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sophiesmallhands's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal cruelty and Murder
stephbakerbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book started really slow for me, but the last half definitely made up for it because it turned into a wild ride of a story!
I loved the world-building in this one—the book starts with two maps so you know it's gonna be good. There's no info-dumping but things are clearly explained, and the magic system was so interesting! I'm constantly impressed by fantasy authors that continue to come up with unique ways for magic to work in their worlds. I also really loved the jungle setting here—I was getting Catching Fire vibes which definitely had me more on the edge of my seat!
The characters were also great. We spend the most time with Koffi and Ekon of course, and they get the development and complexity they're due as main characters, but I'd say it's more plot-focused than character-focused. There are some interesting side characters I would've like to spend more time with, but maybe that'll happen in book two.
The plot, like I said, started out really slow, and I think I felt this way because it just took forever for the characters to actually meet and start their journey in the jungle. There were also some repeated scenes from a different POV that slowed the pace down. But once it picked up, the plot pretty much hit all the points I was expecting from a YA fantasy—which is a good thing!
Overall, definitely a good fantasy story and I'm looking forward to reading book two!
I loved the world-building in this one—the book starts with two maps so you know it's gonna be good. There's no info-dumping but things are clearly explained, and the magic system was so interesting! I'm constantly impressed by fantasy authors that continue to come up with unique ways for magic to work in their worlds. I also really loved the jungle setting here—I was getting Catching Fire vibes which definitely had me more on the edge of my seat!
The characters were also great. We spend the most time with Koffi and Ekon of course, and they get the development and complexity they're due as main characters, but I'd say it's more plot-focused than character-focused. There are some interesting side characters I would've like to spend more time with, but maybe that'll happen in book two.
The plot, like I said, started out really slow, and I think I felt this way because it just took forever for the characters to actually meet and start their journey in the jungle. There were also some repeated scenes from a different POV that slowed the pace down. But once it picked up, the plot pretty much hit all the points I was expecting from a YA fantasy—which is a good thing!
Overall, definitely a good fantasy story and I'm looking forward to reading book two!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, and Death of parent
Moderate: Slavery and Violence
Minor: Animal cruelty and Drug use
achay91's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Slavery and Violence
chronicacademia's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was a reread for me, and I think it’s safe to say that Beasts of Prey is one of my favorite books of all time.
During my first read, I was not aware that Ekon was written to have OCD and PTSD. While I cannot speak to the OCD rep, as someone who has PTSD, I absolutely loved the way Ayana Gray wrote his character and arc. He is such a lovable character with so much depth and heart. The amount of times my annotations were just “I love him,” is too many to count.
And Koffi. I think she’s my favorite. I just love her courage and spunk so much. I think she’s easily one of the most relatable characters I’ve read. The same goes for Adiah.
I remember aspects of the story being predictable the first time around—the Shetani and Fedu’s identity specifically. And I never fault a book for predictability (it doesn’t take away from my enjoyment at all. But I will say, predictability makes for a fun second read because I loved that I could see the groundwork being laid from the start. The plot was masterfully crafted.
The world-building is expansive and incredible. From the lush descriptions to the west African mythology to the characters’ education levels, you can tell Ayana Gray put so much thought into every aspect of Lkossa. This is a world I would never tire reading about.
I highly recommend this one (and I recommend rereading it before diving into BoR, as I had forgotten a lot about the story).
During my first read, I was not aware that Ekon was written to have OCD and PTSD. While I cannot speak to the OCD rep, as someone who has PTSD, I absolutely loved the way Ayana Gray wrote his character and arc. He is such a lovable character with so much depth and heart. The amount of times my annotations were just “I love him,” is too many to count.
And Koffi. I think she’s my favorite. I just love her courage and spunk so much. I think she’s easily one of the most relatable characters I’ve read. The same goes for Adiah.
I remember aspects of the story being predictable the first time around—the Shetani and Fedu’s identity specifically. And I never fault a book for predictability (it doesn’t take away from my enjoyment at all. But I will say, predictability makes for a fun second read because I loved that I could see the groundwork being laid from the start. The plot was masterfully crafted.
The world-building is expansive and incredible. From the lush descriptions to the west African mythology to the characters’ education levels, you can tell Ayana Gray put so much thought into every aspect of Lkossa. This is a world I would never tire reading about.
I highly recommend this one (and I recommend rereading it before diving into BoR, as I had forgotten a lot about the story).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Ableism
pravi's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Violence, and Death of parent
kirstenf's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Slavery, Torture, Violence, and Grief
lolzyuh's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book follows Koffi and Ekon and their journey through the jungle it was such a fun read ! ok ngl the start was a bit slow but it is really needed for you to understand the characters (plus I cried at ekons and koffis stories - and I don't usually cry at these lol !!! ) I can't wait for book 2 !!! buying it as soon as its released in paperback (I'm a paperback gal sorry) BUT yeah !!! If u love fantasy with a bit of romance but it's kinda not the main main plot but everyone is routing for it this is for u !!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Grief
vaniavela's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Koffi and Ekon's lives intertwine after Koffi accidentally sets a fire at the Night Zoo. Now the two must work together to hunt down the Shetani, a ferocious beast that has been killing the citizens of Lkossa for years.
Positives Aspects:
Positives Aspects:
- The characters were well written and I found them likable, being that Koffi, Ekon and Adiah had complex personalities. I enjoyed reading the perspectives of all of them, giving us a different view of the kingdom and the story.
- The world of Lkossa was amazing, full of cultural details and vibrant descriptions. I would have loved to see more scenes in more interesting locations, such as the night zoo or the jungle.
Negative Aspects:
- It was slow paced, not much happens in the first hundred pages. Also, before reading the book I thought the animals would have a bigger part in the story. I expected more of that.
rep: Black/African female MC, Black/African male MC with anxiety and OCD, Black/African female MC, supporting cast of BIPOC characters.
cw: Blood, death, drug use, fire, injury detail, medical content, mental illness (anxiety/OCD), murder, panic attacks/disorders, violence, xenophobia.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Blood, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, and Violence
cemeterygay's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I adored this book so deeply and in a way I didn't expect it. The worldbuilding is so detailed, well-integrated, and rich. The other aspect I adored was both of the main characters, their growth and their interactions. It is incredibly rare where I enjoy both point of characters but I really did in this book. I also thought the flashbacks were incredibly well-done. I also loved the different explorations of trauma and indoctrination.
It was just a phenomenal fantasy that I cannot recommend enough if you're looking for interesting worldbuilding with even better protagonists.
It was just a phenomenal fantasy that I cannot recommend enough if you're looking for interesting worldbuilding with even better protagonists.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Drug use, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Slavery, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Death of parent, and Murder
CW: Non-consensual drug use and abuse, Anxiety, Manipulation, Manipulative relationshiponemamareads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Read my review here: https://onemamassummer.weebly.com/book-reviews/beasts-of-prey
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Torture, and Violence
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Child death, and Death of parent
Minor: Animal death