This review is going to basically be the same as the one for Belle's Tale, just tweaked since I have the same thoughts/issues for this book. 
 I received a copy of Belle's Tale from Netgalley for review. This in no way influenced my review/rating of this book. 
 Like may people (mainly women) my age, I have seen Disney's animated Beauty and the Beast NUMEROUS times. Especially if little ones managed to get their little fingers on a copy. (Sometimes I think I can quote most of the princess movies from memory at this point.) If you are like us, I have to say don't spend your money buying this or the prequel, Belle's Tale (of the two, I do prefer that one). You already know what is going to happen, minus some insignificant details. 
 I was hoping for some deeper/more in depth backstory; i.e. some flashbacks to the Beast's childhood. And that didn't exactly disappoint, but the flashbacks didn't do much but raise more questions: (view spoiler)[how did his mom die? Was his father abusive the whole time or just after his mom died? How did he die? (hide spoiler)] Even most of the dialog is recycled, except I think he was whinier in this volume as opposed to the movie. (Or should I say movies? I have managed to worm out of seeing the Live Action so far, so all I have is second hand discussion about how similar they are.) The number one question that bugged me through these books, and wasn't answered is: how long ago was the castle cursed that no one remembered it or told tales of it/them residents? 
 The art/drawings were well done and pleasant to look at. The Beast's design was more realistic-ish (which makes sense), but not something that I felt creeped out or even scared by. Mrs. Potts was worse for me to look at than him. So I'm not sure what feeling his look was hoping to provoke. 
 Maybe it's because I'm not a huge Beauty and the Beast fan, but I just didn't care for this duology. So while I can't recommend this to anyone, you can make your own decision if I'm biased or being to harsh. 
 2.5 Stars