Unbound is well written and well structured, but I am not the ideal audience for this book. Unbound is very plot-first, told in a direct and simple style, the way you would expect myths to be passed down orally. I prefer books that are focused on character development with more lyrical writing, so I was disappointed.

The characters end the book in much the same place as they started with regard to their desires and choices. The only difference I see is that Roslyn is better at controlling her powers in the end, but she doesn't even really seem to struggle to get there. Throughout the story, she continually gains more control as she wins battle after battle. It's hard for me to root for a character who never loses.

I also would not position this book as a fantasy with romance. It's more of a fantasy with banter. The conversational games between Jamie and Roslyn are fun and funny, but overall the story lacks the tension, longing, and romantic kisses that I would expect from a strong romantic subplot. The scenes that are supposed to be romantic were not compelling for me.

I loved the premise and the incorporation of Irish myth and folklore, and I appreciate a book that doesn't end with a powerful woman giving up her power. This book will appeal to fans of Hannah Whitten more so than fans of Rebecca Ross (with regard to the romance, at least). If you love a straightforward fantasy quest, a feminist retelling, or characters with witty banter, you'll enjoy this book.

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!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of Unbound! I really enjoyed this book—once I was a few chapters in, I simply couldn’t stop reading. Overall, I found the story to be original and compelling. It kept me on my toes throughout and I truly didn’t know what was going to happen in the end. However, I will say that the novel’s advertising as a gender-bent Beauty & The Beast does undermine its true content a bit—the story evolves into something much more complex than that, in my opinion. Additionally, as someone unfamiliar with Irish mythology and folklore, I thought the novel provided a broad but encapsulating introduction to it, and I’m already eager to learn more about it! The only issue I really had with this book was the pacing at the end. You know when you look at the amount of chapters left and think to yourself, how is the story going to resolve with so little of it left? While some authors can work within that space, I didn’t feel that this novel successfully did so. It seemed as if the author was torn between honoring her protagonist’s wishes and the traditional happily ever after. While an in-between was found, I wasn’t so sure that it did fulfill the protagonist’s wishes. Overall, despite some faltering towards the end, it was a great read and one I’d highly recommend to those interested in Irish mythology!

Reading the book description again after finishing the book, I can say that I don't see the "gender-bent reimagining of the classic tale of a monstrous beast and the beauty" 🤷‍♀️
What I see though is a unique and beautiful story based on Irish mythology and folklore, beautifully written and yes, again, unique 😁🥰

5 stars

~ I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own ~

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

A really well-done Beauty and the Beast retelling. There are a ton of retellings out there, but this one had a great take on it.

Great book, written well and enjoyed most parts of it. It's definitely one of the better retellings I've read recently, and enjoyed the mix of fantasy, romance and a bit of violence

Wonderful mashup of known fairytales, irish lore, and new characters who light up the pages of this bok.

I just want to say... I love Rozi's vibes.
She is a badass heroine, but not in a bitchy kind of way. She didn't mock people out of spite, or thinking she is better than everyone else. She worked so hard for her power, and I love how she stands up for herself and fight for her own happiness.
Love all the little myth and tales too!

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!

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review. The following opinions are my own.

Another retelling of Beauty and The Beast but with genders reversed. I don't remember honestly when I asked for this. But I did not enjoy it. I'm sure there are other people who would though.

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.

I am going to buy this book for at least 3 people.

Thanks netgalley and Blackstone for this ARC!

In Eire of old, a curse is placed at birth on Princess Rozlyn, to become a beast that ravages her kingdom, prophecized to only be broken when she meets her match. But please, dont think this is a sweet fairy tale- rozlyn is tough as nails and learns to love her beastly powers, and wield them, even against jamie, the man who won and then broke her heart. The two must work together despite their constant clashing to free the old gods and save the world....if they can survive each other.

I wish this wasnt quoted as a gender bent fairy tale...that term just turns me off and this book is so ding dang good, it deserves to just be enjoyed in its own right. I LOVE the banter between rozi and jamie-hell, i just love jamie to BITS. The scatter gaelic, the myths interspersed, the bad bitch main character....this is just a great book and i really really love it.

"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.

Unfortunately, this one wasn't holding my interest. Non-linear timelines drive me crazy and I just didn't feel invested in Roz, Jamie, their twisted fairy tale dysfunction. DNF at chapter 5

"Unbound" by Christy Healy is a spellbinding and imaginative retelling of a classic tale, infused with the rich tapestry of Irish mythology and folklore. This gender-bent reimagining breathes new life into a beloved story, delivering a captivating narrative that weaves together elements of romance, fantasy, and dark intrigue.

At the heart of the story is Rozlyn Ó Conchúir, a character whose longing for freedom and the defeat of the Beast of Connacht drives her to hope for a heroic savior. Christy Healy masterfully portrays Rozlyn's determination and resilience as she awaits her destiny, trapped in her tower. Readers will be drawn to Rozlyn's strength and her desire to break the curse that plagues her land.

The introduction of Jamie, a charming and compelling suitor, adds depth to the narrative and ignites hope in Rozlyn's heart. Their burgeoning romance is beautifully depicted, and readers will find themselves invested in their relationship. However, as the plot unfolds and trust is betrayed, the story takes unexpected and darker turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

One of the novel's standout features is its lush and evocative setting rooted in Irish mythology. Christy Healy's vivid descriptions bring the world of Connacht to life, immersing readers in a world filled with magic, mythical creatures, and ancient legends. The author's deep appreciation for Irish folklore shines through, enriching the narrative with authenticity and wonder.

The pacing of "Unbound" is expertly executed, with a gradual buildup of tension and suspense that keeps readers engaged throughout. As sinister threats emerge and secrets are unveiled, the story's stakes are raised, making it impossible to put the book down.

The novel delves into themes of trust, betrayal, and the consequences of breaking curses, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. It challenges traditional fairy tale conventions, offering a thought-provoking exploration of the consequences of seeking freedom and defying destiny.

Christy Healy's writing is lyrical and enchanting, perfectly suited to the magical world she has created. Her prose is both elegant and immersive, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the story's enchanting atmosphere.

In conclusion, "Unbound" is a stellar reimagining of a classic tale, skillfully blending elements of romance, fantasy, and mythology. Christy Healy's masterful storytelling, rich world-building, and well-drawn characters make this novel a must-read for fans of fairy tale retellings and fantasy. Prepare to be transported to a world of enchantment and suspense, where curses and destiny collide in an unforgettable narrative.

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!

I heard gender flipped Beauty & the Beast and Irish myths and I was in! "Unbound" thoroughly delivers on both of those promises, with Irish myths infused throughout, nesting box style, and a strong, complicated main character who struggles to control her power and come to terms with the monster within her. I loved Rozlyn and Jamie's dynamic, and the beautiful writing kept me hooked all the way to the story's epic conclusion.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc! Opinions are my own.

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.

I wasn't sure what to expect going into this one, but I'm so glad I requested a copy! One thing that really stood out to me in this book was the timelines and perspective changes. The first part of the book has the past narrated by Rozlyn, and the present narrated by Jamie. Once Rozlyn and Jamie meet again, the present starts being narrated by Rozlyn, and the past by Jamie. I thought this was such a neat setup and it really worked well with the plot and the two characters' histories. The pacing was very unique and unlike anything I've read before.
I really appreciated Rozlyn as a sort of unlikeable, prickly, and strong woman. I liked that she didn't want to give up her power and wouldn't even for the man she loved.
This book is very rich in legends and mythology, and according to the author's note, it's loosely based on an actual myth.