Beauty

Genevieve Gaunt’s narration is the secret weapon of this audiobook, giving each character a distinct voice that makes the fractured fairytales feel alive. Her performance is playful yet menacing, perfectly capturing the book’s dark humor and shifting tones. When she voices the Beast—gruff, wounded, and more than a little monstrous—it’s impossible not to feel the weight of his curse. The same goes for the cunning, calculating Rumpelstiltskin, whose voice drips with false sweetness. The pacing is tight, keeping the short story format dynamic despite the novel’s interconnected structure. My biggest critique? The transitions between tales can feel abrupt at times, as if the book is rushing to hit its next beat. And while the feminist themes are bold, some readers might find the cynicism about love and destiny a bit heavy-handed—though I suspect that’s the point. The production quality is top-notch, with no distracting audio artifacts, and the runtime flies by thanks to Gaunt’s immersive delivery. If you’re a fan of fairytales that bite back, this is a must-listen.