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The Beast of Ten
THE DEATH BLEAK - For centuries he has haunted the nations, taking the blood gain further than any before him
THE PYRE - His storied stronghold deep in the Forrest of Naeethe, its glory forgotten, its ancient purposes abandoned
AND I, EMBER - Sent by the Lights to stop him from becoming the one thing that all nations fear the most.
THE PYRE - His storied stronghold deep in the Forrest of Naeethe, its glory forgotten, its ancient purposes abandoned
AND I, EMBER - Sent by the Lights to stop him from becoming the one thing that all nations fear the most.
544 pages, Paperback
First published January 17, 2018
About the author
Beth Brower
21 books8,003 followersLike many of my siblings, I would sneak out of bed, slip into the hallway, and pull my favorite books from the book closet. I read my way through the bottom shelf, then the next shelf up, and the shelf above that, until I could climb to the very top shelf, stacked two layers deep and two layers high, and read the titles of the classics. My desire to create stories grew as I was learning to read them.
Subsequently, I spent my time scribbling in notebooks rather than listening to math lectures at school.
I graduated with a degree in literary studies, and have spent several years working on the novels that keep pounding on the doors of my mind, as none of my characters are very patient to wait their turn. I currently live in Orem, Utah, with my wonderful chemist husband, and books in every room of the house.
Subsequently, I spent my time scribbling in notebooks rather than listening to math lectures at school.
I graduated with a degree in literary studies, and have spent several years working on the novels that keep pounding on the doors of my mind, as none of my characters are very patient to wait their turn. I currently live in Orem, Utah, with my wonderful chemist husband, and books in every room of the house.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 735 reviews
March 20, 2024
Guys 😭 The Beast of Ten left me in a stupor. I have spent HOURS thinking about this book, and I desperately need more people to read it so we can talk.
Here is MY blurb about it:
Imagine a book that is very very loosely based on Beauty and the Beast. You have this monster-of-a-being—a man that has defied and defiled EVERYTHING that is good in his life so that he is on the verge of becoming the darkest, most powerful being in the world. He has embraced wickedness and murder and has sacrificed everything humane in himself to get it.
Then the Lights (the heavens/God/the good forces, etc.) send Ember into his path. She is either the final step in his becoming The Beast of Ten or the person that will bring him back. It’s a story of redemption, change, hope, and that heavy question of, “How far gone is too far?”
It is a slower paced book, but my goodness, it is beautiful. One of the most beautiful stories I have ever read. @bethbrower is the QUEEN of portraying realistic characters and relationships. One of my favorite aspects of this story is that change is not a straight line. It is slow and often takes steps back before it can take steps forward. AGH, it is just perfection.
Please read it. Then come talk to me about it.
Here is MY blurb about it:
Imagine a book that is very very loosely based on Beauty and the Beast. You have this monster-of-a-being—a man that has defied and defiled EVERYTHING that is good in his life so that he is on the verge of becoming the darkest, most powerful being in the world. He has embraced wickedness and murder and has sacrificed everything humane in himself to get it.
Then the Lights (the heavens/God/the good forces, etc.) send Ember into his path. She is either the final step in his becoming The Beast of Ten or the person that will bring him back. It’s a story of redemption, change, hope, and that heavy question of, “How far gone is too far?”
It is a slower paced book, but my goodness, it is beautiful. One of the most beautiful stories I have ever read. @bethbrower is the QUEEN of portraying realistic characters and relationships. One of my favorite aspects of this story is that change is not a straight line. It is slow and often takes steps back before it can take steps forward. AGH, it is just perfection.
Please read it. Then come talk to me about it.
June 26, 2022
I was guilty of judging this book by its cover and thought it was going to be the type of fantasy I don’t enjoy. I only decided to read it because I have loved all of Ms. Brower’s other books and I am so impatient for Emma’s sixth journal. I read a few of the reviews, so I was a little bit prepared for the story I encountered. Such a magnificent and beautiful tale of light vs. darkness and the power of redemption. I know I will be visiting this one multiple times in the future. And I was so grateful for the rather lengthy and very satisfying epilogue!
Read
March 31, 2025This book was so absorbing! Really unique spin on Beauty and the Beast and nice and hefty (500+ pages!).
Loved it - can't wait to read more of her books.
Loved it - can't wait to read more of her books.
January 24, 2018
This is a tale of contrasts: darkness to light, terror to beauty, imprisonment to redemption, confusion to clarity.
When I finished the book there was such a sense of reverence that I had to sit for a few minutes and soak it all in. Then I wanted to start it again.
This book has a depth that you rarely find in works of fiction—of any era. Brower’s use of light is phenomenal. The imagery is much more than thick description; you can sense the confusion that emanates from the Bleak’s presence, perceive the grandeur of the Forest of Naeethe, and feel the stones of the Pyre beneath your feet.
This is a remarkable story that—if you let it—can weave its way into the very fabric of your being. It is woven into mine.
When I finished the book there was such a sense of reverence that I had to sit for a few minutes and soak it all in. Then I wanted to start it again.
This book has a depth that you rarely find in works of fiction—of any era. Brower’s use of light is phenomenal. The imagery is much more than thick description; you can sense the confusion that emanates from the Bleak’s presence, perceive the grandeur of the Forest of Naeethe, and feel the stones of the Pyre beneath your feet.
This is a remarkable story that—if you let it—can weave its way into the very fabric of your being. It is woven into mine.
April 19, 2021
First some things I liked about the book:
—The side characters were wonderful and interesting
—great comedic writing and funny moments
—heartfelt allegory and some beautiful moments of hope and repentance/forgiveness
—the cover is lovely
—the world building was pretty cool and had some interesting concepts
Ok now the bad stuff. To be fair, I did just read Kite Runner right before this book which is the greatest literary achievement of this century and also happens to be a redemption story so it’s going to highlight the flaws of the story perhaps more than if I had read it at a different time.
I despise the two main characters. I’m 90% sure they were inspired by Rey and Kylo Ren. They have what is essentially a force connection where they can speak into each other’s minds and are bound together in their fate. One is light and one is darkness. He is an elect extra special guy who fell and she is a little nobody who is special because she’s just so pure. And this goes into my next point: I only actually believed the Death Bleak was evil in one scene of the entire book. He was a villain written by a goodie goodie. The whole book they mention him being terrible to behold and having killed his soul with evil more than any person before him and yet he is just like “ugh you guys are so annoying stop lighting candles.” And I was just not convinced he was evil. Much like Kylo Ren being like “I’m as evil as my grandpa and I can proooove it!” And no one is convinced. Not to mention they never really tell you what it was he did that was so villainous. Because I don’t believe he was ever really that evil, his redemption is less meaningful. I still thought it was nice, but a shadow of what it could be.
Ember is your classic Mary Sue (again like Star Wars). She is a good person at the beginning and ends the book a REALLY good person. She never fails or gives up and the only time she doubts or gets sad is at the end for one page. She never tries to leave the castle or fight the Death Bleak for hurting her dad. And she’s not super naive and then learns the true way of the world. She just is good and gets better at being good. Here stems what I found to be truly problematic which is that Sperro’s redemption hinged on her. I know this is a religious allegory but I think one should always be careful of the implications of what you are doing without the layer of religion to it. The message here is no matter how evil a guy is you should always love and help him. That is a toxic message. Women should not feel like they have to stay with a man who hurts them or like they can and should fix violent and cruel men. There was a disturbing scene where Sperro tries to kill one of Ember’s friends and he restrains himself. She helps him wash his hands of her friend’s blood and apparently this was a huge turn on so she kissed him. She kissed him after she washed her friend’s blood off his hands. Ladies please do not feel like it’s ok for men to be violent. Run away. Please, you deserve so much better. I got so sick of her constantly helping him when he did nothing in return. Is she supposed to be a Christ figure? Yes. But it just doesn’t work here. And maybe this was a platonic kiss but I don’t think people who are just friends hold hands and hide behind curtains and cuddle together. And her whole obsession with being loyal to him and Sperro being like “I can’t walk farther than like 100 yards without you” was just a mess of red flags.
Overall I think this had a good intention and some really great world building and side characters. But so much just didn’t make sense, was weird and unexplained, or just plain dumb. There was a 150 page sequence of them just lighting candles and fixing windows. I think we get the picture in like 50 pages max. There is more I could say about the book but I’ll leave it at this: it’s a sweet Christian allegory that non avid readers or Christian moms will probably enjoy. Just don’t use it as a guideline for your life or you’ll be trapped into a toxic relationship.
—The side characters were wonderful and interesting
—great comedic writing and funny moments
—heartfelt allegory and some beautiful moments of hope and repentance/forgiveness
—the cover is lovely
—the world building was pretty cool and had some interesting concepts
Ok now the bad stuff. To be fair, I did just read Kite Runner right before this book which is the greatest literary achievement of this century and also happens to be a redemption story so it’s going to highlight the flaws of the story perhaps more than if I had read it at a different time.
I despise the two main characters. I’m 90% sure they were inspired by Rey and Kylo Ren. They have what is essentially a force connection where they can speak into each other’s minds and are bound together in their fate. One is light and one is darkness. He is an elect extra special guy who fell and she is a little nobody who is special because she’s just so pure. And this goes into my next point: I only actually believed the Death Bleak was evil in one scene of the entire book. He was a villain written by a goodie goodie. The whole book they mention him being terrible to behold and having killed his soul with evil more than any person before him and yet he is just like “ugh you guys are so annoying stop lighting candles.” And I was just not convinced he was evil. Much like Kylo Ren being like “I’m as evil as my grandpa and I can proooove it!” And no one is convinced. Not to mention they never really tell you what it was he did that was so villainous. Because I don’t believe he was ever really that evil, his redemption is less meaningful. I still thought it was nice, but a shadow of what it could be.
Ember is your classic Mary Sue (again like Star Wars). She is a good person at the beginning and ends the book a REALLY good person. She never fails or gives up and the only time she doubts or gets sad is at the end for one page. She never tries to leave the castle or fight the Death Bleak for hurting her dad. And she’s not super naive and then learns the true way of the world. She just is good and gets better at being good. Here stems what I found to be truly problematic which is that Sperro’s redemption hinged on her. I know this is a religious allegory but I think one should always be careful of the implications of what you are doing without the layer of religion to it. The message here is no matter how evil a guy is you should always love and help him. That is a toxic message. Women should not feel like they have to stay with a man who hurts them or like they can and should fix violent and cruel men. There was a disturbing scene where Sperro tries to kill one of Ember’s friends and he restrains himself. She helps him wash his hands of her friend’s blood and apparently this was a huge turn on so she kissed him. She kissed him after she washed her friend’s blood off his hands. Ladies please do not feel like it’s ok for men to be violent. Run away. Please, you deserve so much better. I got so sick of her constantly helping him when he did nothing in return. Is she supposed to be a Christ figure? Yes. But it just doesn’t work here. And maybe this was a platonic kiss but I don’t think people who are just friends hold hands and hide behind curtains and cuddle together. And her whole obsession with being loyal to him and Sperro being like “I can’t walk farther than like 100 yards without you” was just a mess of red flags.
Overall I think this had a good intention and some really great world building and side characters. But so much just didn’t make sense, was weird and unexplained, or just plain dumb. There was a 150 page sequence of them just lighting candles and fixing windows. I think we get the picture in like 50 pages max. There is more I could say about the book but I’ll leave it at this: it’s a sweet Christian allegory that non avid readers or Christian moms will probably enjoy. Just don’t use it as a guideline for your life or you’ll be trapped into a toxic relationship.
September 10, 2021
I’ve now officially read all of Beth Brower’s books. So good!
This one was really interesting. Partly beauty and the beast, partly magic of light and darkness. It didn’t turn out how I imagined at first, but I wasn’t disappointed because it ended how it had to end.
The themes of redemption and light/dark were great. She does such a great job of inventing the world not just the story. There are some slow bits….but now that I’ve read all her stuff, Im okay with it.
I completely cried at the end and immediately reread portions.
I didn’t like the epilogue that much (except the last part which was masterful) I wanted more from it? Or maybe less? I’m not sure. But it was helpful to wrap up the story lines.
The world is such an interesting concept, I would totally read another story in this magic system.
Update 2024: Sob. Reading it the second time was much better. I'm not sure why, but I think I just understood more of what was going on in the beginning. And again, the last 50 words of the book. 😭
This one was really interesting. Partly beauty and the beast, partly magic of light and darkness. It didn’t turn out how I imagined at first, but I wasn’t disappointed because it ended how it had to end.
The themes of redemption and light/dark were great. She does such a great job of inventing the world not just the story. There are some slow bits….but now that I’ve read all her stuff, Im okay with it.
I completely cried at the end and immediately reread portions.
I didn’t like the epilogue that much (except the last part which was masterful) I wanted more from it? Or maybe less? I’m not sure. But it was helpful to wrap up the story lines.
The world is such an interesting concept, I would totally read another story in this magic system.
Update 2024: Sob. Reading it the second time was much better. I'm not sure why, but I think I just understood more of what was going on in the beginning. And again, the last 50 words of the book. 😭
November 20, 2020
So Beth Brower is my new favorite author. I think she self-publishes her books (usually a stark warning) but if the reason is publisher rejection, shame on them! Her books are creative, witty, thoughtful, and poetic. I reread them on the regular. That being said, I’m never sure how to rate a book that I just did not like how the plot ended. It’s supposed to be a book about redemption (beauty and the beast retelling) but the redemption in the end is not as happy as I wanted/needed it to be. Too real-life for a fairytale IMO. The author somewhat prepares you for the ending, but only somewhat. Well written, so interesting, but a melancholy and disappointing finish. Maybe I’ll read it again someday when I’m not emotionally connected to the ending, and change my rating.
October 10, 2025
I— I don’t know how to explain how I feel right now. I love this book. There is no other way to describe other than that of saying it is both breaking and beautiful. I will most likely reread it very soon because I cannot believe that ending. It was amazing and wonderful, but it hurt so bad. I have no idea how I’m going to get through my school today… and, yes, I know I’m being dramatic.
Reread: I still don’t see why that had to end the way it did. That’s a lie, I do, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it.
Reread: I still don’t see why that had to end the way it did. That’s a lie, I do, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it.
March 30, 2024
Despite having some pacing issues (the middle was quite slow) I'm still giving this five stars because it was absolutely beautiful. I cried (for a while) through the ending. The symbolism was amazing and beautifully written and I loved it.
December 31, 2021
I’m sad. I have loved all 6 other Beth Brower books I’ve read but didn’t feel this one measured up. I found the characters to be mostly flat and didn’t connect with any of them on a level deep enough for a book that’s over 500 pages. The pacing wasn’t great and I felt stuck and blind for most of the book as tiny bits of progress were made but didn’t feel super meaningful and conflict was resolved without much complexity. Something kept me reading and wanting to see how it ended though.
Maybe I just went into it with too high of expectations after falling in love with the main characters in the Emma M. Lion series and in “The Q.”
Maybe I just went into it with too high of expectations after falling in love with the main characters in the Emma M. Lion series and in “The Q.”
October 1, 2026
Wow, I have no words. Especially that ending. Reader, this is no Emma M. Lion. It’s its own incredibly profound allegory of light and darkness. I was encouraged in my faith. This book is another favorite and will be one I mull over for a long time. It is heavier and darker than the other books of hers that I have read. But so beautiful and profound!
Content: low PG-13; dark magic (wasn’t too descriptive); minor curse words
TW: could be triggering for those dealing with loved ones who struggle with addiction and mental health
Content: low PG-13; dark magic (wasn’t too descriptive); minor curse words
TW: could be triggering for those dealing with loved ones who struggle with addiction and mental health
March 11, 2026
Six stars. Seven. I hated it. I’m still crying. I don’t even cry over books and I’ve been sitting here absolutely weeping for about twenty minutes. One of the best books I’ve ever read. I’m still mad.
It is simply light vs darkness. Not an allegory, literal, pure light against darkness. She decided that was the plot and nothing else distracted from it. Light and darkness, this was the plot, the characters, the setting, the entire novel. And it was stunningly done in a way very few could pull off. It’s not an easy battle, where a villain can be dragged back to goodness by force or a pretty face. No, every FLICKER of light in this book is fought for tooth and nail, and more important than is imaginable. I can’t really explain it more except to say that every piece of that fight was real in a way writing infrequently is, because we like clean cut and quick resolutions, not the kind of decisions that take days and weeks and months to decide, to fight through all the forces pushing against you. Not the kind where every battle you win is followed by ten more. Not the kind where the real work comes after the big choices, where you have to choose over and over and over and over again every day in every small moment if you’re going to follow down this path. But you feel every inch of ground lost and gained in this until you ache for the characters with every changing tide. And then you cry at the end.
Oh and by the way don’t judge by the cover.
It is simply light vs darkness. Not an allegory, literal, pure light against darkness. She decided that was the plot and nothing else distracted from it. Light and darkness, this was the plot, the characters, the setting, the entire novel. And it was stunningly done in a way very few could pull off. It’s not an easy battle, where a villain can be dragged back to goodness by force or a pretty face. No, every FLICKER of light in this book is fought for tooth and nail, and more important than is imaginable. I can’t really explain it more except to say that every piece of that fight was real in a way writing infrequently is, because we like clean cut and quick resolutions, not the kind of decisions that take days and weeks and months to decide, to fight through all the forces pushing against you. Not the kind where every battle you win is followed by ten more. Not the kind where the real work comes after the big choices, where you have to choose over and over and over and over again every day in every small moment if you’re going to follow down this path. But you feel every inch of ground lost and gained in this until you ache for the characters with every changing tide. And then you cry at the end.
Oh and by the way don’t judge by the cover.
June 20, 2025
Did I love this book? Yes. And yet I am so conflicted about the ending. Not at all what I anticipated. (Knowing it’s a retelling of Beauty and The Beast likely shaped my expectations.) And did it feel like it wrapped up super quickly to anyone else?
I think I probably cried through the entire last five percent of the book. How will I ever fall asleep after this?? I need to discuss this with someone.
Very different than EML but I was always super excited to start reading again. Well done, Beth Brower.
Probably 4.5 stars for me. (A 5 star rating could be argued but I’m still upset about the ending.)
I think I probably cried through the entire last five percent of the book. How will I ever fall asleep after this?? I need to discuss this with someone.
Very different than EML but I was always super excited to start reading again. Well done, Beth Brower.
Probably 4.5 stars for me. (A 5 star rating could be argued but I’m still upset about the ending.)
September 1, 2025
AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
ILOVEIT ILOVEIT ILOVEIT ILOVE IT
I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Beth Brower is a magician. She has laced spells and enchantment, so every word of her book floats off the page and into your innocent little unnawares heart and plants her story right there next to your breastbone.
This book. A short review is not worthy of such a masterpiece. Go read it. Go be enveloped by it.
The imagery, the writing, all fabulous. I am very grateful for God giving the world a writer like Beth Brower🙌🙌 :)
ILOVEIT ILOVEIT ILOVEIT ILOVE IT
I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Beth Brower is a magician. She has laced spells and enchantment, so every word of her book floats off the page and into your innocent little unnawares heart and plants her story right there next to your breastbone.
This book. A short review is not worthy of such a masterpiece. Go read it. Go be enveloped by it.
The imagery, the writing, all fabulous. I am very grateful for God giving the world a writer like Beth Brower🙌🙌 :)
April 25, 2026
I don’t know what to say other than that this is the best book I’ve read this year (and will probably end up being the best book I’ll read all year).
It also says something that I’m leaving it in my KU library and not planning on returning it for as long as my KU subscriptions lasts — I, who am a fanatic about keeping my KU library empty and returning each book as soon as I’ve finished it.
It also says something that I’m leaving it in my KU library and not planning on returning it for as long as my KU subscriptions lasts — I, who am a fanatic about keeping my KU library empty and returning each book as soon as I’ve finished it.
January 30, 2026
I stayed up till 3 am to finish this, something I never do. But this book is not one that can just be put down and picked back up. This is a Christian book and is a battle between light and darkness. And trust me, the darkness in this is dark!
Content:
D*mn
H*ll
b*stard
A guy carves evil symbols in his skin.
An evil witch
A guy kills people and takes their blood for his evil deeds.
A guys hand is chopped off.
There might be more that I forgot.
But this was just a token battle or simple story. The darkness was real and evil, the author didn’t not soften it and it made the story so much more real because of it. The power of the light even in the face of great evil, was… just amazing!
Ember is light and is given a job by the Lights to save the Bleak. I loved how realistic she was, she would fail and lose hope but she would just comeback to the Lights and would find the strength to keep moving on.
The Bleak was the darkness and this guy was evil. What he did was awful, yet his is the most powerful story in this whole thing. The redemption arc broke my heart and just showed how God can redeem everyone who wants it.
The ending was not what I expected or wanted but it was exactly as it needed to be. I cried multiple times throughout the entire book.
This book is not a light easy read or one for someone who can’t handle heavy topics. But even with all the dark evil things in this, seeing how they were fought was inspiring.
I love this book and will definitely be recommending it to anyone I can.
There is so much more I want to say yet I can’t even form words to describe it.
Content:
D*mn
H*ll
b*stard
A guy carves evil symbols in his skin.
An evil witch
A guy kills people and takes their blood for his evil deeds.
A guys hand is chopped off.
There might be more that I forgot.
But this was just a token battle or simple story. The darkness was real and evil, the author didn’t not soften it and it made the story so much more real because of it. The power of the light even in the face of great evil, was… just amazing!
Ember is light and is given a job by the Lights to save the Bleak. I loved how realistic she was, she would fail and lose hope but she would just comeback to the Lights and would find the strength to keep moving on.
The Bleak was the darkness and this guy was evil. What he did was awful, yet his is the most powerful story in this whole thing. The redemption arc broke my heart and just showed how God can redeem everyone who wants it.
The ending was not what I expected or wanted but it was exactly as it needed to be. I cried multiple times throughout the entire book.
This book is not a light easy read or one for someone who can’t handle heavy topics. But even with all the dark evil things in this, seeing how they were fought was inspiring.
I love this book and will definitely be recommending it to anyone I can.
There is so much more I want to say yet I can’t even form words to describe it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2026
This would not be everyone's cup of tea...BUT IT WAS EXACTLY MY CUP OF TEA 😭🥹🥰😭 It actually reminded me of a more evenly paced, more morally grounded Sanderson novel - interesting magic system, deep characters, a well-paced plot, and clear light vs. dark battles, with strong themes of self-sacrifice and unconditional love.
A Beauty & the Beast retelling like I have never seen before. Hard to do, making the bad guy somewhat sympathetic while also keeping strong good vs. evil and not romanticizing the darkness. What a redemption tale.
Well done, Beth Brower. I didn't think I could love anything she wrote like I love Emma M. Lion, but... I think this proves me wrong. VERY different vibe, but boy did I love it.
I chuckled and sobbed. Any clean book that can move me like that pretty much gets an automatic five stars.
It's a little dark getting going... But it's very intentional and goes wonderful places from there.
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•
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⚠️Content Warnings: Dark, occult magic (portrayed as negative;) some mild gore from battles and attacks by dark creatures, heavy themes of loss and grief; a handful of uses of d--n, used by the villain and....almost true to the word's meaning
Romance is limited to brief, sweet kisses only.
A Beauty & the Beast retelling like I have never seen before. Hard to do, making the bad guy somewhat sympathetic while also keeping strong good vs. evil and not romanticizing the darkness. What a redemption tale.
Well done, Beth Brower. I didn't think I could love anything she wrote like I love Emma M. Lion, but... I think this proves me wrong. VERY different vibe, but boy did I love it.
I chuckled and sobbed. Any clean book that can move me like that pretty much gets an automatic five stars.
It's a little dark getting going... But it's very intentional and goes wonderful places from there.
•
•
•
⚠️Content Warnings: Dark, occult magic (portrayed as negative;) some mild gore from battles and attacks by dark creatures, heavy themes of loss and grief; a handful of uses of d--n, used by the villain and....almost true to the word's meaning
Romance is limited to brief, sweet kisses only.
June 27, 2026
This book.
I took my time with this one, as life has been crazy and this didn’t feel like a story to rush. I’m so glad I did.
What a beautiful story of redemption, fighting for what’s right, and loving your enemy. The battle of light vs. darkness was so well done.
This is not the type of action-packed story that starts with a bang. This is not a romance. This is a story with slow, detailed world building and character development. I absolutely loved the setting and the characters. I was deeply invested and thoroughly enjoyed every moment - even the ones that hurt.
I went into this book without much information - the blurb is a bit vague on the back of the book - and I honestly recommend doing the same! This is one of my top reads of the year so far.
Beth Brower has quickly become a favorite author of mine. I can’t wait to read the rest of her published books!
-kisses only romance (very little, subplot)
-mild cursing
-some violence
-dark magic (portrayed as evil), light magic (tied to the religion)
April 25, 2024
DNF at 54%
I love Beth Brower. Love her. The previous books/series I've read from her — The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion and The Q — have been solid 5-star experiences. Her ability to create robust, 3-dimensional characters is some of the best I've ever read, and while her MCs don't usually follow the most epic or sprawling plotlines, their emotional impact is significant. Unfortunately, The Beast of Ten seems to have departed from that norm.
The book started out promising enough, although I wasn't sure if our main character was a child or a full-grown adult until they arrived at The Pyre. The magic system and worldbuilding were interesting — at least as told in the glossary we got at the beginning. Aside from that, we learned almost nothing else about the world surrounding our character, the political structure of any country, or any well-known figures aside from the Death Bleak. The wasted potential is enough to make me ill, not to mention the fact that the area of the world we do get to explore is almost insultingly mundane.
Our main character, Ember (or December), is a third-born twin possessing enough light magic to counteract the dark magic of the Death Bleak wreaking havoc on their world. How does she decide to use this magic, you may ask? Why, of course, she lights fireplaces and candles in the window to rebuff the dark blood rituals happening in the forest! I'm sorry, but if you want me to believe that normal flames sufficiently ward against a dark power grounded in murder, blood-harvesting, and evil, then I'm going to need some further justification. The fact that I dropped this book 54% of the way through and all our MC had done to fight the Death Bleak was light fires, hire someone to fix shattered windows, and heal him when he comes back from a killing spree is insane to me. On the note of her healing him — I CANNOT believe that our MC's journey in this book was seemingly to rehabilitate the Death Bleak back into the being of light he was born as. Girl, this man torched your house, cut off your father's hand (which caused him to lose the whole arm), is still actively killing and harvesting the blood from other victims, and is hundreds of years old. I don't care if you find it in your heart to heal and try to bring him to the "light side" — his other victims need justice, not a romantic plotline. Granted, I didn't finish this book, but if Ember and this nasty man didn't end up together, I'll eat my hat.
I don't know if Brower is a Christian, but the religious themes in this book are impossible to ignore. I'm a Christian myself, but there is only so much unconditional forgiveness and straightforward light-versus-dark I can take in a story. It might work for a younger audience, but at my age, there are too many gray areas in real life that it's jarring to see such a disparity in the magic and worldbuilding of this book. The Beast of Ten felt like Kylo Ren and Rey meets Beauty and the Beast but with none of the action-packed chemistry and fairytale charm respective to each story.
I still love Beth Brower, but this book was an incredible disappointment.
I love Beth Brower. Love her. The previous books/series I've read from her — The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion and The Q — have been solid 5-star experiences. Her ability to create robust, 3-dimensional characters is some of the best I've ever read, and while her MCs don't usually follow the most epic or sprawling plotlines, their emotional impact is significant. Unfortunately, The Beast of Ten seems to have departed from that norm.
The book started out promising enough, although I wasn't sure if our main character was a child or a full-grown adult until they arrived at The Pyre. The magic system and worldbuilding were interesting — at least as told in the glossary we got at the beginning. Aside from that, we learned almost nothing else about the world surrounding our character, the political structure of any country, or any well-known figures aside from the Death Bleak. The wasted potential is enough to make me ill, not to mention the fact that the area of the world we do get to explore is almost insultingly mundane.
Our main character, Ember (or December), is a third-born twin possessing enough light magic to counteract the dark magic of the Death Bleak wreaking havoc on their world. How does she decide to use this magic, you may ask? Why, of course, she lights fireplaces and candles in the window to rebuff the dark blood rituals happening in the forest! I'm sorry, but if you want me to believe that normal flames sufficiently ward against a dark power grounded in murder, blood-harvesting, and evil, then I'm going to need some further justification. The fact that I dropped this book 54% of the way through and all our MC had done to fight the Death Bleak was light fires, hire someone to fix shattered windows, and heal him when he comes back from a killing spree is insane to me. On the note of her healing him — I CANNOT believe that our MC's journey in this book was seemingly to rehabilitate the Death Bleak back into the being of light he was born as. Girl, this man torched your house, cut off your father's hand (which caused him to lose the whole arm), is still actively killing and harvesting the blood from other victims, and is hundreds of years old. I don't care if you find it in your heart to heal and try to bring him to the "light side" — his other victims need justice, not a romantic plotline. Granted, I didn't finish this book, but if Ember and this nasty man didn't end up together, I'll eat my hat.
I don't know if Brower is a Christian, but the religious themes in this book are impossible to ignore. I'm a Christian myself, but there is only so much unconditional forgiveness and straightforward light-versus-dark I can take in a story. It might work for a younger audience, but at my age, there are too many gray areas in real life that it's jarring to see such a disparity in the magic and worldbuilding of this book. The Beast of Ten felt like Kylo Ren and Rey meets Beauty and the Beast but with none of the action-packed chemistry and fairytale charm respective to each story.
I still love Beth Brower, but this book was an incredible disappointment.
July 19, 2026
Not having time to write a real review, I am posting my answers to Faith and Fantasy's BotM Questions thread. Spoilers are marked.
1. Who was your favorite character?
Astrick and Ember--They each gave up so much to accomplish the task they were called to. Ember's character development was well done, and Astrick just remained solid throughout.
2. Who was your least favorite character?
🛑🛑Spoilers within!🛑🛑
Well, the bad guys--Callidus and the witch--of course. But of the "good guys," honestly,
3. If you could change one part of the book, what would it be?
The length. I felt the beginning of the story was unnecessarily drawn out. The same build-up could have been accomplished with less pages. And I am currently reading The Count of Monte Cristo for the 5th time, so it has nothing to do with my not liking long books. (:
🛑🛑Spoiler within!🛑🛑
Also, I am not sure if we ever get an answer to what the deal was that
4. What did you think of the ending?
🛑🛑Spoilers within!🛑🛑
I thought it was beautiful in the most
I loved how Brower brought closure to each of the characters. I very much wanted to know what happened to each of them, and she did not fail me.
🛑🛑Spoiler🛑🛑
I also loved how she Well done, Brower!!
5. What was your overall opinion?
Very good! I either did not understand or did not agree with some of the allegory, but overall, it was a redemptive, though often dark, story of light overpowering darkness and the importance of hope and courage in dark times.
I found several typos and/or grammatical errors. At first they distracted me, but then about half-way through or so, I either stopped noticing or the edits were better. Idk.
1. Who was your favorite character?
Astrick and Ember--They each gave up so much to accomplish the task they were called to. Ember's character development was well done, and Astrick just remained solid throughout.
2. Who was your least favorite character?
🛑🛑Spoilers within!🛑🛑
Well, the bad guys--Callidus and the witch--of course. But of the "good guys," honestly,
3. If you could change one part of the book, what would it be?
The length. I felt the beginning of the story was unnecessarily drawn out. The same build-up could have been accomplished with less pages. And I am currently reading The Count of Monte Cristo for the 5th time, so it has nothing to do with my not liking long books. (:
🛑🛑Spoiler within!🛑🛑
Also, I am not sure if we ever get an answer to what the deal was that
4. What did you think of the ending?
🛑🛑Spoilers within!🛑🛑
I thought it was beautiful in the most
I loved how Brower brought closure to each of the characters. I very much wanted to know what happened to each of them, and she did not fail me.
🛑🛑Spoiler🛑🛑
I also loved how she Well done, Brower!!
5. What was your overall opinion?
Very good! I either did not understand or did not agree with some of the allegory, but overall, it was a redemptive, though often dark, story of light overpowering darkness and the importance of hope and courage in dark times.
I found several typos and/or grammatical errors. At first they distracted me, but then about half-way through or so, I either stopped noticing or the edits were better. Idk.
May 27, 2026
4.5 - forcing myself to sit down and write it because when I finished it yesterday I was processing it for so long that I genuinely had to journal to the Lord lol. I would consider this book an allegory that utilizes the framework of Beauty and Beast to communicate a BEAUTIFUL and realistic story of redemption and hope. A Prodigal Son type story if you will, or one of the Christian walk and purpose. You can interpret it many a ways which is why it is so beautiful to me.
It is slow in a purposeful way that I only realized once I finished and so I cannot complain — the Christian walk is often 1 step forward and 2 steps back, and this is visualized in this story as you wrestle with what this Darkness deserves and his own view of his brokenness. It is spiritual warfare and the necessity of Hope and good faith outside of your own works.
If you’ve read any of my review of Brewer’s books, you’d know she is the master of writing truly human characters that you wrestle alongside with because you just GET them. That is this story, and you could probably align yourself with anyone involved. Have you felt so far from God that you couldn’t be saved? Have you worked fruitlessly to point your friend to the Lord? Have you grieved a friend who parted ways with their faith? Have you rooted and prayed for someone for years? Have you given up on someone you think is too far? This sits in all of that.
I could write an essay on this (and why we like stories like narnia and lord of the rings and HP and all that) but this world CRAVES stories of redemption and hope because it is instilled in our nature. That is why stories like (and all her other books) this settle into our hearts and fill us and linger with us after we read them. The Lord has been really kind to reveal himself to me through books (which is good bc I’m a visual girl) and stories like this one.
Sorry for my essay - and pls don’t judge this book by its cover like I did until Mia told me to read it. Xoxo
It is slow in a purposeful way that I only realized once I finished and so I cannot complain — the Christian walk is often 1 step forward and 2 steps back, and this is visualized in this story as you wrestle with what this Darkness deserves and his own view of his brokenness. It is spiritual warfare and the necessity of Hope and good faith outside of your own works.
If you’ve read any of my review of Brewer’s books, you’d know she is the master of writing truly human characters that you wrestle alongside with because you just GET them. That is this story, and you could probably align yourself with anyone involved. Have you felt so far from God that you couldn’t be saved? Have you worked fruitlessly to point your friend to the Lord? Have you grieved a friend who parted ways with their faith? Have you rooted and prayed for someone for years? Have you given up on someone you think is too far? This sits in all of that.
I could write an essay on this (and why we like stories like narnia and lord of the rings and HP and all that) but this world CRAVES stories of redemption and hope because it is instilled in our nature. That is why stories like (and all her other books) this settle into our hearts and fill us and linger with us after we read them. The Lord has been really kind to reveal himself to me through books (which is good bc I’m a visual girl) and stories like this one.
Sorry for my essay - and pls don’t judge this book by its cover like I did until Mia told me to read it. Xoxo
April 8, 2025
This was incredible. And this from a girl who doesn't love fantasy. I picked it up because I blew through all Beth Brower's Emma M. Lion books twice last year. I knew it wouldn't be anything like those, but I thought I'd give it a try.
While this is technically a Beauty and the Beast retelling, it's so unique that it felt brand new. This is the best redemption story I've ever read since the Bible. Seriously. I loved the contrast of light and dark. The way she talks about people having gifts and how they're supposed to use them is fantastic. I appreciated how the people at the Pyre didn't give up hope. I could go on but I won't. Just read it.
We need more books like this.
Content: mild language, mentions of murder & dark magic but not graphic
While this is technically a Beauty and the Beast retelling, it's so unique that it felt brand new. This is the best redemption story I've ever read since the Bible. Seriously. I loved the contrast of light and dark. The way she talks about people having gifts and how they're supposed to use them is fantastic. I appreciated how the people at the Pyre didn't give up hope. I could go on but I won't. Just read it.
We need more books like this.
Content: mild language, mentions of murder & dark magic but not graphic
August 3, 2025
HDKAJDKWWJE THIS IS THE THIRD TIME IVE READ THIS AND EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. I CRY AT THE END.
This book is so amazing- it deserves more than 5 stars and literally everyone needs to read it because Beth Brower is a genius. The redemption arc is both beautiful and heartbreaking and just so so good. Now because a review won’t do it justice I will simply demand that you read it and leave you with the content warnings :)
This book does contain violence and a realistic depiction of evil. There are mentions of murder, dark magic, and some descriptions of blood and wounds. There are a few mild curse words and no sexual content (only one kiss).
This book is so amazing- it deserves more than 5 stars and literally everyone needs to read it because Beth Brower is a genius. The redemption arc is both beautiful and heartbreaking and just so so good. Now because a review won’t do it justice I will simply demand that you read it and leave you with the content warnings :)
This book does contain violence and a realistic depiction of evil. There are mentions of murder, dark magic, and some descriptions of blood and wounds. There are a few mild curse words and no sexual content (only one kiss).
January 24, 2018
Having thoroughly enjoyed Beth Brower's other four books I was anxious to see how her latest work stacked up. The Beast of Ten certainly did not disappoint. It is a highly imaginative, superbly crafted work of fiction that deals in a very unique and powerful way with good and evil, light and dark. The story line carries a sustained tension that makes the book hard to put down. There is love, loyalty, duty, betrayal, mystery and magic!
The well drawn characters are varied and memorable. The dialogue is believable and thought provoking and the book is rich in descriptive detail.
The well drawn characters are varied and memorable. The dialogue is believable and thought provoking and the book is rich in descriptive detail.
November 15, 2021
Beth Brower has captured my heart again!
I have read all of her books this year and could easily just start over and read them all again.
This is a beautifully written fairytale with a touch of Beauty and the Beast. It is a powerful story of sorrow, friendships, love and redemption.
I am now praying for more Beth Brower books to read.
I have read all of her books this year and could easily just start over and read them all again.
This is a beautifully written fairytale with a touch of Beauty and the Beast. It is a powerful story of sorrow, friendships, love and redemption.
I am now praying for more Beth Brower books to read.
July 24, 2025
There aren’t words for this book. I will treasure it always.
June 21, 2026
This was a curious read. It was a fair beauty and the beast retelling with enough differences to make its own. Despite the pacing issues and some aspects that felt repetitive it was engaging. I thought the world building and the magic system interesting but, while the book is not so much a romance, it kind of is and that’s where the story is an odd one. There are 2 potential candidates and it’s not always certain which way it’s going. I didn’t really root for anyone as that aspect felt flat in some way and that was probably due to the heroine being so obviously pulled to one and then it ends in an unexpected and unsatisfying way. Had it ended differently I would have likely given it 5 stars despite the pacing issues and repetitive nature of the writing.
January 13, 2026
I appreciated the Christian allegory and story of redemption. However, the world building was really thin and the characters had the bare minimum for backstory leaving them flat and uninteresting. At over 500 pages, it just doesn’t land for me. I’ll leave it at that.
July 31, 2026
Ms. Brower is a brilliant wordsmith.
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