Coming in at under two hundred pages, Ingvild Bjerkeland’s Beasts packs plenty of punch. Translated by Rosie Hedger, it’s the first of Bjerkeland’s novels to be published in English. Led by the engaging duo of Abdi and Alva, its rapid series of set pieces keep readers gripped from the get-go, revealing much about the monsters, inhuman or otherwise, that inhabit their world.

While Bjerkeland writes primarily for children and young adults, Beasts is a fine example of how good writing and an engaging story can easily transcend recommended age groups - though the scares in this one mean it’s probably best for teens upwards.

Proof that the best things often do come in the smallest packages, Beasts hits much harder than its short page count might suggest. This one ticks off everything that makes for a good horror, packing its high stakes with a healthy dose of heart and a dash of social commentary. Does it reinvent the wheel? No, not particularly. But when the wheel works this well, why would you need to?

This book sent me on a rollercoaster of emotions. It made me cry, made me tense, and very invested in the story and 2 main characters,
This is a great quick read that'll leave you wondering about the beasts. Where did they come from?
I am very excited to read more from Ingvild Bjerkland.
5/5 stars from me :)) Thank you, #netgalley for letting me read this ARC :)

I absolutely adored this book! I loved Ingvild Bjerkeland’s writing, she had a grip on me the entire time. The entire book felt haunted with the uncertainty of what was to come and yet throughout it all the young characters desperately clung to the hope of finding their father. This would be an excellent pick for a children’s book club as there is so much that can be discussed with youth readers. I can very easily see this book becoming a modern classic, with young readers connecting to it in a similar as many connect to Hatchet.

Thank you NetGalley and Levine Querido for a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thrilling tale of siblings on the run from beasts in a world wracked by havoc. An incredibly engaging and compelling novella.

A harrowing read, BEASTS is a perfect middle grade horror story. It's written in compelling voice of the two siblings, their relationship is endearing and I was quickly invested in Abdi and Alva. It would make a great gift for 8+ kids.