Jack Meggitt-Phillips feeds us a delectable tale of magic and wonder in The Beast and the Bethany. This novel will be one of the classics of this generation.
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- Title: The Beast and the Bethany
- Author: Jack Meggitt-Phillips
- Publisher: Egmont Books
- Genre: Middle Grade
- Pages: 256
- Format: e-Arc
- Rating: 5/5
I would like to thank Netgalley, The Write Reads Tours, Jack Meggitt-Phillips, and Egmont Books for providing me with a free copy of The Beast and the Bethany in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Preorder Now from Amazon – Available December 8, 2020
Synopsis of The Beast and the Bethany
Ebenezer Tweezer is a youthful 511-year-old. He keeps a beast in the attic of his mansion, who he feeds all manner of things (including performing monkeys, his pet cat and the occasional cactus) and in return the beast vomits out presents for Ebenezer, as well as potions which keep him young and beautiful. But the beast grows ever greedier, and soon only a nice, juicy child will do. So when Ebenezer encounters orphan Bethany, it seems like (everlasting) life will go on as normal. But Bethany is not your average orphan . . .”
Goodreads
My Review
The story tells the tale of a man whose only concern is staying young. He has a beast that grants his every wish stashed in the attic of his 15-story house. The Beast only grants his wishes if he brings him whatever he wants to eat, and the Beast eats bizarre things. Right now, he wants to eat a child, and it is up to the man to find one.
Characters
Ebenezer Tweezer is the man who wants to stay young and alive. He does the Beast’s bidding and is very vain with no conscience.
The Beast is very demanding and eats bizarre things. Everything from rare parrots to antiques.
Bethany is an errant child from the local orphanage. Ebenezer adopts her because she is mean and not at all likable, which would be perfect for feeding to the Beast.
My Opinion
The Beast and the Bethany is a fascinating book that offers more adventure than adult books in the genre. The middle-grade world is blossoming, and this novel is a wonderful addition to this newer to me genre.
Jack Meggitt-Phillips is a skilled storyteller. The Goodreads synopsis compares the author to Roald Dahl and Lemony Snicket. I couldn’t agree more, but he has a talent that is very much his own.
Recommendation
I would be remiss in recommending this book to children only. There is so much to love about this novel that I must recommend it to every age. The kid that lives in your heart will love you for giving this one a read.
It thrills me to award 5 out of 5 stars to The Beast and the Bethany.
My Bookish Bliss 
That was awesome, short and to the point. I loved it too and look forward to writing the review!
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I loved this book and wish I had made the review longer. I have such a hard time writing reviews for books I love most.
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I know! Sometimes, when you love a book so much you want to say so many things about it but at the same time you don’t want to give spoilers and it’s just sooooo hard. I find writing other bookish posts much easier than writing reviews🤷🏻♀️
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That is it!! I was so afraid of giving spoilers!
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