| Beasts of Prey | |
| Author: | Ayana Gray |
| Country: | United States |
| Language: | English |
| Genre: | Fantasy |
| Publisher: | G. P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers |
| Pub Date: | September 28, 2021 |
| Pages: | 496 |
| Isbn: | 978-0-593-40568-0 |
| Oclc: | 1229028609 |
| Dewey: | [Fic] |
| Congress: | PZ7.1.G7326 Be 2021 |
Beasts of Prey is a 2021 young adult fantasy novel by American writer Ayana Gray.[1] Gray's debut novel follows two teenagers, Koffi and Ekon, who enter the magical Greater Jungle in pursuit of a murderous creature called the Shetani. It was published on September 28, 2021, and quickly entered the New York Times and Indie Bestseller lists.[2] [3] [4]
Ayana Gray has stated that she came up with the idea for the novel while studying political violence in college.[5] A few months later she went on a study programme in Ghana, where she stated that she felt happy to connect with her African heritage. In an interview, she said:
Gray began writing the novel, drawing from various folklores of Africa for most of the beasts in the book,[6] immediately after graduating from the University of Arkansas. She worked on the manuscript between 2015 and 2019. She presented the novel to literary agents at #DVPit, a Twitter pitching event.[7] After connecting with an agent, they both revised the draft for a year before submitting it to editors where it was eventually purchased by G. P. Putnam's Sons in a seven-figure deal.[8]
The novel became a New York Times Bestseller shortly after publication.[9] It received positive reviews from critics. Kirkus Reviews, in its starred review, called the book a "dazzling debut."[10] Publishers Weekly praised the author's prose, writing, "Gray's lush, vivid descriptions enliven the twisting narrative, which is steeped in Pan-African mythology."[11]
Lacy Baugher of Culturess praised the novel's setting, writing in her review that "Beasts of Prey is set in a rich, fascinating fantasy world, populated by intriguing people and creatures alike."[12]
In a starred review for the School Library Journal, India Winslow also praised the novel stating that "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."[13]
A few weeks after its publication, it was announced that the novel had been optioned for a film adaptation by Netflix. The adaptation will be produced by Clubhouse Pictures and the screenplay will be written by Melody Cooper.[14]