Jekel Loves Hyde

Jekel Loves Hyde

"HOW DARE YOU?" the beast roared as the mug full of formula smashed behind my head, which I'd ducked just in time. But having my back turned for so long had put me at a disadvantage… I hadn't seen him silently withdraw the knife from the butcher block holder."

Jill Jekel is shrouded by family tragedy, her Dad has been violently murdered, her college savings have disappeared and her Mum seems to be breaking down. Her only support comes from classmate Tristan Hyde.

A shy relationship slowly develops between them and in the process they discover that they are both descendents of the original Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, whose story inspired the 1886 novel The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde about a scientist who creates an evil alter-ego in his lab.

Jill is related to the physicist Dr. Jekyll and if Tristan's family legends are to be believed then he is a direct descendant of the monster Mr. Hyde and is doomed to a life of violent behaviour unless an antidote for his madness can be found.

In the hope of creating a cure and winning a lucrative chemistry contest Jill and Tristan steal documents detailing Dr. Jekyll's shocking research. They use the forbidden papers and attempt to re-create the old experiments.

But can Tristan and Jill control the most frightening aspects of themselves in time to not only win the scholarship but to save their souls? And most importantly will their love survive?

Beth Fantaskey's new novel Jekel Loves Hyde ticks all the boxes. It's a gripping, action packed romantic tale with lots of dark twists and turns.

Critical acclaim for Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side, by Beth Fantaskey.
"The romance sizzles, the plot develops ingeniously and suspensefully, and the satire sings."- Publishers Weekly
"Evolves nicely with each new shocking revelation… romance buffs will find the ultimate pairing of (vampire) Lucius and Jessica absolutely irresistible."- The Bulletin
"Full of plot twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end… highly entertaining with plenty of action, drama, romance, and self-discovery." - School Library Journal.

Beth Fantaskey grew up in the small town of Montoursville, Pennsylvania, and later moved to the edge of Amish country, near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She has a master's degree in journalism, and has written everything from speeches to newsletters, articles to short fiction. Her previous work includes Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side.

Jekel Loves Hyde
Penguin Australia
Author: Beth Fantaskey
ISBN: 9780143204046
Price: $19.95

Interview with Beth Fantaskey

Where did the idea to base a modern-day story on the original Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde come from?

Beth Fantaskey: Oddly enough, the phrase 'Jekyll Loves Hyde' just popped into my brain one day, and I rushed to my computer to see if anyone had ever used it as a title. I was immediately struck by how many possibilities those three words opened up - especially for a YA novel. After all, the original story is about a mild-mannered man who becomes tempted to cede control to an evil alter-ego, and I think the teen years are when we all really begin to consciously decide, "What kind of person will I be?"

I was so excited when I couldn't find any YA interpretation of the story, and my book developed from there.


What's the best thing about creating characters like Jill Jekel and Tristan Hyde?

Beth Fantaskey: As a very shy person, I liked having the opportunity to create a meek character that turns out to be strong - without ever really changing the core, quiet aspect of her personality. Jill gains power over the course of the book, but she's never going to be the life of the party. In fact, Tristen likes that she has a gentle, moral force. I sometimes feel like books and especially movies tend to celebrate popularity too much, like the main character doesn't really 'win' until he or she is viewed as 'cool.' I wanted to write a story where that wasn't the ultimate goal. That said, it was also fun to write the scenes in which Jill does totally cut loose and is tempted to be "bad."

Creating Tristen was also fun - and painful. I actually felt him suffer as he struggled to control the wickedness that wanted to emerge from inside of himself. But he's also a strong person, and I enjoyed being along for the ride as he realized how much he would sacrifice for the girl he loved.


How much of your inspiration, for writing, comes from real life and real people?

Beth Fantaskey: Aside from sharing Jill's shy nature, I don't really draw anything from real people or situations. I tend to create my characters from whole cloth. They sort of spring into my mind and begin 'speaking.'

The only real person who appears in either of my books is a teacher named 'Miss Campbell,' who is referenced in Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side. At one point, European vampire prince Lucius, who's stuck in an American high school, complains, "Drone on, Miss Campbell..." That was a nod to a (wonderful!) teacher/friend of mine - but she got mad when she read her name in that context. I guess I won't do that again!


Finish this sentence; The best thing about books is...

Beth Fantaskey: The fact that what I imagine when I read a story might be totally different from the images you create - yet we can all share the same story and emotions. Books provide a collective, yet intensely personal, experience.