Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge Book Talk

Plot:

This book is basically about a girl called Nyx who since birth has been betrothed to the Gentle Lord (the prince of demons) after her father made a bargain with him. Since she was nine she has been taught and trained to kill him upon her marriage to him. However, when they meet she begins to fall in love with him.

Non-Spoiler Review:

This book is a beauty and the beast retelling with a twist of  Greek mythology which I absolutely loved. I really enjoyed the story and the relationship between The Gentle Lord and Nyx, however I didn't really like any of the minor characters and there was no sub plots for them. I also didn't really like the climax of the novel as I felt it was a bit rushed. Nonetheless I still really enjoyed the book and I recommend you guys read it, especially if you like Greek mythology. 

Overall Rating: 4*

Talking Points (Spoilers):

• I first thought this was apart of a series so I was confused when the story seemed to have a proper ending  and not left on a cliffhanger. I quite liked that it was a stand-alone.
• I detested her family, that's what I disliked about this book- the minor characters. Although, I was intrigued by The Kindly Ones.
• Aunt Telomache was horrid. It must have been so awkward to have to listen to her bang on about the 'wifely duties' especially since she knew her father was having an  affair with her.
• Her father was the worst! He couldn't give a monkeys that he was throwing her daughter to probable death or even rape. All because of his stupid bargain. He constantly blames The Gentle Lord for the bargain, when it was his own fault for making a deal with a demon for God's sake
• Astaria was not a horrible person but I still disliked her, she was incredibly annoying and I understood why Nyx resented her. She was crying on her sister's wedding day as if it was her being sacrificed. And when Nyx returned home she was suddenly this blodd thirsty human who was despereate for Nyx to kill Ignifex. Then, she called her own sister a 'demon's whore'  because she fell in love with him.
• I also disliked Shade. And yes, I guessed that he was a part of Ignifex- whom I loved, but I found his character a lot more sinister than Ignifex himself. I think I disliked Shade mainly for the fact that he was getting in the way of Ignifex and Nyx being together. Then, when he shoved Nyx into the fire and Ignifex had to jail him while he bragged about how many of his wives he had killed. Suffice to say, I hated every character that wasn't Ignifex or Nyx.
• Nyx was a really interesting character, I really liked that she wasn't wholly good. She made smart decisions except when she listened to her sister and tried to kill Ignifex.
• Ignifex was my favourite character. I knew I was going to love him before I read the book, while reading I enjoyed his cocky demeanor and his vulnerable side when he was with Nyx. I loved how he always slept on her lap. My favourite quote from him was: "I hate him because he's a fool and a coward and he always tries to steal my wives."

Mainly I liked how the story wrapped up, but I was still confused as to what happened. All I can gather is that when Nyx tried to kill Inifex, it backfires and in the process Ignifex traps himself in the Pandora's box with all the Children of Typhoon.  Nyx forgot about him, life started over again, but she still had some flashbacks off her previous life. She somehow remembers Ignifex and rushes to save him from the Kindly Ones. I think her sacrifice for him was so kind they granted them freedom. 

I hope you enjoyed this discussion on Cruel Beauty and I'd love to hear you thoughts on the book. My next post will be on Tuesday. I'm starting a weekly series called: Book Porn Tuesday. This is where I show you all a book with a pretty cover and I discuss how I liked the book.