This book was provided to me by R&R Book Tours and author Megan Van Dyke for my participation in The Musician and the Monster book tour. This in no way impacts the rating of the book. All of my reviews contain my honest opinions.
Title: The Musician and the Monster | Author: Megan Van Dyke |
Series: Reimagined Fairy Tales | Genre: Dark Fantasy, Gaslamp, Romance |
Publisher: Independently Published | Page Count: 411 |
Content Warnings:
Graphic:
Moderate: death, grief, injury/injury detail
Minor:
Music says things words never can. I love you. I miss you. I'm sorry I killed you. Every night, Ceridwen Kinsley plays music on her rooftop for the spirit of her dead mother. A peaceful if odd ritual, until she witnesses a murder by something not quite human. The monstrous encounter earns her notoriety within the city and a visit from the reclusive Lord Protector Drystan Winterbourne. Charged with protecting the backwater city of Teneboure by the king, Drystan is failing at his task, and he can't afford another slip up. But when fate and the very monster he means to conquer bring Ceridwen to his notice, he seizes the opportunity and presents her with an offer: play music for him at his manor in exchange for the money her impoverished family desperately needs. Music eases the strain of his magic, and who better to hire than the woman whose tunes he secretly listens to at night? At first, Ceridwen is put off by Drystan's unkempt appearance and harsh demeanor, not to mention the odd ailment that plagues him. But as he embraces her passion for music and she draws the recluse out of his lonely tower, the two develop an unlikely attachment. Class lines begin to blur as fearful indifference shifts to unexpected desire, and Ceridwen yearns to help Drystan subdue the monster as well as provide for her family. However, the monster prowling the night isn't their only enemy, and as terrible secrets come to light, protecting those they love may risk their lives and their hearts. This retelling of Beauty and the Beast incorporates themes and motifs from Phantom of the Opera, and is set in a gaslamp fantasy world with strong gothic vibes. It should appeal to fans of romantic and atmospheric retellings and fairy tales by authors such as Hannah Whitten, Tessonja Odette, and Stephanie Garber. While this is book 4 in the Reimagined Fairy Tales series, it can be read as a standalone. |
★★★★★ — obsessed
🥵🥵🥵 — sweltering
I was completely taken aback by this book! Its beautiful writing and exquisite retelling of The Beauty and the Beast left me spellbound. I admired how it retained all the classic elements of the fairytale—a brave young woman sacrificing for her family, a mysterious benefactor beast, and the triumph of love—while simultaneously presenting a truly distinctive, refreshing narrative.
I was pleasantly surprised and delighted by many elements in the story. The unique and well-crafted magic system, the intriguing mystery revealed bit by bit without spoiling the grand revelation, and the loving relationship between Ceridwen and her sister Bronwyn all added depth to the narrative. The bond between Drystan and Malik moved me, and I was drawn to the blossoming relationship between Ceridwen and Drystan—it was utterly charming and heartwarming.
The climax was so fraught with tension and action that I found myself on the edge of my seat, uncertain of the outcome. I am thrilled to have discovered this remarkable story and I am eager to explore more of this author's work!
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