Beasts of War by Ayana Gray (Penguin) ISBN: 9780241532591 PB RRP $19.99
Reviewed by Melissa Wray
One servant, one warrior. Two friends racing towards
their destiny, but neither understanding what that will be or how that will
change their world.
Everyone carries a past with them. For Koffi, her past
drives her to keep moving forward and find a way to put an end to her former
captor once and for all. Ekon offers unconditional support to Koffi, but his
past drives him in a different way. Unfortunately, his past cannot stay in the
past forever.
Gray has weaved an epic adventure story that is
entwined with power and mythology but through links to ancestry is underpinned
by family and friendship. Koffi is brave, strong and determined to succeed, and
she sets off on an impossible quest. Ekon displays a quiet manner but no less
brave, strong or determined to help Koffi succeed and ensure that each member
of their group remains alive throughout the quest.
Gray paints a beautiful setting with her words throughout
this story. The mystical creatures, the frightening creatures and the support
characters are complimented throughout with time taken by Gry to build a world
with meticulous detail for the reader to be immersed in and enjoy.
The story is mostly told through the two person POV of
Koffi and Ekon. However, a third character, Akande, is included sporadically
that reminds the reader there is a power at play greater that the two younger
characters. The purpose of Akande’s story is kept a mystery throughout, but the
sense of importance does not diminish as the story progresses until the all-important
revelation.
Whilst Beasts of War is the third and final
book in the Beasts of Prey trilogy, this reviewer had not read the first
two books and found it easy to pick up the storyline without having read the
first two books but still enjoy this exciting conclusion.
Inspired by Pan-African mythology, this story will
entertain, excite and enthrall the reader from the flashback beginning until the
action-packed ending.
Beast of War is suitable for a 12+ years readership.
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