The Beast and the Bethany by Jack Meggitt Phillips

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 . . .

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Wow. I did not think I'd start this book feeling sorry for a parrot. And yet, here we are.

This book is brilliant. It's funny, it's clever, the moments of softness are balanced out with someone saying something nasty...really, it's just great all around. And there's going to be more! The solutions the pair come up are wonderful and clever and just...I don't have enough good words for this one. If this series isn't big, I'll be very surprised.

My arc copy didn't have all the illustrations, but it has enough that I can tell they're going to be great. I've been trying to think who they remind me of, but I think they're unique. They're just themselves. They really add to the story and there's so many little details in them to notice on second, third and seventh look.

This is a fantastic book and I can't wait to shove it in people's face and shout "Read this!"


The Beast and the Bethany publishes on the 1st October, 2020.