Cruel Beauty (Cruel Beauty Universe) by Rosamund Hodge
I give this book a solid 5.
I listened to the audio version of this book so that may have had an effect on the comments I make below.
I don’t usually make comments on the narrator because I try to focus on the story at hand, but I really enjoyed the reading of this story. The narrator gave a wonderful and engaging performance.
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A dark twist on the Beauty and the Beast tale, Cruel Beauty tells the story of Nyx, a daughter raised as a sacrifice and tribute to the demon ruler of a world in captivity. Filled with hatred and contempt, but bound by duty and a sincere desire to do at least one noble thing in her life, Nyx sets out to destroy her would be husband and then die, with no hope for anything greater.
I know there will be no way for me to fully describe how much I truly enjoyed this story so I’ll just babble on a bit and then stop. The first thing that I noticed about this story is that it was promoted to me as a YA/New Adult book. I haven’t had the best of luck with these kinds of titles. They are either too teen or too adult for my liking, but this book is what New Adult should be, though I’m sure some will argue for a little more steam and I’d let them.
I describe this book as a dark twist to a fairy tale for two basic reasons. Traditional fairy tales aren’t that lighthearted, but recently people have forgotten what fairy tales once were, mostly due to the success of the Disney Corporation. Now, I’m not hating on Disney, but some of the things they’ve done to fairy tales is ridiculous.
I want readers to understand that this is a dark story and not because of explicit violence and heavy gore. This story is dark because it touches on the truth of people’s nature and the sense of self-loathing, hatred, and disgust that could arise in any of us at any time given the right circumstances.
This story is also dark because it challenges you to face the reality of choices you make every day and to see whether or not you are always as virtuous as you may think you are.
This book did something to me that not many books have. It made me look forward to reading and experiencing the romance that was taking place between the characters. I think I was pulled into this romance because it’s not at all what you’d expect it to be; especially after you learn that there are others involved you hadn’t expected to even be factors in the equation.
I loved the fact that I really hated Nyx’s family. I don’t use the word hate a lot and I am talking about a work of fiction, but even with all the twists that take place, I’m still not fond of her family, and I love it. This is one of those stories where none of the characters are truly worth rooting for when you get deep down to their souls and see the things they’ve done because they are all human and so beautifully flawed. Even with their lack of virtue, there is still a clear sense that all these lives are still worth saving, simply for the sake of living.
This author may become one of my faves. I’ll definitely have to see what else I can get my hands on from this author. At this point I’ve stopped trying to describe this book and want to say, just read it if you dare. It’s not for kids, and men may not cling to it, but if you are open to really trying something new and different, and have an appreciation for mythology, fairy tales, complicated romance, and or fantasy, then give this book a try.
This review has been posted to GoodReads. If you’d like to obtain a copy of this book, try this link.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords
Steam (The Legends Saga, #3) by Stacey Rourke
Publication date: September 14th 2015
Genres: New Adult, Paranormal
Add to you Goodreads bookshelf here.
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A journey through time.
A scarlet letter.
A soul crushing betrayal.
The thrilling Legends Saga concludes in a mash-up of literary all-stars. The works of Washington Irving, Edgar Allen Poe, HG Wells, and Nathaniel Hawthorne come to life in an intricately weaved backstory of love, lies, and deception. The driving force of all involved? Passion. But when that passion is cloaked in darkness, madness reigns.
About the Author
RONE Award Winner for Best YA Paranormal Work of 2012 for Embrace, a Gryphon Series Novel
Young Adult and Teen Reader voted Author of the Year 2012
Turning Pages Magazine Winner for Best YA book of 2013 & Best Teen Book of 2013
Stacey Rourke lives in Michigan with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and two giant, dogs. She loves to travel, has an unhealthy shoe addiction and considers herself blessed to make a career out of talking to the imaginary people that live in her head. Mark your calendars! Her latest literary adventure, Crane, will release May 26, 2014. She is currently hard at work on the continuations of this thrilling Legends Saga, as well as other literary projects.
Greetings readers, bloggers, geeks, and authors and welcome to The ToiBox of Words. I’m your host Toi Thomas, author of Eternal Curse, and today I have a treat to share. A while back, I had the pleasure to interview a wonderful author named, Diamond Ryan. A good time was truly had by all, and here’s how it went down.
Toi Thomas:Hi thereDiamond! It’s so awesome to have you here at the ToiBox Blog. I’m excited to learn more about you and your work.
Diamond: Hi Toi. Happy to be here.
Toi Thomas:So tell me, who is Diamond Ryan?
Diamond: I am a previously published author. Red Stick Diaries is my seventh. My writing career began in my early years of high school, but it would be many years later before becoming published.
Toi Thomas: I think most writers start out pretty early; I know I did. For me though, I never knew I wanted to become an author. Seems like you knew back then.
Toi Thomas: Well before we dive into your special message today, let’s get to know you, the person inside the author.
Toi Thomas:Who is so you and why?
Kitt as Catwoman in Batman, Wikipedia
Diamond: Many people have compared my looks to the beautiful and talented Eartha Kitt, whom I am a huge fan of. In my youth, I wondered how someone could see any familiarity, and thought it was a bad thing to be compared to someone older. It is only through living have I learned the appreciation for her talent and the legacy she leaves behind.
Toi Thomas: When I was younger I didn’t like being compared to other people either, but it’s what we as humans do. We compare. Our minds look back through our database of knowledge to help us understand the things around us. Sorry for the nerd rant. I like being compared now, just to see what people come up with…Oh and I do see a resemblance.
Toi Thomas:What makes you geek out?
Diamond: Learning new things. I love research and development and expressing myself through art.
Toi Thomas: I too enjoy learning new things as long as it’s not something being forced on me. I’m not really an artistically talented person, but do I enjoy torturing canvases with my paint brush. I have a feeling that you are not only artistically talented, but probably master multiple mediums.
Toi Thomas:What was your favorite book or story, pre-teen years?
Diamond: I didn’t have a single favorite… but I loved reading the leather bound Reader’s Digest short stories. Those tales, took me places.
Toi Thomas: My dad loves Reader’s Digest, and he used to read them too me as a kid.
Toi Thomas:In terms of interviews, whose brain are you just itching to scratch?
Diamond: I would love to sit down with Morgan Freeman, I am and have been impressed with his mind.
Toi Thomas: Good answer. I’m sure Morgan Freeman would have some good stories and lessons to share.
Toi Thomas: Now that we know a little more about you, the person, let’s learn about you, the author, and dive into your special message.
Toi Thomas:So whacha got for me today?
Diamond: RED STICK DIARIES is a 5 book miniseries about the near death escapes of a heroine, and the political struggles of surviving within the confines of the law… when those serving the law are the most guilty.
Toi Thomas: Oh, a miniseries. That’s cool. I guess it would be like reading a serial all at once or a graphic novel, without the pictures of course.
Toi Thomas:So who’s starring is this 2 dimensional script read ofRed Stick Diaries?
Diamond: The main characters are one female heroine of determined strengths, and a male counterpart who seeks his own meted out revenge and justice and the chaos that ensues at the loss of that power and control.
Toi Thomas: One woman and one man- I have a feeling this will be love hate relationship.
Toi Thomas:What’s so special about this story that’s going to reel in the readers?
Diamond: This is a fictional story… based on a true experience. One in which familiar realities turn dark and gruesome right before your eyes. The most frightening reality discovered within is, that all you believed could be shattered with the realization that we all are vulnerable. And at any given time… could become the next victims.
Toi Thomas: Honing in on universal truths is harder than people might realize, but you’ve captured one. Everyone is vulnerable to some degree, which is something anyone can relation to. Well done.
Toi Thomas:Past, present, future, is there a rhyme or reason to your writing?
Diamond: I write from a spiritual place within. Moved to moods of the characters, and I divest myself within them.
Toi Thomas: Well, so you’re an emotional writer. I’m afraid I’m a bit technical until the story’s complete. Then I look back and see what’s there. I like that you let the characters take control. I bet it makes for quite a bit of drama.
Toi Thomas:What author(s) has most influenced your writing? Why or how?
Wikipedia
Diamond: Terry McMillian, Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes… to name a few. I love the fact that they write with such poetic freedoms and honesty.
Toi Thomas:I enjoy getting caught up words that take me to far off lands and tell magical stories, but sometimes you need a serving of realism. These authors make even the harshest reality bearable and poetic.
Toi Thomas: Now this is where the questions get a little kooky; are you ready?
Diamond: YISI! Yeah, I said it.
Toi Thomas:If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Wikipedia
Diamond: Actually… Red Stick Diaries… when it becomes one! [laughs]. Hmm, great question… the rest of my life? Shawshank Redemption. But my list goes on from there.
Toi Thomas: Yeah, that’s a good one; so hard to turn away from…Hey, you could ask Morgan Freeman about his experience on the set of this film. 😉
Toi Thomas:When the soundtrack of your life is playing in your head, what songs express your glee and what songs bring out your rage?
Diamond: Glee: Waiting On The World To Change by John Meyer.
Rage: ….I’ll have to get back with you on that… I don’t really have one. But it saddens me every time I re-visit a song I wrote for 911. “The Day The Angels Cried”
Toi Thomas: Of course you write songs too. I bet “The Day The Angels Cried” is a lovely, if not meaningful song.
Toi Thomas: Let’s play zombie urban survivor. What 3 things do you need to survive a black-out in Central Park the day zombies attack?
Diamond: Vin Diesel, The Roc, and… LLCool J … I just figure they’ll always be prepared.
*The latter to repopulate the world, you know in case we’re the last two survivors. [chuckles].
Toi Thomas: Hmm, well I think you covered that one.
Toi Thomas:What’s the most fun experience you’ve ever had, to date?
Diamond: Asking the captain if I could relieve the helm of a USS Destroyer…and he let me! #nonenlisted!
Toi Thomas:That’s pretty cool, though I don’t think I could it. Just the idea of having all that power and responsibility for even a second would be too much. My fear; your fun.
Toi Thomas: Last question of the day; here we go.
Toi Thomas:Not that you can see into the future, but in your opinion, what does the future hold?
Diamond: I believe as much as I desire. I expect to continue writing books and leaving deep impressions in the sand for future generations.
Toi Thomas: What a positive outlook to have. I wish you all the best.
Toi Thomas:Thank you so much Diamond for spending time with me today.
Diamond: You’re welcome. It was fun.
Okay readers, bloggers, geeks, and authors, that’s all for today. Be sure to follow this blog to see who will be visiting next time. For more fromDiamond Ryan, check out these great links:
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Diamond: RED STICK DIARIES is a 5 book miniseries about the near death escapes of a heroine, and the political struggles of surviving within the confines of the law… when those serving the law are the most guilty.
