Have you ever read a book that was objectively good and that you enjoyed, but still felt let down when you finished it? That’s how I felt reading Beasts of Prey. It was a solid four star read. The magic and plot were interesting. The characters were nothing special, but they weren’t bad. But I had gone into the book with really high hopes. I’d seen multiple reviews calling this book their “new favorite read” and “life changing”, and for me, it was just good. I definitely want to pick up the sequel when it comes out—YES there will be a sequel! The book was pushed and marketed like a standalone, Goodreads has it marked as a standalone, but it ends on a cliffhanger and there will be a book 2. And when book 2 comes out, I will read it as well as any more books there end up being in the series. If my expectations hadn’t been so high, I might have been more excited and impatient for those releases, but right now I feel vaguely indifferent towards having to wait for more.
I did really enjoy the pan-African setting and culture. There are so few high fantasy novels featuring Black characters and an African inspired setting (I can only think of three—Children of Blood and Bone, Raybearer, and A Song of Wraiths and Ruin), so seeing that representation is great and necessary. The premise of the magic and mythology was familiar and unique at the same time—and I mean that in the best way. There was the familiar underscores of magic can be dangerous and too much corrupts in the mythology of the world, but the way that magical elements (and especially the forest) manifested in the present day of the novel wasn’t anything I’d seen before, and was very intriguing.
The plot was interesting, but there were places where it dragged and turns that the plot took that I just didn’t quite enjoy. I liked the big plot twist and where it ended up taking the story, but I didn’t enjoy the way it played out in the reveal and everything with Badwa. I think the whole, mystical mentor thing can be very difficult to pull off, the execution didn’t work for me.
However, the turns the plot took after that point were enjoyable and kept me engaged. I got really into the book and read the last 1/3 of it in one sitting.
Again, the characters were fine. There was nothing wrong with them, I just never fully connected with them. I think Ekon was supposed to have OCD. I have OCD myself, and while I found it cool to see that representation in fantasy where it is exceedingly rare, something about the way it was portrayed rang a little hollow. The romance felt very out of place to me. I felt absolutely no chemistry. It kind of felt like the author was told “you need a romance to sell books”, so she added one in. There was just no spark between them, no chemistry. It felt forced, and I think the book would have been better (and otherwise unchanged) without it.
And I know this review is pretty critical. I’m sorry about that. I genuinely did enjoy this book, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a high fantasy recommendation.

I enjoyed this book so much! First the cover drew me in but the story made me stay. I loved the magic, the mythology and especially the diversity. Cannot wait to read more from this author.

I loved it so much. You'll love it too if you love: Quests, labrynth vibes, monsters, bookish boys, scholar boys go on adventures with badass girls, goddesses, magic, fancy plant knowledge, OCD representation, an entirely POC cast, diverse hairstyles. THAT ENDING. pls i need book 2 immediately

Thank you so much to Literary Bound Tours and Penguin Random CA for providing a copy of BEASTS OF PREY in exchange for an honest review. This review does contain spoilers, please be forewarned.

In my many years of reading , I have NEVER read anything quite like this. this book is rich and full of life, I truly felt like I was experiencing the world of Lkossa and traversing through the Greater Jungle myself. There's so much I want to discuss in this review so let's just jump right in!

The main characters Ekon and Koffi have so much depth, I felt like I could read a dozen books about them and never truly reach the bottom of them. I also loved the similarities I found in how the characters were raised; Koffi being indebted to the Night Zoo because of her father and Ekon feeling indebted to the Sons of Six because of his brother and his father. Both characters feel like they owe something, but Koffi is truly stock where she is whilst Ekon just wants to make his family proud, no matter the costs. One thing I also loved was Ekon's counting - I personally recognize it as a symptom of anxiety and as someone who suffers from anxiety, it's something I do all the time. Reading about a character who does the same thing and suffers from PTSD, really made me feel seen and made the book so much more enjoyable.

My absolute favorite part of this book was the plot twist about the Shetani. While some readers could have guessed because of darajas and the splendor, it's something I never saw coming and it added a whole new layer to this already incredible book. For Koffi and Ekon, when they found out they were hunting a daraja holding so much splendor instead of a vicious animal that's been rumored to be killing everyone in the villages, it really changed the whole narrative of their story and I feel them as characters. When Koffi took the splendor from the shetani and volunteered herself to the death god, it was such a pivotal moment in the story and I had to keep reading it over and over again to truly process what had happened.

I will recommend this book every single time someone asks me for recommendations. It's so original and atmospheric, it's a story I won't be letting go for a very long time. Thank you to the author for bringing something new to my shelves and it's a story that will forever be imprinted on my mind.

Nothing we haven’t seen before.

This is an average YA book, employing familiar plot lines and familiar characters. Said plot lines are functional and said characters are likable enough, but I feel like I’ve read some form of this story a hundred times before.

I was intrigued by the jungle setting, because that was something that had the potential to make this a unique and atmospheric fantasy. That didn’t work out how I had hoped. The jungle setting just isn’t that much of a factor (the author veers in and out of weaving setting and story), and the result is that the book has very little atmosphere most of the time. Bummer, because the potential was there.

The magical system too is nothing we haven’t encountered before. It’s fine, just like the plot is fine and the characters are fine, but without any above average elements or dynamic setting/personality, the whole thing just feels flat.

I also really, really didn’t love the finger wagging at getting one’s knowledge from books and scholarship. I understand that what Gray was actually trying to do was to suggest that life experience has value as well, but I have a big problem with mocking scholarship and getting information from books as a path to that, especially from a person who, y’know, writes books.

Let me put it simple: if a book is SO good that even Netflix wants to make a movie based off of it?
Then you should DEFINITELY read it

DNF @ 13%.

I cannot get into this book. There is no specific reason that I can pin point besides that it is just not for me at this moment in time. I may come back to it in the future- the synopsis really interested me and the opening chapter pulled me in immediately. However, once the focus on the characters changed from the prologue I became less interested.

This ARC was offered in exchange of an honest and unbiased review:
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3,5*
Pros: Full Black cast. Beautiful world-building. Full of enchanting exotic and magical creatures. Explores indentured servitude and the desperation and pain inherent to it. Deals with colorism in a fresh new way. Features high-stakes, adventures in dangerous jungles, and fearsome beasts.
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Cons: Adiah's PoVs are unnecessary for most of the book. Too much description made the pace extremely slow.
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Trigger warning: Racism, colorism, abuse, slavery

Really enjoyed this action-packed fantasy by author Ayana Gray!

The mythos of the beasts was so engaging, especially how all the Night Circus ones were fleshed out, I was mesmerized! I love Koffi and Ekon, and was engaged in their separate stories, and then things really picked up when they were thrown together. I especially resonated with Ekon, and how he struggles with expectations his family has for him, even though he knows deep down he doesn't want to follow his brothers steps.

The Greater Jungle was really interesting, I hope we get to learn and explore it more in the next book!

Can't wait to continue this journey!

*Special thank you to Penguin Teen and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!*

I had a fantastic time reading this book! I flew through it in just a couple days and fell in love with these characters and the world. For anyone looking for a YA high-fantasy featuring epic world-building and Black teens embarking on daunting adventures: this book is for you!

Let me talk about the world-building first. I can only imagine how much effort Ayana Gray must have put into creating the world in Beasts of Prey because it's so detailed and amazing. There are so many little things that work together to make this world seem absolutely real--customs, religions, politics, myths, etc. I also loved how, as the author mentioned in the author's note at the end of the book, she drew many ideas (especially for creatures that Koffi and Ekon meet in the Greater Jungle) from Pan-African mythology. The descriptions of this world were vivid and really brought the environment of this story to life in my mind.

The characters were also such a delight to read about! Koffi and Ekon are amazing, determined characters, and although they differ in many ways, it was inspiring to watch them work together and begin to understand one another. Their multiple POVs were written well, and I equally enjoyed reading from both Koffi's and Ekon's perspectives. Their characters were different enough that each of their POVs provided a fresh and interesting perspective. I thought that Ekon's anxiety and OCD was very well written and added a lot to his character. Additionally, the romance between him and Koffi was adorable and I was so invested! It was very cute, but I was happy that it didn't take over the plot--this was a fantasy novel at the heart. Adiah's character was really interesting too, and while we didn't read from her POV too much, the sections from her perspective offered lots of insight into her character and history.

​The story itself was so compelling. It felt just a tiny bit slow-paced a few times, but for the most part it was a quick-paced read. I really enjoyed the plot twist at the end, which I never saw coming! I also loved all the action-packed moments sprinkled throughout the book, especially one scene in particular. And that last line at the end! Now I'm counting down the days till I can get my hands on the next book in this series!

As you can see, I really enjoyed Beasts of Prey by Ayana Gray! I gave it 4/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. I would especially recommend this book for fans of Children of Blood and Bone!

Content warnings: violence, blood, death, death of a parent, grief, murder, bodies/corpses, physical and verbal abuse, slavery/indentured servitude, drugging, sexism, forced captivity/kidnapping, mental illness (anxiety and OCD), panic attacks, xenophobia, prejudice

4.25/5⭐️

It has been a LONG time since I’ve read a book like this. A book that is detailed and beautifully-written with amazing world-building and believable characters. I loved the story, I loved the world, and I need the second book IMMEDIATELY.

This story follows Koffi and Ekon, two people with a similar task and a not-so-similar goal, pushed together by fate and no small amount of luck. Their journey through the Greater Jungle had me on EDGE, and I loved the beasts they encountered. Except for one VERY creepy arachnid that may or may not give me nightmares later.

Let’s start with Koffi. I’m always a fan of a good FMC who is a little brash, a little impulsive, but who has an incredible heart. This girl was so relatable and I could feel her internal struggles so vividly. She was determined and strong, and struggled to show vulnerability. I mean, who doesn’t? I loved her passion and her determination to do the right thing.

And then there’s Ekon. Oh, sweet boy. I don’t even know what to say about him, other than the fact that he is to be protected at all costs. His intelligence and kindness were so endearing, and I love the growth he went through over the course of this book.

If you love African fantasy, strange creatures, plot twists, character-driven stories, and a good old-fashioned slow-burn romance, you will LOVE Beasts of Prey!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book embodies the world of fantasy so well. I enjoyed how the author wrote multiple POV’s in such a way that they blended with the storyline easily. When I first read the synopsis, I was thrilled to read a fantasy with pan-African influences and such an origin an original plot line . I immediately requested it from NetGalley and was not disappointed.
Beasts of Prey takes the reader on a full-scale adventure with plot twists, well written world building, and the inclusion of many tough topics (see trigger warnings before reading). While I did feel that the book was slow at some points in the plot, I really enjoyed the amount of care and detail that Ayana Grey put into her character’s development. This was exactly the sort of book I was looking for!

I'm really not sure how to start this, to be completely honest. This book was quite an adventure.

First, we have Ekon. Our little warrior who wants nothing but to be like his brother and late father. A Son of the Six. It's his dream, the only dream he's ever had. But things aren't always easy, and as Ekon's fate intertwines with Koffi's things get.....well, complicated.

Which leads us to Koffi, our special beast keeper. Who's only wish is to be free of her late father's debts. Who longs to have her own life with her mother, out of servitude. When one night, plans go awry and the world as she knew it is no more. Leading her on a mission that changes her life forever. Leaving two of the most important people in her life, in the balance.

I loved the intricate world building, relationships, monsters, and heritage in this book. Everything was vivid, like I could see the world of Ekassa if I just closed my eyes. The growth in these two characters is very well written, they each have things to overcome, all while trapesing’s through this unknown place. I enjoyed the fact that these two characters didn't fall into the category of instant-love, but also felt like I would have liked a little more romance sprinkled throughout the book.

However, the pacing was a little slow at times. I found myself putting it down more towards the middle of the story, but once I hit about 70% I flew through to the end. It was well worth the read, and I'm looking forward to the second installment!

Thank you Literary Bound Tours, Putnam Books, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Beasts of Prey. This review is being left voluntarily, all opinions are my own.

I was so so impressed by this book -- the imagination alone is incredible! And then the character work is amazing too. I was immediately drawn into the world and totally on the edge of my seat the entire time.

Thank you so much to Penguin Teen for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

What an exhilarating debut from Ayana Gray! The fact that Beasts of Prey was optioned for film by Netflix before the book was even released is extremely telling of how great this fantasy is. I loved entering The Greater Jungle with Ekon and Koffi and watching them embark on their journey of hunting The Shetani. As frightening as all the jungle creatures the two teens encountered were, it was so cool to see Ayana’s imagination and inspiration from actual legends and fables come into play.

I also really loved Ekon and Koffi’s dynamic. Grumpy girl x sunshine boy is one of my most favorite underrated tropes in fantasy, and these two did not disappoint. Definitely read this if you’re interested in enemies-to-reluctant allies-to-.....(not going to spoil the ending lol). The multi-POV storytelling was also really cool (especially our third POV aside from Ekon and Koffi’s) and I loved how all of these characters' backstories were connected and revealed as the story progressed (the plot twists were sometimes predictable, but otherwise great!). This book ends on a pretty big cliffhanger, so be aware of that, but it definitely left me excited for Book 2. I can’t wait to read more from Ayana Gray!

A great start to a mesmerizing fantasy world rich with complex characters and a fascinating mythos. I enjoyed this story, I just wish that the pacing had been a bit better as it was slow at times.

"Nightmares hunt like beasts of prey, vanquished in the light of day."

✔️Pan-African Inspired
✔️beasts, gods and magic
✔️own voices

Koffi and Ekon are an unlikely duo brought together by their need to capture the deadly Shetani. Told in three POVs, BoP takes you on a wild journey through a monster ridden Greater Jungle where your MCs encounter myths and legends they never dreamed of.

There is a slow start to the novel as Gray sets the vivid groundwork for Lkossa's worldbuilding and the setting surrounding the magic system. I liked the the feel of the mythological undertones that shaped the cultural, magical and monstrous aspects of this fantasy.

The characters each possess relatable flaws and realistic strengths that readers will find easy to connect with. I personally enjoyed the calming mathematical practices of Ekon and the outward fighting spirit of Koffi. Adiah was a little harder to find a place for at first. I didn't realize that her POV is told from a past perspective. Honestly, it took me longer than I care to admit that I struggled putting those pieces together. It comes together wonderfully though and shockingly.

The action packed ending comes with a twist I did not see coming. I was riveted by the buildup and found myself left with the frustrating beautiful fact that I have to wait for the next book now.

The narration is split between three talented voices that bring life to each character. They each worked well together feeding off the energy of the story as things began to climax. I would've liked a quicker vocal pace for Ekon, some of the pauses were longer than I'm used too. Overall though, I loved this trio of narrators and felt they made the novel even more enjoyable.

Fans of YA Fantasy looking for an action packed journey will love this highly anticipated release! I personally cannot wait for more!

Thank you to Penguin Teen and Netgalley for an arc of this book!

Koffi doesn't know that her world even still has magic, let alone that she can use it. But when her power is unleashed on the Night Zoo, she is forced to join with a Son of the Six, Ekon, to hunt down the mythical beast the Shetani in order to save her mother and friend from indentured servitude. Little does she know that the Greater Jungle holds more than just deadly creatures...it also holds dangerous secrets.

This book was awesome! I absolutely loved the world building and the magic of Lkossa. I also was so drawn in by the writing style and pacing throughout the book. I thought the characters were well developed and interesting. I especially loved what they were able to learn once they got into the Jungle! So many twists and turns! I was definitely intrigued and kept the pages turning.

I'm excited to read the sequel to this and see what happens next! Great start to the story.

Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Drug use, Injury/injury detail, Mental illness, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, and Xenophobia

3.5/5 stars, an average ya book with some fun plot twists

<i> Thank you Penguin Teen for the arc through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review! </i>

My review might be kind of short because I don't have a lot of big thoughts about this one. I praise it for its diversity and representation of different cultures, but the pacing and the characters felt a bit off for me. It had a lot of the classic ya tropes, which isn't necessarily a bad thing not every book has to be totally original, it just felt slow because of that.

The setting in this book takes place around a magical zoo and a giant magical jungle. The zoo is run by a man who tricks people into helping him as indentured servants, just as Koffi and her mother are at the beginning. There are animals there of varying rarities and it is their job to care for them and put on a show every now and then. There is also a town nearby, run and protected by the Brothers of the Six (the six being their gods). Surrounding both is a great and vast jungle, teeming with magical and ancient creatures that are extremely deadly. The majority of the book takes place in this jungle, and I thought it was in fact unique.

The plot of this book, and the pacing included, just felt a bit disjointed to me. It was hard for me to get into it in the beginning, that might have just been my life at the time though. While it was easy to get adapted to the story's environment, the plot felt disjointed as there were POVs thrown at the reader that felt not connected. Obviously, they matter later in the story, but a good 1/3 of the book just felt like a prologue. Once the story moved to the jungle I found it much more enjoyable, overall.

The main characters, Koffi and Ekon, felt a lot younger than I think they were supposed to be. They were both fun to watch be around one another, but my biggest problem with them was their decisions. Despite having a map, and a guidebook to the flora and fauna in the jungle, they managed to get themselves into so many undesirable situations. Things they should have known not to do, they did anyways and it honestly was just very juvenile. I think they have the potential to grow, they were just at times, difficult to read about because of their decisions.

Overall, it was a fine book, nothing particularly wrong or right. There were a lot of classic tropes but with a diverse world and cast, so that was a big bonus. I haven't decided if I'm going to read the series yet, (the book left on a giant cliffhanger so I assume there will be another book), but we shall see. I know so many people who will adore this story so I really hope you enjoy it!

[TW: blood, death, animal abuse, animal death, drug use, death of a parent or loved one]

Thank you to Ayana Gray for bringing back my love for fantasy. I have few words to describe how wonderfully Beasts of Prey left an impression on me. From world building to lovable characters. Some things about the story were formulaic to YA novels but that's a genre thing not anything against the wonderful myth-like story.