Beguiled by Cyla Panin

Cyla Panin’s Beguiled is an captivating young adult novel that delves into the eerie world of a young woman’s quest for independence. Ella, a skilled 17-year-old weaver, dreams of opening her own shop. However, her dreams are shattered when her father passes away, leaving her responsible for supporting herself. Forced to take on any client in order to make ends meet, Ella finds herself drowning in debt and desperate.

In a moment of despair, Ella turns to the legendary spirit known as the Bean-Nighe, a washerwoman said to grant wishes for a price. Desperate to fix her broken loom, Ella strikes a deal with the Bean-Nighe. The outcome is miraculous – Ella’s loom is repaired, and she discovers a newfound talent for creating breathtaking pieces.

However, there is a catch. To sustain the magic of her loom, Ella must sacrifice a small amount of blood with each weave. With the allure of such unrivaled beauty, Ella accepts this small price, believing it to be a worthy sacrifice. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she presents her exquisite creations to a wealthy client, catching the eye of a mysterious young man named Callum.

Enamored by Ella’s talent, Callum offers her a place to live and becomes her patron. It seems as though luck is finally smiling upon Ella, until she realizes that her loom is demanding more from her than she ever anticipated. Entrapped in a web of intrigue and ensnared by the magic of the Bean-Nighe, Ella must find a way to secure her future before it unravels completely.

Dark Deals and Twisted Dreams: A Review of Beguiled by Cyla Panin

This article explores a dark and thrilling story about a young woman named Ella who enters into a dangerous deal with a magical being known as the Bean Knight. Ella, a skilled weaver, is desperate to escape her life of debt and poverty. She seeks out the Bean Knight, who promises to grant her wishes in exchange for a drop of blood each time her loom breaks.

Initially, Ella’s deal with the Bean Knight seems to work in her favor. She creates beautiful silks that catch the attention of a wealthy client, Callum, who offers her opportunities for success and independence. However, Ella soon realizes that the Bean Knight’s magic comes at a cost. It begins to take more from her than she had anticipated, and she becomes entangled in a web of deception and danger.

This story is reminiscent of fairy tales like Alice in Wonderland and Rumplestiltskin, where wishes come with unexpected consequences. The world-building in this novel is skillfully done, blending Celtic folklore and legends. The Bean Knight plays a central role in the narrative, drawing Ella into a world of beauty and mystery.

Ella longs for a better life, with her own shop, financial independence, and recognition for her talents. The other characters in the story, some sympathetic and others more morally ambiguous, keep readers guessing about their true intentions.

The plot delves into thought-provoking themes of classism and property, adding depth to the story. Overall, this unique and intriguing fantasy novel is recommended for readers who enjoy enchanting tales. It leaves the reader eager to explore more of the author’s works and discover where the story will lead.

Thank you for reading!

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