Of Beast and Beauty

By: Stacey Jay

Narrated by: Julia Whelan

Length: 10 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's Summary

It's pointless. Hopeless. Even if she weren't afraid of me, we'll always be enemies at the core....

In the city of Yuan, the blind Princess Isra is raised to be a human sacrifice. Her death will ensure her city's vitality. In the desert, a mutant beast named Gem fights to save his people, known as the Monstrous, from starvation. Neither dreams that together they can return balance to their worlds. When Gem is captured for trying to steal Yuan's enchanted roses, he becomes a prisoner of the city. Isra enlists his help and soon begins to care for him - and to question everything she has been brought up to believe.

She's a queen; I'm her prisoner. I am her monster and she is mine.

©2013 Stacey Jay (P)2015 Tantor

Critic Reviews

"There is a personal, romantic side to their struggle, but it's the ideological, cultural, and cosmic perils that threaten to overwhelm them." ( Publishers Weekly)

Really enjoyed the narration

The story was solid, interesting and the only reason I tried this one is because I enjoyed another book that had used Julia Whelan as the voice talent. Really pleasant to listen to. Just came across Stacey Jay, she has a nice way of building relationships and worlds and creating stories that wrap up in a book instead of long drawn out series and frustrating cliffhangers - those have their place - but it was nice to listen to one complete story in one book.

A true fairy tale retelling of Beauty and the Beas

What did you like best about this story?

The tales of Beauty and the Beast are some of my favorite stories of all time. I believe it is because of the connection two people must forge over great obstacles. They actually have to get to know one another before they fall steadily in love. To me this makes some of the most epic and memorable stories.

I of course was chomping at the bits to listen to this retelling. And praying that it would be a newnew unique treasure to add to my collection, and not an imitation of previous great works of B & B. Well I devoured this story in twotwo very busy days otherwise it would have been one. I really just can't describe how I feel just now completing it. But I will tell you I REALLY adored this tale.

Love is the whole focal point of the story. Who doesn't like a story about love? I think this story fills that need in me I get when I watch the Disany version of B & B. It is so much more filling. Yet it is a true fairy tale through and through. All be it a futuristic, rusticrustic, sifi, ailian plant one. It really is it's own story. Unique amongst any other I've read that is a true B & B retelling. I really loved the end and how different yet perfect it was. I was disappointed it ended so suddenly, but like I said it's a real fairy tale and that's how they end. You will not be disappointed though. I had my heart in my throat the last part of this book, not believing the drastic turn the plot took. You will need to read it to see what I'm talking about but man, it is something else.

This is on the darkerdarker side of B & B retellings scale. It had a little more blood and gore then I like, although I really can't handle much at all, so it may not bother most people.

This story had the feel of a young adult/ new adult novel. But not as heavy on the angst and whining as most of them are. The characters where very well drawn out and quite memrable. Their problems and relationship where believable (well as believable as a fairy tale can be). And you will be drawn into a whole new world and carried away by the tail of two star crossed lovers.

The narrator was pretty amazing. She definitely helped one to get lost in the story. The way she read the story fit in so well with the flow of the sentences. Which where almost lyrical at times.

All in all this was so worth a credit or even a buy. And I will definitely listen to this one again and again and agian.

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

The ending was epic all be it to short. Lol, although I really just didn't want it to end. It fit in nicely with the flow of the story and sticking with the traditional fairy tail set up. Jeez was I tight throated and in shock at that conclusion.

Of Beast And Beauty

This audio book was good. The story was really good and the narrator did a great job.

Futuristic fairy-tale

I was delighted to hear this book. The narrator did a wonderful job creating unique voices for each character and bringing the story to life. The emotion came through as the story unfolded. I fell in love alongside the characters. Such an interesting concept to have the magic of the planet impact the people who arrived there in spaceships years ago. Some people made a pact with the evil side using a blood sacrifice and created the protection inside the domes but caused the world to dry up outside the domes. Only when a person from the domes and one from the desert came to love each other regardless of differences could the evil be destroyed and the world restored. This story was rich in detail and emotions and the narrator brought out each of the three main characters perspective so distinctly. This was a wonderful introduction to a new author for me, one I plan to read or listen more from! Highly recommend!

great story, not great narration

I feel sorry saying this but the narration just wasn't good. I actually bought a paperback copy because I wanted to imagine the characters with bold, alive voices.
5/5 story!

Amazing

This is the best 'Beauty and Beast' story I have ever heard. Julia Whelan's talent paired with Stacey Jay's imagination makes for a story that draws its listeners in. One thing I liked best is, when the story ended, I didn't feel the disappointment I normally feel when I finish a book. Like it ended before it really began. The story felt like it ended when it should have. It was very satisfying.

Unexpected Love

I loved this book! Isra and Gem are both loveable characters as the story and their personalities and laid out and grow. I didn't want it to end. The voices were great too!

Beautiful world building

Beautiful world building. Addictive story about oppression, racism, and sheltered existence. The romantic sub plot lacked sufficient development, but it has some steamy moments non the less. I was captivated by the world, mythology, and political structure of the planet they inhabited. Maybe because I visualize Bo as the same Bo for Korra, but in the end I felt bad for him and was touched by his last moments of courage.

Amazing

Beautifully written. I felt everything. The narrator was phenomenal and I could hear and feel real emotion from the characters. Bravo

Fell flat

The setting was interesting- people who colonised another planet that relied on magic rather than technology. If you're looking for that, though, I would recommend Pathfinder by Orson Scott Card. The storyline and characters in this story fell flat under the burden of preachy text and too-idealistic characters. I have nothing but good things to say about the audio performance. Go check out Julia's other performances. And browse some of Stacey's other books if you're interested in YA romance with a splash of fantasy. Princess of Thorns had characters that felt perfectly three-dimensional.