Bryony And Roses

Simply marvelous Beauty and the Beast retelling! Kingfisher’s books have dark elements but somehow they remain balanced thanks to her trademark humor. Bryony and Beast developed a great friendship, bonding over books and their respective interests (clockwork for him, gardening for her). I felt thoroughly invested in their plight and the mystery of what happened to the Beast, as well as delighted by the ways Kingfisher made this timeless tale all her own. It made me wish I had my own garden right now, even if it wouldn’t have magical abilities like Bryony’s. (Chaste.)