The Beast is an Animal by Peternelle van Arsdale

Katrine | Manalapan High School, Grade 11

Rating: ****

A mysterious girl named Alys must protect her village from a terrifying darkness in this haunting tale. When she was a child, two twin sisters caused the deaths of all the adults in her village, leaving Alys and the other children orphans. They were sent to a neighboring village with strict rules to follow. The reasoning behind the soul eaters are unknown, but Alys is determined to find out. As she grows older, she longs for freedom. Alys finds herself on a journey that takes her through the deepest parts of the forest, where danger threatens her.

This is one of the most intriguing and strangest books I’ve read in a very long time. From the start, I was hooked in the interesting storyline. I felt sympathy towards Alys, who lost her parents so young. I wondered what the soul eaters’ motivations were and what would happen in Alys reunites with them. It’s dark, but there’s a hopeful atmosphere, towards the end. I recommend this book for those who love dark fairytales.