Review: Beasts of Prey by Ayana Gray

Author: Ayana Gray
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
Released: September 28th, 2021
Received: Own
Warnings: Death of parent, drug use, fire, abuse, violence

4 kitties

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!

About Liz (AKA Cat)

I am an avid animal lover, photographer, reader, and much more. While my photography blog is feeling a bit neglected at the moment, the other sites I'm involved in are going strong. ✧I review books, comics, and basically anything else in the literary world over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks (of Books). ✧I review comics and books, as well as write content for Word of the Nerd. ✧I review comics for Monkeys Fighting Robots. ✧I write content for Screen Rant and CBR. ✧I write book reviews for The Review Crew.
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