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3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
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!
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!
Thanks to #TheWriteReads for making this book available to me.
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 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.
To review The Beast and the Bethany, I really had to consider how I would have felt about this book as a kid, rather than how I felt as an adult. I really am not a fan of books where, say, a sentient bird is fed alive to a monster, especially in a way that's supposed to be funny. (This has more to do with me than with the book.) But as a kid, I probably would have enjoyed the dark humor contained in these pages. And I think a lot of other kids will, too.
I did appreciate the growth I saw from the two main characters throughout the book, especially Bethany. I'm not sure all of it was fully earned or believable - one event in particular seems to drastically change Bethany more than I think one such event would - but then again, this is a fairly short children's book and a lot is crammed into it.
The description of "Lemony Snicket meets Roald Dahl" is apt, especially the comparison to the latter author. The characters, plot, and use of language definitely reminded me of Dahl's works. Kids who like these authors will probably enjoy The Beast and the Bethany as well.
I would give this one three stars for myself, but rounding up to four to keep the target audience in mind.
Thanks to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for the e-ARC.
I did appreciate the growth I saw from the two main characters throughout the book, especially Bethany. I'm not sure all of it was fully earned or believable - one event in particular seems to drastically change Bethany more than I think one such event would - but then again, this is a fairly short children's book and a lot is crammed into it.
The description of "Lemony Snicket meets Roald Dahl" is apt, especially the comparison to the latter author. The characters, plot, and use of language definitely reminded me of Dahl's works. Kids who like these authors will probably enjoy The Beast and the Bethany as well.
I would give this one three stars for myself, but rounding up to four to keep the target audience in mind.
Thanks to Netgalley and Simon and Schuster for the e-ARC.
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Audio scribd
MG recommended by Meredith CR
MG recommended by Meredith CR
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
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FR REVIEW :
DISCLAIMER : Thank you, Netgalley and Egmont Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Beast And The Bethany is a children's fantasy story by Jack Meggitt-Phillips. I have always enjoyed children's books, especially middle-grade books. They have the power to transport you into a world of fun, adventure, and magic. Simply said, they are your best friend if you are looking for escapism. I loved that this was just the book to take me out of a funk if I was ever in one. A deal with a beast to stay young (sound familiar??), snarky protagonist, and singing parrots. What more do you want?? I don't know how I have managed to find books with similar themes both in YA and adult fantasy books, where the characters deal with devils, dark powers, and beasts to live forever.
This was a fun and entertaining story to read. The story might be a bit dark and grim for younger readers, but I think it will appeal to an older range of middle-grade students. The pacing was good, and I loved how the story flowed effortlessly, making us want to know what will happen to Bethany and Ebenezer. The plot was also intriguing, and I can't wait to see what's in store for the two of them. This was such an engaging read with beautiful illustrations that complemented the story very well. I am sure this is going to be a series with the way the story ended, leaving us to wonder what surprises the author has in store for us.
The characters were entertaining, each of them bringing something unique to the story. I rarely see a protagonist who is this naughty and rude. I also loved how the characters Ebenezer and Bethany were morally grey. As the story progresses, we see them change and how they decide to help each other to better their character. It shows us character growth, and that is a wonderful thing to see.
Overall, I loved this story and if you are looking for a quick, fun, and entertaining read, make sure to check this story out. Middle-grade students will love this one for sure. Also, the beautiful illustrations and some humor all add up to deliver an engaging story. I gave the book 4 stars and highly recommend checking it out.
FOLLOW ME ON : TWITTER INSTAGRAM
FR REVIEW :
DISCLAIMER : Thank you, Netgalley and Egmont Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Beast And The Bethany is a children's fantasy story by Jack Meggitt-Phillips. I have always enjoyed children's books, especially middle-grade books. They have the power to transport you into a world of fun, adventure, and magic. Simply said, they are your best friend if you are looking for escapism. I loved that this was just the book to take me out of a funk if I was ever in one. A deal with a beast to stay young (sound familiar??), snarky protagonist, and singing parrots. What more do you want?? I don't know how I have managed to find books with similar themes both in YA and adult fantasy books, where the characters deal with devils, dark powers, and beasts to live forever.
This was a fun and entertaining story to read. The story might be a bit dark and grim for younger readers, but I think it will appeal to an older range of middle-grade students. The pacing was good, and I loved how the story flowed effortlessly, making us want to know what will happen to Bethany and Ebenezer. The plot was also intriguing, and I can't wait to see what's in store for the two of them. This was such an engaging read with beautiful illustrations that complemented the story very well. I am sure this is going to be a series with the way the story ended, leaving us to wonder what surprises the author has in store for us.
The characters were entertaining, each of them bringing something unique to the story. I rarely see a protagonist who is this naughty and rude. I also loved how the characters Ebenezer and Bethany were morally grey. As the story progresses, we see them change and how they decide to help each other to better their character. It shows us character growth, and that is a wonderful thing to see.
Overall, I loved this story and if you are looking for a quick, fun, and entertaining read, make sure to check this story out. Middle-grade students will love this one for sure. Also, the beautiful illustrations and some humor all add up to deliver an engaging story. I gave the book 4 stars and highly recommend checking it out.
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
hopeful
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
*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/