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Cover of BEASTS OF PREY

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BEASTS OF PREY

Ayana Gray

Koffi and Ekon enter the Greater Jungle to hunt the Shetani. (Ages 12 to 17)

Ages 13+Source checked

Why this age? YA fantasy violence, frightening creatures, danger and emotionally weighty themes suit teens more than younger readers; romance and sexual content appear limited. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age13+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character3/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Violence3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Diverse representation4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

The threat of death is a primary motivator for the protagonists; some character deaths occur.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Includes minor descriptions of injuries consistent with creature-hunting and fantasy combat.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Uses occasional mild strong language typical of the young adult genre.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

LGBTQIA+ representation appears limited and is not central to the main story or relationships.

Religious themes2/5
Why this rating?

Integrates elements of mythology and spiritual tradition drawn from various African cultures.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Includes a burgeoning relationship between the two main characters, but it is secondary to the plot.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

The magical jungle, predatory creatures and pursuit by the Shetani create sustained tension and frightening situations.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

No explicit sexual content or nudity.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Substance use is minimal or incidental, with no strong focus on drinking, smoking, or drug use.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

The central quest involves pursuing a murderous creature, dangerous beasts and action-oriented peril; violence is a recurring adventure element.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

The two teenagers deliberately enter a dangerous magical jungle to confront a murderous threat, making bravery central to the plot.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

The novel strongly stimulates imagination through an expansive magical world, inventive creatures and mythology-inspired worldbuilding.

Diverse representation4/5
Why this rating?

Features Black protagonists in a world explicitly inspired by African folklore and mythology.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Incidental exposure to various elements of African folklore and cultural motifs.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Characters demonstrate empathy and cooperation as they learn to trust one another.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on self-discovery, the importance of heritage, and the courage to challenge systemic injustice.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Protagonists show agency, resilience, and personal growth despite their difficult circumstances.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in BEASTS OF PREY would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in BEASTS OF PREY, and what caused that change?
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