Beasts of Prey (novel)

Ayana Gray has stated that she came up with the idea for the novel while studying political violence in college. A few months later she went on a study programme in Ghana, where she stated that she felt happy to connect with her African heritage. In an interview, she said:

"I left Ghana and knew I wanted to write a story in which Black people had the opportunity to be both magical and nuanced."

— Ayana Gray, [5]

Gray began writing the novel, drawing from various folklores of Africa for most of the beasts in the book,[6] immediately after graduating from the University of Arkansas. She worked on the manuscript between 2015 and 2019. She presented the novel to literary agents at #DVPit, a Twitter pitching event. After connecting with an agent, they both revised the draft for a year before submitting it to editors where it was eventually purchased by G. P. Putnam's Sons in a seven-figure deal.[7][5][3]

The novel became a New York Times Bestseller shortly after publication.[8] It received positive reviews from critics. Kirkus Reviews, in its starred review, called the book a "dazzling debut."[9] Publishers Weekly praised the author's prose, writing, "Gray's lush, vivid descriptions enliven the twisting narrative, which is steeped in Pan-African mythology."[10]

Lacy Baugher of Culturess praised the novel's setting, writing in her review that "Beasts of Prey is set in a rich, fascinating fantasy world, populated by intriguing people and creatures alike."[11]

In a starred review for the School Library Journal, India Winslow also praised the novel stating that "With its memorable characters, and a lush, expansive world, Gray's debut is an action-packed adventure that will tug at hearts and keep teens glued to the page, yearning for more."[12]

A few weeks after its publication, it was announced that the novel had been optioned for a film adaptation by Netflix. The adaptation will be produced by Clubhouse Pictures and the screenplay will be written by Melody Cooper.[13][5]