Before Belle came into the picture, Beast was a prince full
of arrogance. After he hurts the wrong person, he gets the
curse that turns him into a beast until he can learn to
love. Though everyone knows how the story ends, the
beginning will bring light to choices previously unknown.
As a huge lover of anything having to do with Beauty and the
Beast, I was so excited to start THE BEAST WITHIN by Serena
Valentino. Valentino has previously written, Fairest of All,
a story that looks at the history behind the Wicked Queen in
Snow White, so I knew this one would be something to look
forward to, and it doesn't disappoint! I love the surprise
friendship between the Prince and Gatson that makes so much
sense, though I wouldn't have minded seeing more of their
history than was given. The twists between the curse being
put in place and Belle coming to the castle are so
interesting, and they mold so well with the original story.
I actually wish it was a little longer, so the Belle time
could have been explored more.
Overall, this is a great read for anyone wanting a little
more to the story than the original. The twists are somewhat
liberal, but they tie in beautifully. THE BEAST WITHIN does
a wonderful job of looking at what the beast was actually
going through during the curse, and Serena Valentino shows a
unique and new look on familiar characters. With the brief
mentions of Ursula from The Little Mermaid mentioned, I am
definitely hoping for a story with her in it!
A cursed prince sits alone in a secluded castle. Few have
seen him, but those who claim they have say his hair is wild
and nails are sharp--like a beast's! But how did this
prince, once jovial and beloved by the people, come to be a
reclusive and bitter monster? And is it possible that he can
ever find true love and break the curse that has been placed
upon him?