A glorious debut from Australian author Leife Shallcross, The Beast's Heart retells 'Beauty and the Beast' in a compelling and surprising novel filled with peril, darkness, romance and beauty. An utterly enchanting fairytale retelling that breathes new life into a beloved classic. * Kate Forsyth, author of Bitter Greens and The Wild Girl *
I stayed up until the small hours finishing THE BEAST'S HEART. What a delight! This is a beautifully crafted, deeply romantic reworking of the fairy tale. Leife Shallcross opens a brand new window onto the old story, creating a cast of engaging characters whose fates we really care about * Juliet Marillier, author of the Blackthorn & Grim series *
Leife Shallcross weaves her words like a fairytale enchantment. The Beast's Heart is like nothing you've read. Welcome to a glorious darkness * Angela Slatter, World Fantasy Award-winning author of The Bitterwood Bible and Other Recountings *
I might have a new favourite Beauty and the Beast! 5 out of 5 stars to Leife Shallcross's utterly beautiful retelling The Beast's Heart. Gorgeous writing, magical romance at its best. Absolutely loved it * Sam Hawke, author of City of Lies *
The best fairy-tale retelling I have read * Read the Write Act blog *
This book manages to capture the ancient quality of fairytale without going into the waffle-y vague voice that I tend to associate with some short stories and retellings . . . I had a wonderful time reading this book' 5 STARS * Chain Interaction *
This beautifully conceived debut from Australian writer Leife Shallcross turns the classic fairytale on its head . . . The love story between the Beast and Isabeau is a delight; a credible, awkward, stilting courtship that's shot through with moments of gentle romance, pathos, and passion . . . a complex, charming, romantic, and richly detailed story about the redemptive power of love * Readings Magazine *
Wow oh wow. I was hooked from page one . . . I think I want a Beast of my own! Honestly I think I'd give this more than 5 stars if I could * Books and Lemon Squash book blog *
This was so beautifully written, I felt like I was reading a classical, melodic, fairy tale with all the feels that really came to life in my mind! An amazing story that developed beautifully, fantastically well-defined characters, the author did such a great job in reimagining the tale that's old as time and really took us deep into the heart of the beast. This is a story no one has heard before and a must read now. Beautiful writing and language, amazing characters you grow to love and a beast who I just want to hug! Oh . . . the love . . . the feels . . . for the first time in a very long time, I found this to be a book I needed to take a moment of silence for right at the end, it was that beautiful. * Read3rz Re-vu Blog *
A lovely book . . . I would definitely read it again * My Melody of Words blog *
Such a sweet story and a well-written retelling Beauty and The Beast but from The Beast's perspective! I just really want to hug the beast! * Curio *
The writing was beautiful, and I was really immersed in the story from the start . . . It was a different take on a classic story, but one done with care and love and I am definitely a huge fan * Between the Pages book blog *
If you like Disney or fairy-tales, I would recommend The Beast's Heart wholeheartedly. If you like historical romance, this is also a book for you. This is a charming story with well-rounded characters and thoughtful plot-threads weaving through it. * Morgan Daisy Sutherland Book Blog *
This is not only the most vulnerable Beast I have come across, but also my favourite one . . . [The Beast's Heart] offered a perspective I didn't know I needed * Violette Books book blog *
It's so refreshing reading an classic fairytale from a different perspective * Avid Bibliophile book blog *
Leife Shallcross has created a beautifully enchanting world that is jumps off the page . . . I was unable to put my copy down * Readers Enjoy Authors Dreams book blog *
It's the story I never knew I needed. It made my heart quicken, my eyes tear and my imagination run wild. A compelling, driving story that I was unable to put down. Overall, I fell in love with this story and the unique viewpoint it offered through the eyes of the beast. It's 5 stars from me and I will definitely be re-reading this book! * Goodreads reviewer *
This book is so beautifully written, you'll feel the magic, the intricate storytelling, the love, all the feels that you can expect from a Beauty and the Beast retelling . . . This is a wonderful, magical and timeless book . . . There are so many parts that hit me right in the heart * Goodreads reviewer *
I had a wonderful time reading this book, I think that if you're the kind of person who lives and breathes fairytale retellings you will most certainly enjoy this book. It's a great addition to any YA fantasy lover's shelf. ***** * Netgalley reviewer *
A beautiful retelling . . . poetical, imaginative, and inventive * New York Journal of Books *