The Beast is an Animal by Peternelle van Arsdale Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books on March 7, 2017
Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, Young Adult
Pages: 352
Format: eARC
Purchase: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads
Rating:
A girl with a secret talent must save her village from the encroaching darkness in this haunting and deeply satisfying tale.
Alys was seven when the soul eaters came to her village.
These soul eaters, twin sisters who were abandoned by their father and slowly morphed into something not quite human, devour human souls. Alys, and all the other children, were spared—and they were sent to live in a neighboring village. There the devout people created a strict world where good and evil are as fundamental as the nursery rhymes children sing. Fear of the soul eaters—and of the Beast they believe guides them—rule village life. But the Beast is not what they think it is. And neither is Alys.
Inside, Alys feels connected to the soul eaters, and maybe even to the Beast itself. As she grows from a child to a teenager, she longs for the freedom of the forest. And she has a gift she can tell no one, for fear they will call her a witch. When disaster strikes, Alys finds herself on a journey to heal herself and her world. A journey that will take her through the darkest parts of the forest, where danger threatens her from the outside—and from within her own heart and soul.
At A Glance
I was fascinated the whole time.
The Good
I am not sure what it is about The Beast is an Animal but I really liked it. What’s funny is that it doesn’t follow the normal ebb and flow of the books I like. I like extremes in my books, things that keep me excited, like being scared or sitting on the edge of my seat with suspense. This book didn’t have that. It had a calmness about it. I think it was because of the lyrical quality in the words. I loved how the story very much felt life a creepy fairytale. It worked for me be it because of my current frame of mind or just because.
The cast of characters were great. They were all monotone in the most brilliant of ways. The all have a sense of hopelessness and monotony, but their tiny distinctions make all the difference in the world. Just small things that make them larger than life in the meekest of ways. I know, I’m not making sense but if you read the book you would understand.
Alys was so interesting. Her role in this world was so small yet so big. She’s brave yet still just a vulnerable young girl. I couldn’t wait to see where her tale went next. She fascinated me. The itself world fascinated me with its soul eaters, beasts, and zealots. It all worked together so well.
The Bad
There was nothing super scary or super exciting about The Beast is an Animal. Don’t read it for that. It has a more creepy-calm feeling which worked for me but may not work for others.
The ending was anti-climactic. I was okay with the ending but it wasn’t frightening like I thought it would be.
The Snuggly
There is very little snuggly. Alys does find her other half but their relationship is not a focus at all and all they do is kiss.
Final Thoughts
I didn’t mean to read this book so early before the publication date but it was worth it. It wasn’t perfect but the story and characters worked for me. Very recommended
Melissa (Books and Things)
I like that it isn’t totally scary since I’m a wimp and this one appeals to me. Dark enough for the moment and I think I’m gravitating toward those right now.
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
No, not very scary, more creepy.
Nathan
I like that it has creepy fairy tale quality to it. Maybe I should give this book a second look.
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
I would recommend you try it.
Braine
I think you enjoyed this because it’s different yet familiar enough that you weren’t thrust outside your usual zone.
This is how I view Maggie Stiefvater, the lyrical quality or low hum of her Raven Boys series. It takes its sweet time but never boring.
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
See, now Maggie didn’t work for me at all, which I think could easily happen for other people with this book. I think current mood matters.
Anna
All I know is the cover stopped me flat. What a beauty. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
I know, the cover kills me.
Melliane
It sounds interesting and a bit different too so it’s intriguing. First time I hear about it
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
Definitely different, but good.