Item: Beasts of Prey
Rating: 4.00
Author: quirkycat

by Ayana Gray

In this blockbuster fantasy series, perfect for fans of Firekeeper’s Daughter and Iron Widow, fate binds two Black teenagers together as they journey into a magical jungle to hunt down a vicious monster.

“Rich in magic and mythos, Beasts of Prey is a feast for all the senses.” —Renée Ahdieh, New York Times bestselling author of The Beautiful

An Instant New York Times and Indie Bestseller

There’s no such thing as magic in the broken city of Lkossa, especially for sixteen-year-old Koffi, who indentured to the notorious Night Zoo, knows the fearsome creatures in her care and paying off her family's debts to secure their eventual freedom can be her only focus. But the night those she loves are gravely threatened by the Zoo’s cruel master, Koffi unleashes a power she doesn’t fully understand, upending her life completely.

As the second son of a decorated hero, Ekon is all but destined to become a Son of the Six—an elite warrior—and uphold a family legacy. But on the night of his final rite of passage, Ekon encounters not only the Shetani—a vicious monster that has plagued the city for nearly a century and stalks his nightmares—but Koffi who seems to have the power to ward off the beast. Koffi’s power ultimately saves Ekon, but his choice to let her flee dooms his hopes of becoming a warrior.

Desperate to redeem himself, Ekon vows to hunt the Shetani and end its reign of terror, but he can’t do it alone. Koffi and Ekon form a tentative alliance and together enter the Greater Jungle, a world steeped in wild, frightening magic and untold dangers. The hunt begins. But it quickly becomes unclear whether they are the hunters or the hunted.

“The hunt for your next YA fantasy book trilogy obsession has ended.” —Entertainment Weekly

Every year there are a handful of books that I actively count down the days for. Beasts of Prey was one such book. Written by Ayana Gray, this novel had everything I could have wanted: a stunning cover, fantasy name, genres to die for, and a thrilling promise.

Lkossa has no more magic – or so the people of the city believe. What they do have are dangerous beasts. Many are contained within the Night Zoo, yet one notorious one remains on the loose, and she is considered a danger to all.

Koffi has spent most of her life working behind the scenes at the Night Zoo. She and her mother are nearly free of their debts when something goes horribly wrong. Meanwhile, Ekon was about to get his greatest dream – he was to become a Son of the Six. Until that same night, when his life was turned upside down. Now, the two will team up for a hunt.

I went into Beasts of Prey expecting it to be a world full of magical zoo elements (including all of the wonderful beasts, of course). What I got was something almost entirely different – and so much better.

Koffi and Ekon's stories practically leap off the pages. Both come from very different paths in life, and yet ultimately, they ended up at the same point, running off for the same quest. Granted, at first, they both have very different goals.

The character development is arguably one of the best parts of Beasts of Prey, but there are many other elements to enjoy as well. However, I would have liked more time to learn about some of the other creatures within this world. Perhaps next time? (More on that in a minute).

And that ending! Oh, the agony! Thankfully, it's a good sort of pain. The type that guarantees that readers will be checking into the second novel. It's not a horrible cliffhanger sort of ending though, I promise.

Beasts of Prey is an absolutely fantastic debut novel, and I can officially see why so many readers are talking about it! I am extremely excited to know that this is not where the story ends, as we'll be getting at least one more novel. And yes, I will be counting down for that book as well!

Read more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks

Beasts of Prey (Beasts of Prey, #1)

by Ayana Gray

Reviewed by Quirky Cat on Nov 22, 2021

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