The Burn Beast

★ “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

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.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.