Two girls forced to share a body as they hunt and destroy beasts. The irony? They're the very beast they must destroy. The first in an incredibly written and dazzlingly original YA fantasy duology, perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo and Tomi Adeyemi.
Lia and Ali are trained to use their elemental weaving powers to destroy burl beasts - mindless, bloodthirsty monsters created when the threads of their world tangle together. Their secret? They themselves are a burl beast: twin sisters, forced to share one body. Quiet and reserved Lia controlling by day. Outspoken and abrasive Ali leading by night.
When news arrives that an elusive criminal is creating bespoke burl beasts by practising the illegal magic that could finally separate them, the girls jump at the chance to join the team sent to investigate. But as the girls get closer to their new flock and, more importantly, two different boys, it becomes harder to hide who - or what - they really are.
Delving deeper into the dangerous world of flesh-weaving and political intrigue, the girls get closer to the answers they so desperately seek. But is the price of their separation truly worth the risk?
What did I think?
Wow! I could not put this book down! I was completely hooked by the dark and dangerous world of burl beast hunting and totally invested in the story of Lia and Ali.
To their fellow burl beast hunters, Lia and Ali are one person but they are actually twins who have been bound together by elemental magic to keep them safe. What a massive secret to keep hidden! Revealing this secret makes them one of the very beasts that they are hunting to destroy.
A.B. Hamilton's writing is mesmerising and the beautifully drawn characters virtually pop out from the page. It's very exciting to read such an amazing debut novel and it makes me very keen to see what will come next.
Beastwoven is aimed at a YA audience but will appeal to adult readers too; it is a stunning fantasy novel that immersed me in a magical world that I didn't want to leave. I loved every single page of it and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
