Ever wondered what happens after "And they all lived happily ever after"? Emma Theriault is here to tell you in her 352 page novel that combines the tale as old as time of Beauty and her Beast with the French Revolution. At a time when Europe is on the brink of civil war, following America on the path of revolution, Belle must qualm the fears and fury of her kingdom while rooting out treason within her own royal circles.
I was very intrigued by the idea of reading on after the "fairytale ending" and seeing princesses come into their power. This felt like a Disney princess story for young adults wanting to relive their childhoods! I also love history, so to ground the fantasy of a Disney story in the reality of history made for a compelling read!
But the book felt a little predictable. There was more than necessary foreshadowing about the antagonist's ultimate betrayal, so I saw it coming. Many readers come in knowing and loving Princess Belle, so many of her actions that lengthened the plot seemed a little out of character for someone so stubborn and sure of herself in her original story.