The concept of this book was so intriguing! Something like I’ve never read before. The build up of the plot was enticing and I really enjoyed the development of the character. I look forward to reading more by this author! Very very unique story!

The book was very good, but I honestly did not finish it. There are a lot of African inspired fantasies in YA right now and by the time I got to this one I was a little spent on them.

So, this is super hyped up in all of the book communities, but It just wasn't for me. I enjoyed it to an extent and would recommend it but it wouldn't be high on the list and it wouldn't be something I would rave about.

This is a fantastic beginning to what I imagine will be quite the thrilling YA fantasy trilogy. The storytelling and writing is absolutely beautiful! It had solid pacing that kept me entertained. It’s really cool that there’s already news of turning this into a film.

The main characters Koffi, Ekon, and Adiah are all gripping and interesting. Koffi is fierce and Ekon’s anxiety is very relatable for me. The adventure trekking through the jungle was so exciting! The little romance subplot was very sweet.

I was fascinated by the influences of Pan African culture throughout this story. I appreciated the author’s note discussing them.

Dnf @ page 216

Thank you to the publisher for gifting me an arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked the premise of this book. The night zoo with mythical creatures and Koffi as a beast keeper was enchanting. The zoo was captivating and exciting. Ekon’s storyline was interesting. He’s destined to become an elite warrior but then a fire breaks out at the night zoo and screws up his destiny.

I wanted to really like this book. I mean it’s coming out as a movie and that’s so cool. But I felt like nothing new was really happening. It was very much a copy of old ya fantasy tropes. The enemies work together to save themselves and the things they love. They probably would’ve fallen in love, and then betrayed each other. Saved each other. Etc. It was very plain which sucks because it had so much potential.

I DNF'd this book at 7%, I just could not get into it. While I think the concept is really interesting the story did not grab me enough to make me want to keep picking it up. I feel like this is a book that I would enjoy more as an audiobook, so I may try it again in the future but for right now it is not for me.

Being fairly new to the fantasy genre I very much enjoyed this book. Great world building , loved the multiple point of views that I did find confusing at first and then it all came together seamlessly.. The detail, the magic and tie ins. An easy five star read.

This book was just fantastic.
I loved the writing style, the characters, the story - just everything.
The world building was so, so good. And also the diversity and PoC representation. Unlike allies, tested loyalties, magic, and stunning fantasy.
Even though I could foresee some parts, it didn't bother me at all because I was so absorbed in the world.
One of my favorite things: the love story didn't take over the whole book, as it often does in YA fantasy. I really liked that about it.
This book was full of heart, magic, and suspense for me.

4.5 Stars

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

In the broken, magicless city of Lkossa, sixteen-year-old Koffi works tirelessly with her mother to pay off their debt. They handle rare, dangerous creatures at the Night Zoo and the Zoo’s master is merciless. The night that the Night Zoo has special visitors, who have no respect towards these creatures, they are pushed too far and those who Koffi cares for are in serious danger. This is a catalyst to the magic, the splendor, that has long since been buried in Koffi, and she starts a fire when her magic unleashes.

In the same city, Ekon is the youngest son fighting to uphold his family’s legacy. His father has long passed away, killed by a demon called the Shetani, and Ekon is on the cusp of becoming a Son of the Six–an elite warrior, just like his father and older brother. On the night of this final test, a fire halts his initiation right when he was about to pass and sends the men to help. A Shetani threatens Ekon’s life but Koffi is able to send it away just by saying no. In debt to her, Ekon lets her go and thus gets booted from the Sons of the Six.

Koffi trades with the cruel Zoo’s master: the Shetani in exchange for her freedom. At the same time, Ekon wants to capture the Shetani in exchange for becoming a Son of the Six.

Beasts of Prey reminded me of Bone Criers Dawn mixed with Witches Steeped in Gold or The Gilded Ones. This book is heavily inspired by African folklore and is a Pan-African Fantasy. While it is fiction, it is also inspired by different regions, cultures, and folklore of Africa. The premise, while familiar, is revitalized and invigorated with the African folklore that Gray was inspired by.

I’ve never quite read a character like Ekon. It’s clear that he suffers from OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) either by default or through the trauma that going through the Great Jungle and losing his father at a young age caused. I thought Gray did a beautiful job with how it affected him and how it related to what he went through and also how it isn’t just a weakness–it also is an asset. All the characters were well developed and alive. Koffi was so multi-dimensional sometimes immature in her impulses but also wise in her kindness.

Beasts of Prey does incorporate some metaphysical/philosophical/mediation-like aspects– a lot like how Aang (Avatar) has to open his channels to access the avatar state. While sometimes this can be done in a way that is preachy, in this story it was done in a way that was healing and made sense.

Beasts of Prey is a beautiful coming of age story of two strong characters that both must fight what they should do for what is right. They have to work together to do the right thing even if that comes at great personal cost.

This was a great debut from Ayana Gray and a very fun adventure story. It definitely laid the groundwork for the next book in the series and I can't wait to pick it up!

I am hopeful there is more about the Night Zoo or the Jungle as those were both my favorite parts.

Richly imaginative and compelling at every turn of the page, Ayana Grey’s Beasts of Prey is an adventure as vibrant as her mysterious Greater Jungle.

Beasts of Prey weaves the intertwined journeys of three young people across social classes and even time. In this lush and magical world inspired by various African cultures and mythologies, a monster lurks at the edge of the jungle. Meanwhile, some gods refuse to sleep amidst the chaos ensuing. Death converges on the city of Lkossa, as the elusive beast known as the Shetani claims victim after victim. Koffi, an indebted beast keeper at the night zoo, discovers an ability to communicate with the Shetani. Her special connection introduces her to a remarkable magic that people once called Splendor. A hundred years ago, Adiah was a prodigy among the darajas gifted with an aptitude for manipulating splendor. Although as the most powerful daraja to walk the Earth, her confidence and curiosity lead her to unknown disaster. Anxious Ekon, a temple initiate, is used to disaster. His brother is all that’s left of his family after his mother left and his father was killed by the Shetani. Now to join the temple as a member of the Sons of the Six, Ekon must prove himself by hunting the Shetani. In a turn of events, Koffi and Ekon realize they need to work together if they want to succeed and find what they’re looking for.

From beginning to end, Beasts of Prey is stunning. The enticing cover, gorgeous world maps, and a riveting plot, come together in a recipe of literary success. Ayana’s gorgeous and exotic world building is fascinating and leaves readers hungry to discover more of Eshoza as the series progresses. Meanwhile, the pacing felt just right, providing time for action, romance, and character development. Uniquely charming and flawed, each of the main characters is engaging. The plot thickens just like the jungle with every unexpected twist and turn. Ayana Grey leaves very little room for criticism. Without any complaints, I thoroughly enjoyed Beasts of Prey and recommend it to anyone and everyone who wants an exciting story chuck full of myth, magic, rivals-to-lovers, and surprising turn of events.

Beasts of Prey had an interesting concept and good characters but I would not call it young adult. To me this reads like a very original middle grade book. The main characters kissed at most. I’m not saying books need to be steamy but it just seemed very juvenile, how it was handled. The concept of looking at what some people think of as a monster not truly being monstrous was really good but some of the threats became repetitive. Overall I enjoyed the book but I felt it should have been sold as a middle grade.

I need the second book immediately! The pacing was well done, the characters were likeable and well-developed, and the story was fun. I definitely recommend this one!

Beasts of Prey is one of the most stunning and imaginative books to come out of 2021! With incredible world building and fantastic characterization, this is one of those fantasy books that you just cant put down after you pick it up!

How can I even describe how good this book is in a cohesive review???

First of all, thank you so much for the ARC!

Beasts of Prey is everything we want in a fantasy- whirlwind action, with loveable (non-royal) MCs, and a sprinkle of romance. My favorite piece of this book is that it's set in the jungle. It gave me major Jungle Cruise/ Jumanji vibes. I found the magic system easy to understand, and I really loved the lore that was spread throughout this book.

It's so easy to get sucked into the story & writing, I felt like I couldn't put this down for even a second. AND THE PLOT TWISTS!!! Omg. So freaking good. AND THAT ENDING!!!

I wasn't sure what to expect when I first picked this book up, but it's safe to say I was blown away (and I think I found my new book boyfriend). I had such a good time with this one, and can't wait to read the next in this series!!

Would highly recommend for my YA fantasy readers- especially if you're into true journey/ adventure books!!

xx
-Christine

I haven't read a story quite like this and I enjoyed the whimsical feels the magical vibes I got from it. I am hoping this turns into a series! It was full of adventure and heart. Happy to have read it!

Thank you Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for my review!

I loved the creativity in this novel and really enjoyed the story like. I think it was a great story but it got slightly slow in a few areas. I definitely want to pick up book two and would highly recommend this one to YA readers. Thank you Penguin Teen and Netgalley for my copy.

The fresh scent of rain on the forest floor filled her nostrils as she traipsed through the lush foliage. The cicadas whirred, monkeys screeched, birds called to their friends in the treetops. The rainforest was alive and its energy filled every part of her as she traveled deeper into its soul. The creatures hidden in the depths showed flashes of color as they moved within the jungle’s arms. The air began to cool as she entered the outermost layer of the heart of the rainforest and a dark webbing coated the trees. The creatures here were dangerous, poisonous, would kill anything in their path, but she had someone to find and this was the only way.

Beasts of Prey just blew my mind. As a debut novel, I can’t believe how beautifully written and creative this story was. Ayana penned an immersive story that captured my whole being as the pages wrapped around my heart. Koffi and Ekon’s story was adventurous, dangerous, and filled with magical splendor as they sought answers to things plaguing their mind while searching for a deadly creature.

If you’re looking for a story filled with African folklore, wild creatures, adventure, and discovering the truth within yourself, then please pick up this book immediately.

My only complaint? This book ends on a major cliffhanger and now I’m dying to know what happens next!

This was an excellent debut novel and I look forward to the sequel. My only issue with it is I found it very, very predictable. Saw everything coming from several chapters away. But other than that there’s a lot to love here. It takes a really subtle approach to discussing things like classism, poverty, and even capitalism that I really was impressed by and I think will be helpful to young readers in firming understandings around those topics. I loved our two main characters, the author did a fantastic job at making their voices distinct. I loved how headstrong and even argumentative koffi could be. I absolutely adored her and rooted for her from page one. And the way her anxieties presented as a voice in her head sewing cognitive distortions? I can relate so hard. But Ekon I love just a smidge more because WOW are he and I similar in our OCD. His struggles made me feel so incredibly seen. I’ve never found a book character who’s OCD mirrors mine so much and I do appreciate the authors care of this subject.

Two black teenagers go into a magical jungle to hunt down a vicious creature that threatens their livelihood. They must seek a long term solution in order to survive! They rely on the lore and mythology they heard growing up, to hunt and navigate through this forest. Although it took me a while to get into the setting, Beasts of Prey delivered what my adventure loving Mowgli heart was seeking. It was a fun read!

Thank you Penguin Teen for the arc.