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Facing the Beast Within

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NEW FROM INTERNATIONALLY PUBLISHED NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR
Mark Cheverton has written 28 books, with over 2 million copies in print.

Cameron Poole has a problem, a big problem: he's a bully magnet who struggles with anxiety. Being the smallest sixth-grader at his summer camp, everything around him triggers his everyday struggles with anxiety, or with his Beast, making it impossible for him to do the same things other kids can do. In a constant state of worry, Cameron feels like a perpetual failure, the effects of mental illness on self-esteem. That's bad enough, but when Cameron learns that mythical monsters are trying to invade his camp, things go from bad to worse.

Malphas, the Demon Lord from a parallel world called Agartha, wants to bring magical creatures from another world to form his monster army, attack Camp Pontchartrain, and begin his invasion. But before he can bring the biggest and most ferocious monsters to Earth, he must find the seven Skull Keys that will keep the gateway between worlds open forever.

Enemies become friends against a common cause when Cameron is chosen to lead an unusual collection of kids to stop Malphas from finding the Skull Keys. But the Demon Lord of Agartha has other plans. He sends mythical creatures to Earth, gremlins, imps, gargoyles . . . to find the keys and destroy anyone in their way.

To stop the Malphas and his monster army from getting all the Skull Keys, Cameron must face his deepest fears while trying to keep his friends safe. But when he learns Malphas's real plan, Cameron's blood runs cold with fear.

Can Cameron control his anxiety and confront his Beast while battling an army of minotaurs, banshees, ghouls, golems, and other nightmarish monsters?

Buckle up and get ready for a thrilling adventure!

~ ~ ~

While writing this novel, Cheverton worked with a large team of psychologists, social workers, and licensed mental health counselors to learn about the many symptoms of anxiety as well as how these professionals teach their patients coping strategies to help them stand up against their own Beasts. These learnings, coupled with Cheverton's own experiences with his son's anxiety, were woven throughout the story and form a teaching tool for parents and therapists while at the same time offering kids a spine-tingling adventure that will keep them turning the page.

Hopefully, kids with anxiety will find a kindred spirit in Cameron Poole and feel that they're not alone in their personal storm of fear and doubt. Parents will gain a little understanding as to what their children are going through, and hopefully, people without anxiety will gain a little insight and compassion toward those suffering from this terrible affliction.

205 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 16, 2023

2 people are currently reading
12 people want to read

About the author

Mark Cheverton

73 books214 followers
Mark Cheverton grew up in Southern California, going through high school, and college. After college, Mark taught high school physics and math for many years. While teaching, he earned a Master's degree in Physics and conducted research on planetary atmospherics. After moving to the east coast, he started doing research for a Fortune 100 company in the fields of machine vision and additive manufacturing. His first book, The Algae Voices of Azule, was released in 2012, followed by the sequel shortly after.

He recently released the first book in his Minecraft series, Invasion of the Overworld: A Minecraft Novel, which is expected to be followed by the sequel, Battle for the Nether, in early 2014.

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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for ethansbooks.
74 reviews14 followers
August 23, 2023
I received an eARC from BookSirens for an honest review

I got this book not really knowing what to expect, but thought I might as well read it considering how many of Mark Cheverton's books I've read. But after finishing it really felt bland; I think it had good intentions, but was written very poorly. It was a bunch of techniques for dealing with anxiety wrapped up in a lackluster middle grade fantasy story.
The writing was— for me personally— very hard to get through, especially when the actual story itself wasn't terribly well done and the characters kind of one dimensional, and the plot was pretty formulaic.
That being said, I think the author was really trying to do a good thing, and it had a lot of helpful information in it. I feel like it's stuff that every kid should know about, just to better understand people with anxiety.
But I'm not sure how helpful it is to a kid who actually has anxiety. For one, all the techniques are something you could just get either online or in actual therapy. For another, it could be a little discouraging to read about a boy with anxiety who finds out about this cool magic and goes on an adventure that helps him overcome it. Because let's face it, nothing that amazing would happen in real life.
I felt like this book didn't—like others recently— measure up to the Gameknight999 series for a simple reason: it's not Minecraft. What made all the Gameknight999 books interesting was the adventures taking place in Minecraft, a world where you can do anything. While this book, on the other hand, is in the normal world with unoriginal monsters attacking children. Not that interesting. If you haven't read the Gameknight999 series then this may not apply to you. But as a long time reader of this author I feel thoroughly tired of the same repetitive writing style.
But in spite of all that, I feel like this book could be helpful and enjoyed by some people. Just depends on who's reading.


huge thanks to Amy for writing half this review with me :D
Profile Image for Farah G.
1,957 reviews36 followers
August 12, 2023
At a time when mental health issues have become a veritable epidemic among both adults and children - partly as a result of stress and our modern lifestyles, and worsened further by the pandemic - this book provides a useful resource to assist parents whose children are experiencing problems with anxiety, self esteem, bullying and other such issues.

Cameron Poole is having a difficult time at Camp Pontchartrain. As the smallest boy within his age group, he is a frequent target for bullies. And with each experience, his anxiety about the possibility of further such incidents increases, creating a vicious circle. All this considerably worsens Cameron's existing tendency towards catastrophising.

And things are about to get a lot worse as the kids at the camp become embroiled in the Demon Lord Malphas's plan to bring his Monster Army over from another dimension to invade our world. If Cameron can't cope with ziplines and rope-ladders, how on earth is he going to deal with mythical monsters like the gargoyles and gremlins that Malphas is unleashing?

But sometimes, we can do things together that we would struggle to do alone. And as the children of Camp Pontchartrain develop some unlikely alliances among themselves to combat the common threats that they face, Cameron finds hidden resources within himself that unexpectedly come to the surface...

The author has made it clear that he wrote this book as part of coming to terms with his son's journey with anxiety, and the effort and intelligence that he has put into his storytelling is evident.

The story is fast-paced enough to hold the attention of youngsters whilst weaving in a variety of strategies to help address The Beast that children like Cameron struggle with - namely, deep-rooted and debilitating anxiety.

Many children are likely to find Cameron's issues highly relatable, and will benefit from being able to access a story like this. It might also help them to deal better with peers who have not previously understood what kids like Cameron have to get to grips with on a daily basis. A commendable effort and worth a read.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for West Reader.
11 reviews
September 19, 2023
"Facing the Beast Within: The Anxiety of Cameron Poole" marks the debut installment of the "Order of the Stones" book series, authored by the accomplished writer of young adult fiction and retired school teacher, Mark Cheverton. Beyond its captivating fantasy narrative, this book also delves into the realm of mental health, specifically addressing the challenges faced by young individuals.

Cameron Poole is portrayed as an intelligent and compassionate young person, grappling daily with the overwhelming burden of anxiety. His internal struggles constantly test him, with only a select few peers at his school showing any understanding of his condition. Yet, a greater trial looms on the horizon as the malevolent Malphis prepares to unleash chaos upon Earth. Only by harnessing the enigmatic stones and forging bonds with an unlikely group of heroes can Cameron muster the bravery to combat the forces of darkness while confronting his own inner demons.

The author's personal connection to the subject matter is clear from the outset, as he shares how his own son faced similar challenges to those depicted in "Facing the Beast Within." This lends a deeply personal and resonant dimension to the narrative. It is a thought-provoking and enjoyable read that seamlessly blends entertainment with empathy.

This book offers a high-octane adventure, drawing inspiration from the beloved elements of young adult fantasy. It brims with action, thrills, humor, and unexpected twists, never losing its pace or vigor. It provides an exhilarating journey for young readers. However, what truly sets this book apart is its compassionate and progressive exploration of mental health issues, particularly anxiety. As Cameron forges new connections, it becomes evident that each character within this story grapples with their own internal battles, rendering it relatable on multiple levels.

Profile Image for Morrigan Gaines.
Author 5 books23 followers
September 16, 2023
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

My kids listen constantly to Mark Cheverton's Minecraft book series on Amazon Kids. But this is my first experience reading a complete book by this author. I was drawn in by the fact that this is a urban fantasy book with a main character who has anxiety.

Cameron Poole is ruled by his anxiety and a target for bullies at his summer camp. But when monsters from an alternate dimension threaten the camp and the world, Cameron and four unlikely camp mates will need to overcome their inner battles to be victorious against this new foe.

There is a lack of representation in middle school books of kids with anxiety. Cameron actively works to manage his anxiety with techniques his therapist taught him which also makes this book unique. Many books I read with a character who has anxiety, the character is in denial and without any support systems. I appreciated the representation in this book and the reality that Cameron didn't cure his anxiety but is learning to live with it.

There are also strong themes of friendship, overcoming fear, being true to yourself, and standing up for yourself/others. I enjoyed the storyline and the alternate dimension. I do wish we had learned a bit more about the significance of the pendants/stones in the staff. I thought they would play a bigger role but maybe they do in the next book. I'm also curious to learn more about the order itself.

Overall this was a solid middle school read that would be perfect for fans of Percy Jackson or Harry Potter. There is plenty of action and peril but without graphic violence or traumatic plot lines.
Profile Image for Everything.Books.23.
9 reviews
September 19, 2023
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to all primary and middle-school children. It not only offers an engaging story but also delivers an essential message that can be truly transformative.

I'm particularly excited about the concept of the flipbook, although I'll have to wait until I acquire the physical copy to fully appreciate it. I plan to get it for my child in the future.

The book begins with a meaningful message from the author, Mark Cheverton: "We all harbor an inner Beast – whether it's our fear of failure, anxiety about others discovering our imperfections, or perhaps an undefined sense of unease. That's okay. Just remember that everyone experiences fear from time to time... including me. You're not alone."

This profound quote serves as an impactful introduction to the novel and sets the tone for a story born from the author's personal experience with his son's anxiety.

I believe that any young reader can relate to the characters and draw valuable insights from the book. It has the potential to offer them guidance and support as they navigate their own challenges.
Profile Image for Sandra Stiles.
Author 1 book81 followers
June 17, 2024
Mark Cheverton has written a book that children today will be able to connect. He has taken his main character Cameron, who suffers from anxiety, and placed him in a summer camp. This isn’t any ordinary summer camp. That would make anyone anxious. This camp has monsters and it is up to Cameron and his friends to try to stop them from entering their world.

The world building is well done. Any kid who has gone to any type of summer camp or watched movies with summer camp will understand that for an outdoorsy person this is the best place to be. For a kid who suffers with anxiety, maybe not so much. They will be able to identify with kids, especially Cameron, being bullied. After all, they deal with or see things like this all the time. What this book does is shows what happens when someone steps up and faces their monsters. It shows how strong they can be, especially with the help of some friends. It shows that they don’t have to do things alone. What better lesson can one learn and in such a charming, and fantastical way. Well done. I look forward to reading the second book in this series.
Profile Image for Books.For.Brekkie.
11 reviews
September 20, 2023
I must admit that this book took me by surprise on several fronts. It's undeniably enjoyable and packed with thrilling adventures, but it also possesses a genuine depth that caught me off guard. That's why I'll be recommending it, especially to young adult readers who may be grappling with their own mental health issues. I'm eagerly anticipating the next installment, and there's a tantalizing glimpse of it provided at the end of this book.

Right from the outset, this book had a profound impact on me. In the opening pages, the author, Mark Cheverton, candidly shares his own son's struggles with anxiety during his school years, recounting the support they sought from professional counselors and therapists. While the book may appear enchanting and entertaining at first glance, it serves as a reflection of the very real mental health challenges that Cheverton and his family confronted in their own lives.
Profile Image for Abigail L..
1,682 reviews117 followers
March 22, 2023
An excellent book that seamlessly weaves together an exciting adventure story with valuable lessons about coping with anxiety. Cameron Poole's struggles with anxiety and bullying make him a relatable and sympathetic protagonist for young readers. The book's plot is action-packed, and the mythical monsters are sure to capture kids' imaginations. The incorporation of coping strategies for anxiety throughout the story is a valuable tool for parents and therapists, making it a great resource for families dealing with anxiety issues. Cheverton's writing is skillful, and the story's underlying message of resilience and perseverance is inspiring and empowering. A must-read for anyone looking for an entertaining and educational book for kids.
37 reviews1 follower
September 11, 2023
A heartwarming story of transformation and growth

I just finished reading the story. I really liked it. It is heartwarming to accompany Cameron on his journey to “conquer the beast” as he successfully is able to “starve the beast” and win. I love how the story keeps the reader entertained and curious to know what happens next. This is a very nice story of courage, transformation, and growth.

As is stated in the story: “Avoiding a stressful situation doesn’t help you learn to manage your anxiety. Hiding from the problem doesn’t make it go away. Avoiding stressful situations and hiding from the problem just serves to feed your Beast. Facing things and using coping strategies will starve your Beast. You need to apply the coping strategies and make your Beast go hungry, so you can be in control of your thoughts.”
Profile Image for Tami Wylie.
682 reviews33 followers
September 13, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. The characters, especially Cameron, each have their own inner demons to face throughout the story. Cameron’s fear is conquering his crippling anxiety. He is picked on, bullied and humiliated. However, this summer is different. He and his friends must overcome their fears and fight an army of monsters from another planet who arrive in camp to take over the earth. Cam finds his inner beast, defeats it and becomes their leader. This is an excellent book, told in an entertaining way, about facing and overcoming your fears. The storyline is super and entertaining. I highly recommend this book for young readers.
Profile Image for Sue.
1,699 reviews132 followers
March 21, 2023
A fantastic book that tackles important topics like anxiety and bullying in a way that is both relatable and engaging for young readers. Cameron Poole's journey to confront his fears and protect his friends from the Demon Lord of Agartha and his monster army is thrilling and empowering. Cheverton's incorporation of coping strategies for anxiety throughout the story is an excellent resource for parents and therapists, while also providing a relatable character for children struggling with anxiety themselves. The book's fast-paced plot and exciting mythical creatures are sure to keep young readers entertained, while also teaching valuable lessons about courage and perseverance.
2 reviews
August 9, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. The main character struggles with anxiety, and it is written about in a way that everyone can relate to and understand. What he is feeling, how his anxiety effects him, and his struggles to overcome it are described very well. It also mentions therapy in a way that makes it normal and helpful. There is also friendship and magic and a battle against evil. While there is some suspense and fighting it isn’t written in such a way that it would scare young readers.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Author 3 books6 followers
October 29, 2023
Pure fun with a side of inspiration… all the ingredients for an epic adventure

Yep, the hero of this book has severe anxiety. That’s the point… we get a glimpse inside someone else’s head, to see how anxiety and fear can be crippling. The truth is, we all have a bit of this, but for most of us it’s not disabling.

When a challenge greater than Cameron’s fear gives him the courage to face his fears and take action, things begin to change. Along the way he discovers that he only needs to be the person he truly is. And that’s enough.
Profile Image for Vivika Widow.
Author 26 books20 followers
November 11, 2023
A terrific and accessible exploration of mental health.

“I know I can’t do it. Why did I even try?”
This particular line resonated with me as Cheverton explored the themes of anxiety in youth and mental health in general. Written in an entertaining and accessible way I would highly recommend this book
Author 26 books115 followers
October 18, 2023
Very Good

Afraid of the Percy Jackson meets Diary of a Wimpy Kid mash up beginning, this series settled into something faster and more fun that I could have imagined. Looking forward to that netherworld sequel coming.
Profile Image for kirsty.
1,278 reviews83 followers
September 11, 2023
I really enjoyed this book it is well written with a compelling story line and well developed characters. that all combine to provide a fantastic book with an important message.

The book is perfectly paced with a plot that is full of action, adventure and mythical creatures as well as advice and information woven through about anxiety and how to cope with it. This is so important at the moment as young people's mental health is at an all time low.

I think this would benefit not only children and young people but also parents, teachers and other people that may come into their lives that will have a role in maintaining healthy mental health.
I loved it
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews

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