Book Review: Beauty and the Beast of Paradise Lost , Volume 1, by Kaori Yuki

Beauty and the Beast of Paradise Lost , Volume 1, by Kaori Yuki is the start of a new graphic novel series. It presents the story of Belle and her beast as you've never seen it before, with sinister, creeping shadows suffusing a door to a wider, magical world. Young and rambunctious Belle insists on going out to play in the forbidden woods, but her adventurous streak abruptly ends when her mother is spirited away by a beast known to kidnap beautiful women. Twisted by the loss of his wife, Belle’s father keeps his daughter and her unusual violet hair locked away in an effort to “protect” her from prying eyes. Years later, news of the beast’s reappearance coaxes Belle back to the woods where it all began—but her desperate search for the truth may be more perilous than she could have ever imagined. 

Beauty and the Beast of Paradise Lost is a new and engaging story. First off, I loved the art style and think the graphics do a great job of illustrating the mood and action oft he story while adding a great deal to the story as a whole. I enjoyed the twist on the beauty and the beast idea, and think the characters, action, and plot are all well build and carries through out the story. I thought the emotional scars for Belle and the other characters were just as evident as their more obvious attributes. Belle and the Beast had me wanting to know more about them and how everything would come together right from the start, and I was disappointed to see the last page of this volume because it felt like all of the groundwork had been laid and everything was just about to get even more interesting. I must admit that there were a few moments where I got a bit lost as to exactly where the characters were, and how certain things came to pass, but those moments were definitely the exception rather than the rule. I really enjoyed this read and look forward to the second volume. 

Beauty and the Beast of Paradise Lost is a solid start to a new series, and I am intrigued. I look forward to following the story as it continues.