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Beastly
A poetic retelling of Beauty and The Beast. After cruelly turning away a struggling stranger one night, a curse was bestowed upon him. Fabrizio, a selfish and young aristocrat was left damaged and ill-fated after a bizarre accident. After plummeting into the depths of despair, time passed and his family sought company for him. Bella Phillips though plain and practical, perhaps held the key to undo everything.
- GenresPoetry
41 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 26, 2022
I absolutely love fairy tale retellings and was excited to discover BEASTLY, a charming retelling of the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale in narrative poem form. I loved the author’s skill with language and the way they weaved words in telling the story of Fabrizio and Bella in rhyming verse in this beloved fairy tale. 5/5 stars.
March 3, 2022
Beastly is a poetic retelling of the classic tale- Beauty and The Beast. Her clever quips and beautiful use of poetic license are accompanied by a gifted choice of wording. She manages to nail storytelling through rhyme without ever losing spark.
In a time where mediocrity calls itself writing and poetry, Sophie's poetic brilliance tells those of us who appreciate rhyme, rhythm and reason - that all hope is not lost. My favourite parts were the first mention of Mister York and the very last line of the book. You can get it on Amazon, free on #KindleUnlimited!
She also does commissions on Fiverr for song lyrics and poetry. So if you're looking for wordsmithing of that kind, she's the one!
In a time where mediocrity calls itself writing and poetry, Sophie's poetic brilliance tells those of us who appreciate rhyme, rhythm and reason - that all hope is not lost. My favourite parts were the first mention of Mister York and the very last line of the book. You can get it on Amazon, free on #KindleUnlimited!
She also does commissions on Fiverr for song lyrics and poetry. So if you're looking for wordsmithing of that kind, she's the one!
December 28, 2023
A lovely read
Beastly by Sophie Bowns
Beastly is a retelling of Beauty and The Beast in the form of poetry. It’s an easy read and beautifully written. I loved the rhyming throughout the story. The author has a lovely way with words and it flows so naturally. There were a few deviations from the original Beauty and the Beast to make the story original, yet it kept its roots. A lovely read for a quiet afternoon and a cup of tea!
Beastly by Sophie Bowns
Beastly is a retelling of Beauty and The Beast in the form of poetry. It’s an easy read and beautifully written. I loved the rhyming throughout the story. The author has a lovely way with words and it flows so naturally. There were a few deviations from the original Beauty and the Beast to make the story original, yet it kept its roots. A lovely read for a quiet afternoon and a cup of tea!
November 20, 2022
This is a lovely short story.
August 3, 2020
Beastly is quite simply a beautiful poetic retelling of the 18th century fairy tale Beauty and the Beast (La Belle et la Bête) by French novelist Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve.
Its lengthy original version of 1740 was abridged, rewritten, and published first by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont in 1756. It was influenced by some earlier Ancient Greek stories, such as “Cupid and Psyche”.
But here, over 41 pages of Kindle e-book, widely respected UK author Sophie Bowns has captured the essence of the original tale and scripted it in a wonderful, yet simple poetic form to bring it joyously into modern times:
After cruelly turning away a struggling stranger one night, a curse was bestowed upon Fabrizio. As a selfish and young aristocrat he was then left damaged and ill-fated following a bizarre accident. After plummeting into the depths of despair, time passed and his family sought company for him.
Bella Phillips, though plain and practical, holds the key to undo everything which bound Fabrizio in depression and a beastly persona.
Then comes the denouement:
“Blinded by white light, he was bathed
With something pure, he was saved
His skin relaxed and the scars healed
He was in awe as his vision reappeared.”
A wonderful fairy tale of the 21st century and highly recommended.
Its lengthy original version of 1740 was abridged, rewritten, and published first by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont in 1756. It was influenced by some earlier Ancient Greek stories, such as “Cupid and Psyche”.
But here, over 41 pages of Kindle e-book, widely respected UK author Sophie Bowns has captured the essence of the original tale and scripted it in a wonderful, yet simple poetic form to bring it joyously into modern times:
After cruelly turning away a struggling stranger one night, a curse was bestowed upon Fabrizio. As a selfish and young aristocrat he was then left damaged and ill-fated following a bizarre accident. After plummeting into the depths of despair, time passed and his family sought company for him.
Bella Phillips, though plain and practical, holds the key to undo everything which bound Fabrizio in depression and a beastly persona.
Then comes the denouement:
“Blinded by white light, he was bathed
With something pure, he was saved
His skin relaxed and the scars healed
He was in awe as his vision reappeared.”
A wonderful fairy tale of the 21st century and highly recommended.
August 2, 2020
Fabulous retelling of Beauty and the Beast!
I really loved the way that this story took on Beauty and the Beast. This telling really amazed me with the way that Sophie used her own authors voice in the story. It was a kind of voice I have only heard in more popular poetry writers but this one was just different all together making it a new experience to read. I thoroughly enjoyed the way that it was told in verse as well as the way that ethos was used to feel for the characters. The character development was as good as the original I just wished that there could have been more time told of Fabrizio and Bella getting to know each other and caring for one another. Besides that I thought it was a fabulous read!
I really loved the way that this story took on Beauty and the Beast. This telling really amazed me with the way that Sophie used her own authors voice in the story. It was a kind of voice I have only heard in more popular poetry writers but this one was just different all together making it a new experience to read. I thoroughly enjoyed the way that it was told in verse as well as the way that ethos was used to feel for the characters. The character development was as good as the original I just wished that there could have been more time told of Fabrizio and Bella getting to know each other and caring for one another. Besides that I thought it was a fabulous read!
Read
March 21, 2023This is the second of Sophie’s narrative poems I have read and enjoyed, this one being equally as captivating as ‘Stolen’. Her writing style is so lyrical and beautiful that the poems read incredibly quickly, becoming unputdownable once you pick them up.
I have never read such a unique take on Beauty and the Beast and I was shocked multiple times at the elements that were unique to this poem, convinced I knew where the story was taking me only to discover it was something else entirely!
I would highly recommend this to any fairytale lovers looking for a unique take on a classic tale! Also, to those who love mesmerising, lyric poetry that reads almost like a song!
I have never read such a unique take on Beauty and the Beast and I was shocked multiple times at the elements that were unique to this poem, convinced I knew where the story was taking me only to discover it was something else entirely!
I would highly recommend this to any fairytale lovers looking for a unique take on a classic tale! Also, to those who love mesmerising, lyric poetry that reads almost like a song!
July 8, 2023
Mesmerising
This book offers a beautiful retelling of the classic story of Beauty and the Beast. The narrative is captivating, immersing readers into a different world from start to finish. It was my first encounter with narrative poetry, and I must say, I am now a fan. The way the words flow off the page and paint vivid images in the mind is mesmerising. The book's ability to capture the essence of the original story while adding its own unique touch is truly impressive. If you're looking for a short captivating read that will transport you to a magical realm, this book is a must-read.
This book offers a beautiful retelling of the classic story of Beauty and the Beast. The narrative is captivating, immersing readers into a different world from start to finish. It was my first encounter with narrative poetry, and I must say, I am now a fan. The way the words flow off the page and paint vivid images in the mind is mesmerising. The book's ability to capture the essence of the original story while adding its own unique touch is truly impressive. If you're looking for a short captivating read that will transport you to a magical realm, this book is a must-read.
August 8, 2021
I love fairy tales and I thought this was such a cool, unique idea for fairy tale lovers. Sophie’s poetic writing was so detailed I felt like I was actually there feeling all the emotions the characters were feeling. And I love her rhymes! The only thing I did wish was for it to be longer and to really have told most of the story of Beauty and the Beast and to have written more of the characters like Gaston! I hope she continues to write more fairy tales like this and I can only pray that she’ll make her own version of Aladdin, my favorite Disney story! Great job!
August 1, 2020
Cute narrative poem, very quick to read. I was not used of reading a whole poem in rhymes but it wasn't always bad. Not used to it. Maybe a bit rushed towards the end.
I liked this take on the Beauty and the Beast tale. I liked the new elements and how the books are important in this as in the original.
Definitely recommended, though.
I liked this take on the Beauty and the Beast tale. I liked the new elements and how the books are important in this as in the original.
Definitely recommended, though.
May 22, 2021
A beautiful retelling of a story I loved as a kid
Sophie has a way with words, and she wrote this poetic retelling very well. Started and finished it in one sitting. It's a quick but very good read!
Sophie has a way with words, and she wrote this poetic retelling very well. Started and finished it in one sitting. It's a quick but very good read!
Read
August 7, 2020The poetic retelling of the classic “ beauty and the beast” was gripping and delightful. The narrative in poetic verses was rhyming and enchanting simultaneously!! Recommended for the lovers of the fairytale classic, who would be excited for an experimentation with poetry and prose!!
May 13, 2022
A new Dorian Gray
Quick to get into, read it in one sitting.
Note a huge poetry fun, but I loved this. Had a real feel of Dorian Gray meets The Death of Ivan Illichich.
Through suffering will you find what is really improtant in life. As did Fabrizio.
Quick to get into, read it in one sitting.
Note a huge poetry fun, but I loved this. Had a real feel of Dorian Gray meets The Death of Ivan Illichich.
Through suffering will you find what is really improtant in life. As did Fabrizio.
November 16, 2023
I really love these retellings by the author. Always enjoy reading her writing. Also, checkout “Stolen” and “Fairytales Unpicked” written by the author!
February 13, 2022
A beautiful and engaging retelling of a classic story. I throughly enjoyed it from start to finish. Would highly recommend.
September 1, 2024
I'm a lover of all things beauty and the beast, but I have never read a poem inspired by the tale.
Sophie has done an incredible job of bringing the story to life with rhyme. A wonderful poem that is quite true to the tale, with her own spin on the story to make it her own.
Sophie has done an incredible job of bringing the story to life with rhyme. A wonderful poem that is quite true to the tale, with her own spin on the story to make it her own.
July 22, 2021
A lovely read!
June 12, 2020
Beautiful rhyming narrative
I really enjoyed this narrative poem by Sophie Bowns. A quick read, if you love fairy tales then be sure to check Beastly out. The rhyming is delightful, please give it a go!
I really enjoyed this narrative poem by Sophie Bowns. A quick read, if you love fairy tales then be sure to check Beastly out. The rhyming is delightful, please give it a go!
July 4, 2021
Written in verses, Sophie's poetry book is a unique example showing the evolution of art. This narrative poetry has a lot to offer to the readers. The story and its characters are already familiar to most of us but what's special about this book is the writing style of the author. Reading this short book was altogether a refreshing experience for me. Writing narrative poetry is difficult and when you are retelling a classic, the amount of effort one needs to invest in the writing process is humungous.
The beauty of this book is mostly in the way it's written. Beastly does not tell the reader what’s happening, but rather shows the reader what’s happening. The whole book is constructed in rhymed quatrain stanzas. Each word is important and they serve a purpose.
The art of storytelling has a beauty in it and all its magic is seen in Beastly. The characters in this poem have depth. Their traits, flaws, and emotions are clearly expressed through the writing. The incorporation of dialogues is one of the things I liked the most in this book. Dialogues have a very important role in this book, they take the story forward smoothly and flawlessly. The rhythm set by the writer using rhymes and syllables stays throughout the book. The diction used is simple and apt with the narration. It helps create strong imagery in the mind of the readers. Everything is perfect about this book though the pace of narration changes a bit here and there. Beastly is old school, it's beautiful, fresh, and an enjoyable read. I recommend this book to everyone.
The beauty of this book is mostly in the way it's written. Beastly does not tell the reader what’s happening, but rather shows the reader what’s happening. The whole book is constructed in rhymed quatrain stanzas. Each word is important and they serve a purpose.
The art of storytelling has a beauty in it and all its magic is seen in Beastly. The characters in this poem have depth. Their traits, flaws, and emotions are clearly expressed through the writing. The incorporation of dialogues is one of the things I liked the most in this book. Dialogues have a very important role in this book, they take the story forward smoothly and flawlessly. The rhythm set by the writer using rhymes and syllables stays throughout the book. The diction used is simple and apt with the narration. It helps create strong imagery in the mind of the readers. Everything is perfect about this book though the pace of narration changes a bit here and there. Beastly is old school, it's beautiful, fresh, and an enjoyable read. I recommend this book to everyone.
December 28, 2022
Throughout this much endearing and engaging read, it goes by such a vibrant use of words which has the reader comfortable in knowing this, as a whole, is indeed a must read! It stays true to the element of enchantment - despite it being quite melancholic, given Fabrizio's situation. The lyricism throughout caresses the imagination, carries us along and we follow through with fascination given Sophie’s remarkable detailing and depth. Sophie articulates and showcases her sheer flair for gifting the reader with this retelling that really resonates. She has made it her own, shed another light on the well-known classic tale of "Beauty & the Beast." Each verse stands out, standing strong in their own individual way that continues to keep the reader gripped. From start to finish, this is a must read! Well done, Sophie!
August 26, 2020
“Though his looks were sultry this callous handsome cad was beastly underneath.”
★ four stars
After reading The Fickle Mermaid last year and enjoying it, I was really looking forward to Sophie's next narrative poem. Beastly is a Beauty & the Beast retelling, and the thing I love the most about Sophie's poems are that they flow so effortlessly. I loved this, the cover art is beautiful and it's such a quick, simple read. Looking forward to other narrative poems!
★ four stars
After reading The Fickle Mermaid last year and enjoying it, I was really looking forward to Sophie's next narrative poem. Beastly is a Beauty & the Beast retelling, and the thing I love the most about Sophie's poems are that they flow so effortlessly. I loved this, the cover art is beautiful and it's such a quick, simple read. Looking forward to other narrative poems!
June 12, 2023
Just finished this one, and I have nothing but good things to say!
First time reading narrative poetry, but I've been wanting to read Sophie's books. I love beauty and the beast, and this was such an awesome take on it!
Fabrizio's story was my favourite as I was surprised to see it being different than how I remember the beast. But it only made me more interested. Bella's kind heart made me smile and their moments together made my heart flutter. Overall, I am thoroughly impressed with this short poetry read. Highly recommend it for all beauty and the beast lovers out there!
First time reading narrative poetry, but I've been wanting to read Sophie's books. I love beauty and the beast, and this was such an awesome take on it!
Fabrizio's story was my favourite as I was surprised to see it being different than how I remember the beast. But it only made me more interested. Bella's kind heart made me smile and their moments together made my heart flutter. Overall, I am thoroughly impressed with this short poetry read. Highly recommend it for all beauty and the beast lovers out there!
August 15, 2025
Sophie Bowns works her magic once again in Beastly, a poetic retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Fabrizio, a spoiled young aristocrat, faces a cruel curse after turning away a stranger, leaving him scarred and despairing. When plain but perceptive Bella Phillips enters his life, she may hold the key to his redemption.
Bowns’ signature wit, rhyming talent, and elegant storytelling breathe new life into this classic tale. Rich in rhythm, sharp in character, and brimming with heart, Beastly is a fairytale revival that feels fresh yet timeless.
Bowns’ signature wit, rhyming talent, and elegant storytelling breathe new life into this classic tale. Rich in rhythm, sharp in character, and brimming with heart, Beastly is a fairytale revival that feels fresh yet timeless.
April 10, 2023
I really loved this take on the classic Beauty and the Beast fairy tale. Retellings can be difficult to come up with a unique spin that sets them apart from others, and this author delivered. I like the much more down-to-earth, realistic events of the story while still staying true to the original source. I do wish we could have gotten more interaction between the characters, but I still feel the story was executed nicely.
September 26, 2024
love love love!!
I always love Sophie’s work and this is another book to add! I love her way with words and how she pulls you into the story! I am not a poem person but I will always be a poem person when it comes to Sophie!!!
I always love Sophie’s work and this is another book to add! I love her way with words and how she pulls you into the story! I am not a poem person but I will always be a poem person when it comes to Sophie!!!
April 19, 2023
Great little read, and my daughter loved it too. Recommend to everyone.
April 26, 2024
An Enticing Retelling!
This Retelling of beauty and the Beast was amazing. Kept me hooked on every page and wanting more. I loved every minute of this enticing Retelling!
This Retelling of beauty and the Beast was amazing. Kept me hooked on every page and wanting more. I loved every minute of this enticing Retelling!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews