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)

Above my expectations

I didnt have great hopes for this writing, but I gave it a try and actually ended up enjoy it. Yes...predictable. But sometimes it's nice to fall into a comfort zone like this novel.

I'll Pass on this Retelling

What disappointed you about Beastly?

I love fairy tales, and typically love good modern day retellings. This was NOT a quality retelling. The story was over-melodramatic, to the point where I wanted to rip my hair out. The characters were flat, unoriginal and stereotypes of themselves. They never once surprised me, or even interested me.

The audio for the book was well done by Chris Patton, but even with his voice, the story left a lot to be desired.

Chris Patton did a wonderful job

Bought on Audible

What I Loved: This was a very good modern re-telling of Beauty and the Beast. In the beginning, Kyle was a very unlikable character that you got to know as the vain, arrogant teenager he was before getting turned. Adrian was the much more human incarnation of Kyle that made him more man than beast. It was wonderful to watch his transformation from arrogant to considerate.

What I Liked: Will and Magda are fantastic guides for Adrian that show him people can be kind even when they do not have too. He was surrounded by love even if it wasn't from the traditional family structure.

Complaints: None

Audio Specific Review: Narrator: Chris Patton did a wonderful job of reading this book with emotions that matched the cadence of the moment.

Why I gave it a 4: I was pleasantly surprised by how wonderfully told this story was. It was a very good re-telling.

Who I would recommend it too: YA readers and those who like re-telling of fairytales.

Beastly is Clever

I found Beastly to be a clever take off on the Beauty and the Beast story that we all know from Disney. This time it is updated to the present day with the main character being an "I've got it all" guy in high school. After the spell turns his good looks into "beastly" looks, the story really begins. It is totally enjoyable.

Barely readible

This books takes a lovely fairy tale ("Beauty and the Beast") and makes it mindless, trite, and boring. Granted, this is a book for teenagers - which is unfortunate because by following the original fairy tale story line, the author is unable to keep his hero from becoming a creepy stalker kidnapper. Granted, the character was never sympathetic, but if I had teenagers, I would certainly want to talk to them about what was wrong with this story.
Basically, I say skip it.

Didn' expect to love it...BUT I DID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes!! it was soooo cute...teenage angst and all!!!!!!!

What did you like best about this story?

I liked how Kyle/Adrian became the man he was supposed to be...it touched my heart to tears!!!

What does Chris Patton bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Oh he was soooo good...I would listen to him narrate anything....he gave a great performance..emotional, raw..and funny!!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I was so touched when he told Lindy she was not a prisoner...that she could go...even though he really wanted her to stay forever!!!!

Any additional comments?

I started this book thinking ok...maybe it will be a 3 star listen...it will be quick...and fell in love with it!! this was a terrific re-telling of an age old tale that will make you laugh, make you angry at times, and will make you cry...this is a very special story...I loved it very much!!! I will listen to it again...and now want to read more of Alex Finn's books!!! :)

Great adaptation of a classic

This book is a great version of Beauty and the Beast set in modern time. Chat rooms and hints at fairy tales along with teenage life brings a new flare to this classic tale.

Good read

Good story, good performer. Enjoyed it very much. I would recommend it to my friends.

Good book

This was a cute book, good story. kinda beauty and the beast story. Good reader. Hope you enjoy it too.

my favorite book

i absolutely love this book, fairytale, and performance. 10 out of 10 highly recommended. perfect.

An OK re-write of the classic story.

I was in the mood for something light-hearted and this book does fulfill that requirement. Mildly annoying at the parts where the main character is in the online chat room, but I guess it couldn't be helped. In general, not too bad, but it won't turn your world upside down.