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

Okay, Google, play Welcome to the Jungle by Guns n’ Roses.

"Baba says only wicked things happen after midnight, but I know better." A heroic adventure into the Greater Jungle! BoP is a Pan-African fantasy novel with themes of betrayal, deception, and sabotage. Sacrifice. Overcoming your fears. Forgiveness. Redemption. Character development and growth is excellent! We’ve got Adiah, a wielder of magic called splendor, Koffi, a beastkeeper at the Night Zoo (Barnum & Baileys level up), and Ekon, a scholar and aspiring warrior of the Son of the Six. Koffi and Ekon strike a deal: he helps her read the map to ‘the Heart of the Jungle’ and she helps him take down the wretched and feared, primordial monster…. The Shetani beast.

For the record, I would NOT venture into the jungle.

Real. Terror. Inducing. Creatures. Koffi and Ekon had the cutest banter/commentary that will have readers smiling and saying, "daw!" The lore, world building, and magic system will keep readers engaged and turning the pages super speed style. Hold up. There's more... THE LAST SENTENCE.

This is not a stand-alone. I repeat. Not a stand alone. Right? ;) A fantastic debut novel from Ayana Gray!

🐍 READ IF YOU LIKE 🐍:
-magic x mayhem
-cat x mouse
-South African mythology/beings x creatures
-OwnVoices x diversity rep
-mental health rep: OCD onset from childhood trauma and PTSD.
-shriek inducing plot twists
-multiple POV: Ekon, Koffi, and Adiah
-past vs. present
-#IsThisAKissingBook: 14+ young adult. It’s a slow-burn. Oh, Ekon. *wink*. He’s hopeless (IYKYK). "…their faces were inches apart now. He could count the eyelashes framing her eyes."

Thank you Penguin Young Readers for an advanced copy!

🎶Song: Jungle by X Ambassadors and Jamie N Commons🎶

This was such a great read! Like...MAGIC NIGHT ZOO cmon. There are some serious magical vibes throughout this book that I loved, as well as relationships, such as Koffi and Ekon, that I lived for! The POVs were slightly confusing due to the formatting of the eARC, but that something I'm sure will be fixed for printing!

First and foremost, I just want everyone to know that Ayana Gray is an incredibly talented storyteller. This was one of those stories that I could easily see my family members passing down to me, and the fact the the cast boasted characters with skin color and hair texture like mine was incredible.

In terms of characters, I immediately fell in love with both Koffi and Ekon and for very different reasons.

Koffi is an indentured servant expected to repay her father’s gambling debts by living out her life at the Night Zoo. Ekon is determined to reclaim his honor by finally becoming a Son of the Six. These two are the antithesis of one another. Koffi has magical abilities and prefers spontaneity than any sort of plan. Ekon grapples with OCD and struggles to function without a clear plan in place.

The world building in this book is incredible. The descriptions and the magic within the Night Zoo, the Greater Jungle, and the stories that are shared were lush and immersive. I especially loved how the magic tied to gods and goddesses, but I’m not telling y’all which animal belongs to which deity.

This story is told from multiple POVs, which at first is a bit confusing, but it all comes together rather spectacularly.

There’s so much more that I could say, but I really want y’all to experience this one for yourselves. This was an easy five stars for me, so make sure you pre-order this book!

Thank you to Penguin Teen for providing a review copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.

I loved this book! Great magic system that was pretty easy to understand and the ending has definitely set us up for book two. I really love Koffi’s character development. And I understand Ekon’s struggle. It’s hard to let go of a dream you’ve had your whole life. The pacing is a little slow but overall it was still really good. I will now have spider nightmares for sure.

This story was truly filled with magic and is a start to what I imagine is going to be a fast-paced adventure series.

There are so many different aspects I loved about this novel, where do I start? Well, first of all, I love the writing style. Not every novel is written so beautifully and I really enjoyed this author's writing style. In addition to beautiful prose, you will easily get your fill of magic, adventure, and a splash of romance (which I can't wait to see develop in later books in the series!).

This story is written in alternating perspective style, which almost always confuses me in the beginning, but once I got the hang of each perspective, I love to see what's going on from all angles. This is just a warning for anyone else who also gets confused easily by different narrators, but just hang in there, this story is worth the patience!

What makes this fantasy so unique? The world-building and magic. While I'm sure the characters will become more layered as the series progress, the world-building and magic are really what catch my eye in this first novel. It's wild and animalistic magic, but it already reveals a hidden depth that I can't wait to read in the next book!

A truly thrilling work of art! The descriptiveness of this book is beyond words. I loved the intriguing take on magic, I’ve never read anything like it. Great emphasis on gender equality and powerful female figures. I really enjoyed the way Koffi and Ekon balanced each other out. Where he’s practical and book smart, she leads with her gut and relies on her street smarts. The different creatures and secondary characters were so imaginative! Everything in this book flowed so seamlessly, even though there is a lot going on. The world building was wonderful and the twists and turns had me gasping. It did end on a cliffhanger, but that only left me desperate for more!

Beasts of Prey is a magical, OwnVoices, Pan-African inspired fantasy that follows two teens on an adventure through a wicked jungle and it was such an incredible journey.
I loved that this book was told through multiple POV. The author intertwined the different storylines beautifully and I genuinely loved all three voices.
All of the characters were multi-faceted and it was incredibly easy to root for and empathize for each of them. The portrayal of anxiety and OCD was really well-done and I appreciated the inclusion of these mental health problems,
I really loved the magic system and atmospheric world building. The descriptions were so captivating without ever feeling like it was info-dumpy. The magical and mythological beasts added the perfect touch of mystery and enchantment to the story,
Also a bonus that the cover is stunning!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review1

“ Sometimes, though, you can’t lead with your heart, You gave to think with your head.”

There’s no such thing as magic, but sixteen-year-old Koffi holds power within her that if discovered, could cost her her life. Her mother and her are indentured to the night Zoo, a zoo that holds powerful dangerous creatures. When the people she cares most for are threatened, she does the unthinkable and unleashes her power, and with that her life is upended completely.
Ekon is the second som of a hero and is destined to follow in the footsteps of the Son of the Six, an elite warrior, who holds the law of all. But with it come strong power, he doesn’t think he possess. Ekon and Koffi’s lives cross each other and it’s a fight neither thought they’d be thrown into.

I loved this Pan-African story that in a way talks of the toxicity of politics that plague Africa. Grays imagination and completely thought after story is one that leaves the imagination wide and paints a picture of the struggles a lot of African Americans go through. I loved the Koffi and Ekon and the paths they cross. They both fight for their beliefs and always have family at their heart. They both want to do what’s best and what they’re taught, but they realize there’s more to the world than meets the eyes. I also love the use of animals, not only in the Zoo, but as Gods to be prayed upon. We all have a Deity, in a way, that we pray to. That the beasts were drawn from real lore and turned into almost a reimagined folklore. I also love Ekon’s love for books. How he surrounds himself with scholars and lives in a world that’s rich in history.

For a debut book, this was powerful and un-put-downable! I really loved immersing myself into the culture and the characters. I really can’t wait for the next book Grey writes. Especially with that ending and plot twist.

WOW. This book. What a debut.

The cover and the title are a fantastic indication of the kind of story you're in for. This book was a whirlwind of an adventure with some of the coolest worldbuilding. It's a Pan-African fantasy, and I fell immediately in love. If you read the author's note, it details where the inspiration for the world/languages came from and seeing the intricacy and the thoughts behind the worldbuilding was a definite highlight for me.

Our main characters (Koffi, Ekon, and Adiah) were well developed, and the multiple POVs (as well as timelines) were balanced really well! I did partially call one of the twists from early on, but even then, the full story behind the plot twist was still surprising. I truly loved the dynamic during the jungle adventure and it took everything not to read ahead during my buddy read. This was an absolutely incredible read, and I cannot recommend it enough! Now, I just need book two IMMEDIATELY because that ending was insane.

Beasts of Prey is a beautifully written Pan-African inspired fantasy that follows two teenagers on an epic adventure through the jungle. 16 year old Koffi is an indentured servant at the Night Zoo, a circus like attraction that boasts frightening and dangerous beasts. Koffi and her Mother are beast keepers there and they almost have their debts paid off when Koffi does something that she can't explain and that ends up having dire consequences. Ekon has been training his entire life to become a warrior and join the Sons of the Six, an elite group of fighters that keep the city of Lkossa safe. During his test to become part of the Sons, a fire breaks out at the Night Zoo and he and The Sons of the Six are sent to help get the fire under control and stop any of the servants from escaping. This is where he encounters Koffi and the Shetani, a beast that has plagued the city of Lkossa for years, killing innocent people that get too close to the jungle. Somehow Koffi orders the beast to leave them alone, saving both of their lives. After their initial encounter, Ekon realizes he stands a lot to gain if he can rid Lkossa of the Shetani. Meanwhile, Koffi figures out a way that she can free her Mother and herself of their indentured servitude at the Night Zoo, if she can just capture the Shetani and bring it back to become one of the Night Zoos infamous attractions. The two form an alliance and set off into the Jungle to hunt down the Shetani.

This book drew me in write away with its beautiful descriptions of the city of Lkossa, the beasts of the Night Zoo, The Greater Jungle, and the mystery of the Splendor. We get three POV's Koffi, Ekon and Adiah which was confusing for a second until I figured out the purpose of Adiah's POV, which is to give us some backstory for the world building and the mystery around the rift and the Shetani. Ayana Gray did a fantastic job of pulling it all together. I thought the world building was superb and I could picture Lkossa, the jungle, and the beasts all so clearly in my head., As for the characters, they were very likeable. Koffi is strong and a little sassy and Ekon is book smart and possibly has some form of OCD or anxiety that causes him to have tapping and counting behaviors. Their interactions and eventual attraction to one another was very sweet but by the end of the book I was still wishing for more, like we didn't get to know enough of their individual personalities. Hopefully in the sequels we get to know them a little better and see them have more back and forth banter. I mean, they did have some banter, but I still wanted more (which could be just my personal preference). I found the middle of the book to be a little slow for some reason but once I the 60% mark I was hooked an couldn't put it down, there was a little twist at the end that I wasn't expecting that had me shook and I'm sad that I will have to wait so long for the next book! Really solid read and would recommend to fans of YA and YA Fantasy,

I truly don't have enough words to explain just how much i loved this book. This was the easiest 5-star decision I've made in a while. Let's start with world-building first. I haven't felt so immersed in a new world in a bit, but this book drags you right in and gives you a glimpse into this beautiful world and its magic. I didn't feel like I was turning pages, I felt like I was in a brand new world next to Ekon and Koffi. Speaking of Ekon and Koffi, I have some new favorite characters and a new OTP. Both of these characters were beautifully developed and grew so much throughout the story. I loved learning about who they were as I read, and I couldn't help but love both. Next, the mental health rep we see in Ekon. Truly, TOP TIER. I almost cried a few times because of how well I saw myself represented in Ekon. Ayana did not just throw it in there, she made it part of his character and why it made him the person he was. I really don't have enough words about that. Now, THE ENDING. OH MY GOSH. I binged the last 50 pages in one sitting because I simply could not put it down. I screamed and i cried and I loved every minute of it. I need book 2 now please. GO READ THIS BOOK as soon as it releases; I promise you you won't be disappointed!

**Review will be published on my site and social media September 23rd.**

MUST HAVE SEQUEL.

There has to be more right?

Because I need ANSWERS.

Admittedly, it’s not an insane cliffhanger, but it definitely opens up for another novel with some questions and plot that need resolved. Crossing my fingers there’s more to come!!

I really enjoyed this one. It is SLOW though. Know that going in. It took about 30% before I fully grasped what the point of the plot was (as I only read the synopsis once I usually forget what exactly is supposed to happen by the time I read a book). Once I got an idea of where this was all going I was much more invested. Beautiful writing kept me engaged and turning pages and I melted into the slower pacing as I soaked up this world.

Koffi and Ekon were great narrators and main characters. I love the dual POV (+ a third one, that I won’t name for spoilers!). Moving back and forth between them helped establish the connection building in their relationship and the dynamics of reasoning for both of their situations. There’s a very subtle and light romance as well that I found really sweet. This is definitely not a romantic fantasy, but it’s a good little sub plot.

This is a solid debut novel filled with Pan-African influence. I loved the magical hunt and all of the wild creatures that were encountered. The action keeps ticking up as the pages increased leaving me flipping fast at the end. It’s a beautiful world, with a magic system I thought was well constructed and I look forward to [HOPEFULLY] a second book!!

Overall audience notes:
- YA Fantasy
- Language: very little
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: animal attacks, a large scene involving spiders, physical altercations, weapons use
- Trigger/Content Warnings: physical/verbal abuse, loss of loved ones, drug use, kidnapping, murder, sexism, slavery/indentured servitude

This was a fantasy adventure that combines the characterizations of Leigh Bardugo with the history and context from Tomi Adeyemi. I fell in love with this world and the plot of this. I cried, I laughed, I almost broke my Kindle in half because of those TWISTS!! This is one for readers who love complex characters in worlds that are unforgiving. Pick this one up.

Thank you for the e-arc!

I knew as soon as I heard just a little about this book, that I would HAVE to read it, and I jumped at the chance to read an advance copy thanks to Penguin Teen. Not only does that stunning cover grab your attention, but the overall vibe of the pages is like an invitation to go, go deeper into the jungle, and find out what magic, beasts + adventures await.

While fantasy is not normally my go-to, I was immediately drawn in by the unique characters and how seamlessly Gray moved along the plotline with the multiple points of view. Adiah, Koffi and Ekon each brought their own heart and story to the plot that come together in an intense, meaningful story that made me want to devour the book once I started!

I kept trying to decide on a favorite character, but each of them has such a strong, central part to the overall story that I just couldn't pick, and I was totally happy with that! The words flowed effortlessly to create the people, the Great Jungle, the history and I am in awe - that overall world building is what I normally struggle with I fantasy titles, but in this book it may have been my favorite part, I give it 4.5 stars.

With a story rich in culture, family expectations, trust and betrayal, this book has something for every reader and I absolutely loved the world Gray created in these pages. I’m already anxiously awaiting book 2!

I really wanted to love this book, the whole plot seemed right up my alley. But the writing style in third person drove me insane to the point where I couldn’t finish the book and had to dnf it.

Thank you Penguin Teen for providing me with an ARC copy of Beasts of Prey. I really enjoyed the book and this is coming from a person that doesn't read a lot of fantasy. I thought the world-building was amazing and the characters and plot were completely fleshed out. I really like how the story followed Adiah, Koffi, and Ekon.

They all had unique perspectives and it really helped the plot move forward. I like that there was a plot twist and the ending cliffhanger leaves me wanting more.

Beasts of Prey by Ayana Gray is an Own voices, Pan African inspired book book. It follows two teenager. who team up on an adventure into a dangerous jungle filled with dangerous beasts. They go into the jungle to kill the Shanti (a beast that kills people at night). But quickly, they find out that they must adjust their mission, due to the fact that things aren’t really how they seem. Technically there are 3 POV’s, but one of them isn’t really constant. I really liked this book! I loved how anxiety (don’t quote me on that I’m not sure if it’s anxiety) was Incorporated into one of the characters (Ekon) arcs. You don’t really see that a lot, especially in fantasy. Anxiety was a significant part of Ekons arc, and it definitely helped add depth to it. Speaking of characters and arcs, I loved Ekon and Koffi. I think that they were so interesting and relatable. Especially with Ekon and his pie (that was my favorite part haha). Ekon and Koffi’s personality’s were so fun and they’re backstories really made me sympathize with them. I also really liked how both characters grew over the duration of the story. It’s important to me when I read a book that I see the growth in the characters, and I did here. Both Ekon and Koffi have come a long way. I’m really excited to see where they end up in book two! Another part of the book that I liked was the end. I loved how unexpected it was. It definitely took me by suprise! And, it absolutely made me really want a book 2. One thing that I would have wished to see more of was Adiah. I feel like there’s more to her story that we haven’t really learned due to the fact that there were only bits and pieces of her in the book. And I really want to know more! This books is super good and a must buy when it comes out!

Lush and immersive teen fantasy. I think that middle schoolers already familiar with the genre will enjoy it. I also think that fans of Tomi Adeyemi will enjoy! The pacing is a little rushed at the end, but the sequel set up makes that necessary.

5 Stars

Talk about a fantastic debut novel. Beasts of Prey is hands down one of my favorite reads of the year.

At first, I was a bit nervous because the formatting for the e-arc was a bit off. So it was difficult for me to navigate whose chapter was whose. And with three povs, that can get a little confusing. But once I got past those issues, the story flowed so smoothly.

Ayana Grey created a beautiful intoxicating world. The beasts were glorious, the characters were relatable, and the plotline shocked the hell out of me. There were a few things I easily guessed, but other plotlines I couldn't even see coming. I was not ready for this book to end, and I am dreading the wait for the next book.

These characters were some of my faves to read about. Koffi, Ekon, and Adiah had such refreshing personalities. But the relationship between Koffi and Ekon, of course, was my favorite. They might not like each other at first, but eventually, they start to bond. I really loved seeing their friendship grow and that connection between them blossom. Adiah, while we didn't get a lot of time in her pov, I loved seeing her backstory. It hurt my heart in so many ways. And I just cannot wait to see what is next for these amazing characters.

This is one to preorder friends! If you love strong characters, beautiful worldbuilding, and one heck of an ending then this book is for you. . Also, if you do read it, feel free to DM me and we can fangirl together.


Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin for sending me an early copy.

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

You know what the best part of a book is? It’s the moment that you realize that there is no possible way you’ll stop reading until you finish the book. I hit that point at around 65% in this book, and I swear I couldn’t have been paid to put my kindle down. Don’t get me wrong, I was hooked on the plot and the characters almost immediately, but that last 35% was insanely binge-able.

As the ridiculously beautiful cover probably indicates, the world Ayana Gray has created is rich, lush, and full of animals, creatures and lore that I honestly can’t wait to learn more about. The writing was absolutely transportive and I sunk into the world easily every time I read it. The pacing was quick from the beginning, and I was so eager to find out what would happen next that I didn’t even try to make predictions as I read.

Naturally, my favorite thing about Beasts of Prey is the characters. I have a very serious soft spot for Ekon and only grew to love him more with each page. Gray made him almost immediately relatable with his anxious and compulsive tendencies. He’s a character that I think a lot of people will be able to see themselves in, and his motivations as a character were easy to understand.

Koffi is equally amazing in her own way. I loved her loyalty and the way that she constantly kept her loved ones in mind. She was argumentative at times, but almost exclusively in situations in which she was fighting for something she was passionate about. I look forward to learning more about her family history and am so nervous to see what is coming for her in the next book!

In case you were unsure, I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to add a finished copy to my favorites shelf. This is absolutely a book you’ll want to preorder.