Depravity

A Beastly Tale, Book 1

By: M.J. Haag

Narrated by: Sierra Kline

Benella is concerned with two things - avoiding the two village boys who torment her and scrounging for food to help feed her family. Unfortunately the best wild fruit and vegetables are near the walls of the estate, a dark, misty place inhabited by an unforgiving beast.

When her tormentors lock her behind the massive gates, Benella knows her fate is sealed. Yet the fate isn't one she expects. Her encounter with the beast starts a bizarre cycle of bargaining for her freedom, a freedom the beast seems determined to see her lose.

A classic fairy tale with a seductively dark new twist, the A Beastly Tale saga begins with Depravity.

Intended for mature listeners due to sexual situations and moderate language. This book is one of three in the series.

©2015 Shattered Glass Publishing LLC (P)2016 Shattered Glass Publishing LLC

lovely take on a beauty and beast tale

I love the new twist on this beauty and the beast tale i love how innocent ir starts off cant wait to continue this series

Disappointing

Is there anything you would change about this book?

The entire book is a set up for the second book - the story never really progresses but recycles the same scenarios until the ending where it begins to move the story along to set up the second book. I hate books like these. When you write a series you have to give each book a story that has a start, middle, and ending while having the larger story end on a cliff hanger. This book wasn't good enough to entice me to read the remaining ones in the series.

Great adult twist on Beaty and the beast.

Ummmmm this book is awesome, captured me right from the start. I can’t help but hold out hope that Benella, rears back and pop both her sisters right in the face.

Wonderful weekend audiobook series!

I just finished this series on audio & had to circle back to book 1 to give my rating for potential listeners to see!

I read this series & I had to get the audio books! Not disappointed at all. The narrator fits the characters well & she was able to capture the characters' emotions in her voice. Quite a lovely listen. Definitely a series to listen to over a relaxing weekend. There was just enough character & environmental building that made you use your imagination without being exhaustive.

*** Potential SPOILERS ***

This series is as the author describes: a Beauty & the Beast tale. It's a twist on the original with an enjoyable storyline about a girl who teaches the beast about kindness while she learns not to let said kindness be her weakness. I felt like there was some inclusion of Cinderella within the story; which added an extra dimension of immersion for character building. Benella may frustrate you in the beginning, by her lack of telling anyone of her troubles with the town bullies; but the reason is revealed as the story progresses & makes the whole situation worth the wait!

*** Book 3 SPOILERS ***


I only wish a bit more closure could of been given for the future of the estate, Rose (& her aliases lol), Bly, Cornwall, & offspring of the characters. Given the way these situations ended, one could only assume things went well; but the estate was not financially stable nor was the town. One aspect I was never sure of was Rose. How did she come to be? Is her "skillset" common? (not trying to say too much in case others miss the spoiler warning). Where did she go? Her existence in the storyline is explained through the actions of Alec's mother; but the story's world isn't explained as being in the "paranormal" realm so how is she possible? No matter how I try to incision the answers to these questions myself, I cannot get them to make sense (given the world the story takes place in). Especially since the towns are aware of the curse yet no one seems bothered by the existence of someone capable of creating said curse. Just feels strange lol.

A Story I Already Loved in a New Medium

What did you love best about Depravity?

I like the retelling of a classic story in a new, more adult format. I like how MJ wasn't afraid to stray away from the classical telling of the story to put in her own creative license, because at the end of the day it made for a better novel (especially when you read all three books... or listen in this case... back to back).

What did you like best about this story?

Every. single. thing. about it.

What about Sierra Kline’s performance did you like?

The voice actress for this was wonderful. I always imagined Benella as British so it was wonderful seeing that reflected in the voicing of this novel. I loved her distinctive voices for each character (especially that of the Baker, lol!) and I really respected her consistency throughout the novel. One thing I will mention is that when I first heard her voice, I imagined one of the Whispering Sisters (seen in book 2 I think...) than Benella. Sierra Kline's voice is very sensual which is not how I imagined naive Benella at all. Once I got used to it though it wasn't a problem at all.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The ending.... I wont say more than that!

Any additional comments?

I was given this audio book in exchange for a review! I had previously read Depravity, as well as the novellas that followed, so I already knew the story going into it. It was a wonderful listen regardless!

Great! !

I'm glad I used my credit on this one. It was not child like in anyway

Great story

What a great take on the Beauty and the Beast tale!! I loved Benella and how strong a character she was. Really interesting story, writing style was engaging and I felt it flowed well.
Narration was great, the tone and cadence was lovely to listen to and I found the different voices well done.

Not Disney's Beauty and the Beast 😏

I've read the original story of beauty and the beast and I love picking up on the parts that are taking from the original and not Disney. I can't wait to read the next book!!! This book has me hanging on every word... I'll put the timer on before bed but keep having to extend the timer because I'm so engrossed into the story! I love fairytale stories with a much more adult twist to them if you know what I mean giggle !!!

A unique fairy tale retelling for mature audiences

I am utterly enthralled by the Beastly Tales and head over heels for this narrator. She did such a wonderful job capturing Benella's spirit and the Beast's anger. I wish I had time to begin the next book right away as I simply must continue this captivating journey!

Part 1 of 3 of the Beastly Tale

Though not the full story in itself, only the first of three, it is an enjoyable opening to the overall story. I have read all three books several times, and I am transported into the world each time like it's the first time.

This is not appropriate for young children or young teens ad there are adult situations and cursing. The sex isn't lewd, but it is somewhat briefly descriptive in the instances it is present.

The narrator has a good voice for how the story is written.

Yes, the three books could be combined into one, but since they are already available, you can experience the whole story without waiting for the next book to come out.