Looking for a new fantasy trilogy to get into? Well look no further because the first book in a new-found trilogy, ‘Beast of Prey’ by debut author Ayana Gray came out this week. It is one of the most highly anticipated novels of this year that blends “monsters, mythos and #BlackGirlMagic” according to Entertainment Weekly. It is a Young Adult Fantasy Fiction that has gained a lot of buzz mainly for its story concept. 

Before going into the story synopsis, here is some information on the new young writer, Ayana Gray. She loves all things monsters and magic which were her two big drives when brainstorming her ideas for this novel. She is originally from Atlanta but now lives in Florida where she will continue to write the remaining novels to this new trilogy and any future works. She also has her own website where she promotes her work and provides resources to other young writers, helping to get onto the right path into the publishing world. 

“Beast of Prey” is a series opener where a fate tethers two black teenagers together as they strike a threatening alliance to hunt down the ancient creature that is causing a fright in their home while later discovering much more than they bargained for. In the broken city of Lkossa where magic no longer exists, the two teenagers Koffi and Ekon team up on this journey through the unknowns of the “Great Jungle.” 

Koffi is a 16-year-old girl, indentured to the notorious “Night Zoo” where she cares for its fearsome and magical creatures to pay off her family’s debt in hopes for freedom. When threatened one night by the Zoo’s cruel master, she unleashes power that even herself can not seem to comprehend. 

Ekon is destined to be a “Son of the Six,” and by doing so, must become an elite warrior in efforts to uphold the family legacy that rests on his shoulders. Until one night, a fire upends his plans while encountering a vitous monster: the Shetani. A creature that has plagued the city and his dreams for over a century. It is driven away by a girl with an unknown power, stranger to him who ends up being Koffi. Though her power ultimately saves his life, letting her run free may very much risk his chances in becoming an elite warrior. 

This book offers a lot to readers who are fans of the fantasy genre. However, it started receiving major attraction from the announcement of an adaptation being developed by Netflix. The craziest part is how the adaptation was announced before the book released, which helped bump up pre-order sales. In this case, it was already receiving phenomenal feedback from readers with early access and other well known authors. Since this is Gray’s debut, doing this well opens more doors for her future works. If the first book in the trilogy is already getting an adaptation, imagine the possibilities with the remaining books.

There is not much out as of yet regarding the Netflix production, announced Sept. 24. However, it is known to be a feature film, and Melody Cooper (“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”) is set to adapt the screenplay for the film. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Bryan Unkeless’ Clubhouse Pictures will produce with Scott Morgan (“Project Power”) as the executive producer. Fans are very excited to see the series progress and await for more announcements on the way. 

Image from Penguin Teen via YouTube