Name: Depravity
ISBN: 9781943051199

M. J. Haag

A classic fairy tale with a new twist, the Beauty and the Beast saga start with Depravity...Sixteen year old Benella is concerned with two things-avoiding the two village boys who torment her and scrounging for food to help feed her family. Unfortunately, the best wild fruit and vegetables are near the walls of the estate, a dark misty place inhabited by an unforgiving beast.When her tormentors lock her behind the massive gates, Benella knows her fate is sealed. Yet, the fate isn't one she expects. Her encounter with the beast starts a bizarre cycle of bargaining for her freedom, a freedom the beast seems determined to see her lose.

Depravity

M. Haag

Sixteen year old Benella is concerned with two things-avoiding the two village boys who torment her and scrounging for food to help feed her family. Unfortunately, the best wild fruit and vegetables are near the walls of the estate, a dark misty place inhabited by an unforgiving beast. When her tormentors lock her behind the massive gates, Benella knows her fate is sealed. Yet, the fate isn't one she expects. Her encounter with the beast starts a bizarre cycle of bargaining for her freedom, a freedom the beast seems determined to see her lose. A classic fairy tale with a new twist, the Beauty and the Beast saga begins with Depravity. Note: Intended for mature readers due to sexual situations, violence (attempted rape), and moderate language.

A Beauty and the Beast Novel

Sarina Sherman

3.75 stars ⭐️ shorter than the books I usually read, but longer than a novella. Much more slow paced than I expected, but still enjoyable. Definitely can’t wait to read the next one!

Renee Delcourt

Oddly enough I really liked it.

So reading this, I somehow missed that it was a series. However, it was well written and drew my attention right from the beginning. Benella is the daughter to a town school teacher. She has two older sister's, whose selfish wants of being wealthy, prevent off and on she and her father from eating. When Benella has a run in with the Smith's son's, she is forced into meeting the beast who guards an estate. Four times she meets him, and each time he spares her from death. Each time he asks her simply to stay.
Benella struggles with her feelings of resentment towards her sisters who whisper of saving the little bit of family money from themselves in hopes of a life in away from t hi heir small town, where most struggle to live. They neglect and belittle their younger sister and even their father at times. Everything Benella does is for her family.

This twist on Beauty and the Beast is absolutely captivating. It's much different from my usual reads but I think it's worth the diversion. Definitely planning one buying the rest of the series.