As Old as Time by Liz Braswell
Over all the book was cute, but very slow paced. In the beginning there were some differences compared to the film, but a lot of part 1 it was like the film.
Part 2 did pick up a little more and started to get somewhat interesting and cute, but it also was dragging on for too long. There were so many mysteries and questions. It felt like there was a lot more build up and very little complexity.
Part 3 was definitely a lot more captivating. Things started getting extremely dark, and had me surprised that Disney even allowed it.
Most of the characters felt one-dimensional or too in lined with the film, but the Beast was definitely a character that had more growth. Despite almost losing his complete sense of humanity.
All in all it is a young adult novel, and Disney could only allow so much. But if this was written for adults, I feel like it could’ve been a lot more interesting.
When I first picked up 'As Old as Time' by Liz Braswell, I was so excited to dive into another Twisted Tale, especially one reimagining Beauty and the Beast. My initial impression, as you might have read, was that it started pretty slow. And honestly, it did! The first part felt very much like a re-tread of the classic Disney film, almost beat for beat. I kept waiting for the 'twist' to fully kick in, and for a while, it felt like a lengthy build-up without much immediate payoff. If you're someone who needs immediate action, this might test your patience a bit. But then, oh boy, did it surprise me! Part two, and especially part three, completely flipped the script. The story truly embraced its 'dark' potential, delving into mysteries and moral dilemmas that genuinely made me gasp. I remember thinking, 'Did Disney really greenlight this?' It pushes the boundaries of a typical young adult novel, exploring themes of sacrifice, curses, and the blurred lines between good and evil in a much more profound way than the original tale. It’s not just a simple retelling; it’s a deep dive into the consequences of choices and the complexities of fate. The book really earns its place as a 'Twisted Tale' when it starts exploring these darker themes. Speaking of characters, yes, some of them felt a bit like cardboard cutouts from the film, designed to serve a specific plot point. However, the Beast, whose silhouette graces the cover, was a standout. His internal struggle with his humanity, his past, and the weight of the curse felt incredibly real and nuanced. You really see him grapple with decisions that impact not just himself, but everyone around him. His journey of self-discovery and redemption felt authentic, going beyond the surface-level transformation we're used to. It made me appreciate Liz Braswell’s ability to inject such depth into a well-known character. Ultimately, my 3/5 star rating reflects this journey: a slow start with some 'one-dimensional characters' eventually gives way to a 'cute' story that becomes surprisingly 'dark' and captivating. It’s a book that rewards patience. If you're looking for a Beauty and the Beast retelling that challenges your perceptions and isn't afraid to explore the grim side of a magical curse, this could be a great pick for you. It truly makes you ponder what 'happily ever after' really means when fate is actively working against you. The book cover, with its evocative Beast's silhouette, perfectly hints at the internal conflict within its pages. It's a journey into a different kind of enchanted forest.
