Curse of the Wolf King: A Retelling of Beauty and the Beast by Tessonja Odette Review

I am always on the lookout for a good Beauty and the Beast retelling. So when I discovered this book it caught my attention instantly. Instead of reading a physical copy though I listened to it on audiobook. I adored the narrator who brought so much life to the story. It was such an enjoyable experience.

The story introduces the reader to Gemma a young women who no longer believes in love. Ever since a scandal with a viscount that ruined her life she has decided to avoid a matrimonial fate and instead look for job. However in the Winter Court on the island of Faerwyvae (where she and her family had moved to) no one is interested in hiring a women as their stewardess. With her awful father pressuring her to marry, an unwanted suitor (Gavin) pursuing her and a wicked so called friend Imogen knowing her scandalous secret Gemma is more determined then ever to get a position and leave her small minded town. When she is offered an interview Gemma thinks her life could finally change for the better. Only things don't go the way she planned when she is captured by the cursed Unseelie King who plans to used her for ransom. The King needs someone who is willing to sacrifice their greatest treasure in order the break his curse that will soon take his life. Thinking fast Gemma concocts a plan. In exchange for a job and a place to live she will help Elliot break his curse by tricking Imogen into falling in love with him and then convince her to make the the necessary sacrifice. Will Gemma's scheme work giving both her and the King (Elliot) the freedom they both so desire? Only if love doesn't make matters complicated.

Gemma was such a great character. She has been through so much hurt and pain and tries to mask her sadness and anger as best as she can. She puts on a brave face but you know she is hurting inside. To make matters worse most of the people in her town are so mean, annoying, and selfish. She is a modern women who seeks her freedom from those who would bring her down. Not to mention her romance with Elliot is completely heartwarming and just what she needed to heal her broken heart.

Elliot is the Unseelie King of Winter who has been cursed for almost five years after killing five humans. The curse took away his magic, most of his memories, and his Unseelie form of a wolf. Elliot hates humans and his human (or Seelie) form much preferring to being a wolf. By the end of the fifth year he will lose his immortality and will die. The only way to break the curse is either for a human to sacrifice their greatest treasure of their own free will or for him to give up what he loves most. Not wanting to give up his wolf form (the thing that matter most to him) he tries to trick Gemma into making the sacrifice and when this fails he reluctantly agrees to her plan. While I wasn't a huge fan of Elliot at first he eventually grew on me. He may be stubborn as a mule at times but he did a lot of growing and became a better person which I always enjoy seeing.

There were many side characters throughout the book such as Imogen Gemma's nemesis. She was so cruel to Gemma I was surprised that Gemma and Elliot could even tolerate five minuets in her presence. She is also one of the wicked stepsister in the sequel book Heart of the Raven Prince so unfortunately I will be seeing more of her. Gemma's father unlike in the original fairy tale is not a kindhearted man. He is cruel and only cares about himself. He claims to have brought Gemma and her sister Nina to the island to save his family after the scandal that destroyed Gemma's life but as she and the reader know he was only doing it to save his own reputation. Gemma wants to be free of him but can't do that unless she can become financially stable. Lastly there is Gavin who represents the Gaston character but to be honest I felt he didn't serve too much of a purpose. He is more of a annoyance throughout the book instead of a full on villain as he tries to pursue Gemma. The guy just couldn't seem to take a hint about anything.

Overall this was a very good book. It is actually set in the same world as Tessonja Odette's previous series The Fair Isle trilogy only twenty years later. It is not necessary to read those books before this one but it does contain a few spoilers here and there. If you don't mind this though the book can be read on its own. I am very excited to read the follow up books Heart of the Raven Prince and Kiss of the Selkie so expect their reviews sooner than later. I rate this book five out of five stars. Until next time. Emma.