Beasts Of Prey – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Beasts Of Prey

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2021

89%

WISE Score

A lush, monster-hunting fantasy that trades tired medieval tropes for a magical jungle and high-stakes African mythology.

Beasts Of Prey

book

2021

89%

WISE Score

A lush, monster-hunting fantasy that trades tired medieval tropes for a magical jungle and high-stakes African mythology.

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Screenwise Verdict

Beasts of Prey is a standout in the YA fantasy landscape. It’s got the 'unputdownable' quality of a blockbuster movie but with the depth of a story rooted in real mythology. If your kid is bored of the same three fantasy tropes, this is the reset button they need.

It doesn't shy away from the darker parts of its world—trauma and injustice are baked into the setting—but the focus remains on the agency of the two leads. It's a strong pick for building literacy stamina because the pacing never really lets up.

Age Fit

Perfect for the 12+ crowd. It's sophisticated enough for older teens but accessible enough for mature middle schoolers who have graduated from Rick Riordan.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The emotional core is strong—loyalty and sacrifice—but it deals with heavy themes like indentured servitude and trauma that keep it from being 'light' reading.

Imaginative

The world-building is top-tier, pulling from Pan-African mythology to create a magical jungle and creatures that feel entirely fresh compared to standard Euro-centric fantasy.

Safe

It's a book, so no tech risks. Content-wise, it features monster-related violence and some dark imagery, but nothing outside the norms for modern YA fantasy.

Enriching

Rich vocabulary and complex moral choices. It's a great example of the 'language comprehension' strand of the reading rope, especially as an audiobook.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Vivid world-building that breaks the mold of typical castle-and-knight fantasy settings.
Dual perspectives give readers two distinct, relatable entry points into the story's high-stakes mystery.
Complex themes regarding fate and power that respect the reader's intelligence without being overly preachy.
Fast-paced adventure that makes it a great 'gateway' book for kids who usually find reading a chore.

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What to Watch For

The monster violence can get visceral; there are descriptions of blood and predatory beasts that might be too much for sensitive younger readers.
Themes of indentured servitude and systemic corruption are central to the plot, which might require some context-setting for kids unfamiliar with those concepts.

Conversation Starters

"If you had a secret power that people were afraid of, would you hide it or use it to help?"
"Do you think Koffi and Elowen are more alike or more different in how they handle fear?"
"What did you think of the Greater Jungle? Does it feel like a place you'd want to explore or stay far away from?"
"Why do you think the monster, the Shetani, was so feared by everyone in Lorkas?"

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