Beastly

By: Alex Flinn

Narrated by: Chris Patton

Length: 6 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

"A beast. Not quite wolf or bear, gorilla or dog, but a horrible new creature who walks upright – a creature with fangs and claws and hair springing from every pore. I am a monster.

"You think I’m talking fairy tales? No way. The place is New York City. The time is now. It’s no deformity, no disease. And I’ll stay this way forever – ruined – unless I can break the spell.

"Yes, the spell, the one the witch in my English class cast on me. Why did she urn me into a beast who hides by day and prowls by night? I’ll tell you. I’ll tell you how I used to be Kyle Kingsbury, the guy you wished you were, with money, perfect looks, and the perfect life. And then, I’ll tell you how I became perfectly...beastly."

©2010 Alex Flinn (P)2010 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“[An] engrossing tale that will have appeal for fans of fantasy and realistic fiction." (VOYA, Voice of Youth Advocates)

Loved it,Loved it,Loved it!!!!!

I rarely write reviews but I found this story awesome on so many levels. It struck a chord with the way it mirrored the trouble so many young people have! Hat's off to the author for his insight into the lives and problems of so many people!

Almost Didn't Read Cause The Movie Was Bad

But the book was better. I'm glad I read this. The story is so much different from the movie.

Skeptical, but so glad I gave in

I had my doubts whether I'd enjoy this one. I'm so glad I decided to read it. It is wonderful overall but I agree with some of the reviews in regards to some parts being super cheesy. I enjoyed the similarities of this spin on the classic one. Quick review without spoilers, boy (spoiled, rather obnoxious and arrogant) teases witch, witch cast spell to teach him a lesson, boy turns into a beast (fur and all) must find someone who can love him for him (not his appearance) within two years or will be forced to live as a beast forever

LOVE

I LOVED THIS BOOK MORE THAN ANYTHING I HAVE EVER READ! Will forever be my favorite book!!

Glad I bought this recording

I'll admit I already was familiar with this recording because I have the CD copy. I like to read the book along with the audio recording. I am a big fan of modernized fairytales. Not all of them work, but Beastly does.

Chris Patton creates the characters extremely well and makes them come alive. He does an especially good job with the way he performs the high school female of the book, Lindy.

A mediocre re-telling of the Beauty and the Beast

What did you like best about Beastly? What did you like least?

I don't know if I liked anything overly much about Beastly. It was fine. At least it was short. There really isn't anything new brought to the story, and Kyle/ Adrian is still kind of a dick at the end.

Would you be willing to try another book from Alex Flinn? Why or why not?

Probably not. Beastly didn't impress me.

Would you be willing to try another one of Chris Patton’s performances?

The narration was the worst part of the audiobook. His interpretation of the female characters was super whiny, and it was irritating.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Nah.

loved this book for so long

this was my favorite book when I was a teen. and I still love it. It's one of the books that I have always been able to read over and over again without getting tired of it.

Great spin to Beauty and the Beast!

I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would. I remember when the movie came out I thought it was going to be a cheesy story line. I bought this book from one of the audible specials and absolutely loved it!

Great modern retelling of the classic

This book is definitely on my favorites list. I am a great fan of fairy tales and love when one is done with a modern twist. This is one of the best ones I have listened to (and more than once). I highly recommend it. Don't just watch the movie. Although it was well done, you can never capture everything.

YA Remake of the Classic Tale

What did you love best about Beastly?

The author did a good job of taking you into this boy's life.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Beastly?

The pinnacle moment at the end of the story--can't give it away!

What about Chris Patton’s performance did you like?

He became "the Beast". He sunk into the character.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No, no extreme reaction. It was fine, but nothing very special.