Thank you Penguin Teen for sending me an e-ARC of this title! All opinions are my own.

CW: Death and violence, physical and verbal abuse, sexism, spiders, forced captivity, slavery/indentured servitude, drug use

3.5/5

I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the sequel (and Netflix adaptation!). I thought the writing and world-building was great. The jungle vibes were immaculate and made for the perfect between-summer-and-fall read. There is a pretty unique magic system that I thought was explained well. I absolutely adored all of the animals in the story, even if some of them were kind of creepy (a creature with the head of an elephant and body of a snake?).

I loved Koffi as a MC. She's strong, smart, and capable. Her and Ekon, our other MC, make a great team. I also think the mental health rep that came with Ekon's character was done well. While it isn't confirmed on page, his character definitely exhibits traits of OCD and I liked that it was included while not taking away from the capability or strength of his character, nor did Koffi ever judge him for his OCD.

I liked the romance that bloomed between Koffi and Ekon. I especially liked that it wasn't a main plot line and was just sprinkled in there a little bit. I am looking forward to seeing where their relationship goes in the sequel and how it is navigated amongst...other things (no spoilers ;)).

Overall, this was a solid debut novel. Captivating world, unique magic system, and some really fun characters. The ending definitely has me anticipating the sequel!

For fans of The Night Circus, comes a brand new fantasy series that follows 16 year old Koffi as she ventures through the Greater Jungle to hunt a vicious monster in order to end her mother’s indentured service to the notorious Night Zoo.

This story has:
✨ Forbidden Magic
✨ An unlikely duo
✨ Magical Creatures
✨ Jungle Adventure
✨ Diverse Characters
✨ Pan-African Mythology

Book Review ⬇️

This series has a lot of potential to become epic. I hope future books give the reader more background information on the Splendor, The Rupture, and the Night Zoo. I found these aspects of the story way more interesting than the jungle adventure.

I usually enjoy multiple POVs, but I found the introduction of the third POV confusing. The 3 POVs tie together by the end of the story, but I still didn’t understand the point of Adiah’s chapters for most of the book, and that through off my reading experience. Overall, the writing was really fantastic- I just wanted more more more. I want more tales of the Night Zoo because it’s the piece from the synopsis that captured my attention from the beginning. This story is going to make a fantastic Netflix adaptation.

Ayana Gray's debut, Beasts of Prey, is an absolute tour de force with heart stopping action, complex characters, and an exploration of identity and ancestry.

In short, this book was fantastic. Gray's lush writing style puts you hand in hand with Koffi and Ekon; you're fighting the beasts of the jungle right along with them. The way history plays a role in the story creates a woven tapestry that explores themes on both a personal and continental level. I was hooked from the very first line, and I cannot wait to see where this story goes.

I am also very excited for the Netflix adaptation and I want to work on it so bad!

Thanks Penguin Teen for sending me this eARC!

I really enjoyed Beasts of Prey. I've never read a book that had a similar setting, and it was really cool to read something new.

One thing I liked was how one of the characters had "good" and "bad" numbers. As someone with OCD and who has good and bad numbers, it was nice reading about a character who has similar struggles. I also liked how those struggles weren't made the main focus of the story, rather they were just a part of who one of the characters was.

Overall, this book was a very fun read, and I'm looking forward to reading the next one.

Read if you like: YA magical fantasy
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This book is centered around two very interesting characters. We have Koffi, who is an indentured servant at the Night Zoo with her mother and she goes on an adventure to try to free them from the Zoo. Then we have Ekon, who is trying to prove himself so that he can become a Son of Six.
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I really liked the magical elements in the book and it was an interesting story to follow!
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CW: death of a loved one, violence, beating, indentured servitude.

5/5 ⭐️ 0/5 🌶

Thank you to Penguin Teen and Netgalley for sending me an ARC in return for an honest review!
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I don't even know where to begin. Beasts of Prey brought back my love for fantasy that has been dormant for months. It was also such a refreshing difference and new experience. Being as it was influenced from Pan African culture, I could see the elements being brought into it. The author's note at the end explaining the influences made my heart burst in happiness.
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Being apart of the BIPOC community, I don't see many fantasy books being written that embraces a culture and brings out the best in it. Anaya Gray, being an OWNVOICES Author, did it perfectly and sets an example for the rest of the fantasy genre.
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I loved the twists that I could barely see coming and trust me when I tell you, I always see them coming. The book is one to experience, especially with the dual plot line that I didn't even realize was a past-present one until they told me (THATS HOW GOOD IT WAS).
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It follows three main characters Ekon, Kuffi, and Adiah. As the three of them all come from different backgrounds, they must learn to embrace theirselves. Loyalties are questioned. Betrayals lie beneath the skin. Life as they knew it forever changed.
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AND THE ROMANCE?! So good. It built within the story frame and you could feel the love growing between two of the characters through the words.
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It's one of those books you will not put down unless you are forced too. If y'all don't go read this book, you will be missing out.

An Absolute TREASURE! I am in awe of what I’ve just read, and I immediately want to re-read it!! It’s starts off with an intriguing preface, then we dive into the dual POV character narrative. (Third Person writing). This is where the magic begins. (Later in the novel, it becomes three POV’s)
This page turning fantasy, filled with beautiful detailed descriptions of creatures, and this world that surrounds them was immersive, and easy to get lost in. The characters are easy to fall in love with, as we witness a romance emerge between them. I felt all the emotions while reading this book, and I am soo anxious for book two in the series (I say this the day before the first one is released). That’s how much I loved this book!
An instant favorite of 2021! You will fall in love with this new YA fantasy debut novel, and you’ll run to re read your already favorites like An Ember in the Ashes, and Woven in Moonlight!

wow. honestly, i flew through this. despite it being pretty chunky, this was so well-done, so fun to read, and it felt really unique. I haven’t read a pan-African fantasy yet and i feel like this matched up to all the well-deserved hype it’s been receiving. I’m already itching for book 2 because that ending made my jaw drop and I’m already obsessed with the world. my only complaint is that i felt that this book went by a little TOO quickly — the pacing was super fast and i wish we had gotten more character development and more time in the jungle with Ekon and Koffi. all in all, i highly recommend!

Beasts of Prey is a magical, Pan-African-inspired debut fantasy that will capture readers from the start. Ayana Gray has done a wonderful job with the world-building, magic system, and character development in this book. Koffi and Ekon's storylines are very well developed and the progression of their relationship felt so natural. Readers will immediately feel connected to both of them because they are easily relatable. I was surprised at how many moments there were that had me giggling. You do not always go into a fantasy book expecting humor but there are so many witty moments that I enjoyed. Be prepared for plenty of surprises, betrayal, and an ending that leaves you wanting the next book ASAP!

Overall rating is 4.5/5 stars.

"The journey is long, but each day is a gift."

Beasts Of Prey by Ayana Gray is an excellent debut and start of a new fantasy series. The Night Zoo and Greater Jungle were both intriguing and exciting. The world building was phenomenally seamless. At no point did I feel like I was ever reading a description of the world or magic system, but at no point was I ever confused by them either. A friend asked me to describe the book I was reading, and I had a tough time because I could only picture what I was reading. Which is odd for me, I am usually more of a words than a visuals person. I enjoyed the characters, they were fully fleshed out with engaging back stories. I look forward to the sequel so we can find out what happens next.

Disclaimer: The quoted text is from an advanced reader copy I received from Penguin Teen and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This was an enchanting book! A fantastic fantasy where you really dive into the jungle. The writing is absolutely stunning. The world building is also incredible!

Beasts of Prey is magical and it is adventurous, with diverse characters in a gorgeously descriptive and atmospheric setting. It’s everything I’d hoped it would be and more!

I am a hugely character driven reader and I was delighted by the characters that Gray developed. I fell in love with them all and I love that she included a character who has OCD; we need more neurodiverse character rep! Beasts of Prey fed my appetite for adventure and it fed my soul with characters that are perfectly flawed yet work perfectly together; each with an undeniable inner determination and courage as they look inward to what’s really important and must question what they thought they knew and what they know now. Everything about the world building is chefs kiss perfection! The magic, the religions, the jungle!

That’s it, I’m not rehashing the summary! Go! Read this, my friends!

Beasts of Prey is a fantasy inspired by Pan-African and Own Voices, following two characters that go into the Greater Jungle searching for a monster. Koffi, one of the main characters, works for the Night Zoo because her family has debts to pay. One night her mother is endangered and she unleashes something within her to protect her mom. In the city of Lkossa magic doesn’t exist, but Koffi seems to have discovered magic lurking within her. Ekon, the other main character, has been training his whole life to be part of the city’s Sons of Six army. During the ritual to become part of the army things get a little crazy and he doesn’t make it as a Sons of Six. Koffi and Ekon’s paths cross and they both decide to go into the Greater Jungle in search of the Shetani, the demon who has been killing people for centuries.

While I think the beginning of this had a very slow start, it does pick up and once it does you can’t seem to stop yourself from reading. I really enjoyed the world that the author has created and while I think it had amazing world building, it still lacked for me. I wanted more info about Lkossa and about the Greater Jungle. I think being in the Jungle should have been fast paced like it was, but a longer part of this story. The author builds up to both characters venturing into the Jungle, but they don’t stay very long. The second half of this book was action packed and felt like the average YA fantasy book. While nothing really stands out for me in this book, I still enjoyed reading it and am pretty excited for the next book.

“‘Maybe there’s a beauty in the scars,’ she said. ‘Because they’re a reminder of what’s been faced, and what’s been survived.’”

What a beautiful debut novel! Ayana Gray took the folklore and stories from Africa, and created a rich world of magic and adventure.
TW/CW: Death, blood, drug use, murder, forced captivity, indentured servitude, sexism

Koffi is indentured to the Night Zoo, a place that shows off dangerous and magical creatures. One night, after a accident at the zoo, to protect the ones Koffi loves, she unleashes a power she didn’t know she had. Soon the zoo is on fire. Ekon, trying hard to become a Son of the Six (a warrior), is told to go help the zoo after it erupts in flames. When he arrives, he encounters the Shetani, a monstrous creature, and a girl who seems to be able to control it. The night ruins both their plans, so they decide to team up to find the Shetani. To do so, they must enter the Greater Jungle, but it becomes unclear if they are doing the hunting or being the hunted.

I mentioned above that Beasts of Pray was inspired by the history and folklore of not just one region of Africa, but the whole continent. Gray has a wonderful author’s note at the end that goes through the creatures and inspiration. I loved reading this at the end to learn more about the fantastic world that was created for this story.

And on the topic of the world, the setting is wonderful! It mostly takes place in the Greater Jungle and everything Gray created is phenomenal. The world building is magical. The description of the place and creatures help the reader to clearly see everything that is around and happening.

The characters are great too. Ekon and Koffi have a great dynamic. I love their banter and the relationship they develop as they travel through the jungle. I’m not sure if this is meant to be a series… I really hope it is, because I need to know what happens, and I would love to see more of their growth.

I did struggle to get into the story. There are different POVs and time points, which really aided the story, but for me in the beginning, I was slightly confused. But after, with everything going on and the story unfolding, I had a hard time putting the book down. There were a lot of twists and tricks that really kept me hooked.

This book was extremely enjoyable. It had me on the edge of my seat all the while, and the pages flew through my hands. I loved how folklore and myths were interwoven with the story, and how there was a new surprise around every corner of the story. I can highly recommend it!

Rich, luxurious, and fraught with adventure.. This book was like gold dust, verdant leaves and dangerous beasts. It is a coming of age, magical search for truth. Very well written, I think this will make a great series!

CW: death, verbal/physical abuse, indentured servitude/slavery, kidnapping, drug use, sexism, spiders, snakes

Beasts of Prey is the debut novel and first installment in a magical Pan-African-inspired series by Ayana Gray. From the get go, it is clear that there was a lot of thought put into the magic system and I loved uncovering the different layers to it, despite being quite confused in the beginning. Told from multiple POVs, namely those of Ekon, a boy who wants nothing more than to follow into his father's and brother's footsteps as a warrior, Koffi, an indentured beastkeeper at the Night Zoo, who wants to see her family free, and a third person, who I'd like to keep nameless in this review, it was interesting to see these different characters introduced and oppose each other.

It was easy to take a liking to sweet Ekon, who is better with books and has a compulsion for counting in order to quell his anxiety, as well as Koffi, who is bold, impulsive and very caring. However, the third POV was the one that felt out of place to me for the most part. It often seemed contradictory to what we learned from the others, but at the same time, I have to admit that it made sense in the end. Still, I wasn't entirely sure it was necessary to include and more than once felt taken out of the story because of it.

The set up takes a while, but is entirely necessary to really make the characters come to life and give us the full spectrum of their motivations, however, it makes for a slow start. I much preferred reaching the halfway point and the faster pacing that came with it. Once I, the reader, entered the jungle with the characters, it was just so thrilling. There was danger around every corner, gruesome creatures to haunt your dreams and I really rooted for everyone to make it out alive at the various crossroads they faced.

The setting is absolutely fantastic, offering almost a mix of spirituality and magic. The story keeps you on your toes, especially once you think you know where it is going, and even leaves you on a cliffhanger that will have you waiting for the sequel for sure. Maybe, because I liked the characters and their dynamic so much, I would have preferred a singular focus on Ekon and Koffi, but I would completely understand why that won't necessarily change in a sequel. I'm intrigued either way!

Finally, I'd like to point out that I found the author's note at the end of the novel very enlightening. She explained some of her choices and I really appreciated getting that insight from her, which truly isn't always a given and neither should it be, but I always enjoy it a lot.

Fazit: 3.5/5 stars! I would definitely pick up a sequel, although I'd hope for a more consistent pacing.

Thank you penguin teen for an E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.


I just finished this and just WOW!!! The blurb sounded good but holy cow!

Okay so I LOVED the African mythology included in this story, I’m such a filthy slut for learning more mythology and the creatures were *chefs kiss*

The two main characters, Koffi and Ekon were wonderful. Koffi is an indentured servant at a zoo and Ekon is a warrior in training. They both agree to work together to go hunt down the monster killing members of their town. I loved their characters growth throughout the story. There was ALOT of twists and turns that kept me gasping along the way and propelled me forward to the end.

The ending was definitely a first in a trilogy sort of vibe, but I’m excited to see where this story ends up.
(Side note- there are no queer characters in this book but when I asked the author she said there might be in the later books)

I had two cons, but not bad enough to keep this from being a 5star. First a trope I personally hate. (Will tell you if you ask but no spoilers here) and the author uses first person for the first bit and then it switches to a third person narrative for koffi and Ekon. The 1st person sections (maybe 5 total) I didn’t feel they were technically necessary for the story and didn’t enjoy that back and fourth.

Thank you so much to Penguin Teen for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

First of all, this is a great YA fantasy book! But it just wasn't my absolute favorite.

I thought that there were a lot of points of view in the book. There are three main views and I kinda wish it had stuck with two. The third perspective (without spoilers) felt disjointed from the story until closer to the end. I wish it had been incorporated into the main story a bit more but it's fine.

I also feel that it follows a pretty basic YA fantasy storyline which is complteyely fine! It doesn't need to be completely original for it to be a good book. It is a fantastic book as it is! But for someone who has read so many YA fantasy books with a very similar premise, it felt like a book I have read before.

Overall, this was a great read and one that I would recommend to those who might be new to YA fantasy or who want a quick, interesting read that keeps you invested. I really liked the characters and the atmosphere was great. I would definitely recommend this book!

Beasts of Prey is a realistic yet fantastical debut by Ayana Gray. I've been getting back to my fantasy-loving roots and knew that I had to pick this one up based on the attention-grabbing cover.

Like most fantasy novels, world-building takes a significant part of this book to help you immerse yourself in the jungle and the city of Lkossa. I felt like I was with Koffi and Ekon lost in the fog when they first entered the jungle or when they were deciding who to trust or what plants were safe to eat. Gray's words transported me in the best way, giving me a rich culture and experience that was enhanced through the use of three different POVs. I also appreciated how this fantasy world also had themes of class and privilege and that they didn't just magically go away.

I did a combination of audio and e-reading for this book and I loved the audio portion. There were three narrators for the three POVs and I loved the distinct voices they gave to their characters and the other characters that were in their scenes. I listened to it on 2x and wished that I could have listened to it faster because I wanted to know how it ended, that's when I switched mostly to physical reading even though I missed the narrators.

I loved the author's note at the end when she discusses how this book came to be and the African mythological beings and creatures she drew from for inspiration as well as how she chose her cultural elements.

I am anxiously awaiting the follow-up because the ending had me all kinds of stressed. This book is perfect for fantasy lovers!

Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Young Readers, and PRH Audio for providing me with an advanced readers copy and ALC in exchange for an honest review.