Fairy tales have long been a source of inspiration for writers. Every generation finds new ways of adapting these seemingly simple stories to its taste. Many modern consumers are blissfully unaware of the often dark and gruesome nature of the original versions.
Many of them lend themselves easily to sexing up. They often feature fearsome creatures and dark forces, alongside innocent maidens and virginal daughters. Not all of these adaptations work.
But Mordelle has taken the basic structure of Beauty and the Beast, and woven a delightful tale around it.
Andre Belle Dubois finds herself in the King’s castle, having opted to try her luck where so many have failed before. But Belle is no innocent; her back story – slowly revealed through the book – is one of adventure and strength. I suspect it would make an interesting prequel in its own right.
The first two-thirds of the book take place in the castle, and the author slowly builds an atmospheric and sensual world, inhabited solely by Belle, King Searlus, and his magical entourage. Keenly aware of the outside world, Belle keeps a diary, knowing that if she leaves, she will forget everything that happened within the castle walls.
She slowly gets to know Searlus and begins to understand him. Her natural curiosity and impatience causes problems for them both, but their growing friendship is touching. The balance is interesting. Although he is the King, his isolation from people makes him shy and stilted around Belle. His desire for her frightens him. And lowly sailor she may be, but her previous lust for life – of both sexes – give her a confidence he so clearly lacks.
The final third of the book is set back in the world outside the castle. Exactly how and why, I’ll leave you to find out. But Belle has no memory of her time with Searlus, and with a rebellion brewing, she has to try to piece together what happened and make a decision about where her future lies.
It’s a beguiling tale, woven with snippets of Belle’s past, which come to play a part in the denouement. The first part, in the castle, is soft, slow and mysterious, with a heavy sensuality hanging over it. I did find the dramatic change in tone between it and the second part something of a jolt. The gentle pace in the castle is replaced abruptly by the more mundane life outside, and it took me a few pages to adjust. But ultimately, that’s the point. Belle has left a place of enchantment and resumed her former life, albeit she doesn’t know why.
The eroticism is largely subtle and delicate, meaning the more savage or surprising elements have greater impact. Searlus and Belle are beautifully drawn, as are the secondary characters who have a vital part to play in the story. I was so happy that the author changed a significant element in the story which usually spoils the tale for me. I won’t spoil your enjoyment by revealing it, though!
If you’re looking for a delightful tale to settle down with on a cold dark night, I can happily recommend this book. Mystery, love, lust and magic in one simple package. Try it; I think you’ll love it.
This is a review of the 2020 Kindle edition.
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