Content levels
Positive tags
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Synopsis
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING SERIES • This exhilarating novel follows the downfall of one of Disney’s most arrogant villains: Gaston. He knew he was the best. He knew he was everyone's favorite guy. You may think this tale as old as time has been told before. You may know about the Beauty, and the Beast, and the curse they broke together. But some stories have more than one ending. Some stories have more than one villain. Such is the story of Gaston. Growing up, young Gaston and the prince were brothers in all but blood. Their boyhood adventures led them throughout the many rooms of the castle, and into the deep woods beyond. The woods that were home to the legendary Beast of Gévaudan, a terrifying creature whose presence loomed larger than life in their imaginations. Then one fateful night, a violent tragedy changed their lives—and their friendship—forever, setting each of them down a very different path: the first, of greed and entitlement, the second, of determination to right the wrongs of the past. The prince, as we know, paid a price for his wicked ways. And Gaston, fueled by the magic of three meddling witches, grew ever more haunted by a singular mission: to become the hero who killed the Beast.
Is Kill the Beast: A Tale of Everyone's Favorite Guy (Villains) appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 13 and up.
This YA retelling explores Gaston's transformation into a villain with moderate violence including a violent tragedy and the presence of a terrifying beast. Contains themes of obsession, revenge, and moral corruption suitable for teens.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include murder, death, and violence (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens who love fairy tale retellings and villain origin stories will enjoy this dark twist on Beauty and the Beast that explores what made Gaston who he became.