Literature & Fiction
![Ayana Gray - [object Object] author](https://res.cloudinary.com/readsomnia/image/upload/authors/a_B091PJMY7Q.jpg)
Beasts of Prey
In this blockbuster fantasy series, perfect for fans of Kingdom of the Wicked and Iron Widow, fate binds two Black teenagers together as they journey into a magical jungle to hunt down a vicious monster.
“Rich in magic and mythos, Beasts of Prey is a feast for all the senses.” —Renée Ahdieh, New York Times bestselling author of The Beautiful
An Instant New York Times and Indie Bestseller
There’s no such thing as magic in the broken city of Lkossa, especially for sixteen-year-old Koffi, who indentured to the notorious Night Zoo, knows the fearsome creatures in her care and paying off her family's debts to secure their eventual freedom can be her only focus. But the night those she loves are gravely threatened by the Zoo’s cruel master, Koffi unleashes a power she doesn’t fully understand, upending her life completely.
As the second son of a decorated hero, Ekon is all but destined to become a Son of the Six—an elite warrior—and uphold a family legacy. But on the night of his final rite of passage, Ekon encounters not only the Shetani—a vicious monster that has plagued the city for nearly a century and stalks his nightmares—but Koffi who seems to have the power to ward off the beast. Koffi’s power ultimately saves Ekon, but his choice to let her flee dooms his hopes of becoming a warrior.
Desperate to redeem himself, Ekon vows to hunt the Shetani and end its reign of terror, but he can’t do it alone. Koffi and Ekon form a tentative alliance and together enter the Greater Jungle, a world steeped in wild, frightening magic and untold dangers. The hunt begins. But it quickly becomes unclear whether they are the hunters or the hunted.
“The hunt for your next YA fantasy book trilogy obsession has ended.” —Entertainment Weekly
“Rich in magic and mythos, Beasts of Prey is a feast for all the senses.” —Renée Ahdieh, New York Times bestselling author of The Beautiful
An Instant New York Times and Indie Bestseller
There’s no such thing as magic in the broken city of Lkossa, especially for sixteen-year-old Koffi, who indentured to the notorious Night Zoo, knows the fearsome creatures in her care and paying off her family's debts to secure their eventual freedom can be her only focus. But the night those she loves are gravely threatened by the Zoo’s cruel master, Koffi unleashes a power she doesn’t fully understand, upending her life completely.
As the second son of a decorated hero, Ekon is all but destined to become a Son of the Six—an elite warrior—and uphold a family legacy. But on the night of his final rite of passage, Ekon encounters not only the Shetani—a vicious monster that has plagued the city for nearly a century and stalks his nightmares—but Koffi who seems to have the power to ward off the beast. Koffi’s power ultimately saves Ekon, but his choice to let her flee dooms his hopes of becoming a warrior.
Desperate to redeem himself, Ekon vows to hunt the Shetani and end its reign of terror, but he can’t do it alone. Koffi and Ekon form a tentative alliance and together enter the Greater Jungle, a world steeped in wild, frightening magic and untold dangers. The hunt begins. But it quickly becomes unclear whether they are the hunters or the hunted.
“The hunt for your next YA fantasy book trilogy obsession has ended.” —Entertainment Weekly
Editorial Reviews
Praise for Beasts of Prey:
An Instant New York Times Bestseller
An Indie Bestseller
An Apple Best Book of the Month Pick – October 2021
An Amazon Best Book of the Month – October 2021
An Indie Next Pick
"Rich and Powerful." -O, The Oprah Magazine
"The hunt for your next YA fantasy book trilogy obsession has ended." -Entertainment Weekly
"A new epic fantasy series." -Pop Sugar
"Step into the lush, magical jungles of your new young-adult fantasy obsession. . . Much more than just your standard hero's journey, Beasts of Prey is a story of courage, friendship, and community that's as inspiring as it is exciting." -Apple Books Review
★ "This pan-African story, rife with betrayal and narrated through poetic language that evokes vivid imagery, will ensnare readers, keeping them engaged with its energetic pace. The beautiful blend of mythology, romance, and action ends with a hint at more to come… A dazzling debut." -Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ "Gray's debut is a thrilling series opener with twists and turns that will delight. Hints about more expansive world building to come will entice readers to pick up future volumes in this must-buy for fantasy enthusiasts." -Booklist, starred review
★ "With its memorable characters, and a lush, expansive world, Gray's debut is an action-packed adventure that will tug at hearts and keep teens glued to the page, yearning for more. Essential for all collections." -School Library Journal, starred review
"Rich in magic and mythos, Beasts of Prey is a feast for all the senses. Prepare to be transported to Koffi's world from the first page, and find yourself lost not only in the dark thrill of the hunt but the poignant beats of emotion at the heart of this story. Gray's writing is lyrical, her imagery vivid. I eagerly await whatever she pens next." -Renée Ahdieh, New York Times bestselling author of The Beautiful
"A fast-paced, rip-roaring ride that grabs you by the throat and never lets you go. A masterpiece of magic." -Namina Forna, New York Times bestselling author of The Gilded Ones
"Epic doesn't begin to encompass the jolting twists, sparkling mythos, and magical quests that fill the pages of Beasts of Prey. This is the sort of read that's beyond transportive, it's downright transcending-a tale full of heart and mag...
An Instant New York Times Bestseller
An Indie Bestseller
An Apple Best Book of the Month Pick – October 2021
An Amazon Best Book of the Month – October 2021
An Indie Next Pick
"Rich and Powerful." -O, The Oprah Magazine
"The hunt for your next YA fantasy book trilogy obsession has ended." -Entertainment Weekly
"A new epic fantasy series." -Pop Sugar
"Step into the lush, magical jungles of your new young-adult fantasy obsession. . . Much more than just your standard hero's journey, Beasts of Prey is a story of courage, friendship, and community that's as inspiring as it is exciting." -Apple Books Review
★ "This pan-African story, rife with betrayal and narrated through poetic language that evokes vivid imagery, will ensnare readers, keeping them engaged with its energetic pace. The beautiful blend of mythology, romance, and action ends with a hint at more to come… A dazzling debut." -Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ "Gray's debut is a thrilling series opener with twists and turns that will delight. Hints about more expansive world building to come will entice readers to pick up future volumes in this must-buy for fantasy enthusiasts." -Booklist, starred review
★ "With its memorable characters, and a lush, expansive world, Gray's debut is an action-packed adventure that will tug at hearts and keep teens glued to the page, yearning for more. Essential for all collections." -School Library Journal, starred review
"Rich in magic and mythos, Beasts of Prey is a feast for all the senses. Prepare to be transported to Koffi's world from the first page, and find yourself lost not only in the dark thrill of the hunt but the poignant beats of emotion at the heart of this story. Gray's writing is lyrical, her imagery vivid. I eagerly await whatever she pens next." -Renée Ahdieh, New York Times bestselling author of The Beautiful
"A fast-paced, rip-roaring ride that grabs you by the throat and never lets you go. A masterpiece of magic." -Namina Forna, New York Times bestselling author of The Gilded Ones
"Epic doesn't begin to encompass the jolting twists, sparkling mythos, and magical quests that fill the pages of Beasts of Prey. This is the sort of read that's beyond transportive, it's downright transcending-a tale full of heart and mag...
Readers Top Reviews
Dawn
This book keeps you on edge and is almost impossible to put down. I looked forward to reading every page
Anon
I'd recommend this book for anyone into young adult fantasy and magic. The book felt slow at first but it's because there was a lot of back story, building of the characters and setting up the plot for all the fun twists and turns. I cannot wait for BOP 2 and 3 to come out. I loved the fast pace near the end and it was a total page turner for me. I loved everything about it, so 5 stars for sure!
Dario
I loved this book. Breezed right through it. Makes me anxious for book 2 cause i need to know what happens next!
Katie Prouty
“Nightmares hunt like beasts of prey, vanquished in the light of day.” “Baba says only wicked things happen after midnight, but I know better.” A heroic adventure into the Greater Jungle! BoP is a Pan-African fantasy novel with themes of betrayal, deception, and sabotage. Sacrifice. Overcoming your fears. Forgiveness. Redemption. Character development and growth is excellent! We’ve got Adiah, a wielder of magic called splendor, Koffi, a beastkeeper at the Night Zoo (Barnum & Baileys level up), and Ekon, a scholar and aspiring warrior of the Son of the Six. Koffi and Ekon strike a deal: he helps her read the map to ‘the Heart of the Jungle’ and she helps him take down the wretched and feared, primordial monster…. The Shetani beast. For the record, I would NOT venture into the jungle. Real. Terror. Inducing. Creatures. Koffi and Ekon had the cutest banter/commentary that will have readers smiling and saying, “daw!” The lore, world building, and magic system will keep readers engaged and turning the pages super speed style. Hold up. There’s more… THE LAST SENTENCE. This is not a stand-alone. I repeat. Not a stand alone. Right? ? A fantastic debut novel from Ayana Gray! ? READ IF YOU LIKE ?: -magic x mayhem -cat x mouse -South African mythology/beings x creatures -OwnVoices x diversity rep -mental health rep: OCD onset from childhood trauma and PTSD. -shriek inducing plot twists -multiple POV: Ekon, Koffi, and Adiah -past vs. present -#IsThisAKissingBook: 14+ young adult. It’s a slow-burn ?. Oh, Ekon. wink. He’s hopeless (IYKYK). “…their faces were inches apart now. He could count the eyelashes framing her eyes.” ?Song: Jungle by X Ambassadors and Jamie N Commons?
Short Excerpt Teaser
Forbidden Fruit
Adiah
Baba says only wicked things happen after midnight, but I know better.
I hold my breath, relieved the front door doesn't creak as I nudge it open and relish the evening breeze on my skin. This late, its scent is distinct, a sharp blend of ozone and pine. I glance over my shoulder. In the next room, my parents are fast asleep; Mama's snores are gentle, my father's thunderous. It's easy to envision them, two brown bodies curled against each other under a threadbare blanket, both worn out from a hard day's work in the harvesting fields. I don't want to wake them. Perhaps in the repose of their dreams, their daughter is different, a responsible girl instead of one who sneaks out. Sometimes I wish I was that responsible girl. I hesitate a second longer before slipping into the embrace of night.
Outside, the air is temperate, the rolling gray clouds overhead thick with the promise of monsoon season, but Lkossa remains a city bathed in silver moonlight, more than enough for me. I weave through its empty roads, darting between the flickers of sconce-lit streets, and pray I don't run into one of the patrolling Sons of the Six. It isn't likely I'd get in trouble if the city's anointed warriors caught me, but they'd almost certainly make me turn back, and I don't want to. It's a rare pleasure to walk here without whispers following in my wake, and there's another reason not to be sent home yet: Dakari is waiting for me.
I note the new cloth banners decorating most of the city as I trek north, braided together in ropes of green, blue, and gold-green for the earth, blue for the sea, gold for the gods. Some hang limp from laundry lines as thin and worn as thread; others are nailed clumsily to the doors of modest mud-brick homes not so unlike my own. It's an endearing effort. In a few hours, once the dawn breaks anew, citizens will gather to begin their observance of the Bonding, a holy day in which we celebrate our connection to the gods of this land. Vendors will peddle amulets for the reverent and give away pouches of throwing rice for the children. The recently appointed Kuhani will offer blessings from the temple, and musicians will fill the streets with their discordant symphony. Knowing Mama, she'll make roasted sweet potatoes drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon, like she always does on special occasions. Baba will probably surprise her with a small gift he saved up for-and she'll probably tell him he shouldn't have. I ignore a small pang in my chest as I think about Tao, wondering if he'll stop by our house like he normally does for holidays. I'm not actually sure he will this time; Tao and I haven't been speaking lately.
The city darkens as I reach its border, a wide dirt clearing a few yards wide that separates Lkossa from the first of the Greater Jungle's towering black pines. They seem to watch my approach with an immemorial regard, as stoic as the goddess said to dwell among them. Not everyone would dare to venture here-some believe the jungle isn't safe-but I don't mind it. My eyes search the expanse in anticipation, but when I realize I'm alone, I have to quell a fleeting disappointment. Dakari had said to meet him at this exact spot just after midnight, but he's not here. Perhaps he's running late, maybe he's decided not to-
"Songbird."
My heart stutters in my chest at the familiar nickname, and a dull flush heats my skin despite the evening chill as a figure peels away from one of the nearby pines to step into better light.
Dakari.
It's hard to make out all his details in the night, but my imagination can fill in the gaps just fine. Half his face is dipped in moonlight, tracing along the sharp cut of his jaw, the easy bend in his broad shoulders. He's taller than me, with the lean build of a runner. His golden-brown skin is several shades lighter than mine, and his hair, raven-black, is freshly cut in a top fade. He looks like a god, and-judging by the cocky grin he gives me-he knows it.
In a few confident strides, he closes the gap between us, and the air around me immediately fills with the smell of him: steel and dirt and leather from his apprenticeship in the forges of the Kughushi District. He gives me a once-over, visibly impressed.
"You came."
"Of course." I make myself sound at ease. "We said just after midnight, didn't we?"
"We did." His chuckle is low, almost musical. "So, are you ready to see the surprise?"
"Are you kidding?" My laugh echoes his own. "I've been waiting for this all day. It had better be worth it."
"Oh, it is." Abruptly, his expression turns more serious. "Now, you have to promise to keep this secret. I've never shown anyone else."
This surpri...
Adiah
Baba says only wicked things happen after midnight, but I know better.
I hold my breath, relieved the front door doesn't creak as I nudge it open and relish the evening breeze on my skin. This late, its scent is distinct, a sharp blend of ozone and pine. I glance over my shoulder. In the next room, my parents are fast asleep; Mama's snores are gentle, my father's thunderous. It's easy to envision them, two brown bodies curled against each other under a threadbare blanket, both worn out from a hard day's work in the harvesting fields. I don't want to wake them. Perhaps in the repose of their dreams, their daughter is different, a responsible girl instead of one who sneaks out. Sometimes I wish I was that responsible girl. I hesitate a second longer before slipping into the embrace of night.
Outside, the air is temperate, the rolling gray clouds overhead thick with the promise of monsoon season, but Lkossa remains a city bathed in silver moonlight, more than enough for me. I weave through its empty roads, darting between the flickers of sconce-lit streets, and pray I don't run into one of the patrolling Sons of the Six. It isn't likely I'd get in trouble if the city's anointed warriors caught me, but they'd almost certainly make me turn back, and I don't want to. It's a rare pleasure to walk here without whispers following in my wake, and there's another reason not to be sent home yet: Dakari is waiting for me.
I note the new cloth banners decorating most of the city as I trek north, braided together in ropes of green, blue, and gold-green for the earth, blue for the sea, gold for the gods. Some hang limp from laundry lines as thin and worn as thread; others are nailed clumsily to the doors of modest mud-brick homes not so unlike my own. It's an endearing effort. In a few hours, once the dawn breaks anew, citizens will gather to begin their observance of the Bonding, a holy day in which we celebrate our connection to the gods of this land. Vendors will peddle amulets for the reverent and give away pouches of throwing rice for the children. The recently appointed Kuhani will offer blessings from the temple, and musicians will fill the streets with their discordant symphony. Knowing Mama, she'll make roasted sweet potatoes drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon, like she always does on special occasions. Baba will probably surprise her with a small gift he saved up for-and she'll probably tell him he shouldn't have. I ignore a small pang in my chest as I think about Tao, wondering if he'll stop by our house like he normally does for holidays. I'm not actually sure he will this time; Tao and I haven't been speaking lately.
The city darkens as I reach its border, a wide dirt clearing a few yards wide that separates Lkossa from the first of the Greater Jungle's towering black pines. They seem to watch my approach with an immemorial regard, as stoic as the goddess said to dwell among them. Not everyone would dare to venture here-some believe the jungle isn't safe-but I don't mind it. My eyes search the expanse in anticipation, but when I realize I'm alone, I have to quell a fleeting disappointment. Dakari had said to meet him at this exact spot just after midnight, but he's not here. Perhaps he's running late, maybe he's decided not to-
"Songbird."
My heart stutters in my chest at the familiar nickname, and a dull flush heats my skin despite the evening chill as a figure peels away from one of the nearby pines to step into better light.
Dakari.
It's hard to make out all his details in the night, but my imagination can fill in the gaps just fine. Half his face is dipped in moonlight, tracing along the sharp cut of his jaw, the easy bend in his broad shoulders. He's taller than me, with the lean build of a runner. His golden-brown skin is several shades lighter than mine, and his hair, raven-black, is freshly cut in a top fade. He looks like a god, and-judging by the cocky grin he gives me-he knows it.
In a few confident strides, he closes the gap between us, and the air around me immediately fills with the smell of him: steel and dirt and leather from his apprenticeship in the forges of the Kughushi District. He gives me a once-over, visibly impressed.
"You came."
"Of course." I make myself sound at ease. "We said just after midnight, didn't we?"
"We did." His chuckle is low, almost musical. "So, are you ready to see the surprise?"
"Are you kidding?" My laugh echoes his own. "I've been waiting for this all day. It had better be worth it."
"Oh, it is." Abruptly, his expression turns more serious. "Now, you have to promise to keep this secret. I've never shown anyone else."
This surpri...
