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Monday, August 28, 2017

{Book and Audiobook Review} The Beast of Talesend by Kyle Robert Shultz



 

Private eye Nick Beasley lives in a world where fairy tales ended a long time ago – where zeppelins now soar the skies instead of dragons, and where the first automobiles have taken the place of flying carpets. He’s made a name for himself across the Afterlands by debunking fake magicians and exposing fraudulent monsters. This is the modern age, after all. Magic and monsters are long gone.

At least, that’s what Nick believes. Until he gets magically transformed into a monster, that is.

The only person who may be able to help Nick is Lady Cordelia Beaumont, one of the last enchantresses in the Afterlands. But in order for her to cure him, they’ll have to retrieve a powerful artifact from a ruthless crime lord – who is also Cordelia’s father.

The fate of the Afterlands lies in the hands of a runaway enchantress and a monstrous ex-detective. What could possibly go wrong?

Perfect for fans of Doctor Who, Once Upon A Time, Indiana Jones, or The Dresden Files, the Beaumont and Beasley series features high adventure in a world where fairy tales are history.


Amazon | GoodReads | Author's Website | Author's Blog


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So you’ve probably already heard me shout from the rooftops that everyone should read this book. Because…EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS BOOK. But in case you haven’t, I’m doing a proper review today because, well, EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS BOOK. Annnd I’m doing something a bit different. I’m not only reviewing the actual book, but I’m also reviewing the audiobook. Because, yes, I did read the book AND listen to the audiobook within a few months of each other and I have zero regrets because, as we’ve learned, EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS BOOK. Sooo you’re basically getting a double review of the same book ‘cause I’m skilled like that.



THE RUNDOWN


The Beast of Talesend is book #1 in the Beaumont and Beasley series and is, essentially, a Beauty and the Beast retelling…sorta.


Imagine a 1920s detective-story and then set it in a world where fairytales aren’t just stories…they’re the world’s history. Add a heaping cup of humor, loveable (and hilarious) characters, magic, and a downright fun ride of a plot, and you’ve got yourself this book.


I told you everyone needs to read it.


It’s written in first person, which isn’t always my favorite but I honestly couldn’t imagine this story any other way. Being inside our main character’s—Nick Beasley’s—head and having his dry witted narration made the story.


Speaking of which…


CHARACTERS


Oh my gracious goodness, THE CHARACTERS. I just want them all to be my best friends.


Nick: As I said, Nick is our main character and narrator and AGH. I just couldn’t handle his dry wit. He’s a skeptic about the whole “fairytales and magic are real thing”. The world has moved on from that, and he’s made it his career to prove there is no such thing as magic via his detective agency. So when he gets turned into a beast (not spoilers, it’s right there in the blurb), well…he’s a little taken aback, to say the least. My favorite thing about him is how he just takes everything in stride in a pessimistic, longsuffering way. His whole mentality is basically, “Oh…I’ve been turned into a beast and everything I believe is completely wrong. Well, that’s just great.” He’s so calm and logical and pessimistic about things. I absolutely loved being inside his head and seeing his reactions to all the insanity that happened to him. Poor Nick…


Cordelia: Lady Beaumont…excuse me, Lady Cordelia is one of my FAVORITE types of characters. The first time we see her she’s throwing a roll at someone because she can’t stand their silly hat. And…that basically describes Cordelia through and through. She’s one of those whimsically chaotic beans where you just never know what they’re going to do next. And she is the perfect balance of being totally fiery and sassy but still has a good heart. I completely and totally adored this girl. Oh, and she’s also magic. So yes. She’s epic. And then you toss this wild girl with the logical Nick and ooooh the fun dynamics. Literally one of my top favorite character dynamics in fiction EVER. I LOVED THEMMM.


Crispin: CRISPIN. CRISPINNNNN. Probably my favorite character. Because CRISPIN. He’s Nick’s younger brother (though everyone in this book is in their 20s, just FYI), and he’s a riot. Where Nick is the more stern, logical type, Crispin is fun, happy-go-lucky, optimistic, and rather flighty. Sadly, his part isn’t too big in this book. (Thankfully, he plays a much bigger role in the sequel, The Tomb of the Sea Witch.) But he’s still there enough to make you fall in love with him. He’s just adorable!


All of these characters were so fun and unique. I say Crispin is my favorite but…I think I love them all equally. And they’re amazing just themselves, but then you throw them all together with their utterly different personalities, and you have one of the most fun casts I’ve ever read about. I want to be part of the Lady Beaumont and Brothers Beasley team!



OTHER THINGS I LOVED


-THE WORLD, GUYS. It’s set in an alternative version of London in a 1920s detective-style setting. Which I’ve always loved, but then turn that it into a world with fairytales and HELLO ONE OF MY NEW FAVORITE BOOKS OF ALL TIME. It was just a blast how so much of the world’s history was based off of fairytales. Buuut the fairytales may not have played out as everyone thinks. *wriggles eyebrows* The magic system was also very fun and cleverly done. I just utterly adored the very 1920’s-esque setting with crime bosses and detectives and all that classic stuff MIXED with magic and fairytales. It worked so well!


-HUMOR. HUMOR EVERYWHERE. This was honest to goodness one of the funniest books I’ve ever read in my life. I was constantly bursting out loud with laughter. The narration is hilarious, the characters are hilarious, the plot itself had some completely hilarious parts. Just…THE HUMOR. Basically every other sentence was quotable in this book.


-The plot itself. It’s not all just laughs. Oh no. There’s some seriously epic and complex stuff going on. Some Beauty and the Beast stuff, some magical artifacts, some gangsters, some end of the world threats. Fun times, fun times. I especially liked a bit involving a magic mirror because I have this weird obsession with magical mirrors in fiction (I don’t even know why, there are just so many fun things you can do with it). And that was a huge part of the plot which made me super happy. IT WAS SO EPIC. The whole thing was action-packed and a wild and amazing ride from page one to the end.


-The whole mix of the fairytales being set in one world. There were sooo many references to different fairytales and things. The way they were woven into the world was brilliance. I’m allllll about fairytale crossovers, please and thank you.


-THE EPILOGUE. Which gave promises of one of my other top favorite stories playing a role in later books. BUT THAT’S ALL I’M SAYIN’ *zips lips* But like I said, soooo many epic crossovers.


THINGS I DIDN’T LOVE


HA. Do you think I actually have any complaints? Noooo! Seriously, this book was borderline perfect. Which is something for me to say because I am a picky reader and usually always have something to whine about. But this story was like all of my favorite things wrapped into one.


Oookay, I do actually have one mild complaint. It was super short. 126 pages total—practically novella size. And I much prefer more lengthy books. But, honestly, this somehow managed to be in depth and give us enough time with the characters to completely fall in love with them. So the short length worked. Buuut I could spend eternity with these characters so even if it was an 800-page monster I’d still probably be complaining it was too short. XD


Fortunately, it’s just book #1 of a whole series so we definitely get more of the Beasleys and Lady Beaumont and their crazy adventures. THANK GOODNESS.


THE AUDIOBOOK


Like I said, I not only read the book, but I also listened to the audiobook…just a few months after reading the book. Which I ain’t complainin’ about one little bit! I was honestly considering a reread of the book already because it’s just THAT GOOD. So getting the audiobook was perfect, because it was a way to immerse myself in the story again but in fresh way.


I’ll be honest, I never really listen to audiobooks. I’d much prefer to just read the story. Mainly because I’m not auditory at all, in that I can’t retain anything I hear and I have the worst time paying attention to things I’m supposed to be listening to. But since I already knew this story, making the reread an audiobook worked great.


And ooooh my goodness. THIS AUDIOBOOK.


Firstly, it’s narrated by a British guy. Which that alone will make you want to listen to it. But he also does all the characters’ voices, and it’s so fun! The voice fit the story perfectly. A lighthearted fairytale like this just calls for a British voice doing all the voices. It really brought the story to life in a whole new way.


What I really loved about it was how calming it was. It felt like a parent reading to their child before bed. Fun but calming at the same time. I always felt so relaxed during my listens. I discovered it was the perfect stress reliever.


Then there was the way the epilogue was done. It gave me chills, in the best way possible. Buuut you’ll just have to get the audiobook to know what I’m talking about. *cackles*


But seriously, if you’re into audiobooks or just like to be read to and need something to relieve stress, I highly recommend this audiobook. It was so good!


CONTENT CAUTIONS


Not a thing. This book was perfectly clean and family-friendly. There was a good bit of action and a smidge of violence, but nothing too graphic. Just typical fantasy violence. I’m perfectly comfortable recommending this to any and all ages. And I AM. I firmly believe young ones, teens, and adults alike would adore this story. It’s one of those stories I can’t really categorize into any age genre. It’s lighthearted, so good for young ones. But the characters are in their twenties, so perfect for the slightly older crowd. I don’t know. JUST READ IT.


CONCLUSION


If you’re into fairytales, 1920s settings, humor, amazing characters, or just want a quick and lighthearted read, THIS ONE’S FOR YOU. It’s clean, it’s hilarious, it’s got deep characters and a fun plot. There’s just nothing not to love!


Buuuut really, I could have skipped all this talk and just summed up this whole review in one sentence: EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS BOOK.


 

SPEAK WITH ME. Doesn’t this book sound amazing? (Yes.) Are you going to read this book? (Yes.) Have you already read this book? (Hopefully.) If so, FLAIL WITH ME. And, because I’m curious, how do you feel about crossovers? (I love them, if that wasn’t clear.)


(Note: I received a free digital copy of the audiobook from the author in exchange for an honest review.)

27 comments:

  1. I tried to get this book on audio, but for some reason it wouldn't work. Frustration station! The Beaumont and Beasley books sound like a series I would love, though. If I can't get them on audio I must get them on paper!

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    1. Oh no! Why didn't it work? :( (This book is so gooood! <3 I hope you can read it somehow...)

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    2. Oh dear! That's horrible. I wonder what happened. I got it via Audible and it seemed to work fine. I'm sure you can contact the author about it and he'll try to fix it. BECAUSE YOU NEED THIS BOOK.

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    3. I'm not quite sure what the problem was, but I'll defiantly have to find some way to work around it. I really want this book now!

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    4. I do so hope you'll find a way to get it!

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  2. AHHHH I so so want to read this book. (Really, Christine. Stop doing book-ish blog posts, by TBR is going to flatten me. XD) Even just the cover looks SO EPIC. *squeals over it*

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    1. YOU NEED IT IN YOUR LIIIFE.
      Bwahahaha. That's what I'm here for. Making people's TBRs unconquerable one book at a time. *polishes halo*

      Yesss, the cover is fantastic. THE WHOLE THING IS FANTASTIC.

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  3. *flails around* EXCELLENT REVIEW! :D I just love this book so much, ack. *flails* AND CRISPIIIIN! AND NICK! AND ALL OF THEMMM! AND THE FUNNY! I love the accents so much. XD Ooh, now I'm curious about how the epilogue will sound. o_o Can't wait to finish listening and find out! Also, I ADORE your pics!!! :D Awesome post, all around. *thumbs up*

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    1. THANK YOU! AND YES. CRISPIN! NICK! ERRYBODY!

      Isn't the audiobook just so good? I had too much fun listening to it! I can't wait for you to finish it! :D

      Thank you! It was a very photogenic book. Tehe.

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  4. Those characters sound adorkable xD I've heard a bit about this book, so I'll have to try getting my hands on it! (I saw a review of Tomb of the Sea Witch by "Kyle" on Goodreads, and it was hilarious!)

    And if by crossovers you mean retellings-of-fairytales-in-which-everyone-gets-in-each-other's-stories, I am a big fan. (If by crossovers you instead mean finding Fury in Agents of Shield and Green Arrow in the Flash, and/or fan-made crossovers of Sherlock/Hobbit etc, I am also a big fan.) Basically, give me all the crossovers?
    Jem Jones

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    1. They totally are! That's a great way to describe them. XD
      Oh my word, his self reviews kill me every single time. It goes to show how hilarious his writing is!

      Well, I DID mean crossovers as in multiple fairytales in one story, yes. BUT. I'm allll for those cameo types of crossovers as well. They're the BEST. So I'm with you. GIMME ALL THE CROSSOVERS!

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  5. *adds to TBR like there's no tomorrow* THIS SOUNDS LIKE MY KIND OF BOOK.

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  6. I NEED THIS BOOK IN MY LIFE GAAAAAAH. Fairytale history? 1920's setting? Awesome characters? PLEASE I NEED THIS.
    Lovely review, by the way. ^_^

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    1. YES YOU DO. EVERYONE NEEDS IT. And it's literally only like $6 on Amazon sooo... *wink, wink* *nudge, nudge*

      Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it! <3

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  7. It's so freaking cheap! I'm totally going to buy this on my kindle as soon as I have all the Ilyon books and the Blades of Actar books and... goes on forever. :P I don't know when I'll get this one, but it's so cheap. I need these in my life. It sounds AMAZING.

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    1. I KNOW, RIGHT??? That's literally why I read it in the first place. I just could NOT pass up on a price like that for a book that sounded amazing. I pay more than that on fast food!

      Oh my goodness, I NEED the next Ilyon book like I need air! Sadly...I'm totally broke right now. Heh. But as soon as I get some money I'M BUYING THAT BOOK BECAUSE WE MUST HAVE IT PRECIOUSSS.

      Aaanyways. This book is amazing and if you do get it I hope you enjoy it!

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    2. I'm sure I will! It sounds right up my alley!

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  8. This sounds amazing! And so unique! I mean, 1920s London + fairy tales + characters in their 20s + BEAUTY AND THE BEAST . . . excuse me while I go hunt down a copy.

    And I'm with you on audiobooks. They just about put me to sleep. But a short, fun book read in a British accent? I might be able to handle that. :)

    Serena | poetree

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    1. P.S. I love your book review layout!

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    2. IT IS DEFINITELY UNIQUE. That's why I loved it so much. I've just never read ANYTHING like it. It had the coolest combination of things!

      Really? So I'm not alone? Because I always feel like I'm the only one who isn't wild about audiobooks. I just can't focus on them. XD But yeah, this one was pretty great!

      Awww, thank you so much! I did something a smidge different this go round (I added the "other things I loved" and "things I didn't love" sections), so it excites me to here that it worked. ^_^

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    3. No, you're not alone! There are at least two of us on this island. :) I feel like people are always raving about how they can listen to an audiobook and clean/drive/exercise/whatever at the same time . . . and I can't even just listen to an audiobook!

      The sections are fabulous. I love well-organized book reviews. :)

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    4. EXACTLY. I basically have to be sitting and doing nothing and still struggle to pay attention. But trying to pay attention AND do other tasks like driving?? Nooope.

      Thank you! ^_^

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  9. Wonderful post Christine! I need this book!

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    1. Thank you! ^_^
      And yes you doooo! It's so hilarious!

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  10. You should be a sales-person! I LITERALLY HAVE THIS BOOK IN MY AMAZON CART RIGHT NOW. Hahaha! LOVED this review - thanks so much for sharing with us! I've never heard of this story before you posted on Instagram and now I can't believe why. It's right up my alley! I love old-timey mysteries, magic, fairytales, and the Beauty & the Beast - IT'S PERFECT. Can't wait to read it!!!

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    1. Are you serious??? :O LOL!!! That is the best! (That's actually how I ended up getting it, someone told me about it and I saw how cheap it was on Amazon so I just bought it on a whim. I haven' regretted it since.)

      I really do think it's RIGHT up your alley. It's just got EVERYTHING in it. I love it so much! *huggles book*

      I hope you enjoy it! ^_^

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