Beasts of Ruin

July 1, 2022
Grades 9-12 Gray returns to her captivating world of beasts, secrets, and vengeful gods in this follow-up to Beast of Prey (2021). After the revelations of the first novel, Koffi and Ekon separately set out on a journey to uncover new secrets. Along the way, they learn more about the discrimination against the magic users known as the daraja, and Koffi bonds with other magic users to discover her own magical abilities. This installment boasts a more expansive world with the inclusion of magical creatures and insights into the land's history. Readers who easily lost themselves in Koffi and Ekon's story will devour their continued journey, particularly Gray's attention to world building. She adds depth to Lkossa and the bordering lands by including chapters from an unidentified third perspective that explores the mounting discrimination against magic users. The subtle comparison of the discrimination against the daraja to segregation in the U.S. will resonate with readers as they reflect on the extreme actions human beings will take out of fear. An engaging sequel gearing up for an explosive third book.

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February 1, 2023

Gr 9 Up-In this follow-up to Beasts of Prey, Koffi is now a servant to the god of death and uses her magic in his continental conquest. In Thornkeep, the fog-shrouded domain where she is prisoner, she learns to use her magic powers alongside other daraja. Ekon has been hiding in the jungle city of Lkossa, searching for a way to rescue Koffi before it's too late. Gray's writing balances high stakes with strong narrative voices as she expands on the cast of characters. Themes of heritage, segregation, and erasure all play roles in Ekon and Koffi's growth, and readers will easily draw parallels to the U.S. Civil Rights Movement. VERDICT Recommended for general purchase.

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from June 1, 2022
After a perilous adventure, a disgraced warrior and a newly minted daraja must face the consequences of their actions in this follow-up to Beasts of Prey (2021). Ekon and Koffi return, each having experienced life-altering events that have caused them to reevaluate themselves and their futures. Koffi awakes in Thornkeep, a strange land belonging to Fedu, the god of death. After she freed the Shetani of her splendor, Fedu kidnapped Koffi and secreted her away with other darajas he holds captive for their skills at channeling energy from the earth. Realizing he plans to use her as his weapon, Koffi finds allyship with like-minded darajas who wish to escape: She promises to guide them through the treacherous forest, and in return, they will help her learn about her heritage. Ekon has been hiding in the city of Lkossa with Themba, Koffi's estranged grandmother, since learning shocking truths. He and Themba search for leads as to where Fedu took Koffi, and as they leave Lkossa, they meet a group of spice merchants who agree to let them join their caravan. Ultimately, both Ekon and Koffi will need to rely on their newfound communities to overcome powerful forces. Readers will be entranced as themes of heritage, betrayal, and erasure are brought to life with vivid details in this riveting, fast-paced volume that lives up to its predecessor. All characters are Black. An absorbing story with tantalizing hints of more to come. (map, list of orders) (Fantasy. 14-18)

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