Before I say anything else, I want to make it clear that Ayana Grey’s first-in-the-series Beasts of Prey (2021) is not a bad book. I very much enjoyed it while reading. The characters were unique, the theme was not your typical dragons-and-knights kind, basically every aspect of a fantasy you would expect is different.
Beasts of Prey utilizes African folklore and culture, with thick jungles and monsters unique to other works of fantasy. If you take the time to read the author’s note, you will realize that she combined a lot of different themes from many parts of Africa and African history to make the tale much deeper than the average-joe like me would have noticed, such as the stalking Shetani being based off the Tsavo Man-Eaters, two lions that terrorized railroad construction workers for months.
However, as far as plots go, the story is very by-the-book. Two unlikely allies who have nothing in common team up to capture a terrible monster. However, on their trail of woes they find love and secret forbidden magic. It checks every single box on the cliche adventure story list.
Additionally, the rhythm of the story is a little repetitive. I found an obvious pattern of banter, peril, banter, peril about mid-way through the book. I understand that books need several conflicts throughout the story, but the transitions were predictable and boring.
My last complaint is the way the secrets unraveled. Many books will raise questions for the reader or have characters realize things don’t add up, hinting at a twist near the end. The lack of these two things made me confuse a brilliant mystery for bad storytelling, and I almost didn’t finish the book due to how many “plot holes” I found.If you find yourself reading Beasts of Prey, even if it doesn’t immediately grab your attention or gets dull near the middle, I recommend you finish it. The sequel has definitely earned its place on my to-read list due to its stunning setting and dramatic end.
