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A wonderful debut. Yet there are things to work on. Some names of places and monsters are named but not much of explaining what they are or where it are, Or how they became the way they are.
Some chapters jump to much and there is some gaps in them that don't make sense. Like some of the pages are missing in the book that the author missed to print.
Even so I enjoyed reading this book and I really look forward to read the second one and hopefully it will be improved on some parts.
Some chapters jump to much and there is some gaps in them that don't make sense. Like some of the pages are missing in the book that the author missed to print.
Even so I enjoyed reading this book and I really look forward to read the second one and hopefully it will be improved on some parts.
This was such a good read full of action packed adventure and characters who try to do the right thing but don’t know which way to turn, all in a compelling fantasy setting.
adventurous
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:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
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
Really enjoyable! I really liked the world, which was clearly based on Africa, and it was a world that was different from most fantasy settings. The characters were enjoyable and I loved how the story was slowly unfolding, especially the way the Adiah story fit with the story of Koffi and Ekon. I really liked how Ekon had some kind of OCD, also something I hadn't read a lot before, but it fit with the story and his backstory.
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
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
This is an incredibly fun YA fantasy that kept my attention from start to finish. The pacing is spot-on, and the unique magic system and rich world-building stand out. I loved every element—from the eerie Night Zoo and its fearsome magical creatures to the dangerous allure of the Greater Jungle. The characters are wonderful; Koffi quickly became my favorite with her fierce determination, while Ekon, with his anxiety and vulnerability, resonated deeply with me. Their shy, sweet romance adds a tender counterbalance to the high-stakes adventure, and the way the multiple POVs eventually intertwine makes the story even more engaging.
That said, the story leans into the lighter, younger side of the genre, which means some of the darker topics are kept more sanitized. This slant might feel a bit too youthful for readers craving grimmer themes, but it also makes the series perfectly accessible for its intended audience. Overall, I’m eager to continue this series, and I’m so glad it exists for younger readers who can appreciate its charm, creativity, and diversity.
That said, the story leans into the lighter, younger side of the genre, which means some of the darker topics are kept more sanitized. This slant might feel a bit too youthful for readers craving grimmer themes, but it also makes the series perfectly accessible for its intended audience. Overall, I’m eager to continue this series, and I’m so glad it exists for younger readers who can appreciate its charm, creativity, and diversity.
This was absolutely thrilling (not in the scary way!) & I could not stop reading! I had so much fun learning about this world & the creatures within! There are many twists & turns, lots of adventure, beautiful descriptions & characters that I felt so drawn to. I loved all of the African mythology woven into this story and you can tell a lot of love & research went into writing this. This world is beyond enchanting and I can not WAIT to see more of it in the next two books. The cliffhanger was RUDE, so I’m glad I already planned to move right on to the next book because I NEED to know how this turns out!!! The only reason this isn’t five stars, is that it did drag a little at times throughout the adventure, but I knew it would continue building so it didn’t take too much away from my enjoyment. I have a strong feeling that the next two books will be even better and will turn this into an overall 5-star series for me!
I definitely became invested in these characters. It took a turn that I didn’t expect but enjoyed. There’s more to come and I look forward to it
adventurous
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:
No
- 4.5 / 5
Unique, inspiring, chilling and moving
In the backdrop of the wide African continent, a mysterious force split the sky, they called it The Rupture…
Countless corpses are found strewn about the edges of a dark, eerie jungle, where mysterious and deadly creatures lurk…
Humans imbued with mystical powers beyond imagination are forced to hide their true nature and live in secret…
And love blossoms in the most unexpected of places.
We begin our journey in the city of Lkossa, where a young girl named Koffi releases an unknown power, with serious consequences. At the same time an aspiring warrior, Ekon, vows to uphold his family legacy and avenge his late father and make his older brother proud. Together they use each other’s ambitions to further their own goals, as they step into the mysterious ‘Greater Jungle’ to hunt a monstrous creature known as the Shetani. Little do they know that they have more to fear from the jungle itself!
Ayana Grey’s writing certainly stirred me! This novel was truly a masterpiece and I can't believe I didn't read it sooner. Her descriptions of the jungle mixed with the unique portrayal of African myths, legends and folk-tales, offer a truly exciting read that was very “un-put-down-able”. I was on the edge of my seat, the thrills and suspense hooked me, but it was not too drawn out where I found myself being bored. The book held my attention at every page and the only reason this did not get a full 5 stars is because I felt like some parts of the ending were slightly rushed, but only slightly. Long story short, go read the book!
Unique, inspiring, chilling and moving
In the backdrop of the wide African continent, a mysterious force split the sky, they called it The Rupture…
Countless corpses are found strewn about the edges of a dark, eerie jungle, where mysterious and deadly creatures lurk…
Humans imbued with mystical powers beyond imagination are forced to hide their true nature and live in secret…
And love blossoms in the most unexpected of places.
We begin our journey in the city of Lkossa, where a young girl named Koffi releases an unknown power, with serious consequences. At the same time an aspiring warrior, Ekon, vows to uphold his family legacy and avenge his late father and make his older brother proud. Together they use each other’s ambitions to further their own goals, as they step into the mysterious ‘Greater Jungle’ to hunt a monstrous creature known as the Shetani. Little do they know that they have more to fear from the jungle itself!
Ayana Grey’s writing certainly stirred me! This novel was truly a masterpiece and I can't believe I didn't read it sooner. Her descriptions of the jungle mixed with the unique portrayal of African myths, legends and folk-tales, offer a truly exciting read that was very “un-put-down-able”. I was on the edge of my seat, the thrills and suspense hooked me, but it was not too drawn out where I found myself being bored. The book held my attention at every page and the only reason this did not get a full 5 stars is because I felt like some parts of the ending were slightly rushed, but only slightly. Long story short, go read the book!