Description
Description
Netflix's Wednesday meets Norse mythology in this gorgeous dark contemporary fantasy following a teen berserkr sent to a secret magical academy where she must unmask the real killer behind the gruesome campus murders or risk becoming the next victim. Edith has always been a good girl--she has to be, or her foster family might think she's like her violent father. No matter how much anger simmers inside her, she keeps it buried, hidden... Until the day she's pushed a step too far, and that anger comes bursting out in the form of literal claws. It's then that Edith learns she's a berserkr, a descendant of ancient Norse warriors with the ability to turn into animals. To avoid jail for attacking a student, Edith is shipped off to the mysterious Skallagrim Academy. The ancient school is supposedly a haven for people like her, a place where she can learn to control her powers and then push them down so deep that they'll never come out again. But someone--or something--is stalking the dark halls of Skallagrim. On her second night, Edith stumbles upon a gruesome murder and is caught at the scene of the crime by Amund, who is tasked with hunting down wayward berserkir. Now, with Amund suspecting Edith as the killer, she'll have to catch the real culprit to prove her innocence before she ends up in the hunter's crosshairs--or becomes the killer's next victim.
About the Author
About the Author
Crystal Seitz is a young adult contemporary fantasy writer. A Viking at heart, Crystal battles Crohn's disease and raids libraries for all the books on Norse mythology she can find. She works in marketing and web design, but only because she can't be a professional shield-maiden. She has a penchant for mythology, history, and all things creative. When she isn't writing, Crystal can be found doing archery, drawing, or rewatching Game of Thrones.
Critical Reviews
Critical Reviews
"In her second novel, Seitz puts a fresh, fun spin on a magical school--and explores both the suppression and power of women's anger. Propulsive and gruesome, triumphant and hopeful, Beast Becomes Her is your next obsession."--Allison Saft, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Wings of Starlight
"Gripping and immersive, Beast Becomes Her drew me into the brutal halls of Skallagrim Academy, where ancient magic, mythical shape-shifters, and gruesome murders had me racing to the pulse-pounding finish. A poignant tale about breaking vicious cycles of abuse and how harnessing your anger can set you free."--Pascale Lacelle, New York Times bestselling author of Curious Tides and Stranger Skies
"Claw-sharp and clever, Beast Becomes Her is a powerful examination of what makes a monster, blending myth and magic into an edge-of-your-seat murder mystery. A wonderful addition to your dark academia TBR."--Rachel Moore, author of Us in Ruins and The Library of Shadows
"Brimming with feminine rage, Seitz has crafted a story that is both deeply personal and yet utterly relatable. Set against the backdrop of a magical school where tensions run high and few can be trusted, her vivid characters stand tall as they fight to break free from the expectations of their past. With a chilling mystery that keeps readers guessing until the very end, this is sure to be a new favourite."--Elle Tesch, author of What Wakes the Bells and The Hanging Bones
"The delicious twist of their forbidden will-they, won't-they romance is as riveting as the race to find out who the true culprit is. The leads' dual first-person narrative invites readers to witness questioning, determination, and growth from the perspectives of both a hunter and a berserkr, serving to enhance this thriller whose mystery is woven into the magic of the book. A completely compelling read."--Kirkus "1/15/26"
"Seitz delivers a rollicking blend of mystery, romance, and horror-tinged fantasy while sensitively exploring weighty topics such as toxic masculinity, female rage, and family violence."--Publishers Weekly "11/17/25"
"Seitz is a confident storyteller, offering up surprising twists, creepy villains, and convincing red herrings. She's created a book that is by turns eerie, violent, and touching, as Edith comes to terms with her traumatic past...Recommended for those who enjoy mysteries with elements of horror, fantasy, and strong female characters."--School Library Journal "2/1/26"
"Seitz's exploration of female rage and breaking cycles in this sophomore work is thoughtful and uncensored...delightfully suspenseful."--Booklist "February 2026"
Publishing Information
Publishing Information
Publisher:
Margaret K. McElderry Books
Pub date:
2026-03-03
Length:
464 pages
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