If you are expecting a cute retelling of the beauty and the beast, this book is not for you. It's true, we've got all the elements that make this a true beauty and the beast story, unlike some "similar" stories catalogued as such only by having a nasty male protagonist. 
 1.	There is a beast trapped inside an abandoned estate 
 2.	There is magic inside and surrounding the estate. 
 3.	A pretty innocent but intelligent main character from a poor family. 
 4.	2 annoying and selfish sisters 
 5.	A passive too good of a father that allows selfishness from his older daughters 
 6.	The main female character likes to read (just like Disney's version). 
 7.	The beast keeps asking her to stay, just like the original version where the beast asks her to marry every night. (I think it was the original version). 
 It seems a normal retelling right? Well, now the differences. 
 1.	There are adult themes in this book such as attempted rape, real but not explicitly stated rape, prostitution, violence, and sex. So, take your mind off the cute Disney version you are imagining. These themes don't take over the story, but they are there lurking during the whole length of the book. She is even taught about intimacy by a pair of prostitutes (I love them, they are so mysteriously portrayed). 
 2.	I'm used to the bad tempered beast that after years of being cursed learns to be good and I tend to love the character, but this one is nothing like that. He's still selfish, bossy and likes the world to run as he wants, and it doesn't seem it's going to change. He is also kind of depraved. (view spoiler)[ He even rapes a tree nymph. It is clearly stated that she wasn't up to it that second time. (hide spoiler)] 
 3.	Her father is too passive and her sisters too selfish and I'm mad that she doesn't stand up for herself just because she fears it will rot her family. Grow a pair and face it girl, yours is already not a perfect family and a family needs to talk its problems! 
 I still liked the book but I'm afraid of the beast, I don't know if there will be a character development and he really needs it. 
 Aside from the plot, I hate that the story was divided into 3 books. It is completely unnecessary, each part too short. 
 Let's see how this continues...