Book Review | A Tale As Old As Time

Beauty and the Beast is a well-loved and classic tale, and Liz Braswell takes a turn towards a slow-burn romance that expands upon the Disney rendition.

Told through an enchanting series of flashbacks and scenes that follow along with the original animated film, Braswell shows how the hidden heart of France lost its magic, how a curse broke a prince’s spirit, and how power can be dangerous. The Twisted Tales books are a fascinating take on beloved stories, bringing in a blend of history, political intrigue, and magic like never before. Characters known and loved in the movies take on new life, and the characters who played a small role off to the side have an opportunity to flourish into heroes or villains.

While the first half of the book follows along with Belle and her original adventure, the flashbacks provide more context as to the build-up behind the curse. Braswell details how Maurice met Belle’s mother, and what the climate of the kingdom was like before moving to the poor provincial town.

The second half of the book is where Braswell’s personal touch shines brightest. The initial setup is dreamy and fairytale-esque, but it’s the dark and sudden twist that brings it all together. Familiar characters take on new identities and flourish, embarking on a desperate attempt to save more than just the beastly prince from a gruesome fate.

The moment I saw this on the shelves, I knew it had to be mine. This was my first introduction to the series, and while I hadn’t delved into it right away, it was worth the wait. While I did read a few others before this one, this was the first one I added to my collection based on the premise alone, and I wasn’t disappointed.