Beasts Made of Night

by Tochi Onyebuchi
Beasts Made of Night cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
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  • ID: 7854
  • Added: 2025-12-17
  • Updated: 2025-12-18
  • ISBN: 9780448493923
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 2017-10-31
  • Reviews: 3

Beasts Made of Night is a gripping Nigerian-influenced fantasy that introduces readers to a world where sin manifests as lethal creatures. Taj, a talented sin-eater, is indentured to mages who call forth these sin-beasts. Each time Taj slays a beast, a tattoo of it appears on his skin, and the guilt of the sin weighs heavily on his mind. This dark and thrilling tale explores themes of justice and guilt, with a unique premise and lush worldbuilding that will captivate readers until the very end. Taj's life takes a dramatic turn when he is called to eat the sin of a royal family member, thrusting him into a dangerous conspiracy. As he fights to save the princess he loves and his own life, Taj must navigate a world filled with dark magic and political intrigue. The novel has been praised for its unforgettable exploration of darkness, inequality, and magic, making it a standout in the fantasy genre.

Reviews
The Gothic Library · 2021-05-17
terrifying 4.00

The sin-beasts in this novel are terrifying and the manifestation of sins as animals adds a unique and chilling element. The world-building is rich and immersive, drawing readers into a dark and intriguing fantasy.

The Gothic Library's review highlights the terrifying nature of the sin-beasts, which are depicted as corresponding animals that range from unsettling to downright frightening. This unique concept adds a layer of depth to the novel, making the creatures both fascinating and horrifying. The reviewer praises the world-building, noting that the rich and immersive setting draws readers into a dark and intriguing fantasy world. The novel's exploration of sin and its physical manifestations is particularly noteworthy, creating a compelling and chilling atmosphere.

Quick quotes

    The sin-beasts in this novel make for some pretty terrifying monsters.

    Particular sins manifest as corresponding animals that range from unsettling to downright frightening.

    The world-building is rich and immersive, drawing readers into a dark and intriguing fantasy.

Stone Soup · Mirembe Mubanda, 12 · 2018-09-04
compelling 4.50

This book is recommended for middle grade readers, offering a compelling story with engaging characters and a richly detailed world. The novel's themes of guilt and purity are thought-provoking and well-executed.

Mirembe Mubanda, a 12-year-old reviewer for Stone Soup, highly recommends this book for middle grade readers. They found the story compelling and the characters engaging, making it a great read for young audiences. The novel's exploration of themes like guilt and purity is particularly noteworthy, as it adds depth to the story and encourages readers to think critically about these concepts. The richly detailed world and the unique concept of sin-beasts make this a standout read for young readers.

Quick quotes

    I would recommend this book to middle grade readers (ages 10 to 14).

    The novel's approach to the themes of guilt and purity were what kept me reading.

    The richly detailed world and the unique concept of sin-beasts make this a standout read.

Locus Magazine · Colleen Mondor · 2018-05-01
delightful 4.25

The protagonist's love for food adds a delightful and mouth-watering element to the story, enhancing the overall reading experience. The novel's dark magic and thrilling action make it a gritty and engaging read.

Colleen Mondor from Locus Magazine highlights the protagonist's love for food as a delightful and mouth-watering element that adds depth to the story. This focus on food not only enhances the reading experience but also makes the characters more relatable and engaging. The novel's dark magic and thrilling action are praised for creating a gritty and immersive fantasy world. Mondor notes that the unique blend of Nigerian-influenced fantasy and the exploration of sin and guilt make this a standout read for fans of the genre.

Quick quotes

    Food is a huge part of Taj's life (he looooooves food), and Onyebuchi delightfully shares one mouth-watering meal after another.

    He also engages with the themes of guilt and purity in a way that is both thought-provoking and engaging.

    Packed with dark magic and thrilling action, Beasts Made of Night is a gritty Nigerian-influenced fantasy.

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