Yowzers! This book is a fantastic take on the beauty and the beast trope. Catharina Maura is BRILLIANT!!! Having grown up with the squeaky clean disney version, this tale felt like an appropriate grown up sizzler of the tale! I had the wonderful opportunity of listening to the audiobook narrated by Alex Knox and Mollie Stark who, absolutely, hit the notes for the leads!
The tale followed Arabella, eldest princess of Althea is forced to wed Felix Osiris, the Shadow Emperor, after a failed attempt to run away. After arriving at his enchanted castle, she realizes there is a doomsday curse looming over the kingdom, affecting the weather, crops and even, the sun. She agrees to lend her magic and learn to wield them in aid of the empire, in return for her release from the marriage.
The growth arc for Arabella as she learns how to use her power and sense of belonging that responsibility and privilege brings, rings true alongside, the growth arc and feelings the Felix embodies and embraces - as he learns to look at his dismal rote through Arabella's eyes. What resonated with me most were - the chemistry between the lead pair and their dance across their insecurities and misgivings. The narrators were phenomenal at capturing these tones which made the listening all the more pleasurable!
Add in a slew of homages to the original with an enchanted mirror, mistreatment of women and magical beings and a secondary love pair, which I hope to see in a sequel soon!! All in all, this incredible book, made my day!!
My thank yous to Hachette audio and Netgalley for this magical opportunity and toast to true love! Catharina Maura, hats off!! you've been added to my auto buy list!!!
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