The main elements of this book are good; it has a really cool fantasy setting, two interesting, likeable protagonists, and a great premise. Koffi is an indentured beast keeper at the Night Zoo on track to earning her freedom, and Ekon is a step away from becoming a respected warrior, a Son of the Six. They are both thrust into circumstances where they must rely on each other to hunt down the Shentani, a beast notorious for having killed people who venture into the Greater Jungle at night.
My main issue is with the slow plot progression. It takes around half of the book for Koffi and Ekon to get to the jungle. I didn't hate all of the setup that came beforehand, but looking back on it, there are things that happened that didn't feel necessary to the story (for example, the section where Koffi has to steal a map). I can see how it might work better in a trilogy, but as is it was a bit of a slog.
From there, the story does pick up and things happen, but even here I wasn't given the exciting adventure I was anticipating. They meet some dangerous creatures and barely escape with their lives. Koffi eats some mysterious fruit while Ekon tries to tell her it might not be safe. They meet some other sentient, non-murderous creatures and are just... handed answers. Then they find what they're looking for, and soon enough after the book ends. On a cliffhanger, which I was expecting.
I really like the setting and the magic system, splendor, and I'm sure there'll be more of that in the sequels. I also loved Koffi's relationship with her mom, and want to see them reunited. I don't think I'd pick up the next book, though. When I got done with "Beasts of Prey," I thought, That's it?
My main issue is with the slow plot progression. It takes around half of the book for Koffi and Ekon to get to the jungle. I didn't hate all of the setup that came beforehand, but looking back on it, there are things that happened that didn't feel necessary to the story (for example, the section where Koffi has to steal a map). I can see how it might work better in a trilogy, but as is it was a bit of a slog.
From there, the story does pick up and things happen, but even here I wasn't given the exciting adventure I was anticipating. They meet some dangerous creatures and barely escape with their lives. Koffi eats some mysterious fruit while Ekon tries to tell her it might not be safe. They meet some other sentient, non-murderous creatures and are just... handed answers. Then they find what they're looking for, and soon enough after the book ends. On a cliffhanger, which I was expecting.
I really like the setting and the magic system, splendor, and I'm sure there'll be more of that in the sequels. I also loved Koffi's relationship with her mom, and want to see them reunited. I don't think I'd pick up the next book, though. When I got done with "Beasts of Prey," I thought, That's it?