4.05
Robin McKinley's "Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast" is a captivating and beautifully written novel that breathes new life into the classic fairy tale. McKinley's retelling of the story is both familiar and fresh, offering a unique perspective on the well-known tale while still maintaining the charm and magic that has made it a favorite for generations. The novel follows the story of Beauty, a young woman who lives with her father and two sisters in a small village. When her father's fortunes take a turn for the worse, Beauty bravely offers to leave her family and travel to the home of the Beast, a mysterious and feared creature who has agreed to take her father in his place. As Beauty settles into life in the Beast's enchanted castle, she discovers that there is more to the creature than she could have ever imagined. Despite his fearsome appearance, the Beast is kind and gentle, and Beauty finds herself growing more and more fond of him. But as the clock ticks down on a magical enchantment that binds the Beast, Beauty must decide whether to risk everything to save the one she loves. McKinley's writing is rich and evocative, bringing the world of the Beast's castle to life in vivid detail. The characters are well-drawn and relatable, with Beauty's strength and independence making her a refreshingly modern heroine. The novel also explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the power of inner beauty, offering a thought-provoking and ultimately uplifting read. Overall, "Beauty" is a must-read for fans of fairy tales and anyone looking for a beautifully written and deeply moving novel. McKinley's retelling of this classic story is sure to enchant and inspire readers of all ages...
Robin McKinley
Rose Daughter
A retelling of the Beauty and the Beast story, McKinley once again weaves her magic, creating a rich, detailed world and characters that are both familiar and new. This time, the focus is on the rose garden, which holds the key to the Beast's curse and the fate of his kingdom.
Learn MoreRobin McKinley
Deerskin
Based on the fairy tale Donkeyskin, this novel tells the story of Princess Lissar, who escapes her father's incestuous advances and finds refuge in the wilderness. With the help of a loyal dog and a wise old woman, Lissar learns to heal and find her own identity, apart from her royal heritage.
Learn MoreShannon Hale
The Goose Girl
In this retelling of a little-known fairy tale, a princess named Ani is sent to marry a prince in a neighboring kingdom, but she is betrayed by her lady-in-waiting and must learn to trust herself and her own powers in order to reclaim her rightful place.
Learn MoreGail Carson Levine
Ella Enchanted
A fresh, funny take on the Cinderella story, this novel features a heroine who is cursed with obedience and must use her wits and courage to break the spell and win her prince.
Learn MoreRobin McKinley
Spindle's End
This novel reimagines the Sleeping Beauty story, with a focus on the spindle that pricks the princess's finger and puts her to sleep. McKinley creates a rich, detailed world and characters that are both familiar and new, and she explores themes of fate, free will, and the power of storytelling.
Learn MoreDiana Wynne Jones
Howl's Moving Castle
In this whimsical and imaginative novel, a young woman named Sophie is cursed by a witch and turns into an old lady. She seeks help from the wizard Howl, who lives in a moving castle with a fire demon. Together, they must navigate a world of magic, curses, and adventure in order to break the spell and restore Sophie's youth.
Learn MoreRobin McKinley
The Blue Sword
In this fantasy novel, a young woman named Harry Crewe is taken from her home in the colonies and brought to the kingdom of Damar, where she discovers her own hidden powers and becomes a hero in her own right. With its rich world-building and complex characters, this novel is a must-read for fans of McKinley's other works.
Learn MoreRobin McKinley
The Hero and the Crown
This novel tells the story of Aerin, a princess who must prove herself to her father and the kingdom by slaying a dragon and claiming the hero's crown. With its strong heroine and detailed world-building, this novel is a classic of the fantasy genre.
Learn MoreElizabeth Marie Pope
The Perilous Gard
In this novel, a young woman named Kate is sent to live in a remote castle, where she discovers a hidden world of fairies and must navigate its dangers in order to save a young boy who has been kidnapped. With its rich historical detail and intriguing mystery, this novel is a classic of the fairy tale genre.
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