Beasts of War

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.