Not Your Fairytale Romance: A Deep Dive into M.J. Haag’s Dark BATB Retelling

- June 04, 2026

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Friends, I'm working to elevate my reading game - for Beauty and the Beast books, I want to take a closer look at the themes, tropes, archetypes, plot design, use of the BATB fairytale structure, et al. I basically want to learn to read with a critical eye (in a good way - not to criticize).

So, when I picked up M.J. Haag's The Beasty Tales series, I gave it a go. This was a great place to begin, turns out. Ms. Haag has used the Beauty and the Beast structure to explore dark themes and push the boundaries of happily ever afters.

Let's dig in.

First, let me share that I enjoyed this BATB retelling. It was fast-paced and a quick read - each book in the series is under 300 pages. The story unfolds across the three books, so you can't stop with the first one, Depravity. You've got to follow the arc through all three to get to the HEA.

The Beastly Tales by M.J. Haag:

1 Depravity

2 Deceit

3 Devastation

What struck me most about the first book, Depravity, is that it pointedly reflected the depravity of just about every male character in the book, with the exception of her father, who remains rather saintly, if passive, throughout the series. I wouldn't characterize Depravity as smutty - it's more that it reflects the dark side of lust, written about openly. And counter to that is Beauty noticing people's behaviors, seeking the why behind motivations, showing compassion and in the meantime putting food on the table and caring for her selfish sisters.

The Beast is monstrous - in soul and appearance. He's self-centered, angers easily and as mentioned, is depraved. His journey is learning how to be a decent human, as taught by Beauty.

You are a beast. You don’t stop and think how your actions might affect others. You have no regard for anyone but yourself and your own satisfaction.” - Haag, M.J.. Deceit: A Beauty and the Beast Retelling(A Beastly Tale Book 2) (p. 78)

Deceit is the book where Beast gets his wish and Beauty moves into the enchanted estate. It's the part of the story where they negotiate a relationship and Beauty wrangles with understanding the curse and learning she's a shrewd negotiator. There's plenty of library time and a ballroom scene for Disney lore fanatics. There's also an uncomfortable stretch when Beauty is deprived of her clothing. I didn't love that, and that she just gets used to it. As a book 2 finale, Beauty indeed saves the day… but who will save Beauty?

“No man can capture me, only a beast.” - Haag, M.J.. Deceit: A Beauty and the BeastRetelling (A Beastly Tale Book 2) (pp. 196-197)

Devastation is the culmination of the fairytale. Beauty and her Beast navigate a relationship built on dark, dangerous foundations. Can the Beast be anything but a monster, inside and out? Can Beauty look beyond the obvious and forgive while still claiming her agency? Will the household withstand a pragmatic and bossy lady of the manor?

“I am still that beast!” “No, you are not.” It hurt speaking the words aloud. My heart ached with what I’d lost. The man before me was but a poor replacement for the beast who’d stolen my heart. -Haag, M.J.. Devastation: A Beauty and theBeast Retelling (A Beastly Tale Book 3) (p. 58)

I think you'll enjoy Ms. Haag's version of Beauty - she navigates dark circumstances with curiosity and compassion. The beast is more than an unfortunate gentleman in a beastly suit - he's got issues to deal with and fortunately for Beauty, he gets there… mostly. When you're in the mood for a fairytale with teeth, that's well written and quick moving, this is a great choice.

Hey, if you're interested in connecting with me to talk more about this and other Beauty and the Beast retellings, join me at The Borrowed Rose Substack.