Helpful Score: 1
The thing with retellings of famous stories isn't the suspense: it's how the author does to liven an oft-told tale. Alex Flinn does a respectable job of retelling the beloved "Beauty and the Beast." I was most impressed by Kyle/Adrian's transformation from spoiled rich brat to a caring and kind individual.
Unfortunately the book began to fall apart for me when Lindy, the "Belle" of the story, was introduced. I got no sense of chemistry between Lindy and Adrian. In fact, the more I learned about Lindy, the more annoyed I was with her character: this nerdy girl who initially seemed so resourceful and strong-willed dissolved into a pathetic, hot-boy-crushing damsel-in-distress at the end.
Lindy aside, I really enjoyed BEASTLY, with its approachable writing style and likable "Beast" protagonist. While I can think of a number of better "Beauty and the Beast" retellings that are out there, BEASTLY's simple writing and straightforward characters will appeal to middle schoolers and early high schoolers who enjoy fairy tale retellings with a dash of romance and a strong male protagonist.
Unfortunately the book began to fall apart for me when Lindy, the "Belle" of the story, was introduced. I got no sense of chemistry between Lindy and Adrian. In fact, the more I learned about Lindy, the more annoyed I was with her character: this nerdy girl who initially seemed so resourceful and strong-willed dissolved into a pathetic, hot-boy-crushing damsel-in-distress at the end.
Lindy aside, I really enjoyed BEASTLY, with its approachable writing style and likable "Beast" protagonist. While I can think of a number of better "Beauty and the Beast" retellings that are out there, BEASTLY's simple writing and straightforward characters will appeal to middle schoolers and early high schoolers who enjoy fairy tale retellings with a dash of romance and a strong male protagonist.
