Title: Beauty
Author: Sophie Oak
First published June 15, 2012
312 pages, ebook
ISBN: 9781619269545
Rating: 4.12
Overview
Lost and alone, Tilly had only ever confided in an imaginary friend. But her search for him led her to a dark and dangerous path.
With the guidance of a enigmatic savior, Tilly must find the strength to take back her life and pursue the love she never thought possible.”
About the Author
Sophie is a passionate writer who recently released her debut novel. She has a background in theater and comic books and currently resides in Fort Worth, Texas with her spouse and three lively kids.
Her children eagerly anticipate the day when they can read their mom’s work, but Sophie doesn’t think that day will come anytime soon. Her writing is driven by a desire for happy endings, even when the narratives explore taboo or unconventional themes.
At their core, Sophie’s stories are always about love.
Editoral Review
Sophie Oak’s Beauty is a captivating and thought-provoking read that explores the themes of trust, self-discovery, and unconditional love. Oak, a renowned author in the romance and erotica genres, has written a tale that transcends the classic tropes of the genre and offers a compelling story that resonates with readers on a deeper level.
The novel follows the story of Beauty, a young woman who has endured a lifetime of emotional abuse at the hands of her stepmother. When she finds herself sold into slavery, she is forced to confront the harsh reality of her circumstances and navigate a world that is foreign to her.
Along the way, she meets several interesting characters, including the brooding Beast and the charming Prince, both of whom represent contrasting ideas of love and trust. Oak’s writing is superb, and her ability to conjure up vivid imagery and create complex characters is commendable.
The setting, a fantastical world loosely based on France, is richly detailed, and the author paints a picture of a society rife with class disparities and rigid social norms. While the novel’s premise is heavily inspired by the fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, Oak infuses her own unique twists and turns, and readers will appreciate the nods to classic literature and mythology scattered throughout the book.
The story takes on a greater significance when viewed through a contemporary lens, and the author’s exploration of issues like power dynamics, the concept of beauty, and societal expectations is both poignant and impactful. There are some minor inconsistencies in the plot, and some readers may find certain scenes repetitive.
However, Oak’s writing is captivating enough to overlook these flaws, and the author deftly weaves together various subplots that culminate in a satisfying conclusion. Overall, Beauty is a must-read for fans of the romance and erotica genres, as well as for those looking for a thought-provoking story that transcends the classic tropes of the genre.
Oak’s writing is top-notch, and her exploration of complex themes is both nuanced and engrossing. The novel is a testament to the author’s skill and creativity, and readers will be left eagerly waiting for her next work.
