Bumpy Oak Books

**I was provided an electronic ARC post-publication by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for honest review.**

Actual rating: 4.5

Cathy Hirano translates into English the work of Nahoko Uehashi with The Beast Player. Readers follow Elin from childhood to adulthood as she pursues the path of being a beast doctor. The magical beasts of the royal family and the giant water serpents associated with the warring peoples are politicized by years of tales surrounding the favor of the gods. Elin is a child of mixed heritage, and her mother carries the secrets of her people. When Elin’s mother dies, Elin must find for herself what secrets are worth learning or keeping and at what cost.

The Beast Player is beautifully written and developed. Uehashi takes their time with telling the story of Elin, how she grows, and how she becomes the woman that she is. Elin is forced to grow by circumstance and by her choices, and must represent herself, both of her peoples, and the beasts she cares for so very much. Uehashi tells the story with patience, grace, and deliberation and in a manner uncommon to popular Western YA novels. As such, I can see where this story may not appeal to some Western readers, but I had no such difficulties.

The Beast Player is a story that puts forth a modern spin on a style of writing that is reminiscent of classical mythology and is absolutely a joy to consume. Those who enjoy mythical beasts will quickly become invested in the raising of the royal beasts and the toda.

I would absolutely recommend this to anyone who has multicultural interests, enjoys anime or manga, or has interest in exploring a story of man and beast. I look forward to future works to be translated from this author.