Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

About the Book

Title:  Cruel Beauty

Author: Rosamund Hodge

Published: January 28th 2014 by Balzer + Bray

Length: Hardcover, 342 pages

Genre:YA/Teen Fantasy & Romance

Synopsis: "Graceling meets Beauty and the Beast in this sweeping fantasy about one girl's journey to fulfill her destiny and the monster who gets in her way-by stealing her heart.
Based on the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, Cruel Beauty is a dazzling love story about our deepest desires and their power to change our destiny.
Since birth, Nyx has been betrothed to the evil rul ...more"

  

Cruel Beauty deserves a 10 out of 10 rating.  

While growing up I was majorly obsessed with fairy tales. It was nice to read this retelling/spin-off of Beauty and the Beast, especially considering it was one of my favourites as a kid. It was beautifully done, the storyline was great, and the characters were equally as great. 

The story was unique and kept me at the edge of my seat and wanting more. The story was a nice retelling of Beauty and the Beast because it bought new concepts to it, along with taking or using some of the old concepts as well. It was a nice balance. The story also played with many of the emotions. I needed a box of tissues, not only to cry, but also to laugh myself to tears or shed tears of joy. 

I enjoy the writing style for this particularly author. This is not the first time I have read something by her. I have read her other book, Crimson Bound. That book also had quite an enticing storyline as well.

One strong thing to note about this book would be the characters. I have found yet another leading male character to add to my favourites list. Ignifex was in every way prefect at being completely diabolical. He is looked upon as the "beast". Everyone dislikes him, even those who sought him out for favours.Yet, through everything he still gets to build a relationship with Nyx. Ignifex is downright brilliant, along with being a demon. I mean what would be appealing about that? Besides the fact that he has devilish charms and may be a bad influence at times (insanely hot). He is definitely a highlight for this book. Another great thing about this book was that it had a strong female lead. Nyx was absolutely amazing. Her expressions and thoughts were a good thing to read. I really enjoyed reading her as a character. I also felt that she was really strong and brave. One of my reasons for thinking this would be that she grew up in a house where she felt that everyone disliked her, and wanted her gone. It was also great to see the development between Nyx and Ignifex relationship. It had such wonderful growth.

In conclusion this book had just so many great aspects to it. If I were to list them all this review would be a book in itself. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoyed Beauty & the Beast as a child or who love reading retellings.