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A review by jaysbookishthoughts
The Beast and the Bethany by Jack Meggitt-Phillips
3.0
"The Beast and the Bethany" by Jack Meggitt-Phillips is a darkly comedic and imaginative story that is sure to appeal to fans of Roald Dahl and Neil Gaiman. The book follows the story of a selfish and arrogant man named Ebenezer Tweezer, who has lived for over 500 years by feeding on the life force of a monster that lives in his basement. When the beast threatens to leave him for good, Tweezer sets out to find a replacement, and he comes across a young orphan girl named Bethany.
The premise of the book is both intriguing and humorous, and Meggitt-Phillips has a knack for creating larger-than-life characters that are both lovable and despicable. The interactions between Tweezer and Bethany are particularly entertaining, as they engage in a battle of wits and wills that keeps the reader guessing until the very end.
The world-building in the book is also impressive, with Meggitt-Phillips creating a rich and immersive setting that is both fantastical and grotesque. The descriptions of the monster and its various forms are vivid and imaginative, and the author does an excellent job of bringing the story to life.
While "The Beast and the Bethany" is an enjoyable read overall, there are some flaws that keep it from being a truly great book. The pacing is occasionally slow, and some of the jokes fall flat. Additionally, the book can be quite dark and macabre at times, which may not be to everyone's taste.
Overall, "The Beast and the Bethany" is a solid debut from Jack Meggitt-Phillips, and fans of dark humor and imaginative storytelling will find much to enjoy. However, the book's flaws keep it from reaching the heights of some of its peers, and thats why I give it a lower rating.
The premise of the book is both intriguing and humorous, and Meggitt-Phillips has a knack for creating larger-than-life characters that are both lovable and despicable. The interactions between Tweezer and Bethany are particularly entertaining, as they engage in a battle of wits and wills that keeps the reader guessing until the very end.
The world-building in the book is also impressive, with Meggitt-Phillips creating a rich and immersive setting that is both fantastical and grotesque. The descriptions of the monster and its various forms are vivid and imaginative, and the author does an excellent job of bringing the story to life.
While "The Beast and the Bethany" is an enjoyable read overall, there are some flaws that keep it from being a truly great book. The pacing is occasionally slow, and some of the jokes fall flat. Additionally, the book can be quite dark and macabre at times, which may not be to everyone's taste.
Overall, "The Beast and the Bethany" is a solid debut from Jack Meggitt-Phillips, and fans of dark humor and imaginative storytelling will find much to enjoy. However, the book's flaws keep it from reaching the heights of some of its peers, and thats why I give it a lower rating.