The Beast Between Us by Carol Dawn (ePUB) - A Comprehensive Review

Plot Summary, Characters, and Setting

“The Beast Between Us” by Carol Dawn, book two in the “Once Upon A Forever” series, reimagines the classic Beauty and the Beast fairytale within a world where shifters exist and are often feared. The story is set in a world where shifters are known but persecuted. Ella Holloway, fleeing the abuse of her father, makes a drastic decision: to seek refuge with the feared Thorne Evermere. Thorne is a man afflicted by a curse, trapped in a hybrid form – part human, part beast. His very presence seems to blight the surrounding environment. Ella’s arrival at his cursed manor becomes the catalyst for their intertwined fates.

Main Characters

  • Ella Holloway: The courageous and compassionate protagonist, Ella chooses the “beast” over the man who raised her. She is drawn to Thorne despite his terrifying appearance and the whispers surrounding him.
  • Thorne Evermere: The “beast” of the story, cursed and haunted by his past actions. He is a complex character struggling with his internal battle and the external forces that bind him.
  • The Father: The antagonist, he drives the first parts of the story and a sense of dread

Setting

The majority of the story unfolds within Thorne’s isolated and cursed manor. This setting, steeped in an atmosphere of decay and isolation, reflects Thorne’s inner turmoil and the precariousness of his existence. The surrounding environment reflects the inner state of Thorne and the power that he holds.

Overall Thoughts and Feelings

“The Beast Between Us” is a compelling and emotionally resonant retelling of a beloved fairytale. The book effectively captures the essence of the Beauty and the Beast narrative while incorporating unique elements of shifter lore and a darker, more gothic tone. My overall feeling about the book is positive; it’s a well-crafted story that delves into themes of love, acceptance, and redemption. The writing style is smooth and engaging, drawing the reader into the world and the characters’ emotional journeys.

Writing Style, Character Development, and Literary Themes

Writing Style

Carol Dawn’s writing style is evocative and descriptive. She expertly uses language to create a vivid atmosphere, especially within the confines of Thorne’s manor. The prose effectively conveys the emotional weight of the story, particularly during moments of vulnerability and connection between Ella and Thorne.

Character Development

The character development is a significant strength of the novel. Both Ella and Thorne undergo significant transformations. Ella evolves from a vulnerable young woman into a resilient and compassionate individual. Thorne’s journey from a tormented beast to a hopeful individual is also profoundly impactful. The supporting characters add depth and complexity to the narrative.

Literary Themes and Motifs

The primary theme is, of course, love. The novel explores the power of love to overcome fear, prejudice, and even curses. Redemption, acceptance, and the search for inner beauty are also central themes. The motif of the beast within, both literal and figurative, is explored through Thorne’s hybrid form and the internal struggles of all the characters.

Pacing and Structure

The pacing is generally well-managed. The initial chapters, focusing on Ella’s escape and her arrival at the manor, are gripping. The story’s middle section, where Ella and Thorne begin to connect, is slower-paced but necessary for building their relationship. The climax is exciting. The structure, following the established fairytale formula while adding its twists, is effective in maintaining interest.

Memorable Quotes and Passages

The novel contains several memorable quotes and passages that highlight the emotional depth of the story. (The specific quotes would need to be pulled from the book, which I do not have access to). The descriptive passages of the manor, Thorne’s physical state, and the growing bond between Ella and Thorne are particularly evocative.

Emotional Impact and Thought Provocation

“The Beast Between Us” elicits a range of emotions, from sympathy and sadness to hope and joy. The moments of connection and vulnerability between Ella and Thorne are genuinely moving. The book also prompts reflection on the nature of beauty, the impact of prejudice, and the power of forgiveness. The story is likely to linger in the reader’s mind long after they finish it.

Themes and Messages

The author effectively conveys the message that beauty lies within, and love can transcend physical appearances and societal judgments. The book also highlights the importance of acceptance, forgiveness, and the potential for redemption. The central theme of not judging on appearances is a well-executed moral.

Social and Cultural Commentary

The novel offers a subtle commentary on themes of prejudice, fear of the “other,” and the impact of societal expectations. The portrayal of shifters as both feared and misunderstood can be interpreted as a reflection on how society treats those who are different.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

  • Compelling Characters: Both Ella and Thorne are well-developed and relatable.
  • Vivid World-Building: The setting of the cursed manor is wonderfully described.
  • Emotional Resonance: The story evokes strong emotions and resonates with the reader.
  • Strong Themes: The exploration of love, acceptance, and redemption is well-handled.

Weaknesses

  • (Possible Weaknesses - Based on generic common book issues, as I do not have access to the text): Some readers might find the pace slow in the middle, as some retellings may be predictable.

Recommendation and Target Audience

I highly recommend “The Beast Between Us” to readers who enjoy fantasy romance, fairytale retellings, and stories with strong emotional depth. Fans of the “Once Upon A Forever” series and authors like My Ebook My Ebook could easily enjoy the novel.

Comparison

(Since I do not know other works by Carol Dawn, a comparison will not be made.)

Rating

I would give “The Beast Between Us” a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. The book’s strengths lie in its character development, world-building, and emotional impact.

Where to Get It

  • My Ebook for potential download/buy links (This assumes this ebook would be available here).
  • You could search on Amazon, Google Books, or other retailers to find this book.