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3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
The Beast and the Bethany will be available for purchase on December eighth (Psst! This would make a great Christmas gift!).
Take The Picture of Dorian Gray , and make it less gothic and more fun, and you’ve got The Beast and the Bethany. This book follows Ebenezer Tweezer, a 511 year-old who is ridiculously rich and remarkably spry for his age. His secret? He has a beast hidden in his attic. Ebenezer feeds the beast in exchange for a potion that keeps him young. At first, the beast wants small things, but as time goes on its appetite grows and…well, let’s just say that the beast is not a vegetarian.
Eventually, Ebenezer is asked to put a child on the beast’s menu. Ebenezer finds this vaguely upsetting, but not enough to keep him from bringing Bethany home. Bethany is a brat. There’s no way to sugarcoat it. Then again, can someone who’s planning on feeding his houseguest to a monster really make judgments? Ebenezer can handle her staying with him prior to the Big Meal. It’s only for a little while, after all. Then it’s bon apetit! But then something unexpected happens: Bethany and Ebenezer start to become friends! Whatever shall Ebenezer do?
This book is monstrously delightful! Bethany and Ebenezer are the most likable jerks that I’ve ever had the pleasure to read about. They’re good for each other, and it was wonderful seeing them slowly change (just a little!) and learn to appreciate each other. I particularly loved Ebenezer and seeing how he’s basically been going through a mid-life crisis for the last fifty plus years.
The way the story is told is perfect for older elementary and middle-grade kids, but it will keep any age group entertained. The language is simple and snappy, and the book is a quick read, though the concepts are most understood and appreciated by the slightly older crowd. My oldest will be reading The Picture of Dorian Gray in school this year and I’m adding The Beast and the Bethany to his curriculum. I know he’ll love it! I may have to make it a read-aloud so I have an excuse to enjoy it again.
Much like the beast, I gobbled this up and I’m hungry for more. This author is fantastic! I most definitely recommend picking this book up. If you have kids, buy this for them. If you don’t, buy it for you. It’s a great read!
Take The Picture of Dorian Gray , and make it less gothic and more fun, and you’ve got The Beast and the Bethany. This book follows Ebenezer Tweezer, a 511 year-old who is ridiculously rich and remarkably spry for his age. His secret? He has a beast hidden in his attic. Ebenezer feeds the beast in exchange for a potion that keeps him young. At first, the beast wants small things, but as time goes on its appetite grows and…well, let’s just say that the beast is not a vegetarian.
Eventually, Ebenezer is asked to put a child on the beast’s menu. Ebenezer finds this vaguely upsetting, but not enough to keep him from bringing Bethany home. Bethany is a brat. There’s no way to sugarcoat it. Then again, can someone who’s planning on feeding his houseguest to a monster really make judgments? Ebenezer can handle her staying with him prior to the Big Meal. It’s only for a little while, after all. Then it’s bon apetit! But then something unexpected happens: Bethany and Ebenezer start to become friends! Whatever shall Ebenezer do?
This book is monstrously delightful! Bethany and Ebenezer are the most likable jerks that I’ve ever had the pleasure to read about. They’re good for each other, and it was wonderful seeing them slowly change (just a little!) and learn to appreciate each other. I particularly loved Ebenezer and seeing how he’s basically been going through a mid-life crisis for the last fifty plus years.
The way the story is told is perfect for older elementary and middle-grade kids, but it will keep any age group entertained. The language is simple and snappy, and the book is a quick read, though the concepts are most understood and appreciated by the slightly older crowd. My oldest will be reading The Picture of Dorian Gray in school this year and I’m adding The Beast and the Bethany to his curriculum. I know he’ll love it! I may have to make it a read-aloud so I have an excuse to enjoy it again.
Much like the beast, I gobbled this up and I’m hungry for more. This author is fantastic! I most definitely recommend picking this book up. If you have kids, buy this for them. If you don’t, buy it for you. It’s a great read!
*I received a free ARC of this novel, with thanks to the author, Egmont Books and NetGalley. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
What a brilliant book, for children and adults alike!
The Beast and the Bethany follows a longstanding fairytale tradition of being quite dark and utterly gruesome, with some touching moments and plenty of giggles too.
Our main characters are Ebenezer and Bethany, and both start the story as pretty unpleasant to be around. 511-year-old Ebenezer has become so obsessed with prolonging his time on this earth that he has forgotten to actually do anything with the time he has. He has everything he can think of, including his youth, but doesn’t really seem to be enjoying his good fortune. And right at the other end of the scale – although also not particularly enjoying life – is orphan Bethany, who spends her time bullying, pranking and generally making everyone around her as miserable as she can. They seem to deserve each other. But does either of them deserve to be eaten by the Beast that lives in Ebenezer’s attic?
I had heard this story described as a modern-day Roald Dahl book, and I was certainly not disappointed in this respect. Jack Meggitt-Phillips has tapped into the same gleeful revoltingness that Dahl mined, whilst also managing to sneak in the moral lessons and character development under the entertaining adventure. I was also reminded strongly of Despicable Me, Lemony Snicket and even a little bit of Annie. That is not to say that the story is derivative though; Meggitt-Phillips takes the ideas of orphans, rich unhappy men and monsters and spins them into a fresh and funny new fable of his own.
The story is set mainly in Ebenezer’s palatial mansion, but covers a lot more ground morally, encompassing exploration of love and loneliness, selfishness and second chances, and what things are really important in life. And, of course, whether it is every ethically acceptable to feed your monster at the expense of other’s feelings, pets and/or actual lives.
I will definitely be purchasing copies of this book for all the middle-graders I know, but confess that I will be adding this to my own personal library as well, and can’t wait to see what comes next from this author. There’s no age limit on a fantastic story!
Ebenezer Tweezer didn’t even have to worry about death. At the time this story begins, he was within a week of his 512th birthday, and yet, if you were to have bumped into him on the street, you would have thought him to be a young man – certainly no more than twenty years old.
You might have also thought that he was quite handsome. He had short golden hair, a small nose, a soft mouth and a pair of eyes which dazzled like diamonds in the moonlight. There was also a wonderful look of innocence about him.
Sadly, looks can be deceiving. You see, at the time when this story begins, Ebenezer was about to do a very bad thing.
- Jack Meggitt-Phillips, The Beast and the Bethany
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpress.com/2020/10/08/the-beast-and-the-bethany-jack-meggitt-phillips/
What a brilliant book, for children and adults alike!
The Beast and the Bethany follows a longstanding fairytale tradition of being quite dark and utterly gruesome, with some touching moments and plenty of giggles too.
Our main characters are Ebenezer and Bethany, and both start the story as pretty unpleasant to be around. 511-year-old Ebenezer has become so obsessed with prolonging his time on this earth that he has forgotten to actually do anything with the time he has. He has everything he can think of, including his youth, but doesn’t really seem to be enjoying his good fortune. And right at the other end of the scale – although also not particularly enjoying life – is orphan Bethany, who spends her time bullying, pranking and generally making everyone around her as miserable as she can. They seem to deserve each other. But does either of them deserve to be eaten by the Beast that lives in Ebenezer’s attic?
I had heard this story described as a modern-day Roald Dahl book, and I was certainly not disappointed in this respect. Jack Meggitt-Phillips has tapped into the same gleeful revoltingness that Dahl mined, whilst also managing to sneak in the moral lessons and character development under the entertaining adventure. I was also reminded strongly of Despicable Me, Lemony Snicket and even a little bit of Annie. That is not to say that the story is derivative though; Meggitt-Phillips takes the ideas of orphans, rich unhappy men and monsters and spins them into a fresh and funny new fable of his own.
The story is set mainly in Ebenezer’s palatial mansion, but covers a lot more ground morally, encompassing exploration of love and loneliness, selfishness and second chances, and what things are really important in life. And, of course, whether it is every ethically acceptable to feed your monster at the expense of other’s feelings, pets and/or actual lives.
I will definitely be purchasing copies of this book for all the middle-graders I know, but confess that I will be adding this to my own personal library as well, and can’t wait to see what comes next from this author. There’s no age limit on a fantastic story!
Ebenezer Tweezer didn’t even have to worry about death. At the time this story begins, he was within a week of his 512th birthday, and yet, if you were to have bumped into him on the street, you would have thought him to be a young man – certainly no more than twenty years old.
You might have also thought that he was quite handsome. He had short golden hair, a small nose, a soft mouth and a pair of eyes which dazzled like diamonds in the moonlight. There was also a wonderful look of innocence about him.
Sadly, looks can be deceiving. You see, at the time when this story begins, Ebenezer was about to do a very bad thing.
- Jack Meggitt-Phillips, The Beast and the Bethany
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpress.com/2020/10/08/the-beast-and-the-bethany-jack-meggitt-phillips/
I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. I really enjoyed it, it was quite a quick read for me but there was plenty to capture the imagination. I have several nieces and nephews that i know will enjoy it.
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
fast-paced
Read- January 2021
- This was a cute read and even though it didn't have much substance I still very much enjoyed it.
- This was a cute read and even though it didn't have much substance I still very much enjoyed it.
You can see all my reviews here: Books Are The New Black
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!!
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!!
ARC recieved for blog tour
With a whimsical narrative, monstrous beasts and life lessons, Phillips writes an invaluable book perfect for every child's library. I loved this one, and devoured it in less than twenty-four hours. It's fast, fun, and doesn't take it's self too seriously. The narration was phenomenal, and I was instantly hooked by the descriptions and details Phillips threw this rich book. It actually made me chuckle a few times, so The Beast and The Bethany will no doubt make children laugh.
The characterization of Ebenezer Tweezer is great. He lives in a house with fifteen floors and a room for anything you can imagine - a room for contemplation, luggage, and fridges dedicated to cake. A handsome five-hundred-and-eleven year old man who tries to charge a child £253.62 for sweets, and finds himself confused when he receives a life time ban from the Zoo after trying to smuggle children away from their parents into a bag sums him up well. Like a child, he's dangerously innocent, unable to understand how the world works. He'd never even heard of an orphanage until the bird-keeper told him to go there after Ebenezer Tweezer announced he wanted to buy a child from the pet store, even the bird-keepers little boy.
The plot keeps the reader on their toes, and I had no idea where it was going. There were moments I never expected, others that made me smile This book manages to weave deep, meaningful lessons about life, kindness, friendship and grief.
Overall, this was a really quick and fun read, and one I'll be keen to share with younger readers. If you're looking for something witty, sharp, and suspenseful, this is for you.
https://halfwildbooksblog.wordpress.com/
With a whimsical narrative, monstrous beasts and life lessons, Phillips writes an invaluable book perfect for every child's library. I loved this one, and devoured it in less than twenty-four hours. It's fast, fun, and doesn't take it's self too seriously. The narration was phenomenal, and I was instantly hooked by the descriptions and details Phillips threw this rich book. It actually made me chuckle a few times, so The Beast and The Bethany will no doubt make children laugh.
The characterization of Ebenezer Tweezer is great. He lives in a house with fifteen floors and a room for anything you can imagine - a room for contemplation, luggage, and fridges dedicated to cake. A handsome five-hundred-and-eleven year old man who tries to charge a child £253.62 for sweets, and finds himself confused when he receives a life time ban from the Zoo after trying to smuggle children away from their parents into a bag sums him up well. Like a child, he's dangerously innocent, unable to understand how the world works. He'd never even heard of an orphanage until the bird-keeper told him to go there after Ebenezer Tweezer announced he wanted to buy a child from the pet store, even the bird-keepers little boy.
The plot keeps the reader on their toes, and I had no idea where it was going. There were moments I never expected, others that made me smile This book manages to weave deep, meaningful lessons about life, kindness, friendship and grief.
Overall, this was a really quick and fun read, and one I'll be keen to share with younger readers. If you're looking for something witty, sharp, and suspenseful, this is for you.
https://halfwildbooksblog.wordpress.com/
What do you get when you feed a Beast a whole heap of Dorian Gray, a pinch of Roald Dahl, a dash of Lemony Snicket and a sprinkle of Tracy Beaker? Well, if you’re lucky, the Beast might give you something like this book.
I was so excited to receive a proof for this book (thank you, The Write Reads!) and, I’ve got to say, that excitement really rocketed when I had the book in my hands. Although it looks like I may have got a copy that a certain Beast got hold of first because there are a few… bite marks and slobber stains on it.
This was a very quick, fun middle grade. It definitely feels like the kind of book any child would gobble up (I only wish my 10 year old cousin was here two days earlier to give me her opinion too!) It had so many twists and turns that I couldn’t predict. Every page was a delight, especially when I saw the few illustrations that had been included in the proof. I also loved reading about all the adventures Bethany and Ebenezer went on.
I loved Bethany. An orphan, with a knack for burying her feelings below misbehaviour and worms, she was really fun to watch grow (as she was fed countless dinners). I enjoyed seeing her develop from just “Bog off” to the occasional “Sorry”. She was loud and boisterous, perfect for showing girls they don’t have to be prim and proper (despite what everyone wants to teach her). She wasn’t perfect, but she was brave and spoke her mind, and she dragged Ebenezer with her on her quest to be better.
Speaking of Mr Tweezer… Ebenezer was a fun young… old… basically fossilised man. He approached problems with a unique mind, didn’t really know how money worked and loved what he loved. Although you’re introduced to him as, well, historically a very selfish person, I was glad to see him mature as much as Bethany – and he even ended up brave in his own Ebenezer way.
And The Beast? Well, maybe best not to say anything about the Beast lest he develop a sudden taste for redheaded book bloggers. Bethany’s name is already eerily similar…
I was so excited to receive a proof for this book (thank you, The Write Reads!) and, I’ve got to say, that excitement really rocketed when I had the book in my hands. Although it looks like I may have got a copy that a certain Beast got hold of first because there are a few… bite marks and slobber stains on it.
This was a very quick, fun middle grade. It definitely feels like the kind of book any child would gobble up (I only wish my 10 year old cousin was here two days earlier to give me her opinion too!) It had so many twists and turns that I couldn’t predict. Every page was a delight, especially when I saw the few illustrations that had been included in the proof. I also loved reading about all the adventures Bethany and Ebenezer went on.
I loved Bethany. An orphan, with a knack for burying her feelings below misbehaviour and worms, she was really fun to watch grow (as she was fed countless dinners). I enjoyed seeing her develop from just “Bog off” to the occasional “Sorry”. She was loud and boisterous, perfect for showing girls they don’t have to be prim and proper (despite what everyone wants to teach her). She wasn’t perfect, but she was brave and spoke her mind, and she dragged Ebenezer with her on her quest to be better.
Speaking of Mr Tweezer… Ebenezer was a fun young… old… basically fossilised man. He approached problems with a unique mind, didn’t really know how money worked and loved what he loved. Although you’re introduced to him as, well, historically a very selfish person, I was glad to see him mature as much as Bethany – and he even ended up brave in his own Ebenezer way.
And The Beast? Well, maybe best not to say anything about the Beast lest he develop a sudden taste for redheaded book bloggers. Bethany’s name is already eerily similar…