cathreiding 's review for:

Beasts of Prey by Ayana Gray

4.0

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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!!