5 Stars
“Is he scared of the dark?” “Like all monsters. Because it reminds him of what he truly is.”
I still recall the last mythology book I read, sadly. I prefer not to. I mean who would not want to erase the boring journey of Hades searching for his right wife? (If you have not guessed, I’m talking about The Goddess Test)
Cruel Beauty was able to substantiate to me that (Greek) mythology can be interesting in YA fiction, if handled correctly.
It composed of everything I pursue for in a book:unpredictable Mystery, Imperfect heroine, both fascinating setting plus backstory. And lastly, a story partly based on BEAUTY & THE BEAST. You know, you have not completely stopped being a kid, when you continue to think of Beauty & the Beast as one of the greatest love stories.
Quick summary of Cruel Beauty:
Nyx Triskelion, never feels as if she belongs. Maybe, it’s because she’s motherless. Or her father pays more attention to her twin sister. Or perhaps, it could simply be the fact her father betrothed her to an evil ruler of the kingdom for a bargain. Nyx begins to train as young as nine to defeat Ignifex, in order to free herself and release her kingdom from Ignifex‘s curse, that has entrapped and left them isolated from the rest of the world for nine-hundred years. As she puts her plan to action, she realizes not everything is black and white as it seems, and killing Ignifex proves to be more difficult than she imagined.
