Like many Lackey books...I keep to re read. I think about 4th time for this book. It again talks about that time between being a teen-ager/young adult ...to that status as "adult". Ok...so it includes some arcane magic like stuff. While the ending might be considered "rushed", one can NOT read the ending and not read the buildup...and missing the first section hamstrungs one from appreciating the middle and end. Typically...it allows an ending ...with potential for more stories with the two major characters.
A comfortable read for all ages. (MB at age 67) Horror is NOT part of this story.

This book has flaws. Like several of the books in Lackey's fairy tale retellings, it's a little sexist and rather more racist. But this one adds uneven character development and pacing to some serious sexual violence. Read at your own risk.

Cinderella meets Beauty and the Beast meets .... It is also a tale of hubris and redemption; awakening and mentoring. This story also sets up the Elemental Masters series.

This is a decent retelling of Beauty and the Beast but I found the ending too abrupt. Everything was great until the last few chapters....