The Musician and the Monster: A gothic Beauty and the Beast retelling (Ever After)
by Megan Van DykeAbout this book
In a city haunted by a monster, a grieving musician makes a deal with a broody and reclusive nobleman that may either heal or doom them both. A gothic fantasy romance where a dark and whimsical retelling of Beauty and the Beast meets haunting romance and musical themes of The Phantom of the Opera in a Regency-esque setting like Bridgerton but with magic. Music is Ceridwen Kinsley’s only escape from grief after the death of her mother. Each night she plays from the rooftop of their crumbling home—unaware her haunting songs reach the ears of the city’s most reclusive noble. Drystan Winterbourne, disgraced noble and reluctant Lord Protector, is supposed to hunt the monster stalking the city. He’s failing. But the music that drifts across the rooftops soothes the darkness clawing inside him. When the musician herself is attacked, he makes a reckless offer: become his live-in musician. She’ll be safe. And she’ll be his. For Ceridwen, moving into the eerie manor of a brooding recluse is scandalous enough. Yet the promise of coin for her family—and medicine for her ailing father—is too tempting to refuse. What begins as a simple arrangement soon deepens into dangerous intimacy. Desire grows where neither expected it, and every moment together blurs the lines of duty, class, and restraint. But within the manor’s walls lie haunting secrets, and if they come to light, they will shatter more than just their fragile hearts. This series is complete, and should appeal to fans of romantic and atmospheric retellings and fairy tales by authors such as Hannah Whitten, Tessonja Odette, and Stephanie Garber.
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What readers are saying
MelindaExciting Beauty and the Beast tale
"This story has many of the elements of the widely recognized Beauty and the Beast tale. There is a once well-off family that has become impoverished, and the youngest daughter desperate to save her family willingly leaves them to live with a "beast." Ceridwen starts off meek and quiet, never wanting to be noticed. She used to dream of playing music in front of grand crowds but lost her hopes after her mother's death. Her character is lost and floundering to understand what is going on around her for much of the book, but her ignorance is only because she is kept in the dark no matter how many answers she tries to uncover. Drystan is struggling with controlling the monster that is terrorizing the remote town he has been banished to while also working on a secret plan. He doesn't trust anyone, but his time with Ceridwen, listening to her play her flute, talking to her, and just being near her has him wishing for a different life. The first 2/3rd of the story is paced in a.way that lulls the reader in, thinking you know what is going to happen. The last 1/3rd of the stroy has a few surprises and a lot of action. This is also where a spicy scene occurs. There is a second NSFW scene, but it is only available through a link from the author. Overall, this was an incredibly well crafted story that pays homage to the Beauty and the Beast tale while also presenting itself as a unique story. ["
May 17, 2024 Verified Purchase
Amanda FraserCouldn't put this book down
"Such a fun retelling of Beauty and the Beast! Loved this story! ["
May 9, 2026 Verified Purchase