I was lucky to be able to read a preview of "Beasts of Prey" before reading the full version- I knew that I would enjoy the book based on the first fifty pages- the action begins almost immediately and the story doesn't stop to let you breathe until the last page. "Beasts of Prey" was definitely not a let-down.
One thing that I DID wish I knew before starting this book is that this book is book one of a three-part planned trilogy. Since I wasn't expecting that, the cliffhanger at the end of the book was an unwelcome surprise. I must have sat in shocked silence for a good minute before rushing to the author's website to find out what would happen next.
"Beasts of Prey" is considered a pan-African fantasy book, as in, its setting refers to all of Africa. The author, Ayana Gray, has created a fantasy world that is truly magical and full of characters that are based on myths and legends.
Main characters, Koffi and Ekon, find themselves working together to take down the Shetani, which translates as "demon." The Shetani has been living in the jungle near their city and has been terrorizing people that have gone into the jungle for the past century. No one knows its true origins or intentions until Koffi and Ekon stumble upon magic within the jungle that both aids them and tries to kill them. Both Koffi and Ekon have their own motives for going into the jungle beyond catching the Shetani, which they must face in order to hunt down the beast.
Anything more than that as a summary would be too much of a spoiler. Just know that this is what counts: beautiful storytelling, intriguing cast of characters, and an overall fun ride through a dangerous and captivating jungle.
Thank you Penguin Random House for a copy of this arc. I didn't know that I would be stepping into such a vibrant world until I was up at 3am forgoing sleep to finish this book. I anticipate reading book 2 in 2022 and look forward to seeing what Ms. Gray will come up with next!
One thing that I DID wish I knew before starting this book is that this book is book one of a three-part planned trilogy. Since I wasn't expecting that, the cliffhanger at the end of the book was an unwelcome surprise. I must have sat in shocked silence for a good minute before rushing to the author's website to find out what would happen next.
"Beasts of Prey" is considered a pan-African fantasy book, as in, its setting refers to all of Africa. The author, Ayana Gray, has created a fantasy world that is truly magical and full of characters that are based on myths and legends.
Main characters, Koffi and Ekon, find themselves working together to take down the Shetani, which translates as "demon." The Shetani has been living in the jungle near their city and has been terrorizing people that have gone into the jungle for the past century. No one knows its true origins or intentions until Koffi and Ekon stumble upon magic within the jungle that both aids them and tries to kill them. Both Koffi and Ekon have their own motives for going into the jungle beyond catching the Shetani, which they must face in order to hunt down the beast.
Anything more than that as a summary would be too much of a spoiler. Just know that this is what counts: beautiful storytelling, intriguing cast of characters, and an overall fun ride through a dangerous and captivating jungle.
Thank you Penguin Random House for a copy of this arc. I didn't know that I would be stepping into such a vibrant world until I was up at 3am forgoing sleep to finish this book. I anticipate reading book 2 in 2022 and look forward to seeing what Ms. Gray will come up with next!