PRH Children's snares 'electrifying' YA debut fantasy series by Ayana Gray

Penguin Random House Children’s has acquired a YA fantasy series promising "electrifying adventure" by debut author Ayana Gray, inspired by Pan-African mythology.  

UK and Commonwealth rights were acquired by Asmaa Isse, assistant editor at PRH Children's, and her colleague Ruth Bennett, editorial director, from Penguin Random House US senior director Kim Ryan. 

The first book in the “highly anticipated” YA series, Beasts of Prey, will publish under the Penguin imprint on 6th January 2022 in paperback. It will be available exclusively in e-book, audio and trade paperback from 28th September 2021. 

“Beasts of Prey is a heart-racing and magical adventure that explores destiny, identity and power, in which two teenagers, bound by fate, strike a dangerous alliance to hunt down the ancient creature terrorising their home,” PRH Children’s said. “Suitable for ages 12 and above, Gray’s rich and original fantasy world will delight fans of Ember in the Ashes."

The synopsis reads: "Magic doesn't exist in the broken city of Lkossa anymore, especially for girls like 16-year-old Koffi. Indentured to the notorious Night Zoo, she cares for its fearsome and mythical creatures to pay off her family's debts and secure their freedom. But when her loved ones’ safety is threatened by the Zoo’s cruel master, Koffi unleashes a power she doesn’t fully understand. As the son of a decorated hero, Ekon is all but destined to become an elite warrior. Until a fire at the Night Zoo upends his certain future and, on the brink of his final rite of passage, Ekon is cast out, his reputation left in tatters. The hunt begins – but are they the hunters or the hunted?"

Gray did a degree in African and African American studies which included some time living in Ghana. It was there that she found the inspiration to write Beasts of Prey. 

The Atlanta-born author, who now lives in Florida, said: "I am thrilled to share Beasts of Prey with readers throughout the UK and Commonwealth. It means the world to me that a story so near to my heart will travel to places I have not yet even visited – that feels like true magic. It's especially meaningful to share my book with friends overseas who cheered me on as I wove these words together over the last six years. I'm truly humbled, and so excited.” 

She added: “The bones of the story first formed when I studied abroad in Ghana and had a powerful reckoning with the nuance of my identity as a Black woman of African descent. In many ways, writing Beasts of Prey was a form of catharsis that allowed me to reconcile with a distinct grief while also celebrating the beauty and richness of my heritage. It allowed me to centre story elements I love – like monsters, mythos, and magic – instead of centring Black pain."  

Isse said: “I was completely captivated by Ayana Gray’s exhilarating fantasy and cannot wait to share it with readers. A delicious slow-burn romance and an electrifying adventure all wrapped up in a fresh and intriguing world – Beasts of Prey is destined to be the next YA sensation.”