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The Forgotten Kingdom #3

The Beast Princess: Beauty and the Beast Reimagined

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This boy, whoever he was, was clearly dangerous. I didn’t understand how, but I could feel it from his presence alone.

“Where is the autumn stone?” He stepped toward me with each word until my back was against the stone wall, and his breath washed down my face.

“I-I don’t know. I thought that was it!” I lowered my voice. “I promise.”

“That’s unfortunate,” he muttered. He ran his hand down his scruffy face, cold eyes still locked on mine and holding me in place.

“I would ask, but I don’t exactly know which piece of furniture my parents are,” I answered sharply.

The boy smirked at me. “That was an unintended side effect of the enchantment, I’m afraid.”

“You mean…you cast the spell?”

“I enchanted the rose and turned you into a beast,” he confessed. “I had nothing to do with the rest.”

My lips parted and I looked him up and down, renewed disgust on my tongue. No wonder I felt something off about him. He possessed magic. That’s what the metallic tang in the air was. His magic. Disgusting, murderous, threatening magic.

“Don’t hate me so much. I wanted to get in and out before anyone spotted me. Now things are far more complicated.”

358 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 25, 2020

About the author

Lichelle Slater

25 books206 followers
Personal dragon trainer, lover of glitter, writer of fantasy.

Reading has always been a huge passion, from The Hobbit to Goosebumps. Some of my fondest memories are at the library or being read to, and when I embarked on my journey of becoming an author, I did so with the dream of sharing the worlds in my mind with others.

I currently live in Salt Lake City, UT with my adorable King Charles, Perseus, and work full-time as a special education preschool teacher.

I am a USA Today Bestselling author and was nominated for "Unforgettable Book of the Year" for The Beast Princess and "Mind-Blowing Fantasy of the Year" for The Siren Princess at Penned Con 2020, and as Best Debut Author at UtopiaCon in 2017 for Step Right Up (now Circus of the Stars, Ringmaster).

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5 stars
86 (45%)
4 stars
55 (29%)
3 stars
36 (19%)
2 stars
10 (5%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for nat _lovestoread.
891 reviews11 followers
March 25, 2020
Love, love, love this book!!! 😍

Can't believe how much better this series is getting 🤩... Gerard, oh, Gerard, he really got to me in this book, the way he and Ismae grew up is marvelous 🤗... All the adventures they have to live together, all the feelings they shared, the connection they found, OMG, so touching ❤️... But not all is said yet, Gerard journey is not complete, he's not the same boy anymore... Can't wait for the next book, a MUST read series!!! 🤗😍❤️
Profile Image for Seraphia.
1,969 reviews29 followers
April 6, 2020
The Beast Princess is Lichelle Slater’s third book in her The Forgotten Kingdom series. This book gives readers a twist on Beauty and the Beast. Instead of a Prince with a nasty attitude get ready for a beastly Princess who is resentful of a twist of fate that she did not expect and then the fact that her fate is not her own and that she has been groomed to be a wife and less of a leader that she wishes to be.
The Beast Princess is a fascinating story that tells Ismae’s story as she battles with the selfishness and resentment that she bottles up inside and then unleashes on someone she once cared about. Let me just say this…when I got a real taste of Ismae’s attitude…I was shocked! I can understand being resentful of being kept, essentially, in the dark concerning a brother’s love of a man that she was interested in (read book two), but her attitude…yikes! Haha! I’m going, to be honest…I was glad when she gets cursed. Of course, it takes me a minute to figure out who is behind the curse, but the twists in this story are really well done. The author mixes more than just the original story and gives readers so much more with this book. It becomes hard to put down, to be honest.
This story blends romance with redemption and I couldn’t get enough of it. I will admit that there were some spots that were a bit dull so they slowed the pace of the storyline down. While book two can be read more as a stand-alone novel, it is highly recommended that you read these books from the first. I say this because in this book the characters begin to come together and it’s good to know their backstories/history.
I am rating this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. The storyline is well thought out and kept me engaged as Ismae learned about her, saw the truth behind her behavior and experienced some major events. If you are interested in fairy tale retellings and how this author takes them and creates something familiar but new then I highly recommend that you pick up this series from the beginning and start reading. If you have read the previous books in this series and enjoyed them then I recommend that you get this book and continue to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
658 reviews41 followers
April 1, 2020
After reading this book, I wanted to write and post this review to share my honest experiences toward the story.

Another amazing masterpiece by Lichelle Slater!

This fantastic retelling of Beauty and the Beast is a spellbinding adventure and was truly a joy to read. As much as I love the original Beauty and the Beast Disney movie (and the songs in it), this story puts a twist on the original tale and spins something totally unique. It’s one of those books where you keep wanting to know what happens, and you keep on reading until late at night until you realize what time it is. The characters in this were amazing by the way, and I loved how a certain character was portrayed in a new light this time around (not saying who so I don’t spill spoilers). But honestly, if I had to recommend one fairy tale retelling series, I would definitely recommend this series, and this book is the third installment of an fantastic, enthralling fantasy adventure that is perfect for readers of all ages. I highly recommend reading this, you definitely will not be disappointed 
Profile Image for Skarleth.
387 reviews12 followers
December 29, 2023
El mejor de la serie hasta el momento, en este libro ya vamos viendo gran avance de la trama que corre a lo largo de la serie y menos enfoque en el recuento como tal.

Respecto a la inspiración en el cuento de hadas de La Bella y la Bestia, este da un giro muy refrescante e interesante respecto a los personajes. En este libro vemos personalidades un poco más espontáneas en expresión pero construidas a consecuencia de traumas y realidades que lo hacen parecer algo contemporáneo. Protagonistas algo cínicos pero que crecen emocionalmente y también hay bastante química entre ellos.

Aunque vemos a la princesa de turno de esta historia también volvemos a poner foco en el protagonista masculino que va entre todas las historias dentro de la serie de libros.

Me ha gustado mucho, no quiero hacer spoiler pero que se sepa que aquí se da un gran salto para el personaje y el lector se entera de bastante.
Profile Image for Tasha.
32 reviews1 follower
April 4, 2020
Oh my gosh... who knew the antagonist could become the protagonist you root for?! This book was definitely something completely different and I loved it so much! I am hooked on this series and CANNOT WAIT to see what happens to Gerard and Ismae and how does Tovan and Quist fit in??

So much of the back story I need more of!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can’t wait until the next book!
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
5,152 reviews104 followers
July 9, 2020
I am loving this series and each one gets better and better as we go along but this one is my absolute favourite! A beauty and the beast tale with a unique twist, a beast princess instead of a prince! I found myself lost in the story and I absolutely adore the characters and cannot recommend this magical series enough!
Profile Image for Katie Cherry.
Author 21 books403 followers
April 29, 2020
Alright alright alright alright. Where to even begin?... The story is deepening much further in this book, we get to see more of Selina, get closer to Gerard and not only understand him better, but perhaps he even has a redemption arc in the future! Watching him and Ismae grow closer together through this book is an absolute treasure. Somehow, Lichelle was able to get me from HATING Gerard to loving him! He just might be my favorite character now!

Best book in the series so far (I didn't think it could top book 1, but it did!). Absolutely recommend this series to everyone!!
Profile Image for Joanna Harris.
107 reviews6 followers
March 21, 2020
Unique spin on Beauty and the Beast.
A continuation of characters and story from earlier books (Siren Princess and Dragon Princess). Very clean YA. Easy read. Engaging. Best to read all in the series.
121 reviews
March 30, 2020
This series is so fantastic. This hands down is my favorite in the series, and Gerard and Ismae are my favorite couple so far. This is the best Beauty and the Beast retelling I've read - the fact that they were both damaged, broken people that had to find each other to connect, and support one another was just so beautiful and perfect. And when they both admitted their feelings to one another, my heart just melted! Gerard has been the 1 consistent character in this series, and I've really enjoyed seeing his character development throughout it, and I'm excited to see the conclusion of it. I'm guessing we'll have like, an Avengers team up at the end of the series, and I'm all for it because this full cast of characters is so great and I just love this series so much.

But back to this book. I really liked how they handled the story. The fantasy world itself is well fleshed out, Ismae's character growth is fantastic, as well as Gerard's. They both stand alone as really well realized characters, while also being an amazing couple and I'm all here for that. I was so sad at the end, but I can't wait for them to be together and have their happy ending when the series is done.

I saw the last two books in the series are coming out this year, and I just can't wait. This book is well plotted, with amazing character growth, tons of action, and a heartfelt romance. Read it, you won't regret it! I've been gushing non stop in this review because I just finished the book, and that's all I can do because I just loved it so much, start to finish. fantastic read!
86 reviews3 followers
April 11, 2020
I just finished reading this and wow. I can't remember the last time I was so impressed with a literary work. The Beast Princess is a retelling of the beloved classic Beauty and the Beast, but with a very original twist. In all the variations I've seen of this story, one thing has remained consistent; the Beast was always the prince, cursed for being a cruel person. What if it was not the prince that was cursed, but the princess?

Princess Ismae, who we remember from The Dragon Princess, is a selfish person who has closed herself off to everyone around her. She is cursed for her physical appearance to reflect her true self. I admit, her attitude made me glad she was cursed. She encounters an old friend we recall from previously in the series in an unexpected twist, and features the best character redemption I've seen in a book. I will admit to getting very emotional about book characters, and it would take a lot to redeem this person after what they had done. I admit by the end, I understand them.

This was an absolute pleasure to read, with an intriguing plot that turns itself inside out. If you haven't read the previous books in this series I highly recommend you read them. Now I just have to wait (im)patiently for book 4!
Profile Image for Jodi.
Author 3 books1 follower
July 31, 2020
I received a complimentary copy of The Beast Princess in exchange for an honest review.

The Forgotten Kingdom Series has really captured my attention. In this third installment, Ismae is our lead as she comes to terms with discovering that the man she thought she would marry was actually in love with her brother. I have a love-hate relationship with how the book begins. It is time for Autumn Festival so all of the royalty from surounding kingdoms are arriving at Ismae's castle. I loved reconnecting with characters from the previous books, but was shocked at how mean Ismae was. In the first two books I got the impression that she was a sweet girl and good friend to Elisa and Tavia, but at the beginning of this book she is mean to everyone. While I understand, she needed to be "beastly" for the plot to proceed, and she had just had her heart broken I was still surprised by this personality change.

Just like the first two books, The Beast Princess has a fast paced, action packed plotline. I enjoyed reading about how the characters changed and grew and am anxious to read the fourth book.
Profile Image for Legendary.
321 reviews3 followers
June 11, 2021
4.5 or 5 stars

I enjoyed this book so much. I know it said it in the title but I didn't pay attention to that and instead thought Garret would be the beast. What a pleasant surprise to see that it was the girl instead. I think this is the first book I've read where the beast is the girl and I feel like I should be reading more of that now because this was so good. This book was better that I thought it'd be, I was worried because Garret was the villain throughout these books so I wasn't sure how he'd be portrayed but I turns out I didn't have to worry at all. I love his character and I liked the enemies to lover romances that the author does in her series.
17 reviews1 follower
March 26, 2020
Yet again Lichelle has delivered a beautifully reimagined fairytale that keeps you on the edge. The character development and growth is on point, as well as juicy backstory details that tie everything together. Even though this is the third installment, it truly can be read independently (but I highly recommend reading the first books, because they are wonderful!) and is set in such a richly imaginative word. Why, oh why, does Goodreads not give the option for half stars? This is a solid 4.5 star read, so close to perfection. I am certain the 4th novel will bring this series to a most magical and satisfying ending while delivering that 5 star magic!
Profile Image for bookbreaks_n_hottakes.
131 reviews3 followers
July 28, 2020
The good the bad and the wish

The good:
Once again a masterful blending of several fairytales with a unique spin. I am loving watching Gerald’s character develop and how the world the author has created is tying together.

The bad: there are a few parts that feel disjointed but overall the story is easy to follow. I think if you haven’t read the 4 stones prequel, it would be a different reading experience.

The wish: did the witch of the woods mentioned that the king isn’t her dad?!? Who is then?!? This was not solved and I’m left confused. Also, will we find out what happened to Gerald’s mom?
Profile Image for Kelly Stepp.
435 reviews10 followers
April 8, 2020
This is my favorite book of the series so far! I loved the push and pull, enemies to lovers feel mixed with witty banter and sharp tongues. Ismae's journey of self-discovery and realizing her strengths was inspiring and her unique ability was incredible! The series' arc is becoming more entangled and Slater included a fun little twist in this book. The fairy tale elements were recognizable but remain secondary to the series plot, keeping it from reading like a straight up retelling. If you've enjoyed this series, then you're sure to enjoy this one!
Profile Image for Brittney's Review.
57 reviews1 follower
March 24, 2020
Lichelle Slater has done it again. She has an amazing way of taking a classic tale and making it all her own. Where some twisted tales follow the classics and incorporate just a few turns here and there the beast princess is a whole new adventure. The characters come to life until you can't put the book down until you find out what happens to them. 3 books into the series and I highly recommend every single one of them.
340 reviews2 followers
March 20, 2020
I have read this book and giving my honest review.
Wow what another exciting adventure. Could not stop reading turning each page to find out what happens.
Mystery. Magic and to end all leaves on a big cliff hanger.
I hope you enjoy as much as I did. Cannot wait to see what happens in the next book .
Profile Image for ErinTurnsPages.
569 reviews6 followers
March 24, 2020
I think this is my favorite book of this series so far. I really enjoy Gerard’s story, I didn’t take too much notice of him until the end of Siren Princess. I also just connected to the characters in this book more than the other two.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Erin.
997 reviews9 followers
March 30, 2020
As with this series, this book in The Forgotten Kingdom series brings a new twist to the old Beauty and the Beast tale. I enjoy how there's a continuation of characters from the prior two books and Selina, Gerard, and Ismae are great characters. I can't wait to see what retelling will be next for this series.
Profile Image for Zinka.
45 reviews9 followers
May 10, 2023
Amazing book, story is getting so good, character development is great and finally, so is the writing. I have waited for writing to get on same level as story trough first two books and now it has happened. I really don't have anything bad to say about this book, no flaws at all. It was fast paced, full of action, magic and slow burning romances from enemies to lovers. And it all felt genuine.
Profile Image for Erin Forys.
32 reviews2 followers
August 14, 2020
Lichelle hits it out of the park AGAIN!!
How can you make me love someone that grates on my nerves and another that I loathed from book one. These re-tellings are on point and I am so excited to see where this series takes us.
Profile Image for SunnieK.
162 reviews
August 22, 2020
Waking up a wolf with horns will scare anyone but Ismae. She is a horrible person, inside and out. But why?

Gerard has been following orders and with each success his heart turns blacker.

Can they find true friendship and love to break the curses on each of them?
Profile Image for ffzat.
18 reviews
November 26, 2020
This is actually my first time reading a fantasy novel. For someone who loves books with realistic stories, it kinda suprised me to suddenly read about some mystical and myth creatures. Fortunately, i choose the right fantasy novel as my first read. This book is a good catch. I might find some parts to be messy but overall the book is majestic. i have a good time reading this and i enjoyed it wholeheartedly. Can't wait for the sequel 🥰
November 22, 2023
A very different beast story

I liked the characters, their flaws and their changes. The ending was also very different from the other Forgotten Kingdom Books. I enjoyed the uniqueness and character journeys.
164 reviews
March 1, 2024
The female main character was quite whiny. While the story was interesting it did end on a cliffhanger. No language just a ton of homosexuality if that bothers you. At least the first 25 pages and then mentions here and there throughout the book.
Profile Image for Austin.
14 reviews
March 15, 2023
Great story in the series. I can't wait to read book 4 to see how things continue!
Profile Image for Marie McGrath.
Author 12 books74 followers
January 16, 2021
Lichelle Slater did it again. I didn't think I could enjoy a book about Ismae, who from the start seems like a brat and spoiled princess. Not to mention her LI is supposed to be GERARD!? No.

Alas, I was wrong and she did it again. She makes these one dimensional characters come alive into so many different angles you don't expect. I love the development she creates for her characters. I love how she finds who their heart needs and gets them there, even over the adventure and interference from the rest of the world.

Wonderful job.
Profile Image for Harley Williams.
14 reviews4 followers
January 4, 2021
My favorite in the series so far. I’m falling in love with Gerard the more I get to know him. There are several wonderful redemption arcs in this book. You need to read it. The
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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