Bitterburn
Ann Aguirre
Series: Gothic Fairytales #1
Bitterburn is one of the best books I’ve read this year; in the last few years. It’s the best Beauty and the Beast re-telling I’ve ever read. Ann Aguirre is at the top of her game, and I’m loving every moment.
My first exposure to Ann Aguirre was when my (now) wife urged and badgered me to read the Sirantha Jax series. The depth and breadth of that series, the world, the plot, and the characters in it blew me away. I’m here to tell you, Ann Aguirre’s storytelling only gets better.
This is the Beauty and the Beast retelling that I’ve always wanted, and never really could articulate. Amarrah and Njål both have healing to do. The slow way that they get to know each other, trust each other, and work together is beautiful.
I loved that there wasn’t a huge twist on the trust. Neither took advantage of the other. It also, somehow, sidestepped the potential-Stockholm-syndrome which these retellings (and the original) often fall into. We’re left with a beautiful, slow-burn romance of two people learning each other, trusting each other, and falling in love.
Honestly, Bitterburn was a pure joy to read, and I look forward to reading it again and again in the future.
YAAAASSSSS. I’m so happy you loved it too! I’m thinking of making a “Books I Wish More People Would Read” YouTube video, and this would definitely be on the list.
You definitely should! This book deserves so much attention! It was such a pleasure and joy to read.
I’m so thankful you recommended it to me!!