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Fantasy. Young Adult Fiction. Young Adult Literature. HTML: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.� �Ren�e 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.… (more)
User reviews
My main issue is with the slow plot progression. It takes around half of the book for Koffi and Ekon to get to the jungle. I didn't hate all of the setup that came beforehand, but looking back on it, there are things that happened that didn't feel necessary to the story (for example, the section where Koffi has to steal a map). I can see how it might work better in a trilogy, but as is it was a bit of a slog.
From there, the story does pick up and things happen, but even here I wasn't given the exciting adventure I was anticipating. They meet some dangerous creatures and barely escape with their lives. Koffi eats some mysterious fruit while Ekon tries to tell her it might not be safe. They meet some other sentient, non-murderous creatures and are just... handed answers. Then they find what they're looking for, and soon enough after the book ends. On a cliffhanger, which I was expecting.
I really like the setting and the magic system, splendor, and I'm sure there'll be more of that in the sequels. I also loved Koffi's relationship with her mom, and want to see them reunited. I don't think I'd pick up the next book, though. When I got done with "Beasts of Prey," I thought, That's it?
*I read an ARC copy which I received from BookishFirst