When I first started the book I was a little overwhelmed. There are many characters to sort through and they, along with their surroundings, are described in such detail I felt a little lost. Once I got past that initial issue, I was hooked. It was a fairly light read and I throughly enjoyed it. I would read on my breaks, I would read over lunch, and every night as my four year old played in the yard I was reading again.
This is a magical story that involves humans, but also has magical worlds and faeries and magnificent magical trees. The two main characters are both scarred, but in different ways. They are both judged for their appearance, but again in different ways. One human, one fae, In the middle of the book you are a few ways the story could go. Genevra doesn't leave you in suspense too long, just long enough to make it good.
If you are looking for a new good fantasy love story - then you should grab a copy of The Beloved and enjoy. You won't be disappointed. :) This one is a solid FIVE STARS.
Keep in mind - this IS the second book in the series - I'm actually planning on going back and reading the first now. The way the story reads, I don't think it will be confusing, rather it might clear up some things I still am left with questions about.
