A gender-swapped retelling of the classic fairytale “Beauty and the Beast”, Curses had a lot of potential, but not a lot of power. I had high hopes for this one, but was let down as the story lost steam midway through and the ending felt rushed and slightly ridiculous. I hate putting effort and time into something, just to be disappointed by the end.

Thank you to Penguin Teen for sending an eARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes included in this review are from an unfinished copy of the book.

Content Warnings: confinement, alcohol consumption, drug use, violence, emotional abuse (parental), body horror, deception, blood

Overall Rating: 2.75 / 5
Characters: 3.5 / 5
Writing: 3 / 5
Setting: 2.25 / 5
Plot: 2 / 5
Romance: 3.25 / 5

After invoking the wrath of a Godling, Merit is cursed to become a beast forever unless she marries someone of her mother’s choosing before her eighteenth birthday. Enter Tevin, a swindler. After Tevin’s mother trades him to the beast in exchange for her own freedom, they strike a deal: Tevin will help Merit choose the best match and prevent her from being deceived


When I heard Curses was a genderbent Beauty and the Beast retelling, I knew I had to read it. While Curses provides a unique twist, the story was executed somewhat messily and didn’t live up to its potential.
Overall, the writing style didn’t stand out, but I enjoyed the humorous moments sprinkled throughout the book. McBride also crafts notable characters with distinct personalities, and I didn’t have any trouble distinguishing between important side characters. I particularly enjoyed reading about Tevin and his cousin. It also was a pleasant surprise that at least one side character is sapphic and another uses they/them pronouns. One other aspect I enjoyed was the discussion around Godling’s curses sometimes being gifts in disguise.

But ultimately, Curses didn’t live up to my expectations. Some areas of the story that were largely explored in the story didn’t amount to much- such as Tevin teaching Merit how to detect when other people were lying. There were other instances in which something felt like foreshadowing, but never came into play. In some chapters, POV changes were choppy and didn’t flow. Another character’s point of view I would’ve preferred to have been taken out of the story entirely. If hints had been dropped, this POV could have been dropped while keeping the plot the same, and I think the story wouldn’t have dragged as much.

I also wanted more from Merit- I wanted there to be a moment or opportunity for her to save herself. Instead, her curse required her fate to be dependent on someone else, and this was a source of frustration for me throughout the entire book. I really struggled with the way Merit was often portrayed as a damsel in distress and needed to be saved.

I have mixed feelings about the world-building of the book. I really enjoyed the concept of magic meeting technology. It set a steampunk kind of vibe, but I’m not sure it was suited for this story. While intriguing, it felt off-center because it didn’t fit the story. There were other aspects that were interesting as well, for example, flying badgers.

Handsome and the Beast
When I was little, one of my favorite Disney movies was Beauty and the Beast…probably because Belle had brown hair and was obsessed with the written word, just like me. In later years, the idea that true love has the power to restore and renew made the tale relevant all over again (ignoring the theories that Belle actually suffered from Stockholm Syndrome, of course). So, imagine my delight in reading Curses, in which the Beast is a stubborn, well educated female, after my own heart…and in which the Beauty is a charming, handsome young man from the wrong side of the tracks, who has every reason to take advantage of the Beast, but doesn’t. If I had to describe Curses in one word, it would be fun; it’s a true lark of a journey from start to finish, full of witty banter, astute observations about human nature, and creative updates to old fairy tale mores.

See the source image
What I Loved: The romance between Merit and Tevin is predictable, in that it follows the arc you would expect from a fairy tale adaptation, but it is told with such honesty and mirth that it seems fresh and new. Both characters are well developed and relatable, and I found myself rooting for them together, and individually, right away. The supporting cast of characters are similarly well thought out and inclusive, including a non-binary healer and F/F couple. The redemption tales of several of the story’s villains are also not only heart-warming, but believable. But, prior to their redemption, they are very easy to feel nothing by disdain for, which is the mark of truly good writing.

What I Didn’t Love: The only thing that annoyed me a little, was that towards the end things seemed to drag a little bit. I felt impatient for the story to wrap up, rather than like I was sitting on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what would happen. But, the actual ending made the wait worth it.

Overall, you cannot go wrong with this book if you are looking for some escapist fiction, that is good, clean fun. It is definitely one you could read together with middle school and high school age kiddos, and I will be encouraging all the media specialists in my life to get this one for their school libraries.

"Curses": 4⭐

(Unpaid Review: thank you to @netgalley, @prhinternational and @lishmcbride for allowing me to read this eArc copy in exchange for a review.)

I absolutely love Beauty and The Beast, it's one of the most passionate and sweet love stories there are. Instantly, I felt drawn to this story and absolutely loved it! The gender swap idea was genious and really well-developed.

This retelling was absolutely incredible, dark and magical! It wasn't a 5⭐ for me only because I thought the characters could be developed a bit more and given more screen time! However, that's only my opinion!

Curses was fantastic and entertaining YA fantasy and retelling of Beauty and Beast about curses, friendship, family, manipulation, deception, trust, social class differences, accepting yourself, hope and love.

Writing was beautiful with timeless feel to it. Story was written in third person narrative from alternative perspective of Merit and Tevin. It was set in 1880s with world of faeries, mages, and curses that made it atmospheric.

Plot was fun and adventurous. It revolved around Merit Craven and her curse she got from fairy godling when she was 15 for refusing to marry old suitor of her mother’s choosing that turned her into beast. She needed to get rid of curse before she turns 18 (which was only weeks away) or else the curse would be permeant. For that either she had to marry a suitor of her mother’s choosing or someone who loved her which was least likely in her beastly form. But when thief who tried to steal medicine that helped with curse traded her son, Tevin Dumont, to Merit she made agreement with Tevin. Tevin had gift of charm, he could read people well, and was con artist. He could help her find best match and avoid suitors like her past lover who betrayed her but they didn’t expect was fall for each other. It was interesting to read how Merit will find suitors, how Tevin will help her learn to have trust again, and if she will marry for love or choose one of the suitors.

This was more character driven and there were so many characters. They were all realistic and interesting to read. Both Tevin and Merit were like characters we used to read in YA fantasy and yet I loved them both.

Merit was smart, kind, rebellious, and kick ass heroine who didn’t like to be controlled and like kids of this age she blamed others for her mistakes and bad decisions. But even with that flaw, it was easy empathise with her. we see so many side of her as story progressed. I could feel her pain, guilt, anger, and regret over betrayal from her ex-lover and her mother. She saw drawbacks that came with curse but over the time she learned to appreciate perks of being beast. She grew a lot with her curse, learned to be confident, use her power and held her head high. I loved how being with Tevin she learned to trust and love again. But as her birthday was drawing closer we see desperation as well that muddled her mind and decision that created good turns and drama.

Tevin was my most favourite character. He was charming, handsome, clever, witty, and skilled con-man with heart of gold. I loved him for his love for his siblings and cousin. I felt for him and at the same time admired him for going through so much hardship and struggle, for tolerating his parents and doing jobs he wasn’t proud of to protect his siblings and give them better future. I didn’t expect him to be so honest and straight with Merit from the beginning. I loved how being with Merit made him want to be better man, worthy of her love, and didn’t try to swindle anything or anyone while he was with her.

I enjoyed secondary characters. I was surprised author included LGBTQ characters as well. I have to say all parental figures were selfish and complex who used their kid for their own gain.

Dumont family were dysfunctional skilled thieves and grifters. I didn’t like Tevin’s parents. They were so manipulative, selfish and money grabbers that they would trade their kids for money or get out of trouble. Tevin’s siblings- Kate and Amaury were amazing and they grew on me as story progressed. I loved Amaury’s serious but sarcastic nature. He spoke few words but whenever he opened his mouth, he made me smile. Val was my second favourite. She was Tevin’s cousin, a lively, loud mouth lesbian and loyal friend. I loved her for sticking with Tevin in all condition and pushing him whenever he needed a nudge.

I loved Merit’s freinds- Ellery– Merit’s healer, nonbinary character; Kaiya– Merit’s guard; and Willa and Diadora – they were cursed and priceless. Merit’s mother was not likable at first. She was smart, clever and formidable lady and her relationship with Merit was complex with so many things unsaid and gone wrong, but as story progressed I could see her different side and could see her love for Merit.

Merit’s suitors were interesting to read. Both Freddie and Cedric were hilarious. Latimer was narcissist and mindless order follower of his parents who were cunning and evil but he surprised me in climax.

Though this was a fantasy there was less worldbuilding. World wasn’t explained much. We jump into the world of faery godlings who could gift or curse, mages who couldn’t curse but invented magical things that were real life modern things with enchantment-trains, mirror as phone, lamps etc., and humans divided in commoners and those with faery blood that created social and class differences. It was interesting to read about Caen’s bloom that removed the curse for few hours.

Best part of the book was sense of competition between Merit’s suitors, balls and dinners, Merit and Tevin’s visit to fair, and journey through enchanted forest after climax. All dialogues were fabulous, they made me smile and laugh often. I enjoyed banter and conversations between characters. I liked the message of accepting mistakes and learning from it and how curse can also be a gift depending on perspective.

Romance was lovely and slow burn. I liked author took time in developing romance, making both characters know each other first, becoming friends, eventually developing feelings, and realising they loved each other almost near climax. It made the romance realistic and believable. I also enjoyed that there was less drama and no miscommunication and misunderstanding trope.

There weren’t big twist and turns or mystery. We know intentions of villains very early in story and we could see where story was going and yet I enjoyed reading them. What surprised me was what happened between climax and end and lots of things happened in this last 20-30% of the book. I wasn’t expecting a journey in this part, all scheming and plans, and confrontations. I loved Tevin for standing up against his parents, Latimer also surprised me and loved how all things turned out. It was fun and entertaining. End was lovely, uplifting and happily-ever-after.

Overall, Curses was entertaining, adventurous, and very well written well executed Beauty and Beast retelling with lots of characters, good message and lovely romance.

I highly recommend this if you love,
Retellings
Fantasy with less worldbuilding
more character driven
classic feel
rogue hero and kickass heroine
slow burn romance
balls and gowns
Less drama
No usual romance tropes
witty characters and dialogues

The cover drew me in as did the retelling of Beauty and the Beast; one of my favorites stories since I was a little girl. This story was entertaining and I loved the role reversal.

I really enjoyed the way this fairy tale got turned on it's head. Love the sort of loose Bridgerton era it's set in as well. I like Tevin and his family, well, the parents are a bit much. Fairies are crabby and easily irritated, so mind your manners!

Who doesn't love a Beauty and The Beast retelling. Well I do and I was all for it, especially when the roles are reversed. Romance was lacking and the world building wasn't that great, the pacing was slow but it was still and entertaining read.

Thank you PenguinTeen for the earc in exchange for an honest review.

More like 3.5, but not enough to bump up to 4 stars,

CURSES was pretty enjoyable and certainly had entertainment value. It's a fun and quirky, gender-swapped retelling of Beauty and the Beast that reads like a fairytale with a splash of Bridgerton vibes. The book's strongest point is clearly it's characters, with grumpy heiress Merit cursed to turn into a beast permanently unless she either falls in love or marries a man of her mother's choosing, and Tevin, a charming conman enlisted by Merit to help her find a husband. Lot's of hijinks ensue and of course these crazy kids fall in love, even though that isn't in the plan. CURSES has a really strong sense of humor and reads much like a critique of that patriarchal marriage obsessed culture that Merit inhabits. I liked the antagonistic and sarcastic dynamic that Tevin and Merit have and the slow-burn romance that simmers between them as Merit searches for a husband to break her curse. I thought the stakes here for Merit were compelling and added urgency to her quest. Tevin was funny and irreverently clever and that is the kind of male LI that I can always get behind. There's banter for days in this book which is great. I also really enjoyed all of the side characters with their peculiarities and the way they support Merit and Tevin. My big issue with this book is that outside of what is happening in the main plot and some minor details here and there, I felt like the world-building in this book was inconsistent and lacking. A lot of elements felt thrown into it and I had a hard time picturing what was happening. I felt like I had no greater view of the bigger world Merit and Tavin inhabit nor am I able to picture it with details provided. So without that as a strength, I can't really rate this book higher even though I found it enjoyable, but sassy characters and banter does not a book make.

I don't know if my brain is in post-covid or what, but when I first started reading Curses I was sure it had 280 pages. In fact, that is the reason why I picked it up in the first place. I wanted a short book that I would finish quickly.
However, as I was reading, the story went on and on and on... (I read it on kindle) and after I finally finished it it said it has 480 pages, which makes much more sense, as it dragged.

The story is gender swapped retelling of Beauty and the Beast, with cast of characters that have potential to capture your heart.

I can't honestly remember when was the ast time I read about characters I can see myself wanting to revisit, because I find them so likeable and like I know them in a way.
It was probably years ago, back when I was reading Vampire Academy, Iron Fay and Clockwork Angel for the first time.

My favourites were Tavin and his cousin (Val I think, but don't quote me on that, I am terrible when it comes to remembering the names).

The story started off good and I was very excited, very invested into all that was happening, especially in all the characters making connections with each other.
There was a scene involving Tavin and one other female character that was NOT Merit, and their chemistry was so strong you could cut it with a knife. I wished for them two to be with each other, but I guess the author had another plan...

Closer to the middle the story started to drag and I lost the motivation to continue with reading (with pace I read with at the very start), and then as we got closer to the end, the story became little... ridiculous I would say.
At times it felt rushed, and the motive and the way the villain wanted to reach their goal were illogical to me.

This is the Beauty and the Beast retelling I've been waiting for! I'm always down to read this trope, and in my opinion, Lish McBride did a great job with it. I can't wait to see what this author writes next!

This was such an enjoyable book! This is a Beauty and the Beast inspired story (but gender-flipped) following Merit who is cursed into a beast until she marries either a man of her mother's choosing or for love. Tevin, our other main character, is a con artist and teams up with Merit to find her the best match. The characters in this book were so well written and vivid, I loved each of their perspectives and found them to be a lot of fun to follow. There's some clever dialogue that had me chuckling and in general the interactions between our characters was lots of fun. There is also a nonbinary side character and a lesbian side character so there's no shortage of diversity in this book. I also really enjoyed the fantasy world itself, it is a completely different land from ours but it's easy to understand and never info-dumpy but has some entertaining politics and political figures mentioned throughout. The ending was chaotic (in a good way) and so much fun and I was very satisfied with this book overall! I would highly recommend this one, I wish I'd gotten to it sooner lol

I love retellings and wanted to love this book but it was just too slow for me. If you like beauty and the beast retellings you 'll enjoy it!

I did not finish this. I'm sorry :(

I loved the first chapter. I thought the idea of "gifts" was fascinating. But I found it hard to keep reading after the point of view changed. This is why I did not review the book publicly anywhere. The premise genuinely sounds interesting, and I think lots of people will enjoy this book. It just wasn't for me.

Curses by Lish McBride is a gender swapped Beauty and the Beast retelling that had me from the get go. Big thanks to the PenguinTeen and Netgalley for allowing me early access to this title!

As my friend said, this is the best case of surprise gays! Merit Craven is cursed to be a beast for defying her mother's wishes to get married. Tevin Dumont is forced to help her and that's the last thing he wants to do. Tevin escorts Merit to her events but I found it so difficult to root for her in finding a husband when I hated her mother so much in the beginning. I loved the relationships Merit builds with Tevin and her friends. I found the world building to be complex, with lots of mythical creatures to keep the readers engaged in this world. I would have loved to see more exploration of the seven kingdoms, maybe getting some in the future??? I loved the healing between Merit and her mother, though they have a complicated relationship, I do see they love each other.

Very interesting and gripping story! I thought this was beautifully written and flowed easily! I thought this really was done well in a way that held my interest from beginning to end!

3.5 Stars

TW: parental abuse, drug use, mild body horror, blood, attempted murder

For the most part I really did enjoy this book!

Merit has been cursed. She has been cursed to be a beast until her 18th birthday when she marries a suitor of her mother's choosing or marries for love.

Tevin has been blessed with the gift of charm and with this gift he cons his way through life. He uses his gift to provide for his con artist family.

When Tevin's mother gets caught by the beast (Merit), she trades her place for Tevin's. Now Tevin must help Merit pick the best suitor in order to break her curse.

This book is promoted as a beauty and the beast retelling but I really don't see the similarities. Merit gets cursed and turns into a beast, thats really where the similarities end. There is no kidnapping, Stockholm Syndrome, or talking appliances. It's really just loosely and I mean loosely based on the tale.

The story. never really got too deep and emotional. The characters felt a bit flat and one dimensional at times but overall it was a fun cute read. I would say it's on the younger end of the YA spectrum.

Curses is easily one of the most original and entertaining Beauty & the Beast retellings that I’ve read in a long time (which is not surprise because Lish McBride’s books are always amazing). Since it’s always hard to review five star books, I’m just going to list five reasons you should read this book:

1) Innovative retelling of Beauty and the Beast that somehow manages to totally exclude the whole Stockholm syndrome aspect
2) A family of thieves with very few morals
3) Found family!
4) Heartwarming plot that perfectly balances the absurd and the emotional (to great hilarity)
5) Distinctive + well-developed characters (including secondary ones!)

Overall, Curses is a fresh and unique retelling of this classic! If you’re looking for a YA fantasy that will make you smile while giving you all the feels, I definitely recommend picking this one up.

Full thoughts can be read here: https://twincitiesgeek.com/2021/08/romance-and-humor-strike-the-perfect-notes-in-curses/. I loved this one!

Thank you so much to Penguin Teen for sending me a finished copy for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

"That's the funny thing about curses," she said. "From the right perspective, they look an awful lot like gifts."

3.75 out of 5 stars

This story is a gender bent beauty and the beast retelling that strays away from the original fairy tale in positive ways and keeps enough of the tale to give that nostalgic feel. Merit is cursed and has to marry a man of her mother's choosing in order to break the curse OR someone has to truly love her. Tevin is a con man with a fairy gift for charm. After his mother is caught stealing from Merit's grounds, she is thrown in jail and proceeds to trade Tevin for her freedom. Merit has Tevin work off his mother's crime by being her wing man and helping her find a husband that isn't anything like a con man.

What I liked:
The romance between our MCs in this book was really cute; Think the dynamic between Demetri and Anastasia with the plot line of The Princess Diaries 2. I absolutely loved the sibling and friendship dynamics in this. Tevin and Val are cousins but are so loyal to each other. Val is a masc, sapphic, gunslinging sidekick who knows a thing or two about humor and charming the ladies. Their banter alone kept me giggling throughout the entire book. I would read a book just about Tevin and Val's side adventures. Merit has a great team that consists of Ellery (healer) and Kaiya (guard) who bring such a fun aspect to their group. The found family trope is heavy in this book when worlds collide and I loved every second of it. There are a few romantic subplots that were adorable outside of the main plot line. I feel like all of the side characters really held their own and you rooted for them every step of the way. This reads as a "low" fantasy, character driven story and I appreciated that. The magic system was really interesting and I wanted more from that.

What I didn't like:
I couldn't figure out what time we were functioning in. The world building didn't have to be heavy to make this story work but some more explanation on the world we were traveling through would have been helpful. It seems to be a more steam punk type kingdom. There was machinery ran by mage power that industrialized the kingdom but then there was also a lot of old time kingdom references. The language in this book went from very dated customary language to modern language a few times as well which further confused the time era. This book had a REALLY cool magic system weaved into it but not enough explanation, IMO, about how that magic worked or why. The parents in this story were the villains and played their parts perfectly. I wish we could've seen a more satisfying retribution for the characters that suffered at the hands of the parents.

Overall, I'd recommend this book! Also, I really want to go have tea and coffee with Ellery, Val, Kaiya, Wilhemina, and Diadora.