The Bibliophile's Bookshelf

Title: Sisters Ever After- The Last Rose

Series: Sisters Ever After #4

Author: Leah Cypess

Genre: Middle Grade, Retelling, Fantasy, Family

Rating: 4 stars

Review:

This is the story of Mera, the only one who can save her older sister when she is kidnapped by the Beast, who viciously rules over their small village. For as long as she can remember, Mera and her sister, Darina, have feared the Beast who lurks in the castle above their village. On many nights they have locked themselves in their home while the Beast led his hounds on the Wild Hunt, preying on anything in their path. Now Darina has been kidnapped by the Beast, and only Mera can save her. But she soon learns that nothing in the Beast’s magic-haunted, eerie castle is quite what it seems, including her own sister. Here, Mera will learn what has bound her village to the Beast for centuries. But to set them all free, Mera must confront the most dangerous secret: the truth about herself.

This book was actually super interesting.

I did notice with this book that there really hasn’t been any strong parental figures in this series. Mera’s grandmother was in this book, so that was something I did enjoy. Having a strong adult figure is something I think should be in most books. Mera and Darina’s father was also in this book, but he was problematic. He was the father we are seeing more and more in media, where he essentially abandoned the family and shows up rarely. He also really only pays attention to Darina. Mera has animosity towards her father, which I completely understand. She does try to repair their relationship though.

I have seen many things pertaining to Stockholm syndrome and the story of Beauty and the Beast. This book acknowledged it! I thought it was wonderful that Mera thought her sister couldn’t possibly be in love with the Beast after four months. I find this much more realistic.

I also really love the difference of what the Beast is. He is still part man, part animal, but he also controls the Hounds. The Hounds are people who can turn from human to wolf, but the Beast has forced them to remain in their hound form. He also takes humans from the village to turn into a hound.

I also loved the twist with Mera. I won’t spoil it, much as I want to. But I loved it and the complexities it added to the story.

I also loved the twist on Gaston. Instead of being insufferable and arrogant and just overall horrible, the Gaston of this story was the town bard-in-training who genuinely loved Darina and was completely respectful to her.

I didn’t really like Darina. She was completely obsessed with the Beast and wouldn’t listen to anyone. I wished there was a little bit more of Darina and Mera having positive interactions.

This is the only book I have read in this series that I have wanted this, but I kind of wanted Darina’s perspective. I want to know more about how the Beast and her fell in love.

Overall, The Last Rose was a fun retelling of Beauty and the Beast, with a unique twist!