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3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
The most detailed, vivid and horrifying (in the best way) young adult book I have read this year, if not ever. While our two main characters, Koffi and Ekon, are only about 16 years old each and thus have some immaturity for the bulk of this first installment, it feels natural and did not prevent Gray from including some very adult images, situations, emotions, scenes and twists. This feels like adult fantasy while reading it, and the author’s note, which I admit I skip in most books, taught me about Pan-African supporters and African politicians whose names she used in parts for certain characters within the book. It’s also educational on why she made certain language choices, and where the magical creatures and plants come from. You can truly read how much love Ayana Gray put into this book by how beautiful and well constructed the plot is. My only confusion is what on earth is going to happen to her Mama and Jabir now? I think the sudden determination to save Adiah deserved a bit more inner conflict in Koffi or even discussed conflict between Koffi and Ekon, and instead it’s a little bit ignored. Can’t wait to read the second one soon!!
African inspired, dual POV, chapter titles (miss those) and wonderful maps (yes there are 2 maps) - this book could do no wrong.
Beasts of Prey is a brilliant debut novel and the first in a trilogy. The unique and luscious world of magic and beasts that Ayana Grey brought to life made for such a great reading experience. That whole experience in the Greater Jungle felt so vivid at some point my skin was crawling reading about a certain scene (won’t say much more).
The second half of the book had some unexpected plot twists that got me *gasping*.
The main characters, Koffi and Ekon were well written and while there were quite a few developments for each I think they are only at the beginning of their character arcs. I also think that they have yet to face their biggest challenges.
After finishing this book I went and pre-ordered the second book within a day or 2, so I’m definitely looking forward to seeing where the storyline goes and how the characters develop!
Beasts of Prey is a brilliant debut novel and the first in a trilogy. The unique and luscious world of magic and beasts that Ayana Grey brought to life made for such a great reading experience. That whole experience in the Greater Jungle felt so vivid at some point my skin was crawling reading about a certain scene (won’t say much more).
The second half of the book had some unexpected plot twists that got me *gasping*.
The main characters, Koffi and Ekon were well written and while there were quite a few developments for each I think they are only at the beginning of their character arcs. I also think that they have yet to face their biggest challenges.
After finishing this book I went and pre-ordered the second book within a day or 2, so I’m definitely looking forward to seeing where the storyline goes and how the characters develop!
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
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:
No
Loved this enjoyable read. Nuanced and complex enough to keep the pages turning, but not so heavy or complicated that it wasn't a fun, easy read.
Moje emocje na temat tej książki mogę podsumować tak: Kurczę, niektórzy to mają talent! Piszą debiuancką książkę i od razu taką dobrą
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The lives of Koffi and Ekon are suddenly intertwined. 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:
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:
The book is slow paced, not much happens in the first hundred pages. I would have liked the animals to have a bigger role in the story, it would have been amazing to read the descriptions of these monstrous creatures.
I had high expectations for this book, and while it didn't exceed them, I certainly enjoyed reading it.
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.
The lives of Koffi and Ekon are suddenly intertwined. 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:
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:
The book is slow paced, not much happens in the first hundred pages. I would have liked the animals to have a bigger role in the story, it would have been amazing to read the descriptions of these monstrous creatures.
I had high expectations for this book, and while it didn't exceed them, I certainly enjoyed reading it.
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.
I am completely enamored with this series. I bought the rest of the books the second I finished this one.
Ayana Gray is a masterful writer. The intense emotions evoked in this book are unlike anything I’ve read in a while.
The beasts are ingenious and there were some definite horror moments.
I looooooved this book. Starting on the second right now.
Ayana Gray is a masterful writer. The intense emotions evoked in this book are unlike anything I’ve read in a while.
The beasts are ingenious and there were some definite horror moments.
I looooooved this book. Starting on the second right now.