Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Saunders
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Teens battle rogue god in suspenseful adventure.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
When BEASTS OF RUIN begins, Koffi, having saved herself, her city, and her friend from a monster on the loose, is being held prisoner by the god of death. She's in a grand estate surrounded by a mysterious mist. Ekon, exiled from his warrior clan, is hiding out with Koffi's estranged grandmother, preparing to rescue her.
Is It Any Good?
As the second book in the trilogy, this book delivers on a deepened and lushly built world, but is a bit slower-paced. In Beasts of Ruin by Ayana Gray (Beasts of Prey), the likable main characters remain true to their best traits. They are loyal and resourceful; readers will root for them and sympathize with the traumas they endure. Gray's examination of issues of segregation, discrimination, and erasure will have readers making connections to real historical events. Although Beasts of Ruin could be read without its predecessor, the previous is an exciting context-builder that makes this one more enjoyable. Beasts of Prey ends with a cliffhanger that will have readers eager for the third and final installment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the theme of self-sacrifice in Beasts of Ruin. Have you ever put yourself on the line for someone else? Has anyone made a sacrifice for you? How does teamwork require sacrifice?
The characters in Beasts of Ruin, like most of us, continually discover new aspects of themselves and others. How do you balance maintaining your integrity while being open to change and new perspectives?
How do you tell the difference between acting courageously and acting recklessly?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : July 26, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 17
- Number of pages : 496
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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