Beasts of Prey is a 2021 young adult fantasy novel by American writer Ayana Gray.[1][2] 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.[3][4][5]
.png) First edition cover | |
| Author | Ayana Gray |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Fantasy |
| Publisher | G. P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers |
Publication date | September 28, 2021 |
| Pages | 496 |
| ISBN | 978-0-593-40568-0 |
| OCLC | 1229028609 |
| [Fic] | |
| LC Class | PZ7.1.G7326 Be 2021 |
Development edit
Ayana Gray has stated that she came up with the idea for the novel while studying political violence in college. 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:
"I left Ghana and knew I wanted to write a story in which Black people had the opportunity to be both magical and nuanced."
— Ayana Gray, [5]
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. 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.[7][5][3]
Reception edit
The novel became a New York Times Bestseller shortly after publication.[8] It received positive reviews from critics. Kirkus Reviews, in its starred review, called the book a "dazzling debut."[9] Publishers Weekly praised the author's prose, writing, "Gray's lush, vivid descriptions enliven the twisting narrative, which is steeped in Pan-African mythology."[10]
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."[11]
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."[12]
Film adaptation edit
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.[13][5]
References edit
- ^ Gray, Ayana, Beasts of prey, ISBN 978-0-593-41476-7, OCLC 1272906578, retrieved 2021-11-10
- ^ Harlan, Jennifer (2021-11-09). "4 New Y.A. Fantasy Novels Full of Dark, Enchanting Twists". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-11-10.
- ^ a b August 20, Sydney Bucksbaum; EDT, 2020 at 10:00 AM. "Exclusive: Ayana Gray's new YA book trilogy combines 'monsters, mythos, and #BlackGirlMagic'". EW.com. Retrieved 2021-11-10.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "Beasts of Prey by Ayana Gray: 9780593405680 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books". PenguinRandomhouse.com. Retrieved 2021-11-10.
- ^ a b c d Maughan |, Shannon. "Moving On Up: 'Beasts of Prey'". PublishersWeekly.com. Retrieved 2021-11-10.
- ^ Smittle, Stephanie (2021-10-11). "A Q&A with "Beasts of Prey" author Ayana Gray". Arkansas Times. Retrieved 2021-11-10.
- ^ Deahl |, Rachel. "Book Deals: Week of August 31, 2020". PublishersWeekly.com. Retrieved 2021-11-18.
- ^ "Beasts of Prey－ Best Sellers - Books - Oct. 17, 2021 - The New York Times". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-11-13.
- ^ BEASTS OF PREY | Kirkus Reviews.
- ^ "Children's Book Review: Beasts of Prey by Ayana Gray. Putnam, ISBN 978-0-593-40568-0". PublishersWeekly.com. Archived from the original on 2021-09-23. Retrieved 2021-11-13.
- ^ "Beasts of Prey: Stong worldbuilding bogged down by a so-so romance". Culturess. 2021-09-29. Retrieved 2021-11-13.
- ^ Ayana, Gray. "Beasts of Prey". School Library Journal. Retrieved 2021-11-13.
- ^ Clancy, Sean (2021-09-27). "Little Rock author Ayana Gray's 'Beasts of Prey' to become Netflix film". Arkansas Online. Retrieved 2021-11-13.