The Beast and the Bethany by Jack Meggitt-Phillips #BogOffBethany #AFeastforthebeast #UltimateBlogTour #ProvidedForReview #Gifted @The_WriteReads @MeggittPhillips @egmontbooksuk

WOW – I LOVED IT!

I read the whole thing in just two sittings and I had to drag myself away from the pages. I loved it. It was clever, funny, fun and a real page turner.

The most exciting new children’s book of 2020 and a modern classic in the making. The Beast and the Bethany has all the classic macabre humour of Roald Dahl with the warmth and charm of Despicable Me, finished off with a gleeful bite of Little Shop of Horrors! This book should be on every little monster’s birthday and Christmas list.

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 . . .

Great synopsis, right?!?!? It certainly had me chomping at the bit(bones) to sign up for the blog tour.

The Beast and the Bethany doesn’t have much of a run up – it starts with a bang and the story doesn’t slow down. I thought the pacing was spot on for both the genre and audience. I also loved the writing and description. I thought it was an accessible MG story, but with enough hidden humour to keep the adults among the readers laughing.

After a few minutes of searching, she finally selected a black rucksack and a small, brown suitcase with the initials ‘P.B.’ on them.
“What do the letters stand for?” she asked, when she returned downstairs.
“Peruvian Bear, or something like that. Belonged to a charming little chap who I brought to the beast about a year ago,” said Ebenezer.
P. 192 – taken from an uncorrected ARC

And LOOK at that cover! I was lucky enough to have an ARC so a lot of the illustrations were missing and awaiting finalisation but what was there was GREAT. Isabelle Follath really managed to capture the magic and mischief of Bethany and the aged youngness of Ebenezer. I will be buying a finished copy for my 7 year old – I will most likely buy the audiobook too as I imagine it will be a real hoot on audio.

And I LOVED the last chapter – The Beast and the Author, I think Jack Meggitt-Phillips really does have a talent for humour. The ending was GREAT. That is the ending before the last chapter after the few before – You think I am not making any sense, then I suggest you read the book for yourself or read it along with a special wee someone.

And I loved Patrick – and Claudette. It’s a book where all the smaller characters shine. I can’t wait to read the next book, I will be pre-ordering it just as much for me as I will for my daughter.

The Beast and the Bethany deserves ALL the stars.

I am glad the book is getting a load of (very well deserved) hype! It’s going to be a must buy. I think it’s quite a special read.

Have you been LUCKY enough to read it? Or are you eagerly awaiting it’s publication date on the 1st of October?

I received a copy of the book for review from the publisher, which was all arranged by the blog tour organiser – Thank you!