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Unbound
Rozlyn Ó Conchúir is used to waiting—waiting for the king, her father, to relent and allow her to leave the solitude of her tower; waiting for the dreaded and mysterious Beast of Connacht to at last be defeated; waiting for the arrival of the man destined to win her heart and break the terrible curse placed on her and her land. So, when she meets Jamie—a charming and compelling suitor—she allows herself to hope that her days of solitude and patience are at long last over.
But as she finds her trust betrayed and with newer, more sinister threats arising, Rozlyn learns that some curses are better left unbroken …
For fans of Hannah Whitten and Rebecca Ross, Unbound is a gender bent re-imagining of the classic tale of a monstrous beast and the beauty determined to tame it, set against the lush backdrop of Irish mythology and folklore.
But as she finds her trust betrayed and with newer, more sinister threats arising, Rozlyn learns that some curses are better left unbroken …
For fans of Hannah Whitten and Rebecca Ross, Unbound is a gender bent re-imagining of the classic tale of a monstrous beast and the beauty determined to tame it, set against the lush backdrop of Irish mythology and folklore.
425 pages, Hardcover
First published January 16, 2024
About the author
Christy Healy
1 book106 followersChristy Healy is the author of the adult fantasy novel, UNBOUND. She has been a lifelong reader and writer, weaving stories of her own into the myths and tales of the Celtic, Indo-European, and Greco-Roman worlds that she has loved for so long. She lives in North Carolina with her three children, her dog, and her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
October 15, 2023
If the story had stayed like it was for half the book, this would've been one of the worst retellings I've read this year, and up there with my B&B Hall of Shame for worst B&B retellings too.
Because, for all of Part I, the story was awfully messy and all over the place, going back and forth in time depending on which of the two POVs was talking. And since we are thrown into the action when it's all already happened, we're expected to just roll with it and swallow the frustrating confusion over why these people act like they do. We're told they have a story from before, a story we've not seen because it's in the past, and we have to just accept that they once loved each other and probably still do. It's all so foggy, and you want to give up.
You keep wondering what does this have to do with Beauty & Beast. You start to wonder if this wasn't mispublicising it to take advantage of the large following this fairy tale has. Because it doesn't make sense as a Beauty & Beast retelling.
And then in Part II, you find a new POV. Two new POVs. Well, new in a sense. And you're thrown back three centuries back in time, and if you're familiar with Irish myths, you'll recognise the legend of Midir and Étain. Then the plot of Unbound starts to make sense and you might actually start to like the plot and characters.
But it's not Beauty & Beast. The borrowed elements are so superficial that this simply shouldn't have been marketed as a retelling of it. It should've been marketed as a Midir & Étain retelling, which is more accurate. Yes, there are similarities, but it's a stretch to call this a genderbent B&B story. It simply lacks the core of the fairy tale.
Did I enjoy this? As a B&B retelling, no, not at all. As an Irish-inspired retelling of one of their myths, mostly yes.
The reason is that this "Ireland" reads so fake to me. It doesn't sound like a mythical time in Ireland's earliest history like in the legend but 1800s Britain. Yes, like what you'd find in one of those romances set in the Victorian era even though the timestamp says it's the 700s and 1000s AD. People drink tea (in the 11th century?), eat potatoes (before Columbus?), and they dress, think, and talk like modern people, including American slang (what mythical Irish being from the 8th and 11th centuries would say "Okay"?), and so on. And that makes them feel like modern American cosplaying as Irish gods and mortals for Halloween, and I simply can't suspend disbelief with all this incongruity.
Sure, the author tried to excuse this anachronism by claiming it's not meant to reflect real Ireland's history and that the dates were just to keep track of time. But why not create an alternate world, then? Or, if you wanted to keep real Ireland, why not make the time setting vaguer and more generic without specific dates that don't even match your character and time setting. I don't appreciate it when authors deliberately do this kind of anachronistic and superficial "historical" setting and then pretend to make up for their inability to write credible settings with some "don't pay attention to the man behind the curtain" appeal to readers to look the other way and ignore the obviousness of the fakery.
Rozlyn and Jamie have a lovely story with complicated dynamics, it's nothing like Beauty with her Beast but still interesting to see develop, and it'd have been far more appealing if not for the above issue plus the messy first part. I did like their interactions in spite of the issues with the writing and pacing, and it's only that stretch of their centuries-long dance of love that saved this book for me.
2.5 stars rounded up!
I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Because, for all of Part I, the story was awfully messy and all over the place, going back and forth in time depending on which of the two POVs was talking. And since we are thrown into the action when it's all already happened, we're expected to just roll with it and swallow the frustrating confusion over why these people act like they do. We're told they have a story from before, a story we've not seen because it's in the past, and we have to just accept that they once loved each other and probably still do. It's all so foggy, and you want to give up.
You keep wondering what does this have to do with Beauty & Beast. You start to wonder if this wasn't mispublicising it to take advantage of the large following this fairy tale has. Because it doesn't make sense as a Beauty & Beast retelling.
And then in Part II, you find a new POV. Two new POVs. Well, new in a sense. And you're thrown back three centuries back in time, and if you're familiar with Irish myths, you'll recognise the legend of Midir and Étain. Then the plot of Unbound starts to make sense and you might actually start to like the plot and characters.
But it's not Beauty & Beast. The borrowed elements are so superficial that this simply shouldn't have been marketed as a retelling of it. It should've been marketed as a Midir & Étain retelling, which is more accurate. Yes, there are similarities, but it's a stretch to call this a genderbent B&B story. It simply lacks the core of the fairy tale.
Did I enjoy this? As a B&B retelling, no, not at all. As an Irish-inspired retelling of one of their myths, mostly yes.
The reason is that this "Ireland" reads so fake to me. It doesn't sound like a mythical time in Ireland's earliest history like in the legend but 1800s Britain. Yes, like what you'd find in one of those romances set in the Victorian era even though the timestamp says it's the 700s and 1000s AD. People drink tea (in the 11th century?), eat potatoes (before Columbus?), and they dress, think, and talk like modern people, including American slang (what mythical Irish being from the 8th and 11th centuries would say "Okay"?), and so on. And that makes them feel like modern American cosplaying as Irish gods and mortals for Halloween, and I simply can't suspend disbelief with all this incongruity.
Sure, the author tried to excuse this anachronism by claiming it's not meant to reflect real Ireland's history and that the dates were just to keep track of time. But why not create an alternate world, then? Or, if you wanted to keep real Ireland, why not make the time setting vaguer and more generic without specific dates that don't even match your character and time setting. I don't appreciate it when authors deliberately do this kind of anachronistic and superficial "historical" setting and then pretend to make up for their inability to write credible settings with some "don't pay attention to the man behind the curtain" appeal to readers to look the other way and ignore the obviousness of the fakery.
Rozlyn and Jamie have a lovely story with complicated dynamics, it's nothing like Beauty with her Beast but still interesting to see develop, and it'd have been far more appealing if not for the above issue plus the messy first part. I did like their interactions in spite of the issues with the writing and pacing, and it's only that stretch of their centuries-long dance of love that saved this book for me.
2.5 stars rounded up!
I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 15, 2024
You just CAN'T keep me away from Beauty and the Beast retellings
I'm DNFing this at 70%. It's good, but I'm not feeling it (but you know what I do feel? a reading slump coming) so we're parting ways
I'm DNFing this at 70%. It's good, but I'm not feeling it (but you know what I do feel? a reading slump coming) so we're parting ways
January 12, 2024
Unbound is a captivating novel that utilizes characters and creatures from Irish mythology to propel its main characters: beautiful and somber princess Rozlyn and charming yet elusive Jamie on an arduous journey that pits them against dangerous monsters who impede their goal to awaken the gods forced into an enchanted slumber three hundred years prior.
Separated into two parts, switching between Rozlyn and Jamie’s perspectives and interspersed with a number of flashbacks, Unbound keeps the reader slightly off guard as we are presented with the destruction and creation of Rozlyn and Jamie’s relationship out of chronological order.
I found Rozlyn to be a particularly fascinating main character. Her life is incredibly traumatic, as the powers she possesses filled her early life with suffering and isolation. Her lonliness, self-loathing, and even selfishness are completely reasonable given both her history and the fact that her first seemingly genuine romantic relationship ends up being tainted by miscommunication and deceit.
I found her far more sympathetic a character than Jamie and while he suffers terribly as well, I may be biased in feeling that it was due in part to his own actions and failure to communicate.
While I am not normally a romance reader, I thoroughly enjoyed the courtship between Rozlyn and Jamie; the banter back and forth and the growing affection between them. Even amidst the more negative instances of their relationship, there was still the hope for a positive resolution.
I can’t speak regarding the accuracy of the folklore and mythology that are mentioned within Unbound, but I found them immensely intriguing and may look further into other books the gain a better understanding.
In terms of things I wasn’t quite as fond of: some of the anachronisms scattered throughout the novel break immersion in the story slightly. Also, once Rozlyn joins Jamie on their trek, I feel as though the stakes are slightly lowered due to her shape-shifting and magical abilities.
Unbound is the first book that I’ve read this year and I found it to be a wonderful and engaging debut. Thank you to NetGalley, Blackstone Publishing and Christy Healy for providing this ebook in exchange for my honest review.
Separated into two parts, switching between Rozlyn and Jamie’s perspectives and interspersed with a number of flashbacks, Unbound keeps the reader slightly off guard as we are presented with the destruction and creation of Rozlyn and Jamie’s relationship out of chronological order.
I found Rozlyn to be a particularly fascinating main character. Her life is incredibly traumatic, as the powers she possesses filled her early life with suffering and isolation. Her lonliness, self-loathing, and even selfishness are completely reasonable given both her history and the fact that her first seemingly genuine romantic relationship ends up being tainted by miscommunication and deceit.
I found her far more sympathetic a character than Jamie and while he suffers terribly as well, I may be biased in feeling that it was due in part to his own actions and failure to communicate.
While I am not normally a romance reader, I thoroughly enjoyed the courtship between Rozlyn and Jamie; the banter back and forth and the growing affection between them. Even amidst the more negative instances of their relationship, there was still the hope for a positive resolution.
I can’t speak regarding the accuracy of the folklore and mythology that are mentioned within Unbound, but I found them immensely intriguing and may look further into other books the gain a better understanding.
In terms of things I wasn’t quite as fond of: some of the anachronisms scattered throughout the novel break immersion in the story slightly. Also, once Rozlyn joins Jamie on their trek, I feel as though the stakes are slightly lowered due to her shape-shifting and magical abilities.
Unbound is the first book that I’ve read this year and I found it to be a wonderful and engaging debut. Thank you to NetGalley, Blackstone Publishing and Christy Healy for providing this ebook in exchange for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2024
My goodness. Some books surprise me, and this was definitely one of them.
Pitch:
Gender bent Beauty & Beast retelling x Van Helsing
Unsure if this pretty book cover does this plot justice 😅
It has time travel, romance and Celtic mythology and alllllll the monstrous drama.
To my well-seasoned mythology reader friends, highly recommend.
Pitch:
Gender bent Beauty & Beast retelling x Van Helsing
Unsure if this pretty book cover does this plot justice 😅
It has time travel, romance and Celtic mythology and alllllll the monstrous drama.
To my well-seasoned mythology reader friends, highly recommend.
September 22, 2023
I'd like to thank Edelweiss and the publisher for allowing me a chance at reading this book early.
I am a sucker for Beauty and the Beast, but seeing 'genderflipped' and and Celtic mythology?
You have this great story, told in dual perspectives - hers in the present, his in the past. A girl confined to a tower due to a beast that is drawn to a magic she is cursed to have. Her father tries in vain for men to marry her, but she knows they are not truly in love with her so she chases them all away... until our ML comes along, and that's when things take a turn.
Chris Pine's mannerisms is how I envisioned the ML. He has no accent (I know) but the way the character is written radiated that energy. The FL I never really settled on a face cast in my head, but she had this black hair and fiery temper that you would love to see someone throwing it right back at him.
What I also enjoyed about this story is that I had no idea the direction it was going in. At first I struggled with it, because I felt like I was left out of the whole 'reason' for the witch cursing her, but it is revealed bit by bit through the connection of the two narratives and time periods. So stick with it.
The story also is about being comfortable with yourself and realizing that you have the inner power for change, and no one else does. Case being, the end of the story had a very feminist / girl power ending that had me rooting for them and their outcome.
I would have liked more character moments and development of moments between the two of them, but I liked what I got. So that's the only reason I rate it down a star.
I'm leaving out a HUGE plot reveal but I feel that reveal is something that has to be experienced so I'm not touching on it in this review.
If you like Beauty and the Beast, Celtic lore, and subverting your expectations, this is the BatB retelling or inspired story for you.
I am a sucker for Beauty and the Beast, but seeing 'genderflipped' and and Celtic mythology?
You have this great story, told in dual perspectives - hers in the present, his in the past. A girl confined to a tower due to a beast that is drawn to a magic she is cursed to have. Her father tries in vain for men to marry her, but she knows they are not truly in love with her so she chases them all away... until our ML comes along, and that's when things take a turn.
Chris Pine's mannerisms is how I envisioned the ML. He has no accent (I know) but the way the character is written radiated that energy. The FL I never really settled on a face cast in my head, but she had this black hair and fiery temper that you would love to see someone throwing it right back at him.
What I also enjoyed about this story is that I had no idea the direction it was going in. At first I struggled with it, because I felt like I was left out of the whole 'reason' for the witch cursing her, but it is revealed bit by bit through the connection of the two narratives and time periods. So stick with it.
The story also is about being comfortable with yourself and realizing that you have the inner power for change, and no one else does. Case being, the end of the story had a very feminist / girl power ending that had me rooting for them and their outcome.
I would have liked more character moments and development of moments between the two of them, but I liked what I got. So that's the only reason I rate it down a star.
I'm leaving out a HUGE plot reveal but I feel that reveal is something that has to be experienced so I'm not touching on it in this review.
If you like Beauty and the Beast, Celtic lore, and subverting your expectations, this is the BatB retelling or inspired story for you.
August 20, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for an advance copy of this book.
Unbound is touted as a gender-bent retelling of Beauty and the Beast, mixed with a ton of Irish folklore. It follows Rozlyn, a princess cursed with a terrible power, and her husband, Jamie, as they seek to break Rozyln’s curse and the trouble it has unleashed upon her kingdom.
I initially requested a copy of this book because it was listed under the horror section of NetGalley. In my opinion, this book is not so much a horror novel but a romantasy with its fair share of violence and gore. Romantasy is very much not my thing.
That being said, I still immensely enjoyed Unbound.
Part I of the book felt a bit long to me, and I wasn’t thrilled with the way the story was being told- it struck me as jumpy, rambling, and not anything that advanced the story. But Part II? Completely reframed how I viewed Part I, and made me appreciate it so much more. That’s not to say there’s an unpredictable twist or anything, but I think Part II subverts a pretty typical fantasy trope, and I really appreciated it.
Rozlyn is a great protagonist, and much like Part II of this novel, not at all what I expected. She subverted my every expectation in the best way. Jamie’s also a really interesting character, but Rozlyn steals the show. There’s not too much in the way of secondary characters, so if you like a novel intensely focused on a single (dysfunctional) relationship- this will be right up your alley. This story is truly about Rozyln and Jamie, and nobody else.
As far as it leaning into horror, it’s arguably got a good deal of creature-feature- and like I mentioned before, it doesn’t shy away from violence and a bit of gore. The enemies Rozlyn and Jamie face are all creepy in their own right, but the encounters are fleeting, and don’t do much in the way of suspense. If you’re looking for something super spooky or atmospheric, this probably won’t check those boxes.
I did also really enjoy Healy's prose. This book was never difficult to read and the language she uses is incredibly beautiful.
Overall, Unbound is a great, unique read that totally deserves all the great ratings it receives!
Unbound is touted as a gender-bent retelling of Beauty and the Beast, mixed with a ton of Irish folklore. It follows Rozlyn, a princess cursed with a terrible power, and her husband, Jamie, as they seek to break Rozyln’s curse and the trouble it has unleashed upon her kingdom.
I initially requested a copy of this book because it was listed under the horror section of NetGalley. In my opinion, this book is not so much a horror novel but a romantasy with its fair share of violence and gore. Romantasy is very much not my thing.
That being said, I still immensely enjoyed Unbound.
Part I of the book felt a bit long to me, and I wasn’t thrilled with the way the story was being told- it struck me as jumpy, rambling, and not anything that advanced the story. But Part II? Completely reframed how I viewed Part I, and made me appreciate it so much more. That’s not to say there’s an unpredictable twist or anything, but I think Part II subverts a pretty typical fantasy trope, and I really appreciated it.
Rozlyn is a great protagonist, and much like Part II of this novel, not at all what I expected. She subverted my every expectation in the best way. Jamie’s also a really interesting character, but Rozlyn steals the show. There’s not too much in the way of secondary characters, so if you like a novel intensely focused on a single (dysfunctional) relationship- this will be right up your alley. This story is truly about Rozyln and Jamie, and nobody else.
As far as it leaning into horror, it’s arguably got a good deal of creature-feature- and like I mentioned before, it doesn’t shy away from violence and a bit of gore. The enemies Rozlyn and Jamie face are all creepy in their own right, but the encounters are fleeting, and don’t do much in the way of suspense. If you’re looking for something super spooky or atmospheric, this probably won’t check those boxes.
I did also really enjoy Healy's prose. This book was never difficult to read and the language she uses is incredibly beautiful.
Overall, Unbound is a great, unique read that totally deserves all the great ratings it receives!
April 1, 2022
As an early reader to this book, I am so thrilled that Unbound by Christy Healy will be published. It was such an incredible story, and is truly considered one of my top most favorite adult fantasy novels of all time. Prepare for quite the ride.
August 13, 2023
fairytale reimaginings are difficult to write. for me, i didn't see any "gender-bent" (a pretty fanfiction-esque, mildly transphobic term) beauty and the beast aspects. rozlyn is beautiful and powerful and jaime is beautiful as well. the backdrop of ireland is very, very cool, but the text lacks physical description. we never knew what anything looked like. the setting doesn't come alive the way i expected it to. roslyn's powers are never described and her magic is loose. this love story just really wasn't for me.
in the first half of the novel, rozlyn narrates the present and jaime narrates the past, and in the second half this flip flops. while this concept is really cool, it just doesn't work because the narration feels exactly the same for both characters.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
in the first half of the novel, rozlyn narrates the present and jaime narrates the past, and in the second half this flip flops. while this concept is really cool, it just doesn't work because the narration feels exactly the same for both characters.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2023
I've seen Unbound advertised as a gender-bent Beauty and the Beast, and while I absolutely can see the fairy tale inspiration, it turned out to be so much more. The story is steeped in Irish folklore, layered and complex. It’s told in three different timelines, which made it like a fun puzzle you have to put together to figure out exactly what transpired between our main character, Rozlyn, and her estranged husband/enemy/potential love interest, Jamie.
I loved the way oral storytelling was weaved through the narrative, which made it feel like a true epic. I also enjoyed how complicated and difficult the relationship between Jamie and Rozlyn was. I couldn't help but hate Jamie, though I found him equally compelling, and I'm partial to monstrous female characters, which meant I was a huge fan of Rozlyn's from the start. She's such a well realised, interesting character, and I loved seeing her embrace her magic and her monstrous side.
This is a very strong debut that I believe would appeal to people who enjoyed the vividly built setting of Rebecca Ross’s A River Enchanted and the Irish folkloric elements of Shauna Lawless’s The Children of Gods and Fighting Men.
I loved the way oral storytelling was weaved through the narrative, which made it feel like a true epic. I also enjoyed how complicated and difficult the relationship between Jamie and Rozlyn was. I couldn't help but hate Jamie, though I found him equally compelling, and I'm partial to monstrous female characters, which meant I was a huge fan of Rozlyn's from the start. She's such a well realised, interesting character, and I loved seeing her embrace her magic and her monstrous side.
This is a very strong debut that I believe would appeal to people who enjoyed the vividly built setting of Rebecca Ross’s A River Enchanted and the Irish folkloric elements of Shauna Lawless’s The Children of Gods and Fighting Men.
September 24, 2023
"Unbound" by Christy Healy is touted as being a genderbent Beauty and the Beast with a Celtic influence, and having read it, my response is... "yeah, sure"? One of these days we'll get a great genderbent B&TB where the lady!Beast isn't wildly sensuous rather than actually terrifying, as is required by law, but this wasn't it. Sure, people acted scared of the beast, but since the beast is written about in such graceful terms, it felt very "don't worry; her beast form isn't actually all that gross/not-feminine", which ugh, fine.
I await a tale that commits to an actually gross/scary beast that was a woman. ANYWHO. The rest of this is standard romantasy with dual timelines and a bit of spice. The author admits to fudging some historic details and being true to others, which is a real choice given that she specifically sets this during 1100-ish AD - if you're going to play fast and loose with history, just set it in a fantasy world! I beg of you! - but I suppose most people come here for the central romantic relationship of Rozlyn and Jamie and would not care. I did appreciate Healy's explanation of the deforestation of Ireland - that was some truly interesting history I didn't know of! but the fact that I was way more invested in learning about botany than how Rozlyn and Jamie would make it work probably says it all.
Very much Not My Thing, all said and done, but the writing was pretty. Unfortunately a lot of little things built up to keep me from enjoying this.
I await a tale that commits to an actually gross/scary beast that was a woman. ANYWHO. The rest of this is standard romantasy with dual timelines and a bit of spice. The author admits to fudging some historic details and being true to others, which is a real choice given that she specifically sets this during 1100-ish AD - if you're going to play fast and loose with history, just set it in a fantasy world! I beg of you! - but I suppose most people come here for the central romantic relationship of Rozlyn and Jamie and would not care. I did appreciate Healy's explanation of the deforestation of Ireland - that was some truly interesting history I didn't know of! but the fact that I was way more invested in learning about botany than how Rozlyn and Jamie would make it work probably says it all.
Very much Not My Thing, all said and done, but the writing was pretty. Unfortunately a lot of little things built up to keep me from enjoying this.
October 5, 2023
Unbound is a wonderful debut: sharp and subversive and full of feminine rage. Using the scaffolding of Irish mythology it takes an unflinching look at fairy tale logic and tropes, as well as the traditional and still prevalent narrative role of women. And it is magnificently done. Rozlyn is an unforgettable heroine, both beauty and beast in the most interesting and complex ways, and while I won't say much about Jamie (he's really best experienced firsthand) he makes a great counterpart as both romantic lead and antagonist in one. Lovers to enemies to TBD, Status Unknown? DELICIOUS. The incredibly messy relationship between the leads, past present and future, was definitely my favourite part of the book.
The use of mythology and folklore was also very detailed and clearly incredibly well researched, though I did find it sometimes felt like we were being given more than the story could comfortably fit, and particularly the mythological creatures started to feel a bit 'monster of the week'. Similarly, while I can't go into detail because #spoilers, I felt the structure and pacing of the book were just a touch wonky, especially after the midpoint.
There were two other issues that kept this from a five star read for me, much as there was to love, and these may well be just taste issues: firstly, the prose. While often very lovely, in my mind it really suffered from too many long and repetitive sentences which overused commas and gerunds. I never felt fully anchored in the prose, and found the 'floaty' effect pretty distracting to the end. And while this is pretty minor and maybe a bit petty, I also felt that the chess analogy got very tired and overused very quickly. I'd have liked at least half the chess references to be cut, and I think even that would be pushing it.
Overall though, I thought this was a very promising debut, and one whose thematic matter in particular I'll be thinking about for a long time. I'll definitely be picking up whatever Christy Healy writes next! 4.5 stars, rounded up because I want it to do well.
Thank you to Blackstone's and the author for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!
The use of mythology and folklore was also very detailed and clearly incredibly well researched, though I did find it sometimes felt like we were being given more than the story could comfortably fit, and particularly the mythological creatures started to feel a bit 'monster of the week'. Similarly, while I can't go into detail because #spoilers, I felt the structure and pacing of the book were just a touch wonky, especially after the midpoint.
There were two other issues that kept this from a five star read for me, much as there was to love, and these may well be just taste issues: firstly, the prose. While often very lovely, in my mind it really suffered from too many long and repetitive sentences which overused commas and gerunds. I never felt fully anchored in the prose, and found the 'floaty' effect pretty distracting to the end. And while this is pretty minor and maybe a bit petty, I also felt that the chess analogy got very tired and overused very quickly. I'd have liked at least half the chess references to be cut, and I think even that would be pushing it.
Overall though, I thought this was a very promising debut, and one whose thematic matter in particular I'll be thinking about for a long time. I'll definitely be picking up whatever Christy Healy writes next! 4.5 stars, rounded up because I want it to do well.
Thank you to Blackstone's and the author for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!
June 18, 2023
I had the pleasure of reading an early copy of this one! Look out fairytale lovers, UNBOUND is coming your way in January 2024.
UNBOUND is truly a treat for the senses. If you love a distrustful, stubborn female protagonist, a love story that seems all but doomed to end in tragedy, and a rich helping of Irish folklore in the form of monstrous legends and legendary monsters, this is the book for you.
This genderbent Beauty and the Beast retelling steeped in Irish mythology is told in the form of a dual timeline fairytale-style slow burn, fully immersing the reader in a world of sleeping gods, magical curses, misty mountains, and dark forests. If you like multilayered stories within stories, you'll love this one; it features multiple fully retold tales from Irish mythology, and they aren't just set dressing—each of them comes into play later in the book, like puzzle pieces fitting together to complete the story.
The protagonist, Rozlyn, is both beauty and beast; she's prickly, powerful, lonely, and slow to trust. I found her arc compelling and heartbreaking. The ending of the book was perfection.
I think this book should be read in a cozy armchair by a roaring fire with a cup of tea close at hand. Keep that in mind when it comes out in 2024!
UNBOUND is truly a treat for the senses. If you love a distrustful, stubborn female protagonist, a love story that seems all but doomed to end in tragedy, and a rich helping of Irish folklore in the form of monstrous legends and legendary monsters, this is the book for you.
This genderbent Beauty and the Beast retelling steeped in Irish mythology is told in the form of a dual timeline fairytale-style slow burn, fully immersing the reader in a world of sleeping gods, magical curses, misty mountains, and dark forests. If you like multilayered stories within stories, you'll love this one; it features multiple fully retold tales from Irish mythology, and they aren't just set dressing—each of them comes into play later in the book, like puzzle pieces fitting together to complete the story.
The protagonist, Rozlyn, is both beauty and beast; she's prickly, powerful, lonely, and slow to trust. I found her arc compelling and heartbreaking. The ending of the book was perfection.
I think this book should be read in a cozy armchair by a roaring fire with a cup of tea close at hand. Keep that in mind when it comes out in 2024!
May 1, 2022
Can’t wait for rest of it…🤗
Read
February 3, 2024Eee another DNF 😖
Shelved as 'dnf'
March 4, 2024DNF @ 20%
Read
November 29, 2023RTC
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for a complimentary earc to review! All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for a complimentary earc to review! All opinions are my own.
October 1, 2023
**I was given an ARC of this book from Edelweiss Books in exchange for an honest review**
"How can you not see that there is more to death than merely dying? To live a life that you do not want, as someone that you are not? It is a fate worse than death."
I won't lie, I really didn't like this book.
Let's start off with the (sort of?) positives:
-The mythological animals: there were so, so many folkloric creatures that appear constantly. I'm not sure how much was actual Irish mythology and how much the author's own creation, but I enjoyed them all the same. However, the "fight scenes" really didn't further the plot.
-The FMC's arc: from a weak and bitter young woman to a powerful and (rightfully) selfish adult. Even so, she did make some decisions that were entirely out of character, plus some cringe-worthy, pseudo-feminist comebacks. I'm really not sure if this book had an editor or not. I'd guess not.
-The friendship between Rozlyn and Galena: this was, by far, the best relationship portrayed in this book, even though we get so little of it.
-The writing: it was beautiful and lyrical (even a little too flowery) for the most part, but it should've been edited more to correct repetitive expressions and oddly constructed sentences.
Now onto the things I very much did not enjoy:
-The structure: for most of the book, we get a dual timeline (present and past). The first 150 pages or so are incredibly confusing. Jamie's perspective is from the present and Rozlyn's, from the past. It takes way too long to piece what they are to eachother, so I was more bored than intrigued. I feel like the first part of the book should've tackled the "past" part of the story, so that the "present" chapters would've been actually enjoyable instead of senseless.
-The MMC/love interest: in the beginning, it's clear that we're supposed to hate Jamie. The only problem is that I hated him until the finish line. He's manipulative until about 10 pages away from the ending. After that, it was as if he had had a lobotomy (something he shared with Rozlyn at some points. Lobotomies for everyone!). On the romance-subplot-turned-main-plot, not only did I not care for Jamie and Rozlyn, I was actively wishing for Rozlyn to ditch Jamie.
-The plot (or lack thereof): other than some sporadic scenes that don't push the plot forward, there is no action. The "plot" itself seems more like an afterthought of pieces added in order to keep the MCs meeting over and over again.
-The worldbuilding (or lack thereof, as well): aside from the mythological animals I mentioned earlier and some stories about gods, the rest is just a generic Middle-Ages European fantasy setting. I felt untethered from the actual world, since there aren't many descriptions in the book. Also, we barely get any information about Rozlyn's magical powers, which are at the center of the plot.
-The plot twist: all that I'll say is that it was visible from 200 pages away. It wasn't a bad storyline, it was just that the foreshadowing was more like a big neon sign.
-Also, trigger warnings for animal death and general gore.
Long story short: beautiful writing, an enticing idea for the setting, and a story with lots of potential that wasn't reached due to a messy plot structure, underdeveloped worldbuilding, and a lack of proper editing (amongst other issues).
P.S.: the author *will* block you on instagram if she finds your negative review, even if you haven't tagged her in it.
"How can you not see that there is more to death than merely dying? To live a life that you do not want, as someone that you are not? It is a fate worse than death."
I won't lie, I really didn't like this book.
Let's start off with the (sort of?) positives:
-The mythological animals: there were so, so many folkloric creatures that appear constantly. I'm not sure how much was actual Irish mythology and how much the author's own creation, but I enjoyed them all the same. However, the "fight scenes" really didn't further the plot.
-The FMC's arc: from a weak and bitter young woman to a powerful and (rightfully) selfish adult. Even so, she did make some decisions that were entirely out of character, plus some cringe-worthy, pseudo-feminist comebacks. I'm really not sure if this book had an editor or not. I'd guess not.
-The friendship between Rozlyn and Galena: this was, by far, the best relationship portrayed in this book, even though we get so little of it.
-The writing: it was beautiful and lyrical (even a little too flowery) for the most part, but it should've been edited more to correct repetitive expressions and oddly constructed sentences.
Now onto the things I very much did not enjoy:
-The structure: for most of the book, we get a dual timeline (present and past). The first 150 pages or so are incredibly confusing. Jamie's perspective is from the present and Rozlyn's, from the past. It takes way too long to piece what they are to eachother, so I was more bored than intrigued. I feel like the first part of the book should've tackled the "past" part of the story, so that the "present" chapters would've been actually enjoyable instead of senseless.
-The MMC/love interest: in the beginning, it's clear that we're supposed to hate Jamie. The only problem is that I hated him until the finish line. He's manipulative until about 10 pages away from the ending. After that, it was as if he had had a lobotomy (something he shared with Rozlyn at some points. Lobotomies for everyone!). On the romance-subplot-turned-main-plot, not only did I not care for Jamie and Rozlyn, I was actively wishing for Rozlyn to ditch Jamie.
-The plot (or lack thereof): other than some sporadic scenes that don't push the plot forward, there is no action. The "plot" itself seems more like an afterthought of pieces added in order to keep the MCs meeting over and over again.
-The worldbuilding (or lack thereof, as well): aside from the mythological animals I mentioned earlier and some stories about gods, the rest is just a generic Middle-Ages European fantasy setting. I felt untethered from the actual world, since there aren't many descriptions in the book. Also, we barely get any information about Rozlyn's magical powers, which are at the center of the plot.
-The plot twist: all that I'll say is that it was visible from 200 pages away. It wasn't a bad storyline, it was just that the foreshadowing was more like a big neon sign.
-Also, trigger warnings for animal death and general gore.
Long story short: beautiful writing, an enticing idea for the setting, and a story with lots of potential that wasn't reached due to a messy plot structure, underdeveloped worldbuilding, and a lack of proper editing (amongst other issues).
P.S.: the author *will* block you on instagram if she finds your negative review, even if you haven't tagged her in it.
January 19, 2024
After being cursed on the day of her birth, Rozlyn Ó Conchúir has been trapped her entire life. Secluded in her stone tower, she waits for her father to release her, the deadly Beast of Connacht to be defeated, and for man to be brave enough to win her heart and break the curse. Seeming to appear out of nowhere, Jamie--a bewitching new suitor--begins to chip away at Rozyln's defenses, and she begins to wonder if her painful solitude is coming to an end. But betrayal and sinister threats lurk in the shadows, which begs the question, are some curses better left unbroken?
Stunning. This novel is a spellbinding work that immerses the reader in a world filled with gods and monsters inspired by Irish mythology and folklore. As a reader, I love a fierce female main character who does not apologize for the power she holds. Toss in the fact that this FMC is over thirty, I was immediately intrigued and excited to read this book. Rozlyn's journey was incredible, and I loved seeing her at different moments in her life as the story progressed.
The banter in this book was phenomenal! Every interaction between Rozyln and Jamie had me begging for more of them together. The author's style of presenting Jamie's storytelling throughout the novel was captivating, and I found myself engrossed in a story within a story. The beautiful way that Healy describes the landscape and events makes the reader feel as though they are experiencing this journey alongside the characters.
Read if you like:
😉Cheeky Banter
🐺Ferocious FMCs
⚔️Folklore & Mythology
⏳Timeline Jumps
Stunning. This novel is a spellbinding work that immerses the reader in a world filled with gods and monsters inspired by Irish mythology and folklore. As a reader, I love a fierce female main character who does not apologize for the power she holds. Toss in the fact that this FMC is over thirty, I was immediately intrigued and excited to read this book. Rozlyn's journey was incredible, and I loved seeing her at different moments in her life as the story progressed.
The banter in this book was phenomenal! Every interaction between Rozyln and Jamie had me begging for more of them together. The author's style of presenting Jamie's storytelling throughout the novel was captivating, and I found myself engrossed in a story within a story. The beautiful way that Healy describes the landscape and events makes the reader feel as though they are experiencing this journey alongside the characters.
Read if you like:
😉Cheeky Banter
🐺Ferocious FMCs
⚔️Folklore & Mythology
⏳Timeline Jumps
March 4, 2024
Thank you @bibliolifestyle @blackstonepublishing @librofm for my #gifted copies
Unbound is a beauty and the beast retelling steeped in Irish folklore. If I hadn’t had the audio I would have been that TikTok trend speaking gibberish for the names of each place and a lot of the characters. I loved the narration, it was very well done. You are shoved into the narrative as it’s happening with almost zero backstory, that comes later, and I did find myself struggling with the main character and her choices. As I listened I began to understand her motives as the story unraveled but by the end I was absolutely furious with her stubbornness. The story was well done if a little drawn out. There were some twists I didn’t see coming but the ending was just okay because of Rozlyn’s lack of growth in my opinion.
Unbound is a beauty and the beast retelling steeped in Irish folklore. If I hadn’t had the audio I would have been that TikTok trend speaking gibberish for the names of each place and a lot of the characters. I loved the narration, it was very well done. You are shoved into the narrative as it’s happening with almost zero backstory, that comes later, and I did find myself struggling with the main character and her choices. As I listened I began to understand her motives as the story unraveled but by the end I was absolutely furious with her stubbornness. The story was well done if a little drawn out. There were some twists I didn’t see coming but the ending was just okay because of Rozlyn’s lack of growth in my opinion.
January 16, 2024
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book!
This was a very well-written and engaging debut book! I am not familiar with Irish mythology and folklore, so I can't speak to the accuracy of Unbound, but I thought Christy Healy did a wonderful job weaving elements of mythology and folklore throughout the book and the plot. I don't know that I agree with calling it a "genderbent Beauty and the Beast" though- it kind of just borrowed a couple elements and the fairytale-esque vibes but not in a way that I think would classify this as a genderbent retelling. I did love Rozi as a character; I'm always going love a woman full of rage and hate. My biggest complaint is that we didn't get to see her monstrous enough. Let 2024 be the year that authors commit to having truly monstrous, hideous, awful, gross female main characters.
For me, where this book falls apart is in the ending. I was also a bit thrown by the writing style at times- it felt like the author was trying too hard to be grandiose and make sweeping emotional statements. Not everything a character says has to be a monologue or layered with meaning or exceptionally clever. I still see so much potential in the author's writing and I'm looking forward to any future books they write!
This was a very well-written and engaging debut book! I am not familiar with Irish mythology and folklore, so I can't speak to the accuracy of Unbound, but I thought Christy Healy did a wonderful job weaving elements of mythology and folklore throughout the book and the plot. I don't know that I agree with calling it a "genderbent Beauty and the Beast" though- it kind of just borrowed a couple elements and the fairytale-esque vibes but not in a way that I think would classify this as a genderbent retelling. I did love Rozi as a character; I'm always going love a woman full of rage and hate. My biggest complaint is that we didn't get to see her monstrous enough. Let 2024 be the year that authors commit to having truly monstrous, hideous, awful, gross female main characters.
For me, where this book falls apart is in the ending. I was also a bit thrown by the writing style at times- it felt like the author was trying too hard to be grandiose and make sweeping emotional statements. Not everything a character says has to be a monologue or layered with meaning or exceptionally clever. I still see so much potential in the author's writing and I'm looking forward to any future books they write!
January 19, 2024
Are you a fan of One Dark Window AND A River Enchanted? If so, you won’t want to miss this one.
Short Synopis:
Rozlyn has been locked in a tower for most of her life. Her magic summons the mysterious Beast of Connacht and the only way to break that curse is to find someone who loves her in spite of her dark magic. So commences, her not-so-adoring suitors.
My Thoughts:
I loved the banter and push and pull of Rozi and Jamie’s relationship. Rozlyn was such a fierce and powerful female lead. Jamie was also such a fun character full of bargains that had you questioning if he was really Prince Charming or just disguised as one.
The writing was immersive and beautiful. I found myself lost in this world that Healy created.
I will say, I enjoyed this book for 430 pages and I loved how the last chapter ended. But then that epilogue completely made me rage and lower my rating.
Read if You Like:
♟️ Witty Banter
♟️ Multiple Timelines
♟️ Dual POV
♟️ Irish Folklore
♟️ STANDALONE fantasy
♟️ Chess/power moves
♟️ Dark Prince Charming
Short Synopis:
Rozlyn has been locked in a tower for most of her life. Her magic summons the mysterious Beast of Connacht and the only way to break that curse is to find someone who loves her in spite of her dark magic. So commences, her not-so-adoring suitors.
My Thoughts:
I loved the banter and push and pull of Rozi and Jamie’s relationship. Rozlyn was such a fierce and powerful female lead. Jamie was also such a fun character full of bargains that had you questioning if he was really Prince Charming or just disguised as one.
The writing was immersive and beautiful. I found myself lost in this world that Healy created.
I will say, I enjoyed this book for 430 pages and I loved how the last chapter ended. But then that epilogue completely made me rage and lower my rating.
Read if You Like:
♟️ Witty Banter
♟️ Multiple Timelines
♟️ Dual POV
♟️ Irish Folklore
♟️ STANDALONE fantasy
♟️ Chess/power moves
♟️ Dark Prince Charming
January 16, 2024
Real Rating: 3.5 / 5 Stars
This isn’t a bad book. That’s not why I only rated it 3.5 stars. I rated it 3.5 stars because it’s simply a very average book. In a world of superb fantasy novels where the female protagonist is justifiably angry, this one not only doesn’t do a whole lot to set itself apart, it also really let me down in the end.
The story itself is pretty simple: this is Beauty and the Beast, filtered through Irish mythology/folklore, and gender-bent so the female is the beast (though she’s also very pretty, so, you know). None of these elements are a new thing, although Christy Healy has certainly done a very good job at studying Irish mythology as it pertains to the Tuatha de Danann and putting it to effective use in this book (although it should be noted that there are a million variations on every myth and story told in this book about the Tuatha de Danann, as there are about every mythological figure).
Our two main characters, Jamie and Rozlyn, have issues with a capital I: Daddy issues, mommy issues, familial guilt, trust, abandonment, and more. Combined, they have enough baggage to sink a ship. Jamie has a lot of secrets and Rozlyn hides everything she’s feeling. It’s love, but oof is it rough. Neither of them have had a good go of it, but I can’t help but side with Rozlyn when it comes to just about everything because the patriarchy has made her into a victim since birth.
The prose isn’t special, but it’s not bad. The imagery isn’t especially evocative, which stuns me because Ireland is so pretty I don’t know how you can’t wax eloquently about it. Healy does have an incredible gift for dialogue though, because the banter between Jamie and Rozlyn is absolutely delightful, even when it slips from banter into genuine ire. I did have some trouble with some anachronistic word usage, though.
I think that this might be better suited to someone younger than I am. Maybe a younger reader might be more receptive to the message. Maybe I don’t want them to be? Maybe I’m just a cynic. I just know I didn’t like the ending. The novel as a whole is an alright read.
I was provided a copy of this title by NetGalley and the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.
File Under: Folklore Novel/Romantasy/Fantasy/Folklore Retelling/Standalone Novel/YA Fantasy/YA Romantasy
This isn’t a bad book. That’s not why I only rated it 3.5 stars. I rated it 3.5 stars because it’s simply a very average book. In a world of superb fantasy novels where the female protagonist is justifiably angry, this one not only doesn’t do a whole lot to set itself apart, it also really let me down in the end.
The story itself is pretty simple: this is Beauty and the Beast, filtered through Irish mythology/folklore, and gender-bent so the female is the beast (though she’s also very pretty, so, you know). None of these elements are a new thing, although Christy Healy has certainly done a very good job at studying Irish mythology as it pertains to the Tuatha de Danann and putting it to effective use in this book (although it should be noted that there are a million variations on every myth and story told in this book about the Tuatha de Danann, as there are about every mythological figure).
Our two main characters, Jamie and Rozlyn, have issues with a capital I: Daddy issues, mommy issues, familial guilt, trust, abandonment, and more. Combined, they have enough baggage to sink a ship. Jamie has a lot of secrets and Rozlyn hides everything she’s feeling. It’s love, but oof is it rough. Neither of them have had a good go of it, but I can’t help but side with Rozlyn when it comes to just about everything because the patriarchy has made her into a victim since birth.
The prose isn’t special, but it’s not bad. The imagery isn’t especially evocative, which stuns me because Ireland is so pretty I don’t know how you can’t wax eloquently about it. Healy does have an incredible gift for dialogue though, because the banter between Jamie and Rozlyn is absolutely delightful, even when it slips from banter into genuine ire. I did have some trouble with some anachronistic word usage, though.
I think that this might be better suited to someone younger than I am. Maybe a younger reader might be more receptive to the message. Maybe I don’t want them to be? Maybe I’m just a cynic. I just know I didn’t like the ending. The novel as a whole is an alright read.
I was provided a copy of this title by NetGalley and the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.
File Under: Folklore Novel/Romantasy/Fantasy/Folklore Retelling/Standalone Novel/YA Fantasy/YA Romantasy
December 11, 2023
There have only been two books in my life that have stirred and latched onto my soul, and I’m so happy to say that this upcoming book is one of them. 🥹
This was a lush Irish retelling of both the Beauty and the Beast tale, but also a reimagining of the myth of Midir and Étain. I’m absolutely enamored with the way that Healy weaved in both well known Irish myths, but also incorporated figures from Irish folklore. This made not only my academic heart happy, but it like Jamie and his charismatic ways, this book wormed its way into my heart and hasn’t let it go. 🔥
I loved the complexity of Rozlyn’s characterization. As a woman in her early 30’s, it’s rare getting this kind of representation in fantasy and it shows just how much it needs to be done. I found her aloofness and inability to let people in understandable due to the isolation and treatment she experienced as a child. Her begrudging pride though was something that I struggled with, but not all characters can nor really should be likable. 🤷🏻♀️
The relationship between Jamie and Rozlyn was a perfect enemies to lovers (and technically lovers to enemies) arc. I loved their banter and that they see their relationship in a game like manner that’s not often shown with most relationships. The revealed history of their relationship makes it even more tragic (and honestly endearing) to me, and I won’t lie that it left me a little teared up. 🏹
I will admit that the use of castles and other little historically inaccuracies made me curious as to why they were included, but again, this is why reading the Author’s Note is SO STUPID IMPORTANT!! It definitely helped resolve some of my lingering questions about artistic choices. ✨
In the end, I fell completely in love with this book and its beautiful usage of Irish myths and folktales. This should definitely be on the radar for fans of Shauna Lawless and/or those looking for a fantasy set in Medieval Ireland and steeped in the mythology and folklore of the island. 🍀
HUGE thank you again goes to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for accepting my desperate request in exchange for an honest review. And to the author, Christy Healy, for writing such a beautiful story. ❤️
Pub. Day: January 16!!
Overall: 4.75/5 ⭐️
This was a lush Irish retelling of both the Beauty and the Beast tale, but also a reimagining of the myth of Midir and Étain. I’m absolutely enamored with the way that Healy weaved in both well known Irish myths, but also incorporated figures from Irish folklore. This made not only my academic heart happy, but it like Jamie and his charismatic ways, this book wormed its way into my heart and hasn’t let it go. 🔥
I loved the complexity of Rozlyn’s characterization. As a woman in her early 30’s, it’s rare getting this kind of representation in fantasy and it shows just how much it needs to be done. I found her aloofness and inability to let people in understandable due to the isolation and treatment she experienced as a child. Her begrudging pride though was something that I struggled with, but not all characters can nor really should be likable. 🤷🏻♀️
The relationship between Jamie and Rozlyn was a perfect enemies to lovers (and technically lovers to enemies) arc. I loved their banter and that they see their relationship in a game like manner that’s not often shown with most relationships. The revealed history of their relationship makes it even more tragic (and honestly endearing) to me, and I won’t lie that it left me a little teared up. 🏹
I will admit that the use of castles and other little historically inaccuracies made me curious as to why they were included, but again, this is why reading the Author’s Note is SO STUPID IMPORTANT!! It definitely helped resolve some of my lingering questions about artistic choices. ✨
In the end, I fell completely in love with this book and its beautiful usage of Irish myths and folktales. This should definitely be on the radar for fans of Shauna Lawless and/or those looking for a fantasy set in Medieval Ireland and steeped in the mythology and folklore of the island. 🍀
HUGE thank you again goes to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for accepting my desperate request in exchange for an honest review. And to the author, Christy Healy, for writing such a beautiful story. ❤️
Pub. Day: January 16!!
Overall: 4.75/5 ⭐️
January 7, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an eARC of this book!
I found that most of my enjoyment was experienced during the beginning of the book, but I later lost interest as it progressed. For starters, this book is described as a gender-bent reimagining of Beauty & the Beast when--at most--it just felt like it took small elements from the story. I didn't feel like Jaime and Rozlyn's roles were really reversed in any sort of way. We are told that Rozlyn is a beast and that someone must fall in love with her to break her curse. This would be all good and fine if she was actually a beast for most of the book. Instead she's a beautiful girl who suitors come across the land for, and it didn't really make sense to call this a Beauty & the Beast retelling when the "beast" was never really present. This book is also told using dual POV and flip-flops between different years in the past and present, which I felt added nothing to the story because neither of the characters had a distinct voice. I wasn't attached to either Rozlyn or Jaime, and didn't feel like they had one redeeming quality between them.
I hate a book that does more showing than telling, especially since this is an adult fantasy. Rozlyn's magic felt poorly explained, and I could never really grasp the depths of her ability. (I guess this could be due to her not really understanding how to completely master her powers to begin with.) There are also super scary monsters who come out of their neck of the woods to make trouble for the pair, but they are defeated with little effort within two pages. Additionally, I found Jaime to be a massive manipulator, and I got whiplash trying to follow along with their love story. I was also kind of over the chess-inspired metaphors the author tried to sprinkle throughout the book.
Overall, I think this story could work for someone who doesn't go into it expecting a retelling, but there were several aspects of this story that just didn't work for me.
I found that most of my enjoyment was experienced during the beginning of the book, but I later lost interest as it progressed. For starters, this book is described as a gender-bent reimagining of Beauty & the Beast when--at most--it just felt like it took small elements from the story. I didn't feel like Jaime and Rozlyn's roles were really reversed in any sort of way. We are told that Rozlyn is a beast and that someone must fall in love with her to break her curse. This would be all good and fine if she was actually a beast for most of the book. Instead she's a beautiful girl who suitors come across the land for, and it didn't really make sense to call this a Beauty & the Beast retelling when the "beast" was never really present. This book is also told using dual POV and flip-flops between different years in the past and present, which I felt added nothing to the story because neither of the characters had a distinct voice. I wasn't attached to either Rozlyn or Jaime, and didn't feel like they had one redeeming quality between them.
I hate a book that does more showing than telling, especially since this is an adult fantasy. Rozlyn's magic felt poorly explained, and I could never really grasp the depths of her ability. (I guess this could be due to her not really understanding how to completely master her powers to begin with.) There are also super scary monsters who come out of their neck of the woods to make trouble for the pair, but they are defeated with little effort within two pages. Additionally, I found Jaime to be a massive manipulator, and I got whiplash trying to follow along with their love story. I was also kind of over the chess-inspired metaphors the author tried to sprinkle throughout the book.
Overall, I think this story could work for someone who doesn't go into it expecting a retelling, but there were several aspects of this story that just didn't work for me.
January 17, 2024
4.25 stars
Thank you Libro.fm for an ALC of Unbound in exchange of my honest opinion.
Unbound is being marked as a gender bender Beauty and the Beast retelling, and although the core of the story is indeed Beauty and the beast, I can easily say that it’s much richer than that.
The story is about Rozlyn, a princess that is under a curse and transform herself in a monster. Her curse would lift if she falls in love and marry someone. It sounds very standard, but the author woven in this core so much folklore and a complex past for both main characters, all written in such a lyrical manner that it felt you were reading a whole different fairy tale.
I loved the FMC, Rozlyn, that you see during the story being someone that accepted her fate to another person that took charge of her future. I LOVED her decisions at the end and it was so refreshing seeing her taking those instances that I was at the edge of my seat hoping she would not change her mind.. and she didn’t!!
The MMC was also adorable. I have a weakness for charming, confident characters that are hell bent to win the FMC.
The only issue I had with the book was the middle of it that dragged a bit. This story has 3 different timelines a that are told all mixed together and specially in the 50%-70% of the story I felt a bit lost, but got back to it at the 70% mark.
For those that likes fairy tale retelling, this release will be a great start for 2024!
Thank you Libro.fm for an ALC of Unbound in exchange of my honest opinion.
Unbound is being marked as a gender bender Beauty and the Beast retelling, and although the core of the story is indeed Beauty and the beast, I can easily say that it’s much richer than that.
The story is about Rozlyn, a princess that is under a curse and transform herself in a monster. Her curse would lift if she falls in love and marry someone. It sounds very standard, but the author woven in this core so much folklore and a complex past for both main characters, all written in such a lyrical manner that it felt you were reading a whole different fairy tale.
I loved the FMC, Rozlyn, that you see during the story being someone that accepted her fate to another person that took charge of her future. I LOVED her decisions at the end and it was so refreshing seeing her taking those instances that I was at the edge of my seat hoping she would not change her mind.. and she didn’t!!
The MMC was also adorable. I have a weakness for charming, confident characters that are hell bent to win the FMC.
The only issue I had with the book was the middle of it that dragged a bit. This story has 3 different timelines a that are told all mixed together and specially in the 50%-70% of the story I felt a bit lost, but got back to it at the 70% mark.
For those that likes fairy tale retelling, this release will be a great start for 2024!
September 28, 2023
This book wanted to be everything, and unfortunately, makes for an overreaching attempt that fails badly.
1 - No one is capable of speaking - everyone DECLARES and MONOLOGUES, and something that could be said in a few words takes up half a page. Quantity over quality. Why say that Rozlyn snarls once when you can say it ten times? Why describe Jamie's jaw stroking once when you can do it a dozen times?
2 - All the fairy tales - this is not just Beauty and the Beast. Oh no. We get Rapunzel, Beowulf, vampires, Li Ban, the Pied Piper, and and and. Quantity over quality. The fairy tales are incorporated into the story in such clumsy ways that it would have been better to leave them all off and just focus on the main story.
3 - Rozlyn is a beast - kind of. The author does not commit to making Roz a true beast, instead choosing to have her shift into monsters. If you're going to focus the entire book on her and Jamie, go for it! Make her horrific, maker her revolting and repulsive and make the MMC fall for her because of it.
4 - The setting. It wants to be ancient Ireland and use specific years and use its mythology - kind of. But it also wants to have fantastical aspects and have chocolate centuries before it came to Europe. If the book could have committed to one or the other, it would have been better, but again, the book wanted to be everything, have everything.
5 - Rozlyn is no heroine. She is nasty and selfish and she is "redeemed" because we are told that she is, not because she actually decides to do better. The ending is a cop out so that Rozlyn can have her girl boss moment and say "I have always been a queen" but she is a horrible at the end as she is at the beginning.
6 - The magic is loosey goosey, whatever it needs to be at that point in the story and as strong or weak as the plot calls for.
7 - All the timelines and POVs. Just when something is happening, you get shifted to another timeline. Over and over. Both Rozlyn and Jamie take POV turns but they both have the same "voice".
8 - Beware of long explanations at the end of a book - it usually means the author knows there are weak points in the plot or the writing and they are trying to justify them to the readers.
I was very excited for this book and ended up very disappointed.
1 - No one is capable of speaking - everyone DECLARES and MONOLOGUES, and something that could be said in a few words takes up half a page. Quantity over quality. Why say that Rozlyn snarls once when you can say it ten times? Why describe Jamie's jaw stroking once when you can do it a dozen times?
2 - All the fairy tales - this is not just Beauty and the Beast. Oh no. We get Rapunzel, Beowulf, vampires, Li Ban, the Pied Piper, and and and. Quantity over quality. The fairy tales are incorporated into the story in such clumsy ways that it would have been better to leave them all off and just focus on the main story.
3 - Rozlyn is a beast - kind of. The author does not commit to making Roz a true beast, instead choosing to have her shift into monsters. If you're going to focus the entire book on her and Jamie, go for it! Make her horrific, maker her revolting and repulsive and make the MMC fall for her because of it.
4 - The setting. It wants to be ancient Ireland and use specific years and use its mythology - kind of. But it also wants to have fantastical aspects and have chocolate centuries before it came to Europe. If the book could have committed to one or the other, it would have been better, but again, the book wanted to be everything, have everything.
5 - Rozlyn is no heroine. She is nasty and selfish and she is "redeemed" because we are told that she is, not because she actually decides to do better. The ending is a cop out so that Rozlyn can have her girl boss moment and say "I have always been a queen" but she is a horrible at the end as she is at the beginning.
6 - The magic is loosey goosey, whatever it needs to be at that point in the story and as strong or weak as the plot calls for.
7 - All the timelines and POVs. Just when something is happening, you get shifted to another timeline. Over and over. Both Rozlyn and Jamie take POV turns but they both have the same "voice".
8 - Beware of long explanations at the end of a book - it usually means the author knows there are weak points in the plot or the writing and they are trying to justify them to the readers.
I was very excited for this book and ended up very disappointed.
December 7, 2023
The writing style kept me going in this book, something I don't think I would have completed otherwise. I was just left extremely frustrated by the two main protagonists. While there was lovely world building around them, I just couldn't care about this will they/ won't they story that was going on. Also Rozi being beyond selfish
Also, I just want to state I was not reading this as historical fiction. I do not know the Irish mythology this is based on to give warrant to how accurate it was.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing for the galley copy at NYCC.
Also, I just want to state I was not reading this as historical fiction. I do not know the Irish mythology this is based on to give warrant to how accurate it was.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing for the galley copy at NYCC.
April 10, 2024
4.5/5 stars
This was lushly written, with such evocative language and imagery. I loved the way that Christy Healy weaved in Irish mythology with the Beauty & the Beast story as a baseline.
The use of time in this book was also really well utilized, going back and forth in time to tell Rozlyn and Jamie’s story in a non-chronological way.
While Rozlyn was a bit prickly, it fully made sense as to why. I loved her relationship with Jamie, but there was a lot of miscommunication/refusal to communicate that it bordered on being a bit too much in places.
I can’t wait to see what else Christy Healy writes, because this was stunning.
This was lushly written, with such evocative language and imagery. I loved the way that Christy Healy weaved in Irish mythology with the Beauty & the Beast story as a baseline.
The use of time in this book was also really well utilized, going back and forth in time to tell Rozlyn and Jamie’s story in a non-chronological way.
While Rozlyn was a bit prickly, it fully made sense as to why. I loved her relationship with Jamie, but there was a lot of miscommunication/refusal to communicate that it bordered on being a bit too much in places.
I can’t wait to see what else Christy Healy writes, because this was stunning.
October 31, 2023
Received an arc from NetGalley in exchange of honest opinion, thanks!
3,25⭐️
I think Christy Healy wovem a very lyrical, delicate story of what is a monster and what is love. Parts based on Irish folklore and Celtic mythology were dear to me, as well as the ending. It was certainly my favourite part. I would love to love this book, but it's an okay story. Absolutely not bad nor dull, just... okay. I had fun reading it, I was pleasantly surprised, but that's about it. Doesn't regret reading it, though.
3,25⭐️
I think Christy Healy wovem a very lyrical, delicate story of what is a monster and what is love. Parts based on Irish folklore and Celtic mythology were dear to me, as well as the ending. It was certainly my favourite part. I would love to love this book, but it's an okay story. Absolutely not bad nor dull, just... okay. I had fun reading it, I was pleasantly surprised, but that's about it. Doesn't regret reading it, though.
January 16, 2024
To prevent confusion, there really should’ve been chapter headers of which pov is talking. We also were bouncing back around in different time spans that I couldn’t keep track of what really was going on. I think I was also expecting something a little bit different with the story and I just wasn’t 100% invested in the characters or story. I really love this cover though.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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