Published: 2014
Author: Serena Valentino
Genres: YA Fantasy, Disney Retelling, Fairy Tale Origins
Audience: Grades 7–8
Number of Stars: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Goodreads Link: The Beast Within
Content Warnings: Emotional abuse, family conflict, and fantasy violence.
Publisher’s Summary
A cursed prince sits alone in a secluded castle. Those who have seen him claim his hair is wild and his nails are sharp—like a beast’s. But how did this prince, once a jovial and beloved leader, transform into a bitter, reclusive monster?
In this second installment of the Villains series, Serena Valentino explores the mystery behind the Prince’s curse. It is a story of a man fighting against his own vanity and the external forces of dark magic. As the rose petals fall, the Prince must discover if he can ever truly love another and break the spell, or if he is destined to remain a monster forever.
Full Review
The Beast Within dives into the mystery behind the Prince’s curse and keeps readers hooked by exploring the “why” behind the famous monster. As the second book in the Villains series, it stays slightly closer to the traditional Beauty and the Beast storyline than its predecessor, Fairest of All, did with Snow White. However, it still takes several unexpected turns that may surprise those looking for a strictly familiar retelling.
A major element of this series is the inclusion of the “Odd Sisters”—a trio of eerie witches who heavily influence the Prince’s moral downfall and transformation. While they add a layer of mystery, their presence can sometimes feel like a distraction from the Prince’s personal growth. Additionally, the book introduces new characters not found in the Disney classic. At times, these additions take the focus away from the emotional centerpiece of the story: the relationship between the Beast and Belle.
The writing is simple and accessible, making it an easy read for middle schoolers. While the plot can feel a bit disjointed or repetitive, it serves as a great springboard for discussing point of view and how authors can radically reinterpret familiar stories. It is a solid choice for older middle school students who enjoy “darker” versions of their favorite childhood tales.
⚖️ Comparing the Retelling
How does Serena Valentino’s version stack up against the 1991 Disney animated classic?
- The Protagonist: In the movie, the Beast is already cursed when we meet him. In the book, we see him as a “jovial” Prince, making his fall more tragic.
- The Antagonist: While Gaston is the primary villain in the film, the Odd Sisters are the true architects of misery in this version.
- The Romance: In the film, the Belle/Beast relationship is the primary focus. In the book, it often feels like a “subplot” to the larger magical conspiracy involving the witches.
🎒 Classroom & Curricular Connections
-
ELA (Point of View & Perspective): Discuss how the story changes when told from the “villain’s” perspective.
-
Activity Idea: Write a journal entry from the Prince’s perspective on the day he was cursed. How does his description of the “old beggar woman” differ from the traditional narrator’s description?
-
-
Creative Writing (Expanding the Lore): > Activity Idea: The author introduces several new characters. Have students choose one “background” character from the original movie (like Cogsworth or Mrs. Potts) and write a scene explaining their reaction to the Prince’s changing behavior before the curse was final.
-
Social Studies/Ethics (The Cost of Vanity): Discuss the Prince’s “moral downfall.”
-
Activity Idea: Create a “Character Growth Chart.” At what point could the Prince have stopped the curse? What choices did he make that led him further into the “Beast” persona?
-
-
Media Literacy (Reinterpreting Classics): > Activity Idea: Compare Valentino’s Villains series to other “villain-centric” stories like Maleficent or Wicked. Why are modern audiences so interested in the backstories of the “bad guys”?
