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We Are the Beasts
Deaths and disappearances pile up as a mysterious beast stalks the French countryside and two girls seize an unlikely opportunity that just might save them all—or serve them up on a platter.
Step into this chilling, historical horror inspired by the unsolved mystery of the Beast of Gévaudan.
When a series of brutal, mysterious deaths start plaguing the countryside and whispers of a beast in the mountains reach the quiet French hamlet of Mende, most people believe it’s a curse—God’s punishment for their sins.
But to sixteen-year-old Joséphine and her best friend, Clara, the beast isn’t a curse. It’s an opportunity.
For years, the girls of Mende have been living in a nightmare—fathers who drink, brothers who punch, homes that feel like prisons—and this is a chance to get them out.
Using the creature’s attacks as cover, Joséphine and Clara set out to fake their friends’ deaths and hide them away until it’s safe to run. But escape is harder than they thought. If they can’t brave a harsh winter with little food… If the villagers discover what they’re doing… If the beast finds them first...
Those fake deaths might just become real ones.
Step into this chilling, historical horror inspired by the unsolved mystery of the Beast of Gévaudan.
When a series of brutal, mysterious deaths start plaguing the countryside and whispers of a beast in the mountains reach the quiet French hamlet of Mende, most people believe it’s a curse—God’s punishment for their sins.
But to sixteen-year-old Joséphine and her best friend, Clara, the beast isn’t a curse. It’s an opportunity.
For years, the girls of Mende have been living in a nightmare—fathers who drink, brothers who punch, homes that feel like prisons—and this is a chance to get them out.
Using the creature’s attacks as cover, Joséphine and Clara set out to fake their friends’ deaths and hide them away until it’s safe to run. But escape is harder than they thought. If they can’t brave a harsh winter with little food… If the villagers discover what they’re doing… If the beast finds them first...
Those fake deaths might just become real ones.
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First published December 10, 2024
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About the author
Gigi Griffis
17 books192 followersGigi Griffis is a critically acclaimed author of novels for adults and teens, including We Are The Beasts, The Lioness, and And the Trees Stare Back (a JLG Gold Standard Selection).
She’s a sucker for little-known histories, “unlikable” female characters, and all things Europe. After almost ten years of semi-nomadic life, she now lives in Portugal with an opinionated Yorkie-mix named Luna and a collection of very nerdy books.
She’s a sucker for little-known histories, “unlikable” female characters, and all things Europe. After almost ten years of semi-nomadic life, she now lives in Portugal with an opinionated Yorkie-mix named Luna and a collection of very nerdy books.
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May 10, 2024i was excited about this and then on page three it says, and this is exact, "Not today, Satan."
this book is set in 1765
this book is set in 1765
May 19, 2024
Look at this thrilling cover and intriguing plotline: girls who have suffered abuse, harassment, abandonment, and starvation unite to fight against a beast no more dangerous than the real beasts - the abusive men of the town hiding in human clothing.
The most captivating aspect of this book, among its themes of girl power and feminism, is its basis on true events in Gevaudan, France, where the region was plagued by a wolf-like animal attacking shepherds and villagers. Europe’s first cross-border stories attracted King Louis XV’s attention, prompting him to send his best hunters, like Duhamel and the d’Ennevals in the novel, to lead the search for the beast.
In this feminist retelling, the imprisoned girls of the town, suffering from hunger and mistreatment at the hands of the men, begin to blame their violence on the beast, taking control of their fate to escape. However, their escape leads them into even more danger, not from the beast, but from the men determined to control their lives with harsh punishments. They even kill the only decent man in town, the priest, replacing him with a new predator posing as a righteous figure.
Josephine, who lost her entire family and was saved by her true love Clara and her grandmother Meme, finds herself in a town filled with pain, poverty, loss, anger, and hatred. When a beast begins lurking and a young boy dies, Josephine realizes the town’s men are trying to cover up a murder. She decides to help the boy’s sisters and, with Clara’s help, fakes their deaths to take them out of the town.
But their good intentions are tested when they face both the dangerous beast and the vindictive church leader, who believes the girls’ actions have cursed the town. As long as the girls stay, they face threats from both sides.
Who is the real beast? Is it a shapeshifter, an evil incarnation, a witch, or something else entirely? And are the town’s men or the king’s hunters even scarier? How will the girls survive?
Overall, this book is intriguing, fast-paced, and impactful, with a great conclusion that I highly recommend to YA horror and thriller readers.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children/ Delacorte Press for providing me this digital reviewer copy in exchange of my honest thoughts.
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The most captivating aspect of this book, among its themes of girl power and feminism, is its basis on true events in Gevaudan, France, where the region was plagued by a wolf-like animal attacking shepherds and villagers. Europe’s first cross-border stories attracted King Louis XV’s attention, prompting him to send his best hunters, like Duhamel and the d’Ennevals in the novel, to lead the search for the beast.
In this feminist retelling, the imprisoned girls of the town, suffering from hunger and mistreatment at the hands of the men, begin to blame their violence on the beast, taking control of their fate to escape. However, their escape leads them into even more danger, not from the beast, but from the men determined to control their lives with harsh punishments. They even kill the only decent man in town, the priest, replacing him with a new predator posing as a righteous figure.
Josephine, who lost her entire family and was saved by her true love Clara and her grandmother Meme, finds herself in a town filled with pain, poverty, loss, anger, and hatred. When a beast begins lurking and a young boy dies, Josephine realizes the town’s men are trying to cover up a murder. She decides to help the boy’s sisters and, with Clara’s help, fakes their deaths to take them out of the town.
But their good intentions are tested when they face both the dangerous beast and the vindictive church leader, who believes the girls’ actions have cursed the town. As long as the girls stay, they face threats from both sides.
Who is the real beast? Is it a shapeshifter, an evil incarnation, a witch, or something else entirely? And are the town’s men or the king’s hunters even scarier? How will the girls survive?
Overall, this book is intriguing, fast-paced, and impactful, with a great conclusion that I highly recommend to YA horror and thriller readers.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children/ Delacorte Press for providing me this digital reviewer copy in exchange of my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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December 17, 2024
Author here. Now that there's a draft on the page, let me just say that I have such a soft spot for this book. A book that I wanted to write for some time and couldn't quite figure out how. A book that is a monster story, but not about the monster. A monster story not about killing girls but about saving them.
Or, as one early reader put it, "a gay thriller period drama with lowkey eat the rich vibes."
I look forward to sharing these messy, chaotic, ultimately loving teens trying to turn a scary situation into their salvation. Fall 2024 let's gooooo.
Or, as one early reader put it, "a gay thriller period drama with lowkey eat the rich vibes."
I look forward to sharing these messy, chaotic, ultimately loving teens trying to turn a scary situation into their salvation. Fall 2024 let's gooooo.
December 9, 2024
We Are The Beasts is historical fiction and horror novel inspired by the mystery of the the Beast of Gévaudan. Knowledge of the Beast of Gévaudan initially drew me to this book, but it was the feminist themes and the compelling story that maintained my interest.
Set in eighteenth century France, We Are The Beasts provides a sobering portrayal of the village of Mende and the perilous existences its inhabitants-mostly women-are forced to live. Close to starvation, often-expendable and easily-scapegoated, the unorthadox decision for shepherdesses Joséphine and her best friend Clara to fake the deaths of other village girls who have been victimized by the men around them is an understandable one.
The callous indifference of the village inhabitants, the means by which religion is ultiized to oppress others and the ease by which girls and women are expected to shoulder suffering at the hands of not only other villagers, but also outsiders in the form of hunters and soldiers sent to slay the beast, are all presented in a way that is painfully relatable.
I appreciated the relationship between Joséphine and Clara, which is not free from flaws due to the trauma that Joséphine still struggles with, as well as compassion shown to the other girls in their efforts to aid them. The diverse nature of the characters was a pleasant surprise, as I was unaware of the history involving Ethiopian immigrants in France and it is interesting to see queer relationships presented as well.
Unfortunately, the use of modern colloquialisms, statements and the repetition of French phrases when the characters are meant to always be speaking French did break story immersion repeatedly. I also felt that the novel is more of a mystery than a horror novel, which didn’t take away from my enjoyment, but I was more dreading the consequences of human behavior than fearing the stalking beast. Though the resolution of that particular mystery is satisfying and reasonable.
Thank you to Random House Children’s, Delacorte Press and NetGalley for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Set in eighteenth century France, We Are The Beasts provides a sobering portrayal of the village of Mende and the perilous existences its inhabitants-mostly women-are forced to live. Close to starvation, often-expendable and easily-scapegoated, the unorthadox decision for shepherdesses Joséphine and her best friend Clara to fake the deaths of other village girls who have been victimized by the men around them is an understandable one.
The callous indifference of the village inhabitants, the means by which religion is ultiized to oppress others and the ease by which girls and women are expected to shoulder suffering at the hands of not only other villagers, but also outsiders in the form of hunters and soldiers sent to slay the beast, are all presented in a way that is painfully relatable.
I appreciated the relationship between Joséphine and Clara, which is not free from flaws due to the trauma that Joséphine still struggles with, as well as compassion shown to the other girls in their efforts to aid them. The diverse nature of the characters was a pleasant surprise, as I was unaware of the history involving Ethiopian immigrants in France and it is interesting to see queer relationships presented as well.
Unfortunately, the use of modern colloquialisms, statements and the repetition of French phrases when the characters are meant to always be speaking French did break story immersion repeatedly. I also felt that the novel is more of a mystery than a horror novel, which didn’t take away from my enjoyment, but I was more dreading the consequences of human behavior than fearing the stalking beast. Though the resolution of that particular mystery is satisfying and reasonable.
Thank you to Random House Children’s, Delacorte Press and NetGalley for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 12, 2024
just no.
I don't care about anachronistic language usually but the writing really isn't robust enough to buffer it. Flat characters that bordered on caricature and a plot that managed to disappoint me even though I had 95% checked out of the book by the time the big reveal happened. There was a lot of potential for nuanced conversation about the heteropatriarchy but in execution this is the least nuanced thing I've read in at least a year.
Also it does the thing where the token gay friend is used solely to reinforce that the patriarchy hates everything feminine, because all the gays are feminine ig? This is an entirely separate rant but in short, ew.
I legit do not have a single positive thing to say about this book which is extremely impressive because I can usually come up with things even if a book isn't for me.
If you're looking for a "I Support Women's Wrongs" YA read, might I instead recommend Kylie Lee Baker's books? Or Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao. Or if you want a sapphic version, Gearbreakers by Zoe Hana Mikuta. Girls With Sharp Sticks by Suzanne Young. Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron. Squad by Maggie Tokuda-Hall. You have so many options!
I don't care about anachronistic language usually but the writing really isn't robust enough to buffer it. Flat characters that bordered on caricature and a plot that managed to disappoint me even though I had 95% checked out of the book by the time the big reveal happened. There was a lot of potential for nuanced conversation about the heteropatriarchy but in execution this is the least nuanced thing I've read in at least a year.
Also it does the thing where the token gay friend is used solely to reinforce that the patriarchy hates everything feminine, because all the gays are feminine ig? This is an entirely separate rant but in short, ew.
I legit do not have a single positive thing to say about this book which is extremely impressive because I can usually come up with things even if a book isn't for me.
If you're looking for a "I Support Women's Wrongs" YA read, might I instead recommend Kylie Lee Baker's books? Or Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao. Or if you want a sapphic version, Gearbreakers by Zoe Hana Mikuta. Girls With Sharp Sticks by Suzanne Young. Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron. Squad by Maggie Tokuda-Hall. You have so many options!
dnf
September 5, 2025Mon Dieu, mon ami, this isn’t for me. Merde!
(Yes, evidently, you CAN write a book set in 18th century France if you just know these three French phrases! Or can you?🤔)
(Yes, evidently, you CAN write a book set in 18th century France if you just know these three French phrases! Or can you?🤔)
December 11, 2024
CW: violence, blood, injury description, violence against animals, misogyny, classism, homophobia/lesbophobia, religious bigotry, sexual violence, sexual assault, (mentioned) torture and execution of witches
I received an ARC for free via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This has not impacted my final rating of the book.
Inspired by the real-life mystery of the Beast of Gévaudan, We Are the Beasts follows a cast of characters disadvantaged - through gender, sexuality, and social class - in their society. Through the backdrop of mysterious deaths and animal attacks, they finally get a glimpse of something only dreamed about - freedom.
A great alternate title for this book would be "How to Fake Your Death in 18th Century France" because I'm pretty sure the entire cast did just that at some point.
I found the characters, generally, to be very compelling and enjoyable. Josephine had a very engaging narrative voice, and I found this novel to be quite easy to read - I flew through the majority of it in a day. But I was disappointed in the lack of attention to historical detail.
I would say I'm less bothered by the anachronistic language, especially because it flowed so well, than I was by the immense lack of detail. Nothing about this story felt grounded in the 1700s, other than a handful of mentions of the Seven Years War. Mostly, I was looking for details about clothing or church doctrine that would ground this story more firmly in its setting. Unfortunately, I found mostly un-descriptive references to dresses and undergarments and some very basic religious bigotry. I absolutely love opulent historical descriptions - give me fabrics and food and tallow candlelight and bumping carriages - so I was really very disappointed. This story could just as easily have been set last week and it wouldn't have made much of a difference.
While a fun, feminist power story with some not-very-scary eerie moments, a historical horror novel, this is not. Much to my disappointment.
I received an ARC for free via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This has not impacted my final rating of the book.
Inspired by the real-life mystery of the Beast of Gévaudan, We Are the Beasts follows a cast of characters disadvantaged - through gender, sexuality, and social class - in their society. Through the backdrop of mysterious deaths and animal attacks, they finally get a glimpse of something only dreamed about - freedom.
A great alternate title for this book would be "How to Fake Your Death in 18th Century France" because I'm pretty sure the entire cast did just that at some point.
I found the characters, generally, to be very compelling and enjoyable. Josephine had a very engaging narrative voice, and I found this novel to be quite easy to read - I flew through the majority of it in a day. But I was disappointed in the lack of attention to historical detail.
I would say I'm less bothered by the anachronistic language, especially because it flowed so well, than I was by the immense lack of detail. Nothing about this story felt grounded in the 1700s, other than a handful of mentions of the Seven Years War. Mostly, I was looking for details about clothing or church doctrine that would ground this story more firmly in its setting. Unfortunately, I found mostly un-descriptive references to dresses and undergarments and some very basic religious bigotry. I absolutely love opulent historical descriptions - give me fabrics and food and tallow candlelight and bumping carriages - so I was really very disappointed. This story could just as easily have been set last week and it wouldn't have made much of a difference.
While a fun, feminist power story with some not-very-scary eerie moments, a historical horror novel, this is not. Much to my disappointment.
July 8, 2025
We Are the Beasts is a historical fiction horror that is dripping with female rage. Based upon the real history of The Beast of Gévaudan in 18th century France, we follow Josephine as she uses the terror of the beast stalking her town to fake the deaths of abused girls looking for a way out.
My favorite part of this book was the portrayal of the girls and their sheep. When Josephine explained how sheep are known to protect their shepherdesses because they view them as a family, my heart melted. The absolute love and devotion they hold for each other and how special the girls’ relationship to their flock was so lovely to read about. It really added to the importance of these girls to their village, and how evil it was that they were being trampled upon.
Josephine and Clara’s relationship was so beautiful. It’s rare to read a romance where it’s just so easy and simple. The way they just fell into it and truly supported one another marked such a strong bond. They really balanced each other out.
I was definitely not a fan of the modern phrasing sneaking its way into the dialogue. “Not today Satan” and “dick measuring contest” felt deeply unnecessary to the story and really took you out of the setting. I did also find the monologues to border on the cheesy at parts. The parallel between the beast and the girls was obvious enough without the entire end of the book hitting you over the head again and again with how the girls are the beasts.
This book has some beautiful portrayals of love, friendship, and sisterhood. It’s a great story about finding your voice and building community in the face of violence.
My favorite part of this book was the portrayal of the girls and their sheep. When Josephine explained how sheep are known to protect their shepherdesses because they view them as a family, my heart melted. The absolute love and devotion they hold for each other and how special the girls’ relationship to their flock was so lovely to read about. It really added to the importance of these girls to their village, and how evil it was that they were being trampled upon.
Josephine and Clara’s relationship was so beautiful. It’s rare to read a romance where it’s just so easy and simple. The way they just fell into it and truly supported one another marked such a strong bond. They really balanced each other out.
I was definitely not a fan of the modern phrasing sneaking its way into the dialogue. “Not today Satan” and “dick measuring contest” felt deeply unnecessary to the story and really took you out of the setting. I did also find the monologues to border on the cheesy at parts. The parallel between the beast and the girls was obvious enough without the entire end of the book hitting you over the head again and again with how the girls are the beasts.
This book has some beautiful portrayals of love, friendship, and sisterhood. It’s a great story about finding your voice and building community in the face of violence.
January 24, 2025
5/5⭐️
“Wolves aren’t the only predators in the forest.”
“Face the monsters we know, or risk the ones we don’t.”
“I am not your friend, your toy, your pet. I am not a quiet thing for the taking. I am a feral thing. A bitey, clawing, screaming thing. And the more people that know it, the better.”
“Men fancy themselves our protectors, but what do they protect us from?”
“If I am Gods retribution, god is the one who hid these girls from you. God is the one who judges your actions, and your actions, and your lack of action.”
So far this year I’ve fallen victim to pretty cover syndrome SO MANY TIMES. This book however, makes all the others worth it. I wasn’t sure what to fully expect from a YA, Thriller, Historical Fiction, Queer romance, but this was the most beautiful result I never could’ve imagined.
Before anything I want to commend this author for the thought time and effort she put into this. I read the authors note and the fact she not only traveled to the town this book was based in, but learned the folklore and history. I had no idea the menageries had a history of losing animals (it dosnt surprise me in anyway shape or form but never thought of it), partnered with the rise of attacks and “wicked beasts” being seen through countries.
I am in love with the way Gigi was able to make the parallels of man vs monster while also have a coherent plot and satisfying ending. The beast being a reflection of Josephine and their understanding at the end was emotional and beautiful on a whole other level.
You won’t regret reading this!!!
“Wolves aren’t the only predators in the forest.”
“Face the monsters we know, or risk the ones we don’t.”
“I am not your friend, your toy, your pet. I am not a quiet thing for the taking. I am a feral thing. A bitey, clawing, screaming thing. And the more people that know it, the better.”
“Men fancy themselves our protectors, but what do they protect us from?”
“If I am Gods retribution, god is the one who hid these girls from you. God is the one who judges your actions, and your actions, and your lack of action.”
So far this year I’ve fallen victim to pretty cover syndrome SO MANY TIMES. This book however, makes all the others worth it. I wasn’t sure what to fully expect from a YA, Thriller, Historical Fiction, Queer romance, but this was the most beautiful result I never could’ve imagined.
Before anything I want to commend this author for the thought time and effort she put into this. I read the authors note and the fact she not only traveled to the town this book was based in, but learned the folklore and history. I had no idea the menageries had a history of losing animals (it dosnt surprise me in anyway shape or form but never thought of it), partnered with the rise of attacks and “wicked beasts” being seen through countries.
I am in love with the way Gigi was able to make the parallels of man vs monster while also have a coherent plot and satisfying ending. The beast being a reflection of Josephine and their understanding at the end was emotional and beautiful on a whole other level.
You won’t regret reading this!!!
July 19, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Random House for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I feel so bad because I feel like I keep giving my ARCs bad reviews.
I actually really loved the heart of this book, but it was just such a slog to get through. It's marketed as historical horror, and neither of those genres ring true. The book is based on real historical events, but is only loosely tied to the time it takes place in with occasional French phrases thrown in and bland descriptions of life in the time period. It is not at all a horror book, with very few even tense moments, and a lot of build up to an ultimately dissatisfying ending.
I think this book would've worked beautifully as a short story, and in fact, I wonder if it was adapted from one. As it stands, it's a long slog that doesn't pay off in the end.
I feel so bad because I feel like I keep giving my ARCs bad reviews.
I actually really loved the heart of this book, but it was just such a slog to get through. It's marketed as historical horror, and neither of those genres ring true. The book is based on real historical events, but is only loosely tied to the time it takes place in with occasional French phrases thrown in and bland descriptions of life in the time period. It is not at all a horror book, with very few even tense moments, and a lot of build up to an ultimately dissatisfying ending.
I think this book would've worked beautifully as a short story, and in fact, I wonder if it was adapted from one. As it stands, it's a long slog that doesn't pay off in the end.
July 5, 2024
This book was everything I expected it to be. We have strong female friendships and feminism set up against Gevaudan, France, a region famous for its wolf-like beast that ravaged the area for nearly four years. In this version we follow Josephine, who has lost her family and lives with her best friend Clara and her grandmother. The town they live in is plagued by poverty and starvation and they do their best to get by. When they find the body of a boy in the woods, the people of Gevaudan blame the mysterious beast that has been killing their people, but Josephine and Clara know the truth. Armed with this information, they discover a way to hide the boy's little sister and protect her and themselves from the town's men who want nothing more than to control women and girls.
The subject of the Beast of Gevaudan has always capitavated me, but what really kept me reading was the author's gorgeous writing. She tackles the heavy topics when it calls for gentleness and when it calls form brutalness. I loved seeing Jo and Clara's relationship as well as the relationships they form with other girls in the town. I also loved he author's idea of what the beast was (it kind of made sense)
Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot and hope to see more from this author.
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The subject of the Beast of Gevaudan has always capitavated me, but what really kept me reading was the author's gorgeous writing. She tackles the heavy topics when it calls for gentleness and when it calls form brutalness. I loved seeing Jo and Clara's relationship as well as the relationships they form with other girls in the town. I also loved he author's idea of what the beast was (it kind of made sense)
Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot and hope to see more from this author.
Bookstagram
did-not-finish
July 21, 2025soft dnf 😞
this book has such an interesting premise but curse my mood reader self i just didn’t feel like reading it anymore…
this book has such an interesting premise but curse my mood reader self i just didn’t feel like reading it anymore…
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November 1, 2024Thank you Netgalley and PRH/Delacorte Press for the e-arc,
I'm not giving this book a star rating because I dnfed it 12% in,
While the characters are intriguing and I think if I could sit down with this at a later date to try again, would be willing to give this a second read, there were two stand out things that made me go: "Hm, this one isn't for me."
1) On page three it says "Not today, Satan." this immediately threw me out of 1700's France and made me cringe a little. I'm not sure how well this would go over with YA readers. To be honest it made me go: "oh, a millennial wrote this" and that thought chased me until I got 12% into the book and decided to set it down for now.
2) I usually don't mind anachronistic language in historical novels, in fact, I prefer it because it allows historical research and atmosphere to be built in a more genuine way-- therein lies the issue. I would not be able to tell where this book is set if not for the handful of odd French words tossed in or the the brief description of the landscape.
3) Speaking of those odd French words peppered in to remind us this story is set in France and these characters are French, it just didn't land with me. It was another thing that removed me from the story and not to sound harsh, but it felt like a very lazy way of worldbuilding.
Overall, I was not grounded in this book early enough to really understand the stakes beyond "girls being targeted by the patriarchy" I generally like that theme but if a book is going to be a historical horror, I need something to sink my teeth into and We are the Beasts lacks that toothiness after the first chapter. This book feels more like the Beast of Gevaudan as a trojan horse for a screw the patriarchy, girls and their wrongs esque plot.
I'm not giving this book a star rating because I dnfed it 12% in,
While the characters are intriguing and I think if I could sit down with this at a later date to try again, would be willing to give this a second read, there were two stand out things that made me go: "Hm, this one isn't for me."
1) On page three it says "Not today, Satan." this immediately threw me out of 1700's France and made me cringe a little. I'm not sure how well this would go over with YA readers. To be honest it made me go: "oh, a millennial wrote this" and that thought chased me until I got 12% into the book and decided to set it down for now.
2) I usually don't mind anachronistic language in historical novels, in fact, I prefer it because it allows historical research and atmosphere to be built in a more genuine way-- therein lies the issue. I would not be able to tell where this book is set if not for the handful of odd French words tossed in or the the brief description of the landscape.
3) Speaking of those odd French words peppered in to remind us this story is set in France and these characters are French, it just didn't land with me. It was another thing that removed me from the story and not to sound harsh, but it felt like a very lazy way of worldbuilding.
Overall, I was not grounded in this book early enough to really understand the stakes beyond "girls being targeted by the patriarchy" I generally like that theme but if a book is going to be a historical horror, I need something to sink my teeth into and We are the Beasts lacks that toothiness after the first chapter. This book feels more like the Beast of Gevaudan as a trojan horse for a screw the patriarchy, girls and their wrongs esque plot.
August 4, 2025
Not today Satan and set in 1765 this story was a great thriller set in France and the beast of gevaudan. This story had me on edge of my seat and I was so invested in all of the characters what a great read and was just as good of their other book I’ve read the wicked unseen.
September 6, 2025
Really wasn’t bad. Just wasn’t great either, the story didn’t go anywhere. I liked the feminine rage but the beast wasn’t in enough and the actual feminine rage wasn’t even shown, but it was fine. Just not as good as I expected.
dnf
November 24, 2024DNF
It’s probably a good thing I don’t work the slush piles in publishing, cause I DNFed this after chapter one. I lied. I wanted to after chapter one but forced myself to read another to confirm my feelings are still true.
I will admit the opening paragraph was great. It hooked me. It then threw itself off a cliff immediately after. And I had been excited to read this having heard different tellings of the Beast of Gevaudan and to then have mixed in some feminism and sapphic. However, by page two I had the unfortunate experience of reading, and I quote, “Not today Satan.” Cue my very dramatic eye. There’s a way to make a historical story relatable with out sounding like that Steve Buscemi with a skateboard meme. And as this is in first person, the inner thoughts are too modern that it felt so out of place for 1765, throwing me out of the story. Like if I hadn’t read the description and instead just read the opening pages, I would’ve assumed this was contemporary. Then mix in the random, almost flippant scattering of French terms that would probably would offend a native. All this was an immediate red flag that I wouldn’t be able to read 350 pages of this. But also the fact the opening chapter was a bag of nothing. It didn’t show me anything of the characters or the world or its problems. At least until the end of the chapter, and then it was told to me in info dump instead of shown. Literally I found myself skimming.
I loved the idea of this story, I just think this author is better suited for more contemporary stories. Unless you are someone who likes stories where the historical aspect is more like it came from SHEIN and it’s trying to be “cool with the kids,” I would recommend passing on this book. If you’re cool with this camp kind of style, then maybe check it out for yourself?
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's for providing an advance reader copy of this book for my honest review.
It’s probably a good thing I don’t work the slush piles in publishing, cause I DNFed this after chapter one. I lied. I wanted to after chapter one but forced myself to read another to confirm my feelings are still true.
I will admit the opening paragraph was great. It hooked me. It then threw itself off a cliff immediately after. And I had been excited to read this having heard different tellings of the Beast of Gevaudan and to then have mixed in some feminism and sapphic. However, by page two I had the unfortunate experience of reading, and I quote, “Not today Satan.” Cue my very dramatic eye. There’s a way to make a historical story relatable with out sounding like that Steve Buscemi with a skateboard meme. And as this is in first person, the inner thoughts are too modern that it felt so out of place for 1765, throwing me out of the story. Like if I hadn’t read the description and instead just read the opening pages, I would’ve assumed this was contemporary. Then mix in the random, almost flippant scattering of French terms that would probably would offend a native. All this was an immediate red flag that I wouldn’t be able to read 350 pages of this. But also the fact the opening chapter was a bag of nothing. It didn’t show me anything of the characters or the world or its problems. At least until the end of the chapter, and then it was told to me in info dump instead of shown. Literally I found myself skimming.
I loved the idea of this story, I just think this author is better suited for more contemporary stories. Unless you are someone who likes stories where the historical aspect is more like it came from SHEIN and it’s trying to be “cool with the kids,” I would recommend passing on this book. If you’re cool with this camp kind of style, then maybe check it out for yourself?
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children's for providing an advance reader copy of this book for my honest review.
October 29, 2024
3.25
Now playing:
FEMININE RAGE - PEGGY
1:35 ───ㅇ───── 3:47
⊹₊ ˚‧︵‿₊୨୧₊‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
Characters:
Louis - He is the only character that matters. He is the best.
The lambs - IYKYK THEY ARE ACTUALLY THE BEST
Belle - I liked her complex character and how she didn't exactly fit our rag tag crew but she was complex
Clara - I loved her soft caring nature but also her communication with Jo, especially when she finally allowed herself to express her anger
Jo - I don't have a lot to say on her. She had a lot of feist to her and I loved that. Especially in a world like this with women extremely suppressed her anger was refreashing.
⊹₊ ˚‧︵‿₊୨୧₊‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
Plot: The plot I wish was a bit more high stakes, it was also at times extremely unbelievable, but still the found family was nice
⊹₊ ˚‧︵‿₊୨୧₊‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
Overall thoughts: This book made me angry in all the write ways. It was an easy read with deeper themes the closer you look, It was fun and fresh
⊹₊ ˚‧︵‿₊୨୧₊‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
"I love you."
"Forever."
"And ever."
"Amen."
Now playing:
FEMININE RAGE - PEGGY
1:35 ───ㅇ───── 3:47
⊹₊ ˚‧︵‿₊୨୧₊‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
Characters:
Louis - He is the only character that matters. He is the best.
The lambs - IYKYK THEY ARE ACTUALLY THE BEST
Belle - I liked her complex character and how she didn't exactly fit our rag tag crew but she was complex
Clara - I loved her soft caring nature but also her communication with Jo, especially when she finally allowed herself to express her anger
Jo - I don't have a lot to say on her. She had a lot of feist to her and I loved that. Especially in a world like this with women extremely suppressed her anger was refreashing.
⊹₊ ˚‧︵‿₊୨୧₊‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
Plot: The plot I wish was a bit more high stakes, it was also at times extremely unbelievable, but still the found family was nice
⊹₊ ˚‧︵‿₊୨୧₊‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
Overall thoughts: This book made me angry in all the write ways. It was an easy read with deeper themes the closer you look, It was fun and fresh
⊹₊ ˚‧︵‿₊୨୧₊‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
"I love you."
"Forever."
"And ever."
"Amen."
March 31, 2025
[1.25]
If I had to describe this book in one word, it would have to be "corny."
I wanted so badly for this book to… end. It was somehow nothing and everything at once, it took itself way too seriously for what it was actually doing and honestly it felt more like an inflated balloon than a story. It's like they’re promising you a delicious meal, only to find it’s just a plain pasta with no sauce, except this pasa is also trying to somehow convince you it’s gourmet.
The book tackles serious topics like misogyny, classism, and homophobia, but it does so in the most adolescent way imaginable. It feels like a 12yo just discovered activism and now can't stop parroting the most basic, unoriginal thoughts. "Men are bad to women, the rich are bad to the poor, and this boy is special because he’s gay and, therefore, less privileged." Brilliant analysis, maybe we should call Sherlock and tell him you are here to take his job. No nuance, no depth.
It was like a masterclass in oppression math. It treats complex social issues like they are not complex at all. The sentences try so hard to sound profound, but ultimately say nothing new or meaningful. It's just "cool" sentence after "cool" sentence, and none of them make you think. They just make you realize that they're trying to make you think.
Also, this is set in the 18th century, but every character seems like they were born yesterday. Modern expressions everywhere. Their moral compasses are so rigid, you'd think they were plucked from the future. Seriously, are we to believe that in the 18TH CENTURY, these girls had absolutely no second thoughts when they discovered two of their friends were gay? Or when they themselves realized they were gay? Very impressive progressive thoughts for the era, I’m gonna have to clap for that one.
Oh, and here's my extra petty moment: You don’t know what a lion is, but you know it’s a cat? Two days ago, this same lion was a "monster sent by the devil," but now it's just a cat? Sure. (lion who, btw, fights these girls and somehow they all come out alive, alright)
I would love to mention something I liked about this book, but honestly, I’m at a loss. Some of the characters were nice, I suppose, but they were so flat and one dimensional that I could describe each of them with a single word, and that would be enough.
This book felt bland. Nothing happens, just the same tired actions over and over again. It slaps you in the face with its messages, giving you no room to think for yourself. The point it tries to make is so juvenile and overdone that I spent most of the time rolling my eyes. So many people have done this before, AND SO MUCH BETTER.
Oh, and they randomly sprinkle in French words and expressions as if we’re all supposed to just go along with it.
If I had to describe this book in one word, it would have to be "corny."
I wanted so badly for this book to… end. It was somehow nothing and everything at once, it took itself way too seriously for what it was actually doing and honestly it felt more like an inflated balloon than a story. It's like they’re promising you a delicious meal, only to find it’s just a plain pasta with no sauce, except this pasa is also trying to somehow convince you it’s gourmet.
The book tackles serious topics like misogyny, classism, and homophobia, but it does so in the most adolescent way imaginable. It feels like a 12yo just discovered activism and now can't stop parroting the most basic, unoriginal thoughts. "Men are bad to women, the rich are bad to the poor, and this boy is special because he’s gay and, therefore, less privileged." Brilliant analysis, maybe we should call Sherlock and tell him you are here to take his job. No nuance, no depth.
It was like a masterclass in oppression math. It treats complex social issues like they are not complex at all. The sentences try so hard to sound profound, but ultimately say nothing new or meaningful. It's just "cool" sentence after "cool" sentence, and none of them make you think. They just make you realize that they're trying to make you think.
Also, this is set in the 18th century, but every character seems like they were born yesterday. Modern expressions everywhere. Their moral compasses are so rigid, you'd think they were plucked from the future. Seriously, are we to believe that in the 18TH CENTURY, these girls had absolutely no second thoughts when they discovered two of their friends were gay? Or when they themselves realized they were gay? Very impressive progressive thoughts for the era, I’m gonna have to clap for that one.
Oh, and here's my extra petty moment: You don’t know what a lion is, but you know it’s a cat? Two days ago, this same lion was a "monster sent by the devil," but now it's just a cat? Sure. (lion who, btw, fights these girls and somehow they all come out alive, alright)
I would love to mention something I liked about this book, but honestly, I’m at a loss. Some of the characters were nice, I suppose, but they were so flat and one dimensional that I could describe each of them with a single word, and that would be enough.
This book felt bland. Nothing happens, just the same tired actions over and over again. It slaps you in the face with its messages, giving you no room to think for yourself. The point it tries to make is so juvenile and overdone that I spent most of the time rolling my eyes. So many people have done this before, AND SO MUCH BETTER.
Oh, and they randomly sprinkle in French words and expressions as if we’re all supposed to just go along with it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2024
scrivo questo giudizio di getto, appena finito il libro, e sono sinceramente perplessa. La lettura è stata anche piacevole nella prima metà, e si era già chiaramente capito il messaggio generale del libro (tipo “scegli l’uomo o l’orso”? ma nella Francia del 1800) però di per sé l’esecuzione mi ha lasciato molto a desiderare: sempre tutto troppo facile, le ragazze riescono a scappare dal villaggio senza davvero preoccuparsi di cosa le attende e in generale è più un libro incentrato sul messaggio (concentrato in pochi capitoli un po’ meta fisici alla fine, dove la protagonista e la bestia si “sovrappongono” in una dualità che avevamo intuito anche 150 pagine prima) ma che alla fine non mi lascia niente. La rappresentazione della female rage è importante e tiene in piedi il romanzo, le protagoniste sono coerenti con sé stesse e hanno un ruolo ben preciso, mentre i personaggi secondari li ho trovati abbastanza deboli e non mi hanno suscitato un particolare interesse. Il setting della Francia del 1700 è interessante perchè la vicenda si ispira a una storia reale (l’ho scoperto a metà lettura perchè mi sembrava di aver riconosciuto un nome) ma viene un po’ disturbato da un linguaggio moderno e imprecazioni in francese (tipo “mon dieu” e “oh la vache”) che mi sono parse molto superficiali anche perchè usate abbastanza spesso, come per ricordarci che eravamo in Francia, quando forse avrebbe avuto più forza non localizzare un tempo e un luogo ma lasciar tutto nebuloso e più d’atmosfera. Non mi ha affatto convinto, è un messaggio che si è già visto e aggiunge davvero poco alla narrativa “femminista” (non mi piace chiamarla così perchè è un femminismo fine a sé stesso e commerciale).
grazie al Publisher per l'arc
grazie al Publisher per l'arc
March 8, 2025
We Are The Beasts, based on the true occurrence of the Beast of Gevaudan, to whom one hundred to two hundred gruesome deaths in the Gevaudan region are attributed, follows the story of Josephine, among a handful of other girls as they seize the threat of the beast attacking shepherdesses like themselves as an opportunity to escape their oppressive village and abusive households.
The plot was so utterly promising, and I was so confident that it would be fantastic and then it just...wasn't.
I personally feel like advertising this book as horror is a bit of a stretch. It was severely lacking that suspense and mystery of a good horror novel. The characters needed to be scared. We needed to see them raising up their own crazy theories about what the beast was. Instead, it felt flat and unimaginative.
I loved the feminist themes and elements, but there wasn't enough of them. A lot of the story depended on an emotional connection to the protagonist, and I simply didn't know enough about her to get that connection.
This was a solidly fine book. Nothing more, nothing less.
The plot was so utterly promising, and I was so confident that it would be fantastic and then it just...wasn't.
I personally feel like advertising this book as horror is a bit of a stretch. It was severely lacking that suspense and mystery of a good horror novel. The characters needed to be scared. We needed to see them raising up their own crazy theories about what the beast was. Instead, it felt flat and unimaginative.
I loved the feminist themes and elements, but there wasn't enough of them. A lot of the story depended on an emotional connection to the protagonist, and I simply didn't know enough about her to get that connection.
This was a solidly fine book. Nothing more, nothing less.
March 21, 2025
This incredible tale kicks off with numerous deaths occurring all over a French countryside. A “beast” has been stalking and killing townspeople. We follow Josephine our protagonist, and her best friend Clara. They stage a little girl’s death, supposedly by the beast, in order to save her from abuse. While the threat of the beast is evident and real, it ultimately takes a backseat to the struggles these girls have with the patriarchal society they live in. The injustices, the religious persecution and the classism they endured was enough to make me scream internally and externally! In the end the revelation of the beast is satisfying, surprising, sad but almost expected.
This is an achingly beautiful and immersive story of unlikely heroes, women's empowerment, and found family. I enjoyed it immensely!
**This story is inspired by real events, We Are the Beasts examines the historical enigma of the “Beast of Gévaudan”, a creature that once instilled fear in the French region of Gévaudan in the 1700’s.
Thank you to #netgalley for the arc!
This is an achingly beautiful and immersive story of unlikely heroes, women's empowerment, and found family. I enjoyed it immensely!
**This story is inspired by real events, We Are the Beasts examines the historical enigma of the “Beast of Gévaudan”, a creature that once instilled fear in the French region of Gévaudan in the 1700’s.
Thank you to #netgalley for the arc!
December 16, 2024
3/5
This book.. where do I start exactly? Loved the historical thriller fantasy based off french history. The characters, romance, and overuse of certain phrases are what made me not rate this book higher. I just wise there was more world building because I personally didn’t get a very 1700s vibe from the story.
This book.. where do I start exactly? Loved the historical thriller fantasy based off french history. The characters, romance, and overuse of certain phrases are what made me not rate this book higher. I just wise there was more world building because I personally didn’t get a very 1700s vibe from the story.
December 17, 2024
DNFed book, just could not get into this book. I was just bored, sorry. I chose a one star rating bc I just planet didn’t like it. It just plain and boring. I thought it was going to be better.
I want to thank NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
I want to thank NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
January 2, 2025
4.5 and a good way to start off the new year of reading
February 26, 2025
3.5
Didn't like--
the random placement of french words for effect
The romantic relationship didn't feel genuine
the ending was a bit too convenient
Did like--
The vibes are good
love a good beast of gevaudan retelling
the power of friendship
caregiver with memory issues portrayed accurately
Didn't like--
the random placement of french words for effect
The romantic relationship didn't feel genuine
the ending was a bit too convenient
Did like--
The vibes are good
love a good beast of gevaudan retelling
the power of friendship
caregiver with memory issues portrayed accurately
Want to read
March 10, 2024Cannot WAIT. And what a cover omg
Want to read
March 10, 2024Cannot wait to read this one!! So enjoyed Griffis's previous book and undoubtedly this one will be just as good, if not better :)
October 29, 2024
My 5 star streak is slowly getting broken up by low reviews…
Unfortunate, but let’s just get to the review.
Plot Summary:
Sixteen-year-old Josephine and her best friend Clara are shepherdess living in France when deadly attacks begin wreaking havoc in her small town. Instead of cowering at the threat of this beast, Josephine and Clara take it as an opportunity to save the girls suffering at the hands of men in their community.
But as their number of rescued girls grows, escape seems more and more impossible. Will the men of the village find them out? Or will the beast get to them first?
Plot Review:
I don’t really know what to say about this book.
At the heart of it, there were some important lessons and meanings. I love a book with a deeper message.
But, well, this was not at all like the book I was promised.
It’s marked as horror, but I was never genuinely scared throughout this story. In fact, I felt very little of anything. There was no connection to these characters. No gentle introduction to them or the situation they are in.
Instead, we are thrust into the story and into Josephine’s life.
And the “beast” in question never felt like a real threat. The men in this story were the true terror, I know, but I was also told I would get a beast and it was simply not delivered to me.
Well, it was, but it also wasn’t, and I was left very disappointed.
Again, I loved the overall message, but this plot was not it. You can have important lessons and also have a decent storyline at the same time.
No need to sacrifice one for the other.
But I don’t think Griffis got that memo…
Characters:
Josephine was… Fine.
Clara was… Fine.
Everyone else was…. Fine.
Honestly, I don’t really know them or understand them. I felt like we spent so long together, yet I just never felt anything about them.
I loved the strong emotions they felt and their sense of justice was very satisfying, but they didn’t make me feel what I wanted to feel.
I guess that’s kind of all I have to say.
Overall Thoughts:
I love books with powerful messages, but this was not it.
Big thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ARC.
Unfortunate, but let’s just get to the review.
Plot Summary:
Sixteen-year-old Josephine and her best friend Clara are shepherdess living in France when deadly attacks begin wreaking havoc in her small town. Instead of cowering at the threat of this beast, Josephine and Clara take it as an opportunity to save the girls suffering at the hands of men in their community.
But as their number of rescued girls grows, escape seems more and more impossible. Will the men of the village find them out? Or will the beast get to them first?
Plot Review:
I don’t really know what to say about this book.
At the heart of it, there were some important lessons and meanings. I love a book with a deeper message.
But, well, this was not at all like the book I was promised.
It’s marked as horror, but I was never genuinely scared throughout this story. In fact, I felt very little of anything. There was no connection to these characters. No gentle introduction to them or the situation they are in.
Instead, we are thrust into the story and into Josephine’s life.
And the “beast” in question never felt like a real threat. The men in this story were the true terror, I know, but I was also told I would get a beast and it was simply not delivered to me.
Well, it was, but it also wasn’t, and I was left very disappointed.
Again, I loved the overall message, but this plot was not it. You can have important lessons and also have a decent storyline at the same time.
No need to sacrifice one for the other.
But I don’t think Griffis got that memo…
Characters:
Josephine was… Fine.
Clara was… Fine.
Everyone else was…. Fine.
Honestly, I don’t really know them or understand them. I felt like we spent so long together, yet I just never felt anything about them.
I loved the strong emotions they felt and their sense of justice was very satisfying, but they didn’t make me feel what I wanted to feel.
I guess that’s kind of all I have to say.
Overall Thoughts:
I love books with powerful messages, but this was not it.
Big thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ARC.
January 24, 2025
Mid-18th century France: sixteen-year-old Joséphine is the only survivor of her family after a fever swept through the village. Now she lives with her best friend, Clara. When out grazing their sheep, the two stumble upon a boy’s mutilated body. Fearing this is the work of “The Beast” that has been preying on young girls, Clara runs for help. But Joséphine soon learns the grisly truth from the boy’s frightened sister, hiding in the woods. To save the girl from her brother’s fate, they fake her death and find her a safe house. The risk of discovery quickly heightens when soldiers arrive with orders to hunt the beast. Arrogant and ungrateful, the soldiers expect to be sheltered and fed by the poor villagers who barely have enough for the upcoming winter. However, if Joséphine and Clara’s secret is discovered, the danger posed by the villagers will be more terrifying than starvation or the Beast.
Our young characters are faced with difficult choices. Eventually, Joséphine realizes they must either “[f]ace the monsters we know or risk the ones we don’t”; this theme runs throughout the story like a dark shadow. Griffis uses the setting well to heighten the sense of unease as our characters trek through hauntingly silent fields and rainy, dark forests. The book has strong elements of found family and plenty of character development as Joséphine struggles to overcome her own fears to save those she loves.
A historical horror novel for young adult readers, We Are the Beasts was inspired by the unsolved mystery of the Beast of Gévaudan. Content warnings include abuse, racism, homophobia, depictions of violence, and strong language.
With compelling twists and turns, this is a well-written story of control, overcoming trauma, and standing up for what’s right.
Review originally posted via the Historical Novel Society at https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...
Our young characters are faced with difficult choices. Eventually, Joséphine realizes they must either “[f]ace the monsters we know or risk the ones we don’t”; this theme runs throughout the story like a dark shadow. Griffis uses the setting well to heighten the sense of unease as our characters trek through hauntingly silent fields and rainy, dark forests. The book has strong elements of found family and plenty of character development as Joséphine struggles to overcome her own fears to save those she loves.
A historical horror novel for young adult readers, We Are the Beasts was inspired by the unsolved mystery of the Beast of Gévaudan. Content warnings include abuse, racism, homophobia, depictions of violence, and strong language.
With compelling twists and turns, this is a well-written story of control, overcoming trauma, and standing up for what’s right.
Review originally posted via the Historical Novel Society at https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...
January 16, 2025
This was... Not great. Overly simplistic look at patriarchy and gender dynamics of supposed 18th century France (big reverse boomer "men bad" energy), almost no historical detail in what was supposed to be a historical novel, and awful modern language that really, really shouldn't have happened.
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