Feral is the Beast by Nisha J. Tuli

This early review copy was gifted to me by author Nisha J. Tuli. This is no way impacts the rating of the book. All of my reviews contain my honest opinions.

Title: Feral is the Beast

Series: Cursed Captors

Author: Nisha J. Tuli

Release Date: March 20, 2024

Publisher: Independently Published

Genre: Romantasy

Source: paperback, Nisha J. Tuli

TW: graphic sexual content, torture, confinement, violence

Synopsis

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.

Thoughts

"Feral is the Beast" is an exceptionally thrilling, rapidly paced, and intensely steamy novella that I found myself completely engrossed in.

The protagonist of this tale, Vespera, is a character who shatters traditional norms as she is far from a typical damsel in distress. Her character is adorned with powerful tattoos that serve not only as an aesthetic appeal but also as her primary source of magic, giving her character a unique and captivating aura.

The author has done an impressive job in portraying these tattoos throughout the narrative, with a beautiful touch that resonates deeply with the cultural significance of tattoos in various global societies.

Another character that warrants attention is the Feral King. His personality, which can be best described as gruff and growly, managed to draw my interest from the beginning and continued to entertain me throughout the book. His character adds a certain rugged charm to the narrative.

This novella is an exhilarating and mature reinterpretation of the timeless "Beauty and the Beast" tale, and it certainly should not be overlooked. Its unique blend of fantasy and romance makes it a must-read for fans of either genre.