Ayana Gray.Photo: G.P. Putnam Son’s Books for Young Readers
Stephen Currycan’t wait forbestselling YA author Ayana Gray’s next book— and neither can the rest of her fans!
The 28-year-old author is speaking with PEOPLE aboutBeasts of Ruin, the follow-up to her hit debut,Beasts of Prey, which Curry selected forhis Literati Book Clubin December. Gray is also sharing the new book covers.
“When I began writingBeasts of Preyin May 2015, I didn’t know if anyone would ever meet Koffi and Ekon, or follow their adventure,” Gray tells PEOPLE in an exclusive email Q&A.
“WritingBeasts of Ruinhas been both exciting and daunting because, this time, I wrote it knowing that people are going to read this story,” Gray adds. “That certainly adds a new kind of pressure, but it is also so heartening and motivating!”
G.P. Putnam Son’s Books for Young Readers
Koffi and Ekon’s epic journey continues inBeasts of Ruin, which will be published on July 26. In the second book, Koffi has saved her city, but now must serve the god of death with her magic. Separated from his love Koffi and his home, Ekon rushes to find and save her. Meanwhile, the threat of a dark secret could cost him everything.
“Beasts of Preyends with Koffi and Ekon learning terrible truths, and making difficult decisions,” the author tells PEOPLE. “Beasts of Ruinis a book about the consequences of those truths and decisions. In this story, we are venturing into new worlds, contending with new challenges, and facing new monsters.”
Gray explains that a major theme ofBeasts of Ruinis “heritage.”
“I’ve always believed that we are the summation of our ancestors' choices, and as a Black American woman, this is a sentiment I reflect on often,” Gray explains. “This story sees Koffi and Ekon facing new obstacles, but it also forces them to reckon with their heritage, their roots and the secrets they were perhaps never meant to uncover.”
“They are both uniquely vibrant, enigmatic, and so genuinely capture the tones of each book,” Gray writes. “Of course, what I’m most excited about is the opportunity to feature Koffi and Ekon on both covers. My deepest thanks to artist Elena Masci for illustrating covers that depict unapologetically Black teens full of beauty, strength, resilience, and vulnerability.”
Beasts of Ruinwill hit bookstores on July 26.
source: people.com
