The Beast Within, part of Serena Valentino's Disney Villains series, aims to provide an intriguing backstory for the Beast from Beauty and the Beast. While Valentino's exploration of the Beast's past offers insight into the character's psyche and motivations, the narrative often feels flat and lacks the depth needed to fully engage readers. That’s why it took so long for me to actually finish this book.
Despite some creative interpretations of the Beast's cursed world and vivid descriptions, the story's pacing suffers from slow and uneventful stretches. This causes the plot to lose momentum and makes it difficult for readers to remain invested in the story. Additionally, some readers might find that the characterization of the Beast and other characters does not always align with their portrayals in the original animated movie, leading to a sense of disconnect.
Overall, The Beast Within has its moments of intrigue and creativity, but it falls short in maintaining a captivating narrative throughout. Fans of the Disney Villains series and those who enjoy retellings of fairy tales may still find the book worth reading for its unique perspective on the Beast's backstory. However, readers should be prepared for a story that, at times, fails to live up to its potential.