I love this story SO much! My absolute favorite fairy tale ever is Beauty and the Beast, so I jumped at the chance to read Beauty Reborn by Elizabeth Lowham. I devoured this book in less than 24-hours I was that engaged. Beauty Reborn is an apt title. The main character, Beauty, does undergo a rebirth born out of time, space, and healing, but the fairy tale itself is also reborn through Lowham’s skillful storytelling. The fantasy aspect of this story is superb and unique and magical. I was wholly captivated by Beast’s castle, by the uber-fierce forest that surrounds his home, and the enigmatic blue fairy that pops up often to stir trouble all her own. In addition to the fantastical elements, I also really love the characters. Beauty is different. She is feisty and whimsical and so naïve. But she learns…my goodness, does this poor girl learn her lesson. What I love about her character the most is that she does mature and she comes to understand how to see the truth of a matter. She becomes cautious, she sees through image to truth, and understands that healing happens when a person’s truth is shared with trusted loved ones and then faced together. I really, really like Lowham’s version of Belle. I also like her version of Beast. I like how his supposed beastliness becomes a safe-harbor for Beauty. I like how he is opposite of a beast in his manner — he is unassuming, he is calm, and he is quiet. He listens and he pays attention to details. He is exactly the beast Beauty needs. And then there is the Gaston character — Stephan. Stephan is a true villain and his real-to-life villainy makes him incredibly ugly and sinister. I avidly disliked his character, and wanted Beauty to stay as far away from him as possible. The topics discussed in this novel are compelling as well. I especially resonate with the wish that people would be transparent about who they are. It would make life easier and safer if bad guys (and girls) had signs over their heads that stated, “I’m bad, stay away!” But that is not how life works. Instead, we have to be cautious and careful about who we let into our inner circles and into our hearts.

Beauty Reborn is a delightful Beauty and the Beast retelling that I wholeheartedly enjoyed and highly recommend. This book is fun and engaging and magical. If you are a fan of fairy tales, Young Adult lit with excellent and timely themes, or fast-paced and highly engaging stories, then purchase yourself a copy of this book today. You do not want to miss out on this captivating story!

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.