Try free for 30 days
-
Beautiful
- Narrated by: Gemma Dawson
- Length: 7 hrs and 18 mins
Failed to add items
Add to basket failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from Wish List failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Buy Now for $33.99
No valid payment method on file.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also picked
-
Daughter of the Forest
- Sevenwaters, Book 1
- By: Juliet Marillier
- Narrated by: Terry Donnelly
- Length: 26 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Lovely Sorcha is the seventh child and only daughter of Lord Colum of Sevenwaters. Bereft of a mother, she is comforted by her six brothers who love and protect her. Sorcha is the light in their lives and they are determined that she know only contentment. But Sorcha's joy is shattered when her father is bewitched by his new wife, an evil enchantress who binds her brothers with a terrible spell, a spell which only Sorcha can lift - by staying silent.
-
-
Disappointing choice of voice for an old favourite
- By Anonymous User on 10-05-2021
-
Dreamer's Pool
- Blackthorn & Grim, Book 1
- By: Juliet Marillier
- Narrated by: Scott Aiello, Natalie Gold, Nick Sullivan
- Length: 17 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In exchange for help escaping her long and wrongful imprisonment, embittered magical healer Blackthorn has vowed to set aside her bid for vengeance against the man who destroyed all that she once held dear. Followed by a former prison mate, a silent hulk of a man named Grim, she travels north to Dalriada. There she'll live on the fringe of a mysterious forest, duty bound for seven years to assist anyone who asks for her help. Oran, crown prince of Dalriada, has waited anxiously for the arrival of his future bride, Lady Flidais.
-
-
Slow, predictable story, annoying narrators
- By Megan Clarke on 28-08-2019
-
Wolfskin
- The Light Isles
- By: Juliet Marillier
- Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld
- Length: 23 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
All young Eyvind ever wanted was to become a great Viking warrior - a Wolfskin - and perform honorable deeds out in the name of his War fathergod, Thor. A new settlement in a fabled new windswept land begins in harmony with the natives of the isles led by the gentle king Engus. And Eyvind finds a treasure of his own in the young Nessa, niece of the king, seer, and princess. His life will change forever as she claims his heart for her own. But someone has come along to this new land who is not what he seems.
-
-
Excellent
- By Ella White on 18-06-2018
-
The Dark Mirror
- Bridei Trilogy #1
- By: Juliet Marillier
- Narrated by: Michael Page
- Length: 24 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
One bitter Midwinter's Eve, everything changes when Bridei finds a child on their doorstep - a child abandoned by the Fair Folk. It is the height of ill fortune to have truck with the Fair Folk, and all in the area counsel the babe's death. But Bridei sees an old and precious magic at work and, heedless of the danger, fights to save the child. Broichan is wary but relents, for Bridei must grow to be his own man and make his own decisions.
-
-
Very good read.
- By Anonymous User on 13-10-2018
-
Wildwood Dancing
- By: Juliet Marillier
- Narrated by: Kim Mai Guest
- Length: 12 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
High in the Transylvanian woods, at the castle Piscul Draculi, live five daughters and their doting father. It's an idyllic life for Jena, the second eldest, who spends her time exploring the mysterious forest with her constant companion, a most unusual frog. But best by far is the castle's hidden portal, known only to the sisters. Every Full Moon, they alone can pass through it into the enchanted world of the Other Kingdom. There they dance through the night with the fey creatures of this magical realm.
-
-
A favorite of mine
- By teresa on 20-04-2019
-
The Mists of Avalon
- By: Marion Zimmer Bradley
- Narrated by: Davina Porter
- Length: 50 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A posthumous recipient of the World Fantasy Award for Lifetime Achievement, Marion Zimmer Bradley reinvented - and rejuvenated - the King Arthur mythos with her extraordinary Mists of Avalon series. In this epic work, Bradley follows the arc of the timeless tale from the perspective of its previously marginalized female characters: Celtic priestess Morgaine, Gwenhwyfar, and High Priestess Viviane.
-
-
Great book, but terrible audiobook
- By Freaknose on 15-09-2016
-
Daughter of the Forest
- Sevenwaters, Book 1
- By: Juliet Marillier
- Narrated by: Terry Donnelly
- Length: 26 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Lovely Sorcha is the seventh child and only daughter of Lord Colum of Sevenwaters. Bereft of a mother, she is comforted by her six brothers who love and protect her. Sorcha is the light in their lives and they are determined that she know only contentment. But Sorcha's joy is shattered when her father is bewitched by his new wife, an evil enchantress who binds her brothers with a terrible spell, a spell which only Sorcha can lift - by staying silent.
-
-
Disappointing choice of voice for an old favourite
- By Anonymous User on 10-05-2021
-
Dreamer's Pool
- Blackthorn & Grim, Book 1
- By: Juliet Marillier
- Narrated by: Scott Aiello, Natalie Gold, Nick Sullivan
- Length: 17 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In exchange for help escaping her long and wrongful imprisonment, embittered magical healer Blackthorn has vowed to set aside her bid for vengeance against the man who destroyed all that she once held dear. Followed by a former prison mate, a silent hulk of a man named Grim, she travels north to Dalriada. There she'll live on the fringe of a mysterious forest, duty bound for seven years to assist anyone who asks for her help. Oran, crown prince of Dalriada, has waited anxiously for the arrival of his future bride, Lady Flidais.
-
-
Slow, predictable story, annoying narrators
- By Megan Clarke on 28-08-2019
-
Wolfskin
- The Light Isles
- By: Juliet Marillier
- Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld
- Length: 23 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
All young Eyvind ever wanted was to become a great Viking warrior - a Wolfskin - and perform honorable deeds out in the name of his War fathergod, Thor. A new settlement in a fabled new windswept land begins in harmony with the natives of the isles led by the gentle king Engus. And Eyvind finds a treasure of his own in the young Nessa, niece of the king, seer, and princess. His life will change forever as she claims his heart for her own. But someone has come along to this new land who is not what he seems.
-
-
Excellent
- By Ella White on 18-06-2018
-
The Dark Mirror
- Bridei Trilogy #1
- By: Juliet Marillier
- Narrated by: Michael Page
- Length: 24 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
One bitter Midwinter's Eve, everything changes when Bridei finds a child on their doorstep - a child abandoned by the Fair Folk. It is the height of ill fortune to have truck with the Fair Folk, and all in the area counsel the babe's death. But Bridei sees an old and precious magic at work and, heedless of the danger, fights to save the child. Broichan is wary but relents, for Bridei must grow to be his own man and make his own decisions.
-
-
Very good read.
- By Anonymous User on 13-10-2018
-
Wildwood Dancing
- By: Juliet Marillier
- Narrated by: Kim Mai Guest
- Length: 12 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
High in the Transylvanian woods, at the castle Piscul Draculi, live five daughters and their doting father. It's an idyllic life for Jena, the second eldest, who spends her time exploring the mysterious forest with her constant companion, a most unusual frog. But best by far is the castle's hidden portal, known only to the sisters. Every Full Moon, they alone can pass through it into the enchanted world of the Other Kingdom. There they dance through the night with the fey creatures of this magical realm.
-
-
A favorite of mine
- By teresa on 20-04-2019
-
The Mists of Avalon
- By: Marion Zimmer Bradley
- Narrated by: Davina Porter
- Length: 50 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A posthumous recipient of the World Fantasy Award for Lifetime Achievement, Marion Zimmer Bradley reinvented - and rejuvenated - the King Arthur mythos with her extraordinary Mists of Avalon series. In this epic work, Bradley follows the arc of the timeless tale from the perspective of its previously marginalized female characters: Celtic priestess Morgaine, Gwenhwyfar, and High Priestess Viviane.
-
-
Great book, but terrible audiobook
- By Freaknose on 15-09-2016
-
The Witches of Eileanan
- By: Kate Forsyth
- Narrated by: Elle Newlands
- Length: 17 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On the Day of Reckoning, the witches of Eileanan were outlawed - and violations of the new order were punishable by death. Eileanan’s Great Towers, once meccas of magic and learning, were left in ruins. And now, the entire land trembles in fear. Yet deep in the mountains, in the shadow of Dragonclaw, a young girl is being tutored in the old ways. Ignorant of her past, uncertain of her future, the foundling Isabeau will soon be forced down a dangerous path of prophecy, conspiracy, and magic.
-
-
Juvenile
- By Nelle.R on 09-10-2020
-
The House Witch: A Humorous Romantic Fantasy
- The House Witch, Book 1
- By: Delemhach
- Narrated by: Matthew Wolf
- Length: 17 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Finlay Ashowan joins the staff of the King and Queen of Daxaria, he’s an enigma. No one knows where he comes from or how he came to be where he is, which suits Fin just fine. He’s satisfied simply serving as the royal cook, keeping nosy passersby out of his kitchen, and concocting some truly uncanny meals. But Fin’s secret identity doesn’t stay hidden for long. After all, it’s not every day a house witch and his kitten familiar, Kraken, take to meddling in imperial affairs.
-
-
Please Let There Be More…
- By Susan Roberts on 10-06-2023
-
Daughter of the Drowned Empire
- By: Frankie Diane Mallis
- Narrated by: Stefanie Kay
- Length: 13 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Nineteen-year-old mage lady, Lyriana Batavia, is third in line to the seat of power in Bamaria: a position of wealth and privilege, but not safety. Bamaria falls under the rule of the Lumerian Empire, survivors of a celestial war whose island sank in the Drowning. Now, all Lumerians submit to the emperor and his strict laws about magic. He decides what magic can be practiced and what powers remain forbidden. He decides who will die for possession of forbidden magic. Lyr’s own cousin was executed for wielding the wrong kind.
-
-
Roman Empire meets High Fantasy
- By RomanceBooktalk on 17-09-2023
-
Warm Up
- A Tor.Com Original Prequel to Vicious
- By: V.E. Schwab
- Narrated by: Jeremy Arthur
- Length: 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It's been 297 days since David died - and came back. He may have survived the avalanche, but the aftermath has been far worse. His wife moved out, taking his son with her, and a devastated David hasn't left his house since, terrified of the mysterious new power that followed him home from the ill-fated expedition. After months in seclusion, David's ready for a fresh start, and ventures out, determined to keep his power in check. But David's power isn't the one he needs to worry about.
-
The Shadow of What Was Lost
- The Licanius Trilogy, Book 1
- By: James Islington
- Narrated by: Michael Kramer
- Length: 25 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It has been 20 years since the end of the war. The dictatorial Augurs - once thought of almost as gods - were overthrown and wiped out during the conflict, their much-feared powers mysteriously failing them. Those who had ruled under them, men and women with a lesser ability known as the Gift, avoided the Augurs' fate only by submitting themselves to the rebellion's Four Tenets.
-
-
heckin good boiiieeee
- By Richard on 15-10-2017
-
The Riven Wyrde Saga (Omnibus Edition)
- The Complete Epic Fantasy Trilogy
- By: Graham Austin-King
- Narrated by: Mr J A O Mcpherson
- Length: 46 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As the son of a mere merchant, Klöss wants nothing more than to pass his trials and join the ranks of the Bjornmen raiders, breaking free of his father’s ambitions and following in the footsteps of his forebears. Times are changing in the Barren Isles. The centuries-old traditions of coastal plunder are making way for outright conquest, and the threat of war is looming.
-
-
May we have some more please?
- By Amber-Claire on 08-03-2023
Publisher's Summary
With the Nordic fairy tale East of the Sun and West of the Moon as her inspiration, Juliet Marillier weaves a magical story of a young princess' search for her true self.
Hulde is a queen's daughter and lives in a palace. But her life is lonely. Growing up atop the glass mountain, she knows only her violent and autocratic mother and a household of terrified servants.
Then a white bear named Rune comes to visit, and Hulde learns what kindness is.
But the queen has a plan for Hulde. When she turns 16, she will wed the most beautiful man in all the world. Hulde has never met her intended husband, and her mother refuses to explain the arrangement. Hulde becomes desperate to find out more, and seeks the help of a magic mirror. Perhaps someone is coming to her rescue.
On her wedding day, Hulde's existence is turned upside down. For the first time she leaves the glass mountain behind, setting out to be as brave as the heroines in her beloved storybook.
The journey will test Hulde to the limit. Can she overcome her fears and take control of her own life?
More from the same
What listeners say about Beautiful
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Rod
- 16-07-2019
Add it to your recommended listening library.
Beauty can be internal or external, true or faked, but however it comes, it alters our own perception of the world and the way people respond to us. It is the nature of beauty and how it influences us that is at the heart of Juliet Marillier’s fantasy fairy tale for adults.
Like all good fairy tales, Beautiful has a moral compass that takes us through an adventure filled with curses and trolls, good vs evil, and a quest for love and self-acceptance. The story evolves through the eyes of Hulda, a princess trapped in lonely life at the top of a mountain. As young as seven, Hulda already knows she is destined to many a prince she has never met. Her life is controlled completely by her autocratic mother, including her friendship with Rune, a kind-hearted bear that visits once every three years and teaches Hulda about the beauty hiding in front of her eyes.
When disaster strikes on her wedding day, a 16-year-old Hulda sets forth on a quest to save her groom with unexpected support from those she learns to trust and whose trust she earns. The quest leads Hulda to embrace herself and discover what truly makes someone beautiful.
Released exclusively as an audiobook through Audible Studios, Beautiful is an expanded reworking of a novella released last year. Author Juliet Marillier is a historical fantasy writer who has loosely based her fable on a Nordic fairy tale, East of the Sun and West of the Moon. Her story provides an alternative telling of the original fable which unravelled from the viewpoint of the bear and his girlfriend.
Beautiful is read by the marvellous Gemma Dawson, whose proper British accent is fitting of the central character. Dawson brings Princess Hulda to life with all the emotions and wonder of a sheltered young girl who finds herself on an unexpected and dangerous adventure. Fuelled by Marillier’s strong characterisations, Dawson’s narration is heartfelt and engaging.
While the plot is fairly straight-forward, there is a lot of depth to be found in both the characters and their journey, making Beautiful an easy but satisfying listen for ages 14 and above.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall
- Narda
- 18-09-2019
this book
I did not finish it, this story book is just not what I would enjoy reading
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Duncan Lovering
- 09-08-2019
hard not to cringe
the first part of the book was nice, but when the story tries to get interesting the author seems get more dumb with the writing. I wouldn't recommend reading this.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Sam Jones
- 06-12-2019
Another solid entry from Marillier
While the narration on this is a bit flat, and it lacks the scope of Marillier’s other works, this is still a deeply enjoyable listen.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Anonymous User
- 29-09-2019
Christine
I’m a long time fan of juliet marillier and once again was captivated by her tale I liked the narration as well
I’d listen again to this story of courage and heartrending honesty
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Diva Booknerd
- 08-08-2019
Simply exquisite
Inspired by the Norwegian fairytale East of the Sun and West of the Moon, Hulde's journey is an extraordinary and lyrically beautiful narrative, following the journey of a courageous and captivating young woman on a journey to discover the world.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Shwetasree
- 05-08-2019
Liked the message
I loved how the story began and inner meaning of the story!! Although I felt the second part is a bit dragged compared to the first part otherwise if was fun to listen.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- shab
- 22-07-2019
Lovely
I enjoyed this from the start to the end. The story is written beautifully. In the beginning I thought it was going to be about a beautiful princess who has to deal with life at a much larger court than she was raised in, but plot twist - it's not. It's a lovely story, and very different to anything I have read before.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Sarah Jobson
- 30-05-2023
Something a little different
To begin with I couldn’t find the familiar feel of Juliet Marillier’s story telling and worried this would be too far from my comfort reads. I’m so glad I kept listening to this beautiful story of finding oneself, learning to ask for help and trusting your voice to lead you the right way.
Highly recommended 😊
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Colleen2630
- 16-08-2020
Absolutely beautiful
Great story, beautifully written as I now know all of Marillier’s are. The narration was also excellent. Lovely voice, well paced and clearly enunciated. I loved it.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!