The Beast and the Bethany is a decadent delight of a book, a real treat for the taste buds and as many other culinary based notes of praise you can think of! In short, as a family we loved it. I’m going to come out and say it, but I haven’t laughed as much at a middle grade book since Roald Dahl, it’s the same slightly dark story line and morally grey protagonists that make for the perfect children’s read.

Ebeneezer is not a nice man, he is vain and greedy, he is Dorian Grey without the picture and has to a degree forgotten what it is to be human. His service to the beast is all encompassing and the ease in which he is prepared to just feet it a child is pretty chilling in a Lemony Snicket kind of way, he has a great little story ARC and quite the voyage of self discovery which was done brilliantly. The beast is not a nice beast, he is cruel, unforgiving and very selfish. And Bethany, well she’s not that nice either all be told, she totally reminded me of a character from an old St Trinians movie, however, she has a non selfish reason for being the way she is so I can very much forgive her. Between them all they create such a great triangle, Ebeneezer being pushed and pulled between them.

There is such imagination and creativity in the writing though, even though you can draw so many comparisons it is very much it’s own story, with both fantastical and depressing locations. Ebeneezer’s house is just wonderfully crafted with the slight touch of magic running through it walls. The Beast’s attic is wonderfully evocative if not a little terrifying at times. This for me is where the parent part is going to come out. So often I find that middle grade reads are really at the high end of the age range, there is a huge difference between an 8 year old and a 12 year old, not all kids like to be scared and not every MG book needs to be knocking on the door of YA. The Beast and the Bethany is perfect as the author pushes the story to just the right point, either then pulling away or describing what has happened with great skill and comedy – what could have been terrifying for younger readers, actually got it just right and for this Jack Meggitt-Phillips has my thanks.

5*

Biba’s Review (aged 9)

I really enjoyed this book and how funny it was. I loved Ebeneezer and how joyful he was. I also like how Bethany always sold stuff for worms and not money! I liked the beast and his powers, but I wouldn’t want him in my house. I loved the extra mini stories at the end and how funny the whole book was. I rate this book a 5 Star and think it will be even better when it has all the pictures, (We received a proof copy with some of the artwork to come)

Thank you so much to The Write Reads and Egmont books for sending us a copy of this amazing book for review, The Beast and the Bethany is coming your way very soon!

I read this for a blog tour.

This was lots of fun, and very silly.

What amused me before I read it was the title - my sister-in-law is called Bethany and I told my husband that made him the Beast!

However the book was even better than it's title suggests.

The Beast lives on the top floor of Ebenezer Tweezer's enormous house, where it demands more and more unusual delicacies to eat. In exchange he vomits up whatever Ebenezer, a sprightly 511 years old, desires.

Until the Beast wants to eat a plump, juicy child. I think it might be related to the witch in Hansel & Gretel.

Enter Bethany - a short hurricane of bad manners, petty theft, and obstinence. She's also a lot smarter than anyone gives her credit for.

With Bethany's help Ebenezer starts to plot against the Beast and put a stop to its greed.

I laughed so much at times I snorted like a pig!

This book may be aimed at child readers but even an old crone like me can enjoy it.

This is an AMAZING book. Seriously, I enjoyed it so much that I bought a FC for my library and myself. I've left a longer review on my website www.brokengeekdesigns.com but suffice to say that this is one of my favourite books of the year

I do not normally read this genre of book but the description really intrigued me and the book did not disappoint - I read it on one day!!!

The story was well told and thought the characters were well written. I found that at first I did not like them and thought both Ebenezer and Bethany both deserved to get eaten by the beast but after seeing them grow in friendship and learning more about their background I wanted both of them to survive.

I though this was a great book about friendship and how the most unlike;y people can be drawn together once they get to know each other.

Where to begin? I don’t even know how to review this, I honestly can’t remember the last time I had that much fun reading a book! It’s both laugh out loud funny and heartwarming in equal measure, though I did cry when the Beast ate the talking/singing bird.

You need to read this, seriously. The Beast and the Bethany is a delight from start to finish, I could not get enough of it! The story follows Ebenezer, a rich 511 year old man who has a beast living in his attic. The Beast provides Ebenezer with gifts in exchange for an exotic variety of meals, When the Beast asks for a child, Ebenezer sets out to find the worst child he can, though he gets more than he bargained for with Bethany. I love, love, love this book! I love how the plot progressed, how Ebenezer and Bethany grew, the bond they formed. That ending, though! I feel like there could be more to come, I definitely hope so because I have many unanswered questions! Throughout the book are incredible illustrations by the talented Isabelle Follath, not all of them were included in the proof and I can’t wait to see them when I buy a finished copy! This is by no means my best review, I guarantee the books is 100% better than I am reviewing it.

The Beast and the Bethany is by far one of my favourite middle grade reads of the year, definitely one I’ll be recommending to anyone and everyone!

This is the type of middle grade book that I love to read! A whimsical story with interesting characters and gorgeous illustrations! This book has it all!

I loved the way the author wrote the story. Although it’s a fantasy like novel, the characters are so realistic that you can connect with. As I grow older, I wish I had the luck like Ebenezer to have my wishes granted and stay young forever. Additionally, the author also writes the story in such a whimsical way that you cannot stay mad at any of the characters, including the Beast! In fact, I enjoyed the Beast’s snarky dark humor. The story-line is also interesting and different where you really don’t know how Bethany will help Ebenezer and get rid of the Beast.

Also, I loved the illustrations by Isabelle Follath. I loved her work in the Aggie Morton series, and she brings the characters to life with her gorgeous artwork in this book. In fact, the illustrations make these otherwise dark characters feel friendly, and something that kids would not get scared of.

However, while I loved Ebenezer and Bethany together as they form their friendship, I didn’t really like Bethany as a person. I know she has suffered a lot, but she remains crass and lashes out Ebenezer even after spending time with him. I’m sure Bethany would deem me as a goody two shoes if she was a real person. However, as this story ends in a cliffhanger, I sense more development with the characters in the following book, and I am already excited to read it!

Overall, I thought this was a wonderful debut novel by the author and cannot wait to see how it continues!

Beauty comes at a price. And no one knows that better than Ebenezer Tweezer, who has stayed beautiful for 511 years. How, you may wonder? Ebenezer simply has to feed the beast in the attic of his mansion. In return for meals of performing monkeys, statues of Winston Churchill, and the occasional cactus, Ebenezer gets potions that keep him young and beautiful, as well as other presents.

But the beast grows ever greedier with each meal, and one day he announces that he’d like to eat a nice, juicy child next. Ebenezer has never done anything quite this terrible to hold onto his wonderful life. Still, he finds the absolutely snottiest, naughtiest, and most frankly unpleasant child he can and prepares to feed her to the beast.

The child, Bethany, may just be more than Ebenezer bargained for. She’s certainly a really rather rude houseguest, but Ebenezer still finds himself wishing she didn’t have to be gobbled up after all. Could it be Bethany is less meal-worthy and more…friend-worthy?- Goodreads

I love when books switch things up. And I also love when books remind me of thing. In particular this book gives me "Little Shop of Horror" vibes ( my favorite musical btw). You know Seymour finds this plant that names it Audrey and feeds it his blood to grow and then Audrey demands more specifically a full human, so he gives him the nastiest person he can think of. . . the dentist. 

So when I saw the summary of this book, that is what I thought of and just fell in love. 

The writing style of this book is detailed, fun and at the same time you don't feel as if the author added a bunch of fluff to drag the book. Ebenezer is a great villain because he doesn't know he is a villain. Its not one of those good intention situations but its because he just don't know. So anything really goes such as kidnapping a child even if it is a mean one. 

There are mean and nasty children in the world. Seeing Bethany, although I don't wish any child harm was interesting to read. Because on one hand you're like why are you like this and on the other you're like... well. 

The characters were written extremely well.  I loved the pace of the novel and its creativity. 

Overall, 

4 Pickles

I read this book under two hours because once I started I just could not put it down. I will try not to spoil this book because as with lots of Children's books, the plot isn't wide and the story is really focused on the outcome. Ebenezer is 511 years old but he looks nothing like his age because of a potion that he gets from a monster he keeps in his attic. He has basically been living a solitary life of enjoyment, he has all the money he can ever spend and if he does spend it all, the monster can just vomit some more for him. But it appears that the monster is now greedy for something and he would not be giving Ebenezer the potion that keeps him young unless he gets him what he wants. He wants a tasty plump child. The HORROR!

At this point in the book you begin to see Ebenezer's idea of morality, I mean its one thing for him to fed the monster one of the rarest birds in the world and it is another to feed it a child (I want to believe that anyone would put the child before the bird, but I cannot speak for animal rights. Don't come for me, I Eat Meat!). But Ebenezer begins to question is standing, its just one child, right? So when he finally finds the worst child he thinks he can get he decides she is perfect for the beast to feast on.

Bethany is a honestly a spoilt brat, however she did not deserve to be eaten by the beast. Getting to know Bethany better, Ebenezer finds out that she is also a creature of circumstance. A friendship buds between them and he has to chose between death and giving his friend to the beast.

I know its been said a lot that X writer is "the next Roald Dahl!" I think that in the case of Jack Meggitt- Phillips, we could be on to something.
The Beast and the Bethany is a great, fast paced quick read which tells the story of Ebenezer Tweezer, a sprightly 511 year old who has a Beast living in his attic. The Beast has unusual tastes and now wants to eat a child, so of course Ebenezer goes to find one. In comes Bethany: a rude, ill-mannered child. While the process of fattening her up for the beast, Ebenezer discovers that actually he quite likes her.
The imagination in this book is fab, I love the classic trope of a dirty, nasty Dickensian orphanage with a nasty woman in charge- serious Ms Trunchball vibes. The birds in the bird shop are fantastic, and the book really comes to life with all the pictures.
I also really enjoyed the end with the chance of a sequel.
4*, and I will be making my nephews read this- cue toads in beds and lots of shouting "Bog off!"

I read this book as part of the blog tour hosted by The Write Reads. Special thanks to Netgalley and Egmont Publishing for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. 4 stars

The best thing about participating in blog tours is that I get to learn about fantastic books that I otherwise never would've heard of--and I'm so glad this one was put on my radar! The Beast and the Bethany was such a well-written, engaging and fast read with some good lessons that both children and adults will be able to enjoy. The book includes illustrations that are really well done and that help to bring the characters and story even more to life. This served major Roald Dahl vibes that had me reminiscing on my childhood days reading those magical, sometimes grotesque, and often weird and funny stories, and I loved every minute of it!

The very first sentence of this book worked its magic to reel me in because I was so very curious to know why Ebenezer Tweezer was a terrible man with a wonderful life. Tweezer spent the majority of his life catering to The Beast in exchange for his selfish desire to be eternally youthful. He never cared to consider the consequences of his actions until Bethany comes into his life. Bethany was a cheeky little troublemaker and you knew it from the moment we meet her. She's continuously playing pranks and making mischief but we learn that her outward behaviour is a defense against the vulnerability she feels being an orphan. Tweezer and Bethany start off as very morally grey characters and I loved to see that in a MG book! But while they start off as morally ambiguous, their characters experience such great growth as the story goes on.

I loved how they both discovered the joy of being kind and how they both found their rhythm in being 'better people', without being too nice, of course 😉 These two characters often had me cracking up with their hilarious and crazy antics (the things they'd get up to while completing Bethany's bucket list really had me LOLing) and I loved seeing them open up to each other and become their own weird little family. The Beast was an interesting and purely evil character, but I was interested in learning more about the origin of the giant blob (I would definitely get eaten alive for saying that) and I'm hoping that since the story will continue, we'll find out more in the next book!

TL;DR: A wonderfully weird middle-grade story with characters you will root for and a magical beast that you will be more than happy to see vanquished. It's an unexpectedly heartwarming story with perfect accompanying illustrations and is an absolute delight to read for both young(er) and old(er) audiences.

Fun and totally grossed out with this absolutely terrific children’s book that has heart and warmth!
It’s being made into a big budget Hollywood Movie with Warner Brothers already and I can see how it can lend itself terrifically well to the big screen.

I’ve been one of the lucky people to get my hands on a copy of the book to review and it gives me great pleasure to share with you.

The Beast And The Bethany is one of the biggest middle-grade children’s books to be published this year, with a film going to be made of it, this is the perfect chance to get your hands on the book first. Excited? It’s worth getting excited about.

Review
Ebenezer Tweezer is an age you can only ever imagine. He has 1 week to go until his 512th birthday. Has he the wrinkles of an old man? No, not him. He looks around 20 years old… I figure a lot of adults now reading this are wondering what his beauty secrets are and a lot of children having fun and in awe of his age. He lives in the most amazing house with a rare parrot. He then goes to an orphanage where he meets Bethany, who has some pretty gross habits. Children who like Roald Dahl, will really enjoy this book. Still, Ebenezer wants to adopt her from Miss Fizzlewick. She’s a handful and what she can’t do with superglue and chilli powder isn’t worth knowing!
I think many children will find some pretty grossed-out humour in this book. Bethany is pretty obnoxious. Then… There’s The Beast to contend with. Ebenezer has gone to great lengths to get the beast what it wants, including the Titanic. Now a child, who unfortunately may not be to its taste after-all and what can be done to remedy it. Readers will have to find out why not in the book…

Ultimately, Ebeneezer needs to change Bethany, so she becomes less of an obnoxious brat. The beast has also promised a very special potion to Ebenezer in return.

There are some parts that children may find thought-provoking and could be good for discussion, such as what it may feel like getting older and also transformation in behaviours, including that of the beast. The book has a heart and soul to it with a certain, unexpected warmth.

Ultimately this book will have children wrinkling their noses and perhaps being vocally disgusted at where things like the worms are, laughing so much at the humour and wanting to run from the beast. I reckon this is an absolutely terrific book for reading for pleasure at home and in the classroom. It’ll certainly be a book that lots of fun can be had from anyone who reads it.

If you've read The Picture of Dorian Gray you'll have some kind of idea what I mean when I say if you take that book, inject some clever humour and very funny and clever storytelling (and a few Christmas Carol redemption vibes) then you reach The Beast and the Bethany. This is an amazing, fun read that I would recommend to anyone (children or adult alike)!

The story starts with Ebeneezer Tweezer (and isn't that just an amazing doozy of a name), who is 511 years old and keeps a beast in his house who vomits out presents for him once he's brought things for the beast to eat. One of the things that Ebeneezer asks for every year is a potion to keep him young. However, this year, the beast demands that Ebeneezer brings him a child to eat before he will give him the potion.

Honestly, I loved pretty much everything about this book!

The character of Ebeneezer Tweezer was so great. At the start he is out for himself. He has no qualms about using others (and feeding parrots to beasts) to get what he wants. He is the most morally grey character I have encountered in a middle-grade book in a long time, but that's part of the reason that his character and redemption arc are so great.

The beast itself, is basically just pure evil. It wants what it wants and doesn't have any conscience about it. The beast is the catalyst for the story, as well as she enabler of Ebeneezer Tweezer's darker tenancies. He's a very interesting character that drew me in from the very first pages.

Bethany is a strange mixture of completely rude and hilariously cheeky. She's such a great character from the start and is very much one of the personalities that drives the story. She revels in mischief, but that's what makes her character such an amazing one!

This story goes through so many twists and turns in just a couple of hundred pages. The writing is filled with witty and incredible humour that had me laughing out loud in places despite the darker tone of the book. Jack has created one of my favourite middle-grades I have read! It is the journey of a self-absorbed, vain man, who tries to feed a girl to an evil monster in exchange for youth, but ends up being entranced by the girl and her great personality instead (oh and there's talking parrots as well)!

It happens very rarely, if ever, that you just hear one praise after the other from the members of your book reviewing community.

It happened with me for the very book that I am going to be reviewing here: (though not given to the use of adjectives much, I break the rules and.....) the hilarious, the fabulous, the must-read, the heart warming, the amazing.....DRUM ROLL.... THE BEAST AND THE BETHANY.

The book targeted for middle grade readers has been written by Jack Meggitt-Phillip and illustrated by Isabelle Follath. What a team have they made to bring us this delightful book!

I read it with both my kids-the12 year-old and the 5 year-old and we had some hilarious times. Let me start by giving you the blurb from Goodreads.

511 years. How, you may wonder? Ebenezer simply has to feed the beast in the attic of his mansion. In return for meals of performing monkeys, statues of Winston Churchill, and the occasional cactus, Ebenezer gets potions that keep him young and beautiful, as well as other presents. But the beast grows ever greedier with each meal, and one day he announces that he’d like to eat a nice, juicy child next. Ebenezer has never done anything quite this terrible to hold onto his wonderful life. Still, he finds the absolutely snottiest, naughtiest, and most frankly unpleasant child he can and prepares to feed her to the beast. The child, Bethany, may just be more than Ebenezer bargained for. She’s certainly a really rather rude houseguest, but Ebenezer still finds himself wishing she didn’t have to be gobbled up after all. Could it be Bethany is less meal-worthy and more…friend-worthy?

Now that you have seen/ read it for yourself, can you resist this modern day retelling of a favourite fairy tale? (I couldn't have and so hopped on to the blog tour organised by the very amazing Dave of The Write Reads. *Rubs hands gleefully*)

My elder daughter identified with Bethany (and was moved by her
back story) while my younger one ( who is already showing a penchant for the good life) aspires to pick up a thing or two from Ebenzer. The characters were fun and really well rounded and we loved imagining the way each one of the three main characters would speak.

The book also makes an everlasting impression on the reader because it is not always fun and games. Ebenzer's and Bethany's stories will warm the cockles of your heart and might just get you to shed a few tears. The Beast itself is a very enticing creature.

With their own unique quirks, which all the characters in the book bring to the story, The Beast and The Bethany makes for an engaging read for one and all. I personally loved the progression of the story as well as the storytelling

This was marketed as Lemony Snicket meets Dorian Gray, and also promises the macabre humour of Roald Dahl and the warmth and charm of Despicable Me, and wow, the marketing team of this book did a great job because those are exactly what The Beast and the Bethany has delivered. Well, those and more.

This book is a delightful treat. Just a few days ago I was telling my cousin that it’s been a long while since I read for pleasure and not for a blog tour or ARC (I’m not complaining, just merely stating a fact) and then I read this book and I was more thankful that I join blog tours hosted by people whose book preferences I trust, such as Dave. Why, this book is amazing. I enjoyed it right from the start and couldn’t put it down.

It opens on a scene introducing two of the main characters, Ebenezer Tweezer and Bethany and instantly letting me know who they are and how they are as characters. They are the most interesting. The opening line promptly gives a lot about Ebenezer. It says…

Ebenezer tweezer was a terrible man with a wonderful life.
– JACK MEGGITT-PHILLIPS (THE BEAST AND THE BETHANY)

And then Bethany, even with her seemingly innocent first line in the book, she was obviously not a nice kid. I liked the main characters and probably the best part of this book. They’re morally grey and the author didn’t hide their flaws or rather their cruelty – Bethany with the cruelty, or naughtiness, of a child and Ebenezer who is almost heartless and whose priority is staying young. Ebenezer, in his 511 years, let his pet beast influence and dictate his actions. I would even say he was manipulated, though the beast and Ebenezer’s relationship started almost innocently.

I really, REALLY, loved reading about the main characters and seeing how they grew. It’s a bit predictable where the story is heading or how the characters will evolve by the end of the book but it’s still amazing going through the journey, seeing them develop feelings. Ebenezer and Bethany really crawled their ways to my heart. Their backstories also tugged at my heartstrings, which brings me to the mood of the book. This book seems charming and heartwarming and it is but more than that it is dark and sad at times.

One of the saddest scenes for me is when Bethany asked something from the beast. I thought she was going to ask for a pet because she wants one but she asked for something else and I almost tear up seeing her so heartbroken. You see, Bethany is an orphan. Go figure. As for Ebenezer…There is something sad about people who value their physique or beauty. This theme has always been a sensitive issue for me. I won’t talk about why but stories with this theme always hits me hard. And Ebenezer is such a very likable character, despite everything, that reading his story makes me somehow sad. Obviously this book has moral lessons, lessons I’m pretty sure we all already know but we just don’t live by them. Again, it’s sad.

The side characters are well-written as well. I liked that I felt as if I spent as much time with the side characters as with the main characters, which is impossible because most of the scenes only feature Ebenezer, Bethany and the beast. The beast is a fascinating creature. Yes, he is evil. It’s not a morally grey character, he’s really evil and has done lots of evil in the story. And yet I liked how he was written. The author obviously succeeded in writing a good antagonist.

The book is really well-written and the story engaging. The writing style is okay. It’s simple and easy to read which is expected in this genre. Though there are times that I felt the writing is trying hard to appeal to older readers, which first of all, it doesn’t have to because the story will appeal to all ages. But anyway, I guess some of the quotes won’t appeal to kids nor would they understand them. The illustrations in this book are also amazing. I love them. I’m definitely adding this book to my list of Childrens books to buy. (I will never have children but I have little cousins who I want to buy MG books for.)

As I already said, this book will appeal to all ages. Its meaningful messages will appeal to older readers and even young readers with the guidance of adults. Especially since in order to deliver those messages, this book touches difficult themes. But there’s humour in this book too which kids and kids at heart will enjoy.

Although The Beast and the Bethany is a children’s novel I feel it’s a fantastic read that all ages can enjoy.

Ebenezer Tweezer is a young 511 year old gentleman with a secret. He has a Beast that lives in his attic, but the Beast needs to be fed all manner of things to survive. Ebenezer is all to willing to feed the Beast what he wants. His food ranges from unusual antiques, all manner of vegetables, fruit and meat to small pets! But when the Beast wants to eat a plump child, Ebenezer decides he probably should find the most awful child there is.

Bethany is no ordinary orphan, and when she crosses paths with Ebenezer, you wonder if she will be a tough match for both him and the Beast. Bring on mayhem, mischief and lots of funny scenarios.

This novel is pitched as the most exciting new children’s book of 2020, and quite honestly I’d like to echo that statement. The writing is just lovely, it is pitched at the right level and pace, it’s funny with some fiendish characters. It was a pleasure to read and I can’t wait for the second in the series.

My thoughts



Narrative and Plot


The Beast and the Bethany is certainly a fun twist to the age old fairy tale. The narrative is engaging, witty and charming that you could read it just like a wide eyed child brimming with curiosity. Although, coming to think about it, the book is pretty violent for a middle grade fantasy. Well, most fairy tales are anyway.

The plot is woven around Ebenezer , Bethany and the Beast. Everything comes a full circle by the end of the story. Yet, it leaves enough to get your interest piqued for the sequel. And yes, there is a sequel coming soon.





Characters and Conflicts





Even though, the book is short, the Beast and the Bethany has well rounded characters that you immediately care for and root for. The illustrations are fun too particularly if you have a hard copy. Unfortunately, I didn’t. Still, the illustrations confirmed my vivid imaginations much to my delight.

Ebenezer and Bethany kind of start as annoying characters. Ebenezer more than Bethany on that regard. But it is heartwarming to see their development and how they form a friendship. Even Geoffrey – the passive character makes an impact in the book which is the sign of great storytelling. The conflict was dealt swiftly with the necessary drama that was just the right amount.

The metaphor in the book is deep and makes you think as an adult. You can only raise the beast that you feed, in the end.













Conclusion


Middle grade fantasy is a genre that’s been surprising me ever since I started blogging. The Beast and the Bethany is yet another happy addition to that list. If you’re open to reading a fun , charming and imaginative retelling of the Beauty and the Beast, this is a must read.

Ebenezer Tweezer is 511 years old and a horribly selfish person. He has a big house filled with a lot of things, and pots of money to buy anything he wants. He also has a Beast in his attic. Thus begins a deliciously dark middle grade tale that mixes the outlandish humour of Roald Dahl with the grim aesthetic of Lemony Snicket.

Ebenezer spends a lot of his time bringing the Beast all manner of exciting and interesting things to eat. Things like his pet cat, Lord Tibbles, and Patrick, one of only 20 Wintlorian Purple-Breasted Parrot’s left in the world (19, once the Beast is done with Patrick).

In return for his increasingly exotic morsels, the Beast vomits (yes, you read that right, The Beast and the Bethany is that kind of book) out anything that Ebenezer could wish for. Money, possessions and, most importantly, magical anti-ageing potions.

When The Beast and the Bethany opens, however, Ebenezer Tweezer has a problem. No longer content with consuming beloved housepets or rare species, the Beast has decided he would like a plump and juicy child to eat and that he won’t give Ebenezer the potion until he gets one. One trip to the orphanage later and Ebenezer returns with Bethany, a horrid little girl who enjoys stealing her fellow orphans’ comics, putting worms up people’s noses, and drawing all over Ebenezer’s favourite artwork.

Ebenezer is going to delight in feeding Bethany to the Beast. But first he needs to make her nice and plump and juicy. And that means getting her to eat. And that means talking to her. And THAT might just change Ebenezer and Bethany’s lives forever.

If The Beast and the Bethany sounds like a delightfully horrible book, that’s because it is. Brimming with fast-paced and chaotic action (captured perfectly by Isabelle Follath’s fantastically lively illustrations), this is a madcap adventure that explores greed, selfishness, friendship, and the possibility of redemption.

As the story progresses it becomes clear that neither Bethany not Ebenezer are quite as wicked as they first appear to be. Whilst both of them need to have their moral compasses firmly re-aligned, there might be hope for them yet – especially if they work together to confound the Beast’s dastardly plans.

I’m clearly not the target audience for The Beast and the Bethany but with it’s wicked humour, slapstick comedy, gross-out moments, and rip-roaring plot, I imagine the book will hook many a young reader seeking their next fix of the dark and delicious after tearing through the classics of Roald Dahl or the more recent Lemony Snicket series.

Parents might be less keen on Bethany’s antics (she’s no role model that’s for sure!) but beneath all the chocolate cake throwing and demands to “BOG OFF”, there is a lonely little girl in need of a friend and a home to call her own. As an adult reader, I really enjoyed seeing Bethany and Ebenezer’s relationship develop and how they each bought about a change in the other’s way of seeing the world around them.

And if you enjoy The Beast and the Bethany, there’s certainly the promise of more to come. Bethany and Ebenezer might have plans to subdue the Beast but it appears the Beast won’t be giving up that easily – so more adventures to come for eager readers who enjoy the raucous fun and zany capers that abound in this riot of a book.

When you open this book, you enter a world full of macabre humor, a grisly, magical beast, and a spunky young girl who will win your heart.

What I Loved

I loved the story within the story of a young girl and an unusually older man who filled a need each had for friendship and love. Both characters changed as a result, and the effects are nothing short of magical. This story is very heartwarming at its core, and the characters are endearingly flawed to a point where any other ending to this story would not work.

I loved the illustrations found throughout the tale. They fit the story's tone perfectly, reflecting the humor and wit of the words surrounding them. I don't often get the opportunity to enjoy illustrations, much less talk about them, so that makes these all the more special.

I love the characters, especially Bethany, whose snarky wit accomplishes something that Ebenezer has been unable to do in over 500 years. As a parent, I just wanted to hug her and give her the love that a cruel twist of fate stole from her at a tender young age. Kids will laugh at her antics and delight in her bad choices as well as her smart ones.

The Beast is a magical blob of goo that will horrify and disgust readers and happily route for its demise. I can hear the screams of "Eew!" from kids paying rapt attention as the story unfolds. Don't let the gooey essence distract you from seeing the wily cunningness at the heart of this Beast lest you be his next victim.

To Read or Not to Read

I can easily see this book being a new favorite for kids and adults, though make sure the child is old enough not to be terrified of the Beast.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a quick read because I just couldn’t stop. I honestly wasn’t sure where this would go but I loved the journey.

At first, I wasn’t quite sure that I was going to like the characters because they are not the most likable. I think it’s what I loved the most about this book because it was so fun to see their character development by the end. I loved the fact that he chooses and Orphan. He goes into this place and leaving saddened, which really shines a light on reality. Orphans need love to. It really helps you understand the reason Bethany is the way she is.

There were so many great lessons for children in this book but it was done in such a funny way. It does get a little dark at times but it was done in such a silly way that it is perfectly acceptable for kids. I loved how Bethany just worms her way into Ebenezer’s life. Their back and forth was really funny. One is trying to out-whit the other pretty much the whole book. I mean, isn’t that what parenting is all about anyways? You trying to out-whit your child day to day? My kid is only over 1 but he’s testing my brain daily. haha.

The illustrations were so good too. They came out a little off in the e-book version but what I could put together, I really enjoyed. I’m a sucker for beautiful illustrations and this one did not disappoint.

This is a book that I would recommend!! I really enjoyed my time with it. I will be buying a physical copy when it releases for me (a long time in US) and I’m looking forward to book two!!

The Beast and the Bethany was definitely be an entertaining read, full of funny and silly moments. The book consists of a small cast of characters that I thought were great. Now how could you not like a 511 year old man called Ebenezer Tweezer, an orphan called Bethany and a beast that can give you anything you want. Well to find out more you’ll just have to read the book yourself to find out!!!

Oh, and you’ll definitely love the illustrations. My proof copy didn’t have all the illustrations but the ones that were included looked great and I can’t wait to see the finished copy.

I loved reading this book and I’m now reading it for the second time with my 5 year old nephew who is loving it so far. We won’t be getting through it quite as fast as I did the first time but that doesn’t matter, as I get to enjoy it for the second time at a slower pace.

Can’t wait to see what the next book has in store for us. Definitely a middle grade book that can be enjoyed by all ages. 100% recommend this book!!!