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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: Violence and Slavery
chronicacademia's review
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: Death of parent, Racism, and Violence
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: Murder, Death of parent, Panic attacks/disorders, and Drug abuse
Moderate: Violence, Slavery, Torture, 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: Grief and Violence
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: Blood, Fire/Fire injury, Mental illness, and Murder
Moderate: Violence, Panic attacks/disorders, and Death
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: Slavery, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Drug use, Physical abuse, Death, Misogyny, Violence, Blood, 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: Violence, Death, and Torture
Moderate: Child death, Death of parent, and Animal cruelty
Minor: Animal death
sundayfever's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
inspiring
fast-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
Took a while for me to get into it, but then I got attached to the characters and enjoyed the story. An engaging but light read. Great fantasy world based on pan-African mythology.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Death of parent
lena_loves_reading's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
The concept of this book sounded great and I was very exited going into it!
When it started to drag after the first few chapters I was so disappointed and it put me in a bit of a slump. Halfway through, I thought about dnfing it but I pushed through. And suddenly Beats of Prey got a lot more interesting! All the life threatening situations and plot twists had my eyes glued to the pages. I'm really looking forward to thessequel now!
I loved Ekon as a character and the Pan-African inspired world was refreshing und interesting.
-1.5 star deduction for being boring in the beginning
When it started to drag after the first few chapters I was so disappointed and it put me in a bit of a slump. Halfway through, I thought about dnfing it but I pushed through. And suddenly Beats of Prey got a lot more interesting! All the life threatening situations and plot twists had my eyes glued to the pages. I'm really looking forward to thessequel now!
I loved Ekon as a character and the Pan-African inspired world was refreshing und interesting.
-1.5 star deduction for being boring in the beginning
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug use, Death, and Violence