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Book, Beast, and Crow: An Otherworldly Coming-of-Age Tale
In a small New Jersey town, a group of teens face catastrophic, world-bending consequences after their friend gets bitten by the town’s most feared creature: the beast that lives behind the Great Swamp wall. Part The Hazel Wood, part Stranger Things, this spine-tingling, genre-bending novel from Elizabeth Byrne will leave readers breathless.
Anna Kellogg has always felt different. Growing up in Hartwood, New Jersey—where frequent disappearances are attributed to an urban-legend-like beast who dwells in the walled-in swamp at the center of town—can have that effect on people. But for Anna, it’s more than that. Since she was a child, she’s been plagued by “episodes” where she sees things others can’t see. Feeling different is one thing, but actually being different is another. If it weren’t for her best friend, Olivia, Anna’s not sure where she’d fit in.
But any hopes of having a normal senior year come to a halt when Olivia is attacked in the woods, bitten, and left for dead by a whirling cyclone of claws, fur, and teeth. Though Olivia survives, a sinister entity makes it clear that the mark had been set on Anna…and the miss has set in motion a catastrophic shift that will change Anna and her friends’ lives forever.
With dashes of mythology, fantasy, and suspense, this genre-bending novel from Elizabeth Byrne will leave readers breathless.
Anna Kellogg has always felt different. Growing up in Hartwood, New Jersey—where frequent disappearances are attributed to an urban-legend-like beast who dwells in the walled-in swamp at the center of town—can have that effect on people. But for Anna, it’s more than that. Since she was a child, she’s been plagued by “episodes” where she sees things others can’t see. Feeling different is one thing, but actually being different is another. If it weren’t for her best friend, Olivia, Anna’s not sure where she’d fit in.
But any hopes of having a normal senior year come to a halt when Olivia is attacked in the woods, bitten, and left for dead by a whirling cyclone of claws, fur, and teeth. Though Olivia survives, a sinister entity makes it clear that the mark had been set on Anna…and the miss has set in motion a catastrophic shift that will change Anna and her friends’ lives forever.
With dashes of mythology, fantasy, and suspense, this genre-bending novel from Elizabeth Byrne will leave readers breathless.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published March 12, 2024
10 people are currently reading
4418 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 23, 2025
An intriguing story. The writing style was OK, character development was executed well, but I think the steady pacing was my favorite part. As usual, the first person point of view tripped me up and made parts of the story feel boring. Overall average, and 3 stars.
August 12, 2024
CW: kidnapping, blood, violence, injury description
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
Huh. You know, it had its ups and downs but I actually really liked the ending.
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
Huh. You know, it had its ups and downs but I actually really liked the ending.
March 20, 2025
3.5
the vibes hit right. the writing felt a bet inconsistent at times
the vibes hit right. the writing felt a bet inconsistent at times
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November 27, 2023I don't know how I feel about this book. On one hand, it's an urban fantasy reminiscent of The Village and Dwight in Shining Armor (don't at me, it's a good fantasy show to watch as a family). On the other hand, it just felt like an indie book to me. I'm not sure why. The dialogue and world building were both fine, but the overarching story and plotting just felt lacking.
This book felt like a middle grade adventure book while featuring strong language inappropriate for younger audiences. It just was a clash of opposites that fell flat for me, unfortunately.
The ending was... interesting. But I just didn't feel invested in the characters or story. I didn't feel like the stakes were real or pressing. It just didn't work for me.
That said, maybe I'm just not the target audience for this book. This book would be better suited for older teens or new adults who like urban fantasy thrillers/mysteries featuring a group of friends trying to save their world.
Content Warning: strong language (f***, etc.), half n*ked older woman (lots of emphasis on her bre*sts and their lack of perk), death, violence, manipulation
Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of this book. This review is voluntarily written and the thoughts and opinions contained in this review are my own.
This book felt like a middle grade adventure book while featuring strong language inappropriate for younger audiences. It just was a clash of opposites that fell flat for me, unfortunately.
The ending was... interesting. But I just didn't feel invested in the characters or story. I didn't feel like the stakes were real or pressing. It just didn't work for me.
That said, maybe I'm just not the target audience for this book. This book would be better suited for older teens or new adults who like urban fantasy thrillers/mysteries featuring a group of friends trying to save their world.
Content Warning: strong language (f***, etc.), half n*ked older woman (lots of emphasis on her bre*sts and their lack of perk), death, violence, manipulation
Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of this book. This review is voluntarily written and the thoughts and opinions contained in this review are my own.
July 14, 2024
Minor spoilers marked ahead. This book was definitely intriguing enough to keep me invested in the story, but the way the plot twisted I can’t tell if it was written as a mystery or if it was just convoluted and confusing. I did really like the characters, for the most part—the friendships were good, and I liked Alex and Anna’s relationships with Olivia, in particular. The hints of romance were so minor that I honestly think it would’ve been just fine if they had been left out, particularly since neither ever really went anywhere and (minor spoiler) Anna’s can’t, given the ending. I did love that the basis of the story was with Celtic mythology—there are not enough books based off of that, it’s a tragedy. The imagery and descriptions were pretty fantastic too, for what it’s worth. The ending was not my favorite thing…. I’m not a fan of bittersweet endings, and I don’t think that this one could really be classified as anything but. Overall, I don’t think it’s something I’ll read again and the plot got more than a bit convoluted at times, but I was really engrossed with the story when I was reading it and I had a good time, which imo is enough for a 3.5 rating.
January 9, 2026
The pacing was a little off. I had a really hard time just trying to get into this book because I feel like it doesn't pick up until about halfway through. It's definitely worth a read though!
This book left me with more questions than I had answers for and a sudden urge to read Celtic mythology so I can maybe understand /something/.
This book left me with more questions than I had answers for and a sudden urge to read Celtic mythology so I can maybe understand /something/.
March 5, 2024
1/5 Stars (DNF @ 13%)
TL;DR - Really poor execution of what started out as an interesting premise. Should have been exactly my thing, but the lackluster writing was too much of a deterrent.
Big thanks to HarperCollin’s Children’s Books, Quill Tree Books, and NetGalley for providing the ARC for this book in exchange for an honest review!
‘Book, Beast, and Crow’ by Elizabeth Byrne is a paranormal YA that promises to be a “spine-tingling, genre-bending novel” about Anna Kellogg, a high school senior whose best friend is attacked and left for dead by the town urban legend. I wish I could tell you more, because this sounded like exactly my thing, but I just could not make myself keep reading it.
The premise is very interesting - small town with its own mythology going back centuries, walking the line between conspiracy theory and actual supernatural shenanigans, cryptic old women in the middle of a swamp - but the execution is just *so* lacking.
The flow of the narrative is all over the place - paragraphs are a constant mishmash of points with little cohesion. It constantly feels like the author is bringing up something completely out of left field just to segway into something semi-relevant to the current situation so as not to be pure info-dumping, but it ends up coming across as disjointed and borderline-nonsensical, just jumping from point to point to point. And then most of it actually is straight-up info-dumping, like, characters overhearing all this worldbuilding and nefarious planning from the (assumed) antagonists, that said antagonists wouldn’t be discussing because they themselves are already aware of all of it. Just really graceless and heavy-handed, and not fun to read.
There’s also a lot going on with very little description, with so many things happening with little to no explanation or fleshing out. Maybe this was done to try to keep the pace quick to build suspense or something, but what it comes across as is minimum effort, bare-bones prose.
Overall, I just couldn’t see spending several more hours getting no explanations when needed and then gratuitous info-dumping in the cheapest possible ways.
Final Thoughts:
Really disappointed, because at first glance, this has the makings of a book right up my alley. Will not be purchasing a physical copy.
TL;DR - Really poor execution of what started out as an interesting premise. Should have been exactly my thing, but the lackluster writing was too much of a deterrent.
Big thanks to HarperCollin’s Children’s Books, Quill Tree Books, and NetGalley for providing the ARC for this book in exchange for an honest review!
‘Book, Beast, and Crow’ by Elizabeth Byrne is a paranormal YA that promises to be a “spine-tingling, genre-bending novel” about Anna Kellogg, a high school senior whose best friend is attacked and left for dead by the town urban legend. I wish I could tell you more, because this sounded like exactly my thing, but I just could not make myself keep reading it.
The premise is very interesting - small town with its own mythology going back centuries, walking the line between conspiracy theory and actual supernatural shenanigans, cryptic old women in the middle of a swamp - but the execution is just *so* lacking.
The flow of the narrative is all over the place - paragraphs are a constant mishmash of points with little cohesion. It constantly feels like the author is bringing up something completely out of left field just to segway into something semi-relevant to the current situation so as not to be pure info-dumping, but it ends up coming across as disjointed and borderline-nonsensical, just jumping from point to point to point. And then most of it actually is straight-up info-dumping, like, characters overhearing all this worldbuilding and nefarious planning from the (assumed) antagonists, that said antagonists wouldn’t be discussing because they themselves are already aware of all of it. Just really graceless and heavy-handed, and not fun to read.
There’s also a lot going on with very little description, with so many things happening with little to no explanation or fleshing out. Maybe this was done to try to keep the pace quick to build suspense or something, but what it comes across as is minimum effort, bare-bones prose.
Overall, I just couldn’t see spending several more hours getting no explanations when needed and then gratuitous info-dumping in the cheapest possible ways.
Final Thoughts:
Really disappointed, because at first glance, this has the makings of a book right up my alley. Will not be purchasing a physical copy.
December 12, 2023
This book was truly fantasy from start to finish. It was full of talking creatures/animals, another world inside a world, goddesses/gods, and a teenage girl who feels like she doesn’t belong (which is something I feel like a good majority of us can relate to from our teenage years 🤷🏻♀️).
It had heart, it had love, it had some heart wrenching/shattering moments, it had a coming of age vibe to it with a tight knit friendship coming even closer. Friends working together to save another friend. Found family, I guess you could say?
Not only did I find myself rooting for these teens in a book, but I also found myself being able to relate to all 4 of them in one way or another, and found myself able to love each of them, and care about each character.
The way they all developed, especially our MC Anna was extraordinary, and heart warming. Seeing the person she became by the end of the book was truly amazing.
The ONLY reason I gave this 4 🌟 was because I found myself confused in some spots but that was likely a ✨me✨ problem because I seemed to have been unfocused in some areas of the book, so don’t let that deter you from reading this. It truly was an excellent, extraordinary experience, and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
It had heart, it had love, it had some heart wrenching/shattering moments, it had a coming of age vibe to it with a tight knit friendship coming even closer. Friends working together to save another friend. Found family, I guess you could say?
Not only did I find myself rooting for these teens in a book, but I also found myself being able to relate to all 4 of them in one way or another, and found myself able to love each of them, and care about each character.
The way they all developed, especially our MC Anna was extraordinary, and heart warming. Seeing the person she became by the end of the book was truly amazing.
The ONLY reason I gave this 4 🌟 was because I found myself confused in some spots but that was likely a ✨me✨ problem because I seemed to have been unfocused in some areas of the book, so don’t let that deter you from reading this. It truly was an excellent, extraordinary experience, and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
May 28, 2024
Thought she created a cool world.
July 22, 2024
Fun small adventure!
April 13, 2024
A big thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollin's for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I had such high hopes, but they just weren't met.
Book, Beast, and Crow by Elizabeth Byrne is a YA fantasy novel that was comped as The Hazel Wood meets Stranger Things. Anna Kellogg has always felt different. Growing up in Hartwood, New Jersey—where frequent disappearances are attributed to an urban-legend-like beast that dwells in the walled-in swamp at the center of town—can have that effect on people. But for Anna, it’s more than that. Since she was a child, she’s been plagued by episodes where she sees things others can’t see. Feeling different is one thing, but actually being different is another. If it weren’t for her best friend, Olivia, Anna’s not sure where she’d fit in. But any hopes of having a normal senior year come to a halt when Olivia is attacked in the woods, bitten, and left for dead by a whirling cyclone of claws, fur, and teeth. Though Olivia survives, a sinister entity makes it clear that the mark had been set on Anna…and the miss has set in motion a catastrophic shift that will change Anna and her friends’ lives forever.
This book had a lot of promise, but it didn't quiet meet the expectations it had set forth. Ie. It was a really cool concept, but the execution wasn't all that. There was plenty of talking animals, gods and goddesses and urban legends come to life. I feel like this book had too much infor-dumping and not enough of it all happening in scene. Regardless, it was still a decent read.
I had such high hopes, but they just weren't met.
Book, Beast, and Crow by Elizabeth Byrne is a YA fantasy novel that was comped as The Hazel Wood meets Stranger Things. Anna Kellogg has always felt different. Growing up in Hartwood, New Jersey—where frequent disappearances are attributed to an urban-legend-like beast that dwells in the walled-in swamp at the center of town—can have that effect on people. But for Anna, it’s more than that. Since she was a child, she’s been plagued by episodes where she sees things others can’t see. Feeling different is one thing, but actually being different is another. If it weren’t for her best friend, Olivia, Anna’s not sure where she’d fit in. But any hopes of having a normal senior year come to a halt when Olivia is attacked in the woods, bitten, and left for dead by a whirling cyclone of claws, fur, and teeth. Though Olivia survives, a sinister entity makes it clear that the mark had been set on Anna…and the miss has set in motion a catastrophic shift that will change Anna and her friends’ lives forever.
This book had a lot of promise, but it didn't quiet meet the expectations it had set forth. Ie. It was a really cool concept, but the execution wasn't all that. There was plenty of talking animals, gods and goddesses and urban legends come to life. I feel like this book had too much infor-dumping and not enough of it all happening in scene. Regardless, it was still a decent read.
August 10, 2025
I wanted to love this one more than I did. The premise had all the makings of something compelling—time loops, magic, a swamp witch, and the ever-lurking mystery of the beast. And the characters themselves? Genuinely likable, which made it frustrating when the story didn’t quite live up to the promise.
There was just so much going on. You could feel the weight of a rich mythology lurking in the background, but it all felt crammed into a very narrow point of view. Instead of that expansive, immersive worldbuilding payoff, it ended up feeling more like a dense info-dump squeezed into an already busy narrative. The romance didn’t help much either—it wasn’t particularly well developed and honestly felt tacked on more than anything.
What really held the story back for me was how passive it all felt. The teens weren’t driving the plot so much as reacting to it—things happened to them, rather than them making things happen. And while there’s something to be said for stories that explore consequences and inherited history, it needed more forward momentum to really land.
That said, it wasn’t a bad read. The writing had moments of promise, and I can see why some might connect with its slow-burn, lore-heavy vibe. But with the perspective I have now, I probably would have passed on it in favor of something with a bit more narrative agency and cohesion.
There was just so much going on. You could feel the weight of a rich mythology lurking in the background, but it all felt crammed into a very narrow point of view. Instead of that expansive, immersive worldbuilding payoff, it ended up feeling more like a dense info-dump squeezed into an already busy narrative. The romance didn’t help much either—it wasn’t particularly well developed and honestly felt tacked on more than anything.
What really held the story back for me was how passive it all felt. The teens weren’t driving the plot so much as reacting to it—things happened to them, rather than them making things happen. And while there’s something to be said for stories that explore consequences and inherited history, it needed more forward momentum to really land.
That said, it wasn’t a bad read. The writing had moments of promise, and I can see why some might connect with its slow-burn, lore-heavy vibe. But with the perspective I have now, I probably would have passed on it in favor of something with a bit more narrative agency and cohesion.
October 15, 2024
The book has an intriguing premise, blending small town mystery, mythology, and urban legends, but the execution is hit or miss. The story has some great characters and relationships, but the plot often feels convoluted and hard to follow. There’s a lot of info dumping that can make it feel disjointed, and while the supernatural elements and mythological influences are interesting, they’re not always presented smoothly. I may not be the right target audience for this book since it is meant for young-adults, but overall, it’s a decent read with good ideas that didn’t quite live up to its potential.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, but all opinions expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, but all opinions expressed are my own.
November 4, 2024
Anna and Olivia live in a town that has a Wall next to it. The other side of the Wall is off-limits and people make annual offerings to those beings who live within. Anna has always been able to see things that others can't but luckily her friend Olivia accepts her no matter what. But when Olivia is attacked by a wild creature from with the Wall, everything changes. Anna is now a target and Olivia is not herself anymore.
There are lots of fantastical elements and references to Celtic mythology that may draw some readers in. However, there is also a lot of convoluted-ness to the plot that makes it hard to ever get attached to the characters. Then everything wraps up very quickly and neatly.
CW: lots of swearing, some nudity, some violence and gore
Grades 8 and up (Ages 14-18 Kirkus)
There are lots of fantastical elements and references to Celtic mythology that may draw some readers in. However, there is also a lot of convoluted-ness to the plot that makes it hard to ever get attached to the characters. Then everything wraps up very quickly and neatly.
CW: lots of swearing, some nudity, some violence and gore
Grades 8 and up (Ages 14-18 Kirkus)
January 2, 2025
I am obsessed with weird city history/rituals. My city, Ogden utah, has a few amazing stories, although no beast.
That is what hooked me here. I especially loved the part where our protagonist gets transported back in time and is witnessing a sacrifice. Oh and I loved the moms serving on the board and talking about big city decisions. Thanks for representing democracy and portraying involved civic minded moms. I like that we learn more about their childhoods too.
This book is adorable, creepy, and weird. I love it and I want to listen to it as an audiobook now. It seems like that would be a lot of fun.
I love the concept of time being all over the place. That was fun too.
I cried at the end.
That is what hooked me here. I especially loved the part where our protagonist gets transported back in time and is witnessing a sacrifice. Oh and I loved the moms serving on the board and talking about big city decisions. Thanks for representing democracy and portraying involved civic minded moms. I like that we learn more about their childhoods too.
This book is adorable, creepy, and weird. I love it and I want to listen to it as an audiobook now. It seems like that would be a lot of fun.
I love the concept of time being all over the place. That was fun too.
I cried at the end.
July 10, 2024
Most of this was 5 stars for me, but the ending let me down a little. I wish the book had been a little bit longer so things weren’t rushed and didn’t seem so easy. I may come back and round it up later on. I really did love it and think it’s worth a read. But it seemed very very YA for the last 3rd of the book, and I was annoyed. Why so much elaborate world building if we want convenient plot devices to wrap it all up with bow? Sigh. I really, really loved this. Idk. Maybe my expectations were too high? The end just reads like debut territory to me. Super bummed.
July 29, 2024
2.5 rounded up to 3 because i'm feeling nice
i'd say this is marketed wrong if anything. if the author had just aged down the characters and written everything else exactly the same, it would be a perfect middle grade/early teen book. was just a bit juvenile to be considered a young adult novel. this kids are meant to be in their senior (?) year and they read like 14 year olds.
the premise was interesting though, it really could work for a younger audience if the characters ages had been a tad younger.
i'd say this is marketed wrong if anything. if the author had just aged down the characters and written everything else exactly the same, it would be a perfect middle grade/early teen book. was just a bit juvenile to be considered a young adult novel. this kids are meant to be in their senior (?) year and they read like 14 year olds.
the premise was interesting though, it really could work for a younger audience if the characters ages had been a tad younger.
April 21, 2025
Enjoyed the overarching mystery and the plot and how it felt like we were constantly learning new things in order to accomplish the mission (I’m being vague on purpose), maintaining suspense throughout the novel while also developing the characters. Set in modern times so it has a lot of references for GenZ and Millennials. This book has a lot of fantastical elements that pair well with its messages of friendship and identity.
June 28, 2024
This book didn't work for me.
The story didn't convince me and for most of the time it bored me.
If I continued reading it was because I didn't want to lose hope.
In the end the outcome did not justify the time given.
The story didn't convince me and for most of the time it bored me.
If I continued reading it was because I didn't want to lose hope.
In the end the outcome did not justify the time given.
April 14, 2024
Review submitted to School Library Journal for potential professional publication.
April 22, 2024
Interesting read
Overall, it's a great story. Makes you think about the otherworld and all that it holds. I like the ending. You have to trad it for yourself.
Overall, it's a great story. Makes you think about the otherworld and all that it holds. I like the ending. You have to trad it for yourself.
July 16, 2024
The best otherworld book I've read in a while, although the ending did make me tear up a bit.
November 4, 2024
fun! kinda predictable and used the “tell not show” approach a bit too much but it was interesting and i loved the concept
January 24, 2025
Passable YA mishmash of genres.
October 12, 2025
Fun but forgettable.
March 17, 2024
*eARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
This book took me forever to read. I found it interesting as I was reading it, but it took me forever to get through. I thought the story was fine, but nothing spectacular.
I would say this is definitely more of a fantasy than a horror story. I didn’t think any part of the book was scary. There’s an alternate world/reality, banshees, talking animals, and beasts. The alternate world had a Narnia-like feel to it.
I liked the friend group in this story, and I especially liked the strong friendship between Anna and Olivia. I enjoy stories that feature female friendships.
I felt the ending was a nice and satisfying conclusion. Overall, this was a decent read that I would recommend to fans of YA fantasy.
This book took me forever to read. I found it interesting as I was reading it, but it took me forever to get through. I thought the story was fine, but nothing spectacular.
I would say this is definitely more of a fantasy than a horror story. I didn’t think any part of the book was scary. There’s an alternate world/reality, banshees, talking animals, and beasts. The alternate world had a Narnia-like feel to it.
I liked the friend group in this story, and I especially liked the strong friendship between Anna and Olivia. I enjoy stories that feature female friendships.
I felt the ending was a nice and satisfying conclusion. Overall, this was a decent read that I would recommend to fans of YA fantasy.
July 11, 2025
4.25!! such a fun world to be apart of. great blind date. so many things were constantly happening and there was never a page that was boring. a cool mystery/fantasy
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews