The Burn Beast - by Mary Averling (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A middle grade horror novel about disappearing kids and a monstrous beast lurking in the woods, from the author of The Curse of Eelgrass Bog.

As the daughter of private detectives, Pira is used to moving around a lot. So when her mothers' newest case brings them to the small town of Eyrewood, she expects to find a town just like all the other ones she's left behind.

But Eyrewood is nothing like she expects. Ash is always falling from the skies, the local wildlife is nowhere to be found, and it's impossible to light a fire anywhere inside the town limits. And worst of all, there are monsters in the woods--monsters that none of the adults believe in.

When Pira joins up with a group of kids intent on fighting the beasts, she discovers that the monsters may be linked to a series of missing kids going back decades--including the older sister of her new friend Jackie. As Pira and Jackie work with their friends to solve the mystery of the disappearances, they'll have to confront the secrets at the heart of Eyrewood and the danger lurking in every corner.

Review Quotes

★ "A quintessential thriller that burns like wildfire." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Taut plotting and dynamic action sequences drive a rewarding, character-driven tale that offers chills and excitement in spades." --PW

"Balancing fast-paced battle sequences with lessons on forest growth . . . Averling's story is one of hope born of action and will appeal to environmentalists and activists." --Booklist

"Averling writes delightful and shocking twists and turns sure to satisfy any young mystery aficionado." --BCCB

"The Burn Beast is an absolute gift to all cryptid lovers. This modern horror classic has it all: a dynamic cast, blazing plot, genuine scares, and an atmosphere that (despite the fire monsters) is downright chilling. An instant favorite." --Justine Pucella Winans, award-winning author of The Otherwoods and A Little Too Haunted

"Averling is back with more emotional thrills, monstrous chills, and an eerie small town steeped in Canadiana and the raw anger of its fierce young protagonists. A high-action, eco-minded cryptid hunt to light up the dark." --Matteo L. Cerilli, author of Lockjaw and Something's Up with Arlo

"A fun and creepy novel full of folklore, forest fires, and having fun with your friends as you vanquish fiery enemies with your catapults; The Burn Beast will warm the hearts of children and adults alike." --Johanna van Veen, author of Blood on Her Tongue and The Witch of Hagstone Hill

"If you're looking for an outdoorsy adventure, The Burn Beast has everything! Missing people, the woods (except more ominously called the slash), an occult ritual that summons fire demons, and an unsettling new cryptid from the mind of one of middle grade fiction's most imaginative writers. In a world that has been set on fire by adults, Mary Averling's timely book shows young readers how much their anger and hope can fuel change for the better." --Ally Russell, USA Today bestselling author of It Came from the Trees and Mystery James Digs Her Own Grave

"Fierce and fiery, this story ignites on the page, blazing with true-hearted friendships, change-the-world hopes--and monsters around every dark-wooded corner. You'll keep the light burning long into the night reading this spooky tale." --Heather Kassner, author of The Bone Garden and Spellwright

About the Author

Mary Averling grew up across England and Canada, never far from the woods. She has degrees from the University of Victoria and Lucy Cavendish College, Cambridge. Her debut, The Curse of Eelgrass Bog, was a Bram Stoker Award Finalist, a Junior Library Gold Standard Selection, an ALA Rainbow List Pick, and one of BookPage's Top 10 Books of 2024. She is currently working towards her PhD in Kamloops, British Columbia, where she lives with a little cat called Cobweb.