come!

"Once upon a time, a cursed prince fell in love with a headstrong girl, and together they saved a kingdom."

In the world of Rebel Rose you don't get a HEA just because you marry a prince—especially if it’s 1789 and you’re living in France. To take on a beloved classic while trying to kick off a new series for a household name is Disney is no small feat, and Theirault did not have an easy task. I mean, how do you combine the magic of Disney with one of the bloodiest times in French history? I commend Emma Theriault for tackling this beast of a story but have mixed feelings about the end product.

Rebel Rose is strange, no question. It's dazed and distracted and has story arcs are a bit disjointed. First impressions are important, and I was a little thrown off by the opening. After the prologue, which is an attempt to mimic the tone ofthe original's, but instead of transitioning into a quaint scene of a little town in Aveyon, we're thrust in media res-ish into the bustling town of Paris and its lavish court. It's especially jarring because the setting feels so foreign. The familiar cast of characters and the provincial backdrop are all missing, even the Beast is transformed from Prince Adam to Prince Lio (his mother's nickname for him, apparently.) As a reader, I felt like I was scrambling for purchase, looking for something familiar from the original that I could use as a foothold to help me get my bearings. It's not that I'm unfamiliar with the mess that is France in the 1790s, but it's just so disparate from the fairy tales of my childhood, I had a hard time try to imagine these beloved characters into that world, especially when Belle and Lio seem like subdued versions of themselves. Granted, it contrasts Aveyon and France and highlights their discomfort in the courts of Versailles, but it’s a bit well, odd. Guillotines and pixie dust don’t exactly go together, but the opening chapters of the book felt more like pure historical fiction instead of a continuation or spinoff of the classic Disney movie.

The mirror scene helped reclaim some of the Disney magic the narrative is so desperately lacking, and the story gets better once Belle is back in Aveyon, surrounded by the familiar cast who is human again. It would’ve been nice to see the castle staff play a bit of a bigger role, and I wish Theriault incorporated them into the plot more. Belle feels too isolated and needs a little less introspection and more interaction with the other characters. The story definitely begins to pick up during the second act, but I think a few minor changes could help with the pacing. There are times when the plot feels weighed down unnecessarily by politics and the obstacles begin to feel redundant after a while.

The third act is a little rushed but otherwise fine. It is a tad predictable, but it was probably the strongest part of the story. A big part of it is probably the fact that this is when Belle has the most development and feels most genuine to the original character. I get that Theriault was trying to set this whole thing up about Belle grappling with identity with her sudden rise from rags to riches and some insecurities, but it wasn't as refined as I would've liked. The way the conflict was presented--especially the miscommunication--was oversimplified. Anyway, Belle is much more recognizable in the third act, and the story as a whole really benefits from it. The narrative also becomes more streamlined and the pacing is better, so the book ends on a pretty satisfactory note. I just wish the build-up to the end was a little better.

Some highlights from the book: some of the new characters like Marguerite and Hercule are great additions, the characterization of the castle staff are spot-on, the incorporation of history after act one was great (I can totally see Belle hosting salons), and when Belle returns to her outspoken, spunky self, we're reminding of why she's such a great character. I’m not too sure how I feel about the Queens’ Council (I thought it was just a cute premise, not an actual thing,) but I guess future books will help me decide.

I might not recommend this to hardcore Disney fans looking for a remake of the original, but if you're a Belle fan and go into this with an open mind, be my guest 🤷🏻‍♀️.

While “happily ever after” might be nice in theory, for Belle and Lio, that’s not the reality. Kicking off The Queen’s Council, Emma does a fantastic job with “Rebel Rose”, setting the tone beautifully for what looks to be a great series.

Full of political intrigue and romance, set amongst the uncertainty and chaos of the French Revolution, this book takes the rhapsody of Beauty and the Beast and gives it a much needed dose of verity.

Two thumbs up!

I have read many retellings of Beauty and the Beast, but this is the first time I've read a continuation of the story. Emma Theriault did an excellent job weaving fantasy and historical fiction to create this magical book. As you read, you become as conflicted as Belle in who to trust and what's the best decision. I can only imagine how difficult it would be to be in a leadership position and only knowing one other person within your new world. I liked how Theriault included many of the characters we know from the original story and incorporated the historical figures of King Louis and Marie Antoinette. Often times, I feel that books in a series don't have proper endings. That was not the case with Rebel Rose. Even though this is the first in a series, it's ending left me with enough closure that many other books lack. This was a quick and enjoyable read. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys fairytale retellings, fantasy and historical fiction.

Rebel Rose imagines that Belle and "the beast" get swept up in the French Revolution and must fight to save their kingdom from the madness sweeping Europe. Best for hard core fans of The Beauty and The Beast who are open to a reinterpretation, I am not sure of the remaining audience for this book. It's part romance, part alternative history, part fantasy, but it doesn't add up. The secondary characters of the Disney version are present, but pushed even further to the background as the novel on Belle and Adam (formerly the Beast) and their early, rocky start to their marriage, the machinations of the French court, and Belle's attempts to save the kingdom from the worst excesses of the revolution while preserving the spirit of democracy. If a student requested it, I would have no problem purchasing it for my library, but otherwise this title would not make the cut.

If you loved the Disney story of Beauty and the Beast, this is a good tale about what happens after their happy ending. What do you do when you've fallen in love with and married your captor? This story introduces new characters, one of whom is a walking red flag (or maybe the whole red flag factory). Sadly, Belle overlooks so many red flags, you have to assume that she's colorblind. Very predictable, but Beauty and the Beast fans should like it.

"Cogsworth raised his brow. 'I do not think an agent of the revolution would pass Mrs. Potts's scrutiny nor meet her standards.'"

4.5 stars

I can't wait for November 2020 when everyone will be discussing this lovely new book! Author Emma Theriault did a magical job with this retelling. Theriault neatly weaves her own story into the "Beauty and the Beast" classic. The writing is eloquent, imaginative, gorgeous, and wholly impressive. The only reason I didn't give this book five stars is because I wish there would be a sequel and I wanted the book to be even longer! However, there is something to be said for an impressive standalone novel, those are pretty rare. Some of my favorite aspects of this novel was Belle and Adam's relationship, the worldbuilding of Aveyon, the incorporation of magic, the diverse characters, and the nods to the Disney classic.

Okay, I have to start with Belle and Adam's relationship. Their dynamic is GOALS! Theriault depicted the couple's relationship exactly as I imagined it would be post-curse. Belle and the Beast are my favorite Disney couple so I had high expectations. Theriault did not disappoint! Adam is so supportive and thoughtful, even when Belle and he don't agree on everything. They balance each other out so well! #couplegoals Also, I loved how Theriault handled worldbuilding in this novel. The castle and the village from the original Disney movie were explored more and in great depth. I could picture every little location clearly in my head. The background of the curse and how magic continued to be present in this novel was another wonderful part of the plot. The scenes between Belle and the enchantress were so intriguing! This book explored so many unexpected aspects of the original "Beauty and the Beast" tale.

The moments that made me emotional was whenever Belle or another character references their past. Belle and Adam deal with their mental health issues post-curse, Belle has a heart-to-heart talk with Mrs. Potts about how to be strong and even LeFou showing up in the last 100 pages was exciting. Speaking of LeFou, I love how his new story turns out; even better than I expected! One final thought: I respect the way Theriault included a diverse cast of characters in this story. One of the new characters we meet is black and gay and beautiful! In this case, the new character comes out and the other characters treat the situation like its no big deal. This was handled so well; their identity was acknowledged and then the character went back to their work and doing what they loved. There are several other new characters with a similar situation, and this was an added bonus to an already magnificent novel.

As an avid lover of Beauty and the Beast, I was super excited to read this book. It didn't disappoint!

This was such a creative, interesting concept! I love the idea of depicting Disney princesses in their real historical contexts. Belle is one of my favorite princesses from childhood and I like the idea that she would be bridging the gap between royalty and the people during the French revolution. At times, it could get a little weighed down with detailed conversations about the revolution/not a lot of action, but people interested in the history side will stay engaged. Overall, I enjoyed and would be excited to read more in this series!

This book was received as an ARC from Disney-Hyperion in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

i am the biggest beauty and the beast fan and have read many adaptations of the story and versions of its sequel. The conflict, drama and struggle Belle went through while living with Prince Adam (Beast) and forcing to give up her commoner past living with her father in the village has been a problem that not even Belle can resolve. When the Castle is still invaded with people from the village, Belle has to make a choice even though she still wants more than this provincial life. i could not help but fall in love with this book from beginning to end. This was such a fun take on a classic tale and I know our teen book club will have a field day discussing this book.

We will consider adding this title to our YA collection at our library. This is why we give this book 5 stars.

I did not finish reading this book because it was too political and predictable. It has a similar plot and characters to So This is Love but without the charm. The Belle character did not fit the beloved persona so well known. Lastly, there was too much dialogue and not enough action or characterization.

Thanks for the arc.

This is such a good read and a great adaptation of what happens to Belle, the Beast (Prince Adam) and their people after she breaks the spell. I love how they interweave what is going on in France during 1789, since there is turmoil and the beginnings of the French Revolution and how it effects Belle, Adam and their people. Belle learning that even though she may still believe that she is a commoner, she is so much more and needs to take her place in the world in order to help Adam and her people thrive, survive and do better.
I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to anyone.

A very cleverly written book about the-after-the-happily-ever-after, Rebel Rose takes on the daunting task of keeping up the relationship between Belle and former Beast, now prince, Adam. Theriault examines their struggles truthfully and without judgment, so it's a pleasure to see them acknowledge the mental trauma of the curse, their change in power dynamics, and the ongoing French Revolution. That being said, the book isn't too heavy and Belle's determined optimism to make the world a better place lifts the book and gives it that Disney feeling even when dealing with serious topics. A strong start to a really interesting concept.

With detail and poise, we are transported to a fully-rendered fantasy world. I would gladly add this book to my reading list for young readers — and enjoyed it as an adult.