Review: Feral is the Beast by Nisha J. Tuli
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Introduction:
The Feral King thinks he’ll break me. But I will break him first.
I’m a 400-year-old witch covered in tattoos—the source of my magic—but I’ve been hiding them for years, trying to escape my past.
After spending centuries at the mercy of royals who thirst only for power and the desire to make up for their less impressive “assets,” I refuse to be used as a tool for evil ever again.
It’s any other night in my apothecary when the Feral King—a beast who eats the local villagers for sport—kidnaps me and demands my help.
When I deny him, he tries to torture me into compliance, but pain and I are long-acquainted friends, and I will never be the one who falls.
Review:
Reviewed by Nethra Deckland
Feral is the Beast was a surprising delight! While I enjoyed Wicked is the Reaper, this Beauty and the Beast retelling stole the show for me, novella length and all. Sure, the world building was light, with the focus firmly on the characters, but that ended up being a strength. The plot wasn’t mind blowing, but it was a thoroughly engaging read.
While it wasn’t a direct follow up to Wicked is the Reaper, Nisha managed to weave a subtle connection between the two novellas. It was brilliant! The beauty of it was, you didn’t need to have read the first book to fully appreciate this one. The crossover, when it happened, felt seamless – a testament to Nisha’s masterful execution. It was a delightful surprise that enriched the story without feeling forced or confusing for newcomers.
Vespera/Calanthe was a revelation. A four-centuries-old witch who utterly owned her power and wasn’t afraid to use every asset in her arsenal, including her own body. Forget the blushing maidens – this was a mature, self-possessed woman who called the shots. A total alpha, and a refreshing change from the usual damsel-in-distress trope we’re bombarded with.
Ferran was a breath of fresh air. He readily admitted his vulnerabilities, wore his emotions on his sleeve, and was refreshingly honest about his desires and goals. A welcome change from the usual emotionally constipated male leads.
However just like in the first novella, Feral is the Beast felt light on emotional depth for both Vespera/Calanthe and Ferran, and their relationship. Don’t get me wrong, the spice was undeniable – Nisha knows how to write a steamy scene! But that emotional connection, that deep vulnerability that lingers after the bedroom door closes – it wasn’t quite there. They sizzled, for sure, but the emotional embers didn’t quite glow.
All in all, Feral is The Beast was a fast paced novella filled with a lot of spice and was a great cozy read.
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