I AM IN LOVE AND IN PAIN. Blossom and the Beast turned out to be one AMAZING read. To be honest, my expectations weren’t as high despite its interesting premise and the promise of a great paranormal Beauty and the Beast retelling, yet I am beyond impressed by it. Actually, this book is the reason I stayed up til’ 4 am because I just could not stop reading!
The story follows a young woman from a Terra pack in the Alderwood forest lead by her father. Her 3 brothers can shape-shift into Bears (called Totems) and as her transformation draws near on her 18th birthday, it is expected her totem will take a bear shape as well. As tradition follows, women are traded into different clans depending on their offers, much to Blossom’s dismay. She yearns for freedom and independence, something she knows she will not get after her hand is claimed. A day following her first offer, a tall stranger she comes across in the forest offers for her hand in marriage and strikes a hard to pass deal with her father that he accepts on the spot. The thing is, this stranger is the Vice Syndicate to the Pyro branch, the most dangerous and volatile of the four existing branches in their realm.
Ah, I don’t want to tell you much of the story because it’s just so fascinating to learn on your own, but you can expect lots of great things from this book. The world building is amazing and really creative, I loved the idea of four dominating branches (sort of religious, but not quite) with their particular strengths and type of totem transformations – Pyro, Terra, Hydra and Aero. We mostly get to learn about the Terra and Pyro branch in this installment, but I know that in the sequel we’ll get more from the Hydra and Aero.
Blossom and the Beast is a based on Beauty and the Beast, but there’s more to it than just dealing with a beast and a curse. The Beast in this book is quite a dashing young man whose totem is wild and unpredictable, the perfect counter-match to Blossom’s headstrong and carefree personality. This two were made for each other and I just loved the passion that blooms between them.(Note: This is NA with some steamy moments but clean, a HUGE plus for me!) Still, SO GOOD. Ahhhh!
THE ENDING THOUGH. I refuse to accept this new twist in their story. It broke my heart but I seriously hope it solves out soon. I NEED IT TO SOLVE ITSELF. *Takes deep breath*
Blossom and the Beast has taken root in my heart and I’m highly anticipating the sequel that will be based on Goldilocks and the Three Bears! BE STILL MY HEART. It will follow another great character found in the first installment, and though I am sad it won’t be fully focused on Blossom and Kaide (he’s the beast), I’m still glad they will be part of the series and their story will keep moving alongside the sequel.
Man I need to read this, Mel. So bad. I mean five out of five stars I must! Sounds like a great read!