by Ayana Gray
First published 2021
Koffi works at the Night Zoo in Lkossa, caring for magical creatures to settle her family's debts. When the zoo's master threatens her loved ones, she discovers she possesses mysterious powers. Ekon prepares to join the Sons of the Six warriors like his decorated father, but during his final test, fire disrupts everything. He encounters the Shetani, a monster that has terrorized the city for nearly a century, and meets Koffi, whose abilities drive the beast away. Her power saves his life, but when he lets her escape, his warrior dreams crumble. Ekon decides to hunt the Shetani to restore his honor. Koffi believes capturing the creature could earn enough money to free her family. Each hides their real reasons from the other as they form an uneasy partnership. Together they venture into the Greater Jungle, where wild magic flows and dangers lurk everywhere. Their hunt begins, but they soon question who is pursuing whom in this deadly game.
Genres: adventure, fantasy, action, fantasy-romance
Vibes: atmospheric, dark, emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family, partnership
Setting: Greater Jungle, Lkossa, Night Zoo
474 pages · Hardcover · Nancy Paulsen Books