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Beth
For nearly seventeen years, Beth Taylor and her uncle have moved from place to place in order to stay ahead of the people in the government that would use them for their powers. Beth has never completely understood who or why they would chase them so relentlessly, only that she has never had a sense of home or family. However, when her uncle is taken from her, Beth finds herself on the run, trying to find more of her kind, and hopefully, a way back home.
Book II The Traveler's Return also available now.
Book II The Traveler's Return also available now.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
July 13, 2025
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Beth by S.R. Kent is a science-fiction coming-of-age novel that follows a teenage girl navigating a life of secrecy, trauma, and supernatural powers. With a compelling core narrative and a strong female lead, the book has great potential—but that potential is weighed down by issues in execution.
Narrative & Style
The narrative is dense and overly long. Many chapters feel like miniature novellas—dragging on far longer than necessary. While this depth gives readers space to understand the characters and world, the pacing suffers, and it becomes exhausting in parts.
The writing style frequently feels like a movie script rather than a novel. This choice affects the emotional rhythm of the book—making dramatic scenes feel over-constructed and dialogue appear unnatural.
Dialogue: Unintentionally Cringeworthy
Dialogue is one of the weakest points. Lines often feel melodramatic or awkward, disrupting immersion. One example stands out for its sheer "movie line" cringe:
“Just do me one favor, Baby. Don’t ever speak to me again!”
Luke shoved the table, knocking over the napkin holder and the salt and pepper stand.
Plot & Themes
Despite its flaws, the plot holds intrigue. At its heart, Beth is about self-discovery—a theme that is well-executed. Beth is forced to question everything: her powers, her origins, and her family. As she uncovers hidden truths, readers are pulled into a mystery spanning secret government programs and parallel worlds.
One of the best narrative shifts occurs when Beth learns that the man she thought was her uncle is actually her grandfather. This revelation shifts Beth’s understanding of her family and roots.
Main Character: A Badass Heroine
Beth herself is a standout. She’s flawed but powerful, sarcastic yet deeply empathetic.
“It was the truth she wanted. It was the truth she needed, now, more than ever, if she were ever to discover who she was — WHAT she was.”
Romance: Rushed but Sweet
The connection between Beth and Luke is genuine and touching, especially as it takes on a supernatural dimension. Their bond is emotional and physical, grounded in trauma and survival.
However, it develops far too quickly. One moment they’re strangers, the next they’re soulmates sharing fused rings and psychic pain.
Technical Issues
The book contains multiple spelling and grammar errors, which disrupt the reading experience. For example, noticeable mistakes appear on pages 103, 105, and 207.
Ending: A Symbolic Leap
The book ends with Beth stepping into a new world—literally. The final scene, where she walks through a portal to a parallel dimension, is both symbolic and bold.
“A warm, giddy sensation washed over Beth as she entered the portal.”
It’s a fitting conclusion for a character who has always lived between worlds—between truth and lie, past and future, fear and power.
Final Verdict
Beth is an ambitious and emotionally rich novel with strong core ideas, a kickass protagonist, and a satisfying arc of self-discovery. Unfortunately, weak dialogue, structural density, and poor editing prevent it from reaching its full potential.
Recommended for YA sci-fi readers who enjoy female-led stories with psychic powers, government conspiracies, and emotional depth—but prepared to overlook some flaws.
Beth by S.R. Kent is a science-fiction coming-of-age novel that follows a teenage girl navigating a life of secrecy, trauma, and supernatural powers. With a compelling core narrative and a strong female lead, the book has great potential—but that potential is weighed down by issues in execution.
Narrative & Style
The narrative is dense and overly long. Many chapters feel like miniature novellas—dragging on far longer than necessary. While this depth gives readers space to understand the characters and world, the pacing suffers, and it becomes exhausting in parts.
The writing style frequently feels like a movie script rather than a novel. This choice affects the emotional rhythm of the book—making dramatic scenes feel over-constructed and dialogue appear unnatural.
Dialogue: Unintentionally Cringeworthy
Dialogue is one of the weakest points. Lines often feel melodramatic or awkward, disrupting immersion. One example stands out for its sheer "movie line" cringe:
“Just do me one favor, Baby. Don’t ever speak to me again!”
Luke shoved the table, knocking over the napkin holder and the salt and pepper stand.
Plot & Themes
Despite its flaws, the plot holds intrigue. At its heart, Beth is about self-discovery—a theme that is well-executed. Beth is forced to question everything: her powers, her origins, and her family. As she uncovers hidden truths, readers are pulled into a mystery spanning secret government programs and parallel worlds.
One of the best narrative shifts occurs when Beth learns that the man she thought was her uncle is actually her grandfather. This revelation shifts Beth’s understanding of her family and roots.
Main Character: A Badass Heroine
Beth herself is a standout. She’s flawed but powerful, sarcastic yet deeply empathetic.
“It was the truth she wanted. It was the truth she needed, now, more than ever, if she were ever to discover who she was — WHAT she was.”
Romance: Rushed but Sweet
The connection between Beth and Luke is genuine and touching, especially as it takes on a supernatural dimension. Their bond is emotional and physical, grounded in trauma and survival.
However, it develops far too quickly. One moment they’re strangers, the next they’re soulmates sharing fused rings and psychic pain.
Technical Issues
The book contains multiple spelling and grammar errors, which disrupt the reading experience. For example, noticeable mistakes appear on pages 103, 105, and 207.
Ending: A Symbolic Leap
The book ends with Beth stepping into a new world—literally. The final scene, where she walks through a portal to a parallel dimension, is both symbolic and bold.
“A warm, giddy sensation washed over Beth as she entered the portal.”
It’s a fitting conclusion for a character who has always lived between worlds—between truth and lie, past and future, fear and power.
Final Verdict
Beth is an ambitious and emotionally rich novel with strong core ideas, a kickass protagonist, and a satisfying arc of self-discovery. Unfortunately, weak dialogue, structural density, and poor editing prevent it from reaching its full potential.
Recommended for YA sci-fi readers who enjoy female-led stories with psychic powers, government conspiracies, and emotional depth—but prepared to overlook some flaws.
Displaying 1 of 1 review