Beastkeeper by Cat Hellisen Published by Henry Holt & Co (BYR) on February 3, 2015
Genres: Middle Grade & Childrens
Pages: 208
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Beastkeeper<img src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=noyere-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0805099808" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Buy on Amazon
*This book was provided by the Publisher for review. No compensation was provided and all opinions are strictly my own.
Sarah has always been on the move. Her mother hates the cold, so every few months her parents pack their bags and drag her off after the sun. She’s grown up lonely and longing for magic. She doesn’t know that it’s magic her parents are running from.
When Sarah’s mother walks out on their family, all the strange old magic they have tried to hide from comes rising into their mundane world. Her father begins to change into something wild and beastly, but before his transformation is complete, he takes Sarah to her grandparents—people she has never met, didn’t even know were still alive.
Deep in the forest, in a crumbling ruin of a castle, Sarah begins to untangle the layers of curses affecting her family bloodlines, until she discovers that the curse has carried over to her, too. The day she falls in love for the first time, Sarah will transform into a beast . . . unless she can figure out a way to break the curse forever.
Beastkeeper is a dark fairytale of a young girl and her cursed family. It’s not only a coming of age story but one that forces young readers to examine and deal with some really harsh realities like abandonment, neglect, and maybe a bit of abuse. I know all of that sounds a bit depressing but this girl was such a strong character and it wasn’t that her parents didn’t love her but more like they were so focused on themselves that care for her came second. Which I’m sure might be the situation in some realistic cases as well so it was really well done and I literally gobbled up the entire book in an evening.
What this girl likely wouldn’t give for a normal family
The story features a a young girl, Sarah, of about age 13 or 14, who’s family constantly moves as if they are avoiding the cold season. But one night while she is listening in on her parents, her mother tells her father she “can’t do this anymore.” She can’t stay and watch what is happening to him and what will happen to Sarah. So she abandons them. Selfish!
Things for Sarah quickly degrade from there as her father withdraws more and more and their household falls into disarray. She never realized just how much her mother was the glue that held them together and how much work it was to cook, clean and do laundry. But not only is her father withdrawn but he’s undergoing some changes that might not only be the decline of his personal hygiene. Enter the fantasy element because Sarah’s family is cursed.
What, Since when do I have relatives?
Eventually Sarah’s dad tells her she will be going to live with her grandparents. Things get really strange from here, but in a really cool creepy easy of course.
What else you can expect
– an unusual yet kind stranger
– grudges that just folks just won’t let go
– a talking raven
– multiple family curses and secrets
– finding out just what you’re made of
For lovers of darker middle grade fiction I highly recommend Beastkeeper. I’m rather picky about middle grade books and I asked how well done this one was and the excellent message it delivers to kids.
Tabitha (Pabkins)
Latest posts by Tabitha (Pabkins) (see all)
- Review: Manga Art by Mark Crilley - March 15, 2018
- Review: Portrait Revolution by Julia L. Kay - July 10, 2017
- Review: Doodletopia Manga by Christopher Hart - March 23, 2017
blodeuedd
Yeah, I’d read this one
blodeuedd recently posted…#FitReaders: Weekly Check-In March 13 2015 and DNFs
Quinn @ Quinn's Book Nook
I definitely, definitely want to read this one. I actually love middle grade fiction but haven’t read as many middle grade books over the last few years. But this one is on my list, and I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed it.
Quinn @ Quinn’s Book Nook recently posted…Movie Musical Challenge: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
Lynn
I don’t tend to read middle grade but this one has definitely tempted me.
I will add to be wishlist.
Thanks
Lynn 😀
Lynn recently posted…Art it Up: Dreamer’s Pool
Aimee @ Deadly Darlings
This one sounds fabulous, Tabitha! I don’t read as much middle grade as I’d want to, and this seems like the perfect fit for me. There’s a talking raven, too. Bonus points!
Aimee @ Deadly Darlings recently posted…Darling Diaries: Five Things I Can Relate to in Contemporary Novels
BRITTANY TODD
I simply cannot resist the lure of some Mg books and this happens to be one of them. I have the kindle edition and it makes my heart so happy to see all the wonderful reviews!! Great thoughts Tabitha!
❤️Britt
BRITTANY TODD recently posted…March New Release Giveaway!
bn100
interesting book premise