17402724Title: Beastkeeper

Author: Cat Hellisen

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co

Publication Date: February 2015

Genre: Middle Grade/Fantasy

Series or Stand Alone: Stand Alone

 

 

 

Synopsis can be found here.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

 

Review:

Superb.

Sarah’s parents share a secret that Sarah can’t figure out, even when her mother flees her and her father. Her father takes her to her grandmother, a woman harsh and mean from time. There, at this castle in the woods, Sarah learns about a curse that is on her family. That a beast lives in the woods. That a young boy can help and harm her in the same breath.

Old magic, fairy tale telling and beautiful writing captivated every page of Beastkeeper. I’m not ashamed to tell you that while I was curious about the book due to the synopsis and the lovely cover, every stitch of writing is just as beautiful. Sarah is strong and clever, fearless. She is smart and practical and I loved every moment with her.

I am not above tricking myself. In order to read Beastkeeper, I brought my kindle to the gym and balanced it on the elliptical machine. I didn’t want to put it down, so I kept going. I don’t think I ever spent so much time at the gym. And then went back the next day.

The story is carefully woven, revealing only bits and pieces. The curse is common, yet not. Strangely twisted to something new and refreshing, this curse and fairy tale is unlike anything else I’ve read. I loved the beautiful metaphors and language, I loved the slight coloring of words. I cannot rave enough about this lovely middle grade book. I was thoroughly enthralled. I will not give anything else away because the curse and the journey is so much fun, I am afraid I will say anything to make you anticipate the turns.

Just know this: you should read this beautifully written fairy tale. It will take you back in time when you still believed in magic.

Rating 10 One of the Best