Beasts of Prey

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 moo

twists and turns that will delight. Hints about more expansive worldbuilding 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 magic, and sure to ensorcell readers' body, bone, and soul. Roshani Chokshi, New York Times bestselling author of The Gilded Wolves

In this wildly original debut, Gray marries the lush imaginative wonder of African mythology with an action-packed tale of two teens on the opposite ends of fate, figuring out what s truly worth fighting for. Swoony, twisty, action-packed, Beasts of Prey is as epic as it is unforgettable. J. Elle, New York Times bestselling author of Wings of Ebony

"A delight. I rarely fall in love with characters as quickly as I did with Koffi and Ekon. Gray masterfully balances the wonder and uncertainty of youth with a deftly, fully imagined world that I was dying to learn more about." S. A. Chakraborty, author of the critically acclaimed and internationally bestselling The Daevabad Trilogy
 
"Ayana Gray s wonder-filled world of mythos and monsters and magic comes to life in the ensnaring, enchanting Greater Jungle. An unputdownable tale that unfolds in a maze of twists and turns, driven by the crackling wit of two protagonists on a quest to vanquish the beasts of their present and past. Amélie Wen Zhao, author of the Blood Heir trilogy

A magical, bingeable debut by a phenomenal new voice in YA. Beasts of Prey is an immersive and heartfelt book with characters whose personalities seep from the pages. From its beautiful prose to its rich and vibrant world, this book is your next favorite read. Adalyn Grace, New York Times bestselling author of All the Stars and Teeth

"Steeped in rich worldbuilding and resonating with keenly drawn emotional depth, Beasts of Prey features masterful twists, heart-pounding action, and unforgettable characters you will want to follow to the end of the world and back. I grew lost in this book from the very first page." Margaret Rogerson, bestselling author of Sorcery of Thorns

Gray s pan-African fantasy is filled with monsters, mythos, and Black girl magic. Her characters are well developed, and the plot is filled with African lore, expanded upon in an extensive author s note. Fans of Forna s The Gilded Ones and Ifueko s Raybearer will enjoy this engrossing debut novel. The Horn Book

The protagonists achieve a rich emotional depth complemented by the fast-paced action, and a light romantic element lends the plot additional support. . . imaginative debut.   Publishers Weekly

One of the hottest young-adult books . . . It s a thrill-packed premise that Gray elevates with crisp prose, surefooted pacing, and detail-rich worldbuilding. She weaves the markers of daily life, history, and culture into scenes that crackle, painting her characters existence for her readers as clearly as she depicts physical action and emotional depth. It s undeniably powerful storytelling. Book & Film Globe

A great quest full of blood and betrayal. Tor.com