Beasts and Beauty

by Soman Chainani
Beasts and Beauty cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
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Paperback • £14.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 9451
  • Added: 2025-12-24
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780008224516
  • Publisher: HarperCollins UK
  • Published: 2021-09-21
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Beasts and Beauty: Dangerous Tales offers a fresh and chilling perspective on beloved fairy tales. Each story is reimagined with a dark twist, challenging readers' expectations and delving into the darker aspects of these timeless narratives. The collection is not just a retelling but a reinvention, blending the familiar with the eerie to create a unique and captivating reading experience. /n/n The book is beautifully crafted, with each tale standing alone yet contributing to a larger, interconnected world. The author's skillful storytelling and vivid imagery draw readers in, making them question what they thought they knew about these classic stories. Whether you're a fan of fairy tales or simply enjoy a good, dark twist, this collection is sure to enchant and unsettle in equal measure.

Reviews
Fantasy Book Cafe · 2021-11-12
creative 3.00

The collection is praised for its reimagining of fairy tales, with each story offering something unique and enjoyable. The reviewer appreciates the creativity and the way the stories are told.

This review highlights the creativity and uniqueness of each story in the collection, noting that the author does some interesting things in reimagining fairy tales. The reviewer appreciates the way each story is told, with a focus on the characters and their journeys. The collection is seen as a decent overall read, with each story offering something enjoyable and thought-provoking. The reviewer also notes that the stories are well-crafted and engaging, making it a great choice for fans of fairy tale retellings.

Quick quotes

    A decent book overall that does some interesting things in reimagining fairy tales.

    I was able to enjoy and appreciate each story to some degree.

    The lyrical narrative further keeps you hooked.

Fantasy Hive · 2021-10-26
bold 4.00

The collection is praised for its fresh and dark take on classic fairy tales, with a focus on the grim and often overlooked aspects of these stories. The reviewer appreciates the boldness and creativity in reimagining these tales.

This review highlights how the collection delves into the darker, more sinister elements of traditional fairy tales, offering a fresh perspective that challenges conventional narratives. The reviewer commends the author's ability to weave together familiar stories with a modern twist, making them feel both new and nostalgic. The characters are noted for their agency and strength, which adds depth and complexity to the tales. Overall, the collection is seen as a bold and imaginative retelling that will appeal to fans of fairy tales and those looking for something a bit darker and more thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    Tales so sharp they cut, with teen protagonists who seize their agency.

    A brilliant, bloodthirsty fairy-tale collection that would better suit an older audience.

    Chainani's writing has lots of charm and whimsy.

Grimdark Magazine · 2021-10-19
interesting 3.50

The collection is described as interesting and unique, with a focus on the younger audience it targets. The reviewer appreciates the fresh perspectives and the way the stories are told.

This review emphasizes the uniqueness of the collection, noting that it is one of the youngest books reviewed by the magazine. The reviewer appreciates the fresh and interesting perspectives offered in each story, which are told in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The collection is seen as a welcome addition to the genre, offering something different from the usual fairy tale retellings. The reviewer also notes that the stories are well-crafted and enjoyable, making it a great choice for younger readers.

Quick quotes

    An interesting collection.

    It's probably the youngest book I've reviewed for Grimdark Magazine.

    Each story has been carefully curated for young readers.

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