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melliedm's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
A fantastic follow up to Raybearer that delivers on the promises set in the first book.
In Redemptor, Tarisai must balance the guilt she carries over her past, present, and possible futures with her convictions about what the world could be. We see into the darkness of her own mind (metaphorically) as the supernatural abiku put their plans into motion, and see whether she will become her own or not.
My only complaint is the same as in book 1: the weird age-gap relationship of two side characters.The age gap is lampshaded in this one (a 17 y/o and a 25 y/o), and “put on ice” as if were. It remained the awkward standout in an otherwise truly fantastic YA duology.
In Redemptor, Tarisai must balance the guilt she carries over her past, present, and possible futures with her convictions about what the world could be. We see into the darkness of her own mind (metaphorically) as the supernatural abiku put their plans into motion, and see whether she will become her own or not.
My only complaint is the same as in book 1: the weird age-gap relationship of two side characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Bullying, and Classism
Moderate: Sexual content, Ableism, Misogyny, Slavery, Murder, War, Child death, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Adult/minor relationship and Pregnancy
friendly_neighborhood_grandma's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Jordan Ifueco is an absolutely brilliant author. I cannot fathom how this story came out of her imagination. so neatly tied every loose end in my opinion. a perfect end to this incredible duology. I love that she wasn't afraid to create the ojiji as blunt and cruel as they are. Anything else I say is un needed. love jordan ifueco.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Ableism, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Grief, Bullying, Child abuse, Death, Murder, Gaslighting, Gore, Colonisation, Death of parent, and Emotional abuse
eni_iilorak's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, War, Classism, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Death, Violence, Panic attacks/disorders, and Medical content
Moderate: Ableism, Death of parent, Grief, Classism, Blood, Sexism, Slavery, Bullying, and Child abuse
Minor: Abandonment, Confinement, Drug use, and Sexual content
emily_mh's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book took everything I loved about Raybearer and made it better. It was once again SO original and so refreshing. I cold never tell where it was going next, but not in a directionless plot kind of way - in a subverting the YA fantasy genre kind of way. I loved Tarisai even more in this instalment: how deeply she loved others, and the way she struggled to make sense of the world yet still tried her utmost to do right by it. This book also improved on something I didn’t like in Raybearer: the time jumps. In this there were far less, so the narrative flowed cohesively.
Redemptor as a book says so much, and I loved each and every theme it delved into. The narrative explores the evils of capitalism. It shows how justice is a marathon and not a sprint; that there must be self-care so that you can continue to contribute. It even illustrates that guilt is not an adequate motive for fighting for justice. This quote on this subject was my favourite from the book:
“Don’t confuse guilt with conviction. Guilt is self-centred, and leads only to destructive obsession. But conviction brings balance - a sense of purpose beyond oneself.”
Redemptor also examines the paradox of sacrificing your values to create a society BASED on your values. It questions what power should look like, and what must be done to achieve that. Overall, I loved that the book challenged the systems that are part-and-parcel of “traditional” (usually white and Western) YA fantasy world-building, namely monarchy and capitalism.
I was initially going to give this book 4.5 stars, not 5. This was because I thought the love triangle was unnecessary and also that I wish Dayo had had more of an active role. But after reading that ending… I knew that nothing less than 5 stars would suffice. It was so satisfying and so well suited. It made me sob MULTIPLE times. It was perfect. Needless to say I can’t wait to see what Ifueko puts out next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Child death, and Death
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Violence, Death of parent, Child abuse, Grief, Abandonment, Emotional abuse, Murder, and Blood
Minor: Body shaming, Suicide, Vomit, Ableism, Sexual content, Alcohol, Misogyny, Sexism, War, Adult/minor relationship, Fire/Fire injury, and Animal death
Moderate: capital punishment, loss of a loved one, neglect, volcano, Minor: flood, earthquake, mass deathhollyk's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I can't help but feel a bit disappointed by this book. I wanted to love it--I loved Raybearer and thought it was so unique and loved all of the diversity.
But this book lacked some of the charm of the first book--namely, Dayo's council, who barely make an appearance before going back to their home realms. And in their place we have Tarisai creating a whole new council of people that to be frank, I had no real interest or investment in with the exception of Min Ja.
It also seems like the empire still isn't really fair? Like sure,Nyamba underwent a revolution and became a more egalitarian state with no poverty, but Tarisai (and Dayo) didn't really keep that same energy when it came to Aritsar as a whole--sure, the Ray can now be passed to anyone at any time, but that doesn't really change the fact that other realms have poverty and the capital has the majority of the resources, which aren't being redistributed like Nyamba did . Nyamba also isn't a focal realm in the first book as far as I can remember, so it felt like this choice was less impactful than it could have been.
The Redemptor arc was only the fifth section, and the previous book seemed to imply that it would be a major part of this book--but at the end of the day, it was barely a factor and could have been a much larger portion with more significance, especially in regards tothe Redemptor children and the abiku's army. That plot line felt too easily wrapped up when it was a major point of contention in the first book.
I still enjoyed this book, the writing is beautiful and the characters are great, but there were just some elements that left me wanting more.
But this book lacked some of the charm of the first book--namely, Dayo's council, who barely make an appearance before going back to their home realms. And in their place we have Tarisai creating a whole new council of people that to be frank, I had no real interest or investment in with the exception of Min Ja.
It also seems like the empire still isn't really fair? Like sure,
The Redemptor arc was only the fifth section, and the previous book seemed to imply that it would be a major part of this book--but at the end of the day, it was barely a factor and could have been a much larger portion with more significance, especially in regards to
I still enjoyed this book, the writing is beautiful and the characters are great, but there were just some elements that left me wanting more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Mental illness, and Death
Moderate: Sexism, Child abuse, Blood, Violence, Alcohol, Classism, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Bullying, Ableism, Fire/Fire injury, and Grief
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, War, and Alcoholism
brokenbodybitch's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
This book was somehow even better than Raybearer and that was a very easy 5 stars; I do want to preface this one with an added warning that if you have any issues with intrusive thoughts or feelings of not being enough you should go into this book with caution, it may be immaculate, but it also took me 12 days to be able to finish and normally it’s a few days max. However, Jordan Ifueko is very easily an auto-buy after this duology. Also sorry this is a long one...
*SPOILERS PAST THIS POINT YOU’VE BEEN WARNED*
At this point I don’t think I can say a bad thing about the duology, the writing was so detailed and layered that I yet again can’t figure out where to start; the dynamics between Tarisai, her childhood and her mother, and how it continues into this second book or, even what other character to talk about and what I enjoyed about them and their relationship with Tar, Dayo and other council members or… maybe the way intrusive thoughts, self doubt and other terrible thoughts are able to manifest in these more tangible forms in a way that is truly horrific yet I can’t help but give 5 stars because it is genuinely immaculate and spot on.
Jordan Ifueko has truly masted the art of giving enough depth to characters, no matter how much of a focus they are; they are given the perfect amount of history and backstory in the moment or leading up to events, that no matter the character or sequence of events, each character you read about has layers and nuance to them. I genuinely hated certain characters, like as ‘people’ but the depth they are given, make you at minimum have some level of understanding for the situation that they find themselves in, so even if you think someone is a piece of shit you are still some level invested in their trauma or their story of what lead them to this path and why they became that way, which is a talent.
There’s also this depth to the relationships between characters which I really loved reading; the aspects of found family are explored so much more in this book and the discussions of what counts as love are really interesting. You see them not only trying to figure out the balance 1 on 1 but, they are also trying to find their place in the council itself. Most notable relationships I enjoyed the dynamics of were the ones between: Tar & Sanjeet, Tar & Zuri and, Tar and Min Ja. Tar and Sanjeet have this cozy and warm love that radiates the feeling of a hug which contrasts so well with her relationship with Zuri that is a lot more fire-y and abrasive. Tar and Zuri have this dynamic where they will cause the other to burn brighter but they may also burn each other to the ground - a harsher expression, where as Tar & Sanjeet is much more of a supportive, softer kind of love. I also had to add, how much I enjoyed the plot line with Min Ja because it is a very challenging start to their connection and it gets a little rocky for a while but ultimately they end up loving each other and having a very adorable dynamic. A line I love is when Tar goes…
“in the words of my council sister Queen Min Ja,” I whispered back, “that’s what makes me so popular”
I don’t know it was just really sweet how she ended up having such an impactful moment with her after how they started.
I must say though, the ojiji spirits and the abiku are straight up fucking nightmare fuel, they will and have been in my nightmares for a bit…but at the same time I can not help but admire how well it was done. The way these terrifying spirits are written is a painfully accurate analogy for what it is like to have these deep feelings of not being enough, that manifest as intrusive thoughts but in this case, it’s manifesting as these oh so lovely creatures that, I will let you read the descriptions of because I physically shuddered when I read it. The creep factor aside I really do love the way these spirits and her time in the underworld were done, as for me at least, it was a fantastic way to show these awful thoughts, that loop in your head and when they tend get worse, along with generally some of the effects of trauma; but in a less direct way by using these things outside of just mental ‘thought loops’.
I really really love what happened with Tarisai and her mom in the underworld, it was very satisfying to read Tar walking away that final time, and it was like second hand therapeutic tbh. The way Jordan Ifueko shaped the underworld is very interesting yet terrifying; the idea you must walk though your regrets and all these hard things was truly immaculately done. From the scene with the Abiku masking itself Zuri and her only recognizing it because he can’t physically touch her without her asking (that shattered my heart just a bit...), to her animal guide in the underworld, to ‘The Lady’ pretending to help her but leading her to her death, to those fucking stairs of mirrors, that show you versions of yourself and life that tempt you into the mirrors…. Damn is literally all I have to say.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Acephobia/Arophobia, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Child death, Abandonment, Death of parent, Mental illness, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Ableism, and Violence
mental illness - heavy on intrusive thoughts *these are only ones that I caught/remembered please do not take this as the end all be all*lisa_m's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was everything I wanted from the conclusion of this series.
Raybearer was one of my favourite books this year so naturally I was super excited for the sequel.
I feel like most of the praise I have for this book would just be me repeating my last review.. but still:
There are strong friendships, self doubts, goals, betrayal, righteousness and justice, power structures and questioning of the way things are run.
There is a great mixture between political, mystical and emotional content.
I loved the setting, the characters and it is amazingly connected. The ending was something I did not expect and I was wondering throughout the entire book how the whole story will tie up. The author didn't change the characters personalities and everything made sense while still being quite idealistic.
I don't think I can say much more without spoiling this book for anyone who hasn't read it. I can only say that I HIGHLY recommend this Duology and it is a clear 5 star book. This is how you do a conclusion to a series!!
I just want to write down a list of things I really liked about these books / that inspired me :
- dangerous magic is called 'the pale arts'
- power structures like royalty, though presented are criticised
- the solving of the problems of the empire is one that (in a magical world) would actually work
- everything is really well thought out
- the characters remain consistent in their traits and characteristics throughout the books
- the use of song and music
- the different 'hollows' and how they each got used
- the concept of pure love even if it is just platonic
- asexual representation
- compassionate partners and understanding without pressure
- realistic fights and issues that are not purely made up but would realistically happen in those situations
- self doubt in the form of ghostly figures and the journey from believing them because they do speak true sometimes to seeing how they undermined ones self worth and confidence
- toxic relationships with parents and how sometimes we may love someone even if they were toxic and that we can love someone deeply and still decide to sever ties
- that some people never change and if they tell you who they are, you should believe them
- it doesn't make you weak to believe in justice or fairness
- you could love anyone if you knew their whole story, their pain, wishes, hopes and dreams. Loving someone is knowing someone. Even the parts they don't love about themselves.
- not everyone is destined for greatness but everyone can play a part in something great
- your past does not define you. You are more than your parents and more than your past choices.
- if you are going through hardship, remember the ones you love and let them guide you through
- I thought it was so interesting how Tarisai explained why she deserved to live. It was such a strong statement.
- you have to be able to live for yourself. You can't live for other people.
- you have to find a passion but don't let it consume you. You are more than what you can do.
- let people who love you, love you. We don't control who loves us, how much or why. We can only let them.
- let others help you. Asking for help is strong. You don't have to do everything on your own. Even if your thoughts tell you that no one understand you, still try to talk to the people you love. They just want to help and understand you.
Raybearer was one of my favourite books this year so naturally I was super excited for the sequel.
I feel like most of the praise I have for this book would just be me repeating my last review.. but still:
There are strong friendships, self doubts, goals, betrayal, righteousness and justice, power structures and questioning of the way things are run.
There is a great mixture between political, mystical and emotional content.
I loved the setting, the characters and it is amazingly connected. The ending was something I did not expect and I was wondering throughout the entire book how the whole story will tie up. The author didn't change the characters personalities and everything made sense while still being quite idealistic.
I don't think I can say much more without spoiling this book for anyone who hasn't read it. I can only say that I HIGHLY recommend this Duology and it is a clear 5 star book. This is how you do a conclusion to a series!!
I just want to write down a list of things I really liked about these books / that inspired me :
- dangerous magic is called 'the pale arts'
- power structures like royalty, though presented are criticised
- the solving of the problems of the empire is one that (in a magical world) would actually work
- everything is really well thought out
- the characters remain consistent in their traits and characteristics throughout the books
- the use of song and music
- the different 'hollows' and how they each got used
- the concept of pure love even if it is just platonic
- asexual representation
- compassionate partners and understanding without pressure
- realistic fights and issues that are not purely made up but would realistically happen in those situations
- self doubt in the form of ghostly figures and the journey from believing them because they do speak true sometimes to seeing how they undermined ones self worth and confidence
- toxic relationships with parents and how sometimes we may love someone even if they were toxic and that we can love someone deeply and still decide to sever ties
- that some people never change and if they tell you who they are, you should believe them
- it doesn't make you weak to believe in justice or fairness
- you could love anyone if you knew their whole story, their pain, wishes, hopes and dreams. Loving someone is knowing someone. Even the parts they don't love about themselves.
- not everyone is destined for greatness but everyone can play a part in something great
- your past does not define you. You are more than your parents and more than your past choices.
- if you are going through hardship, remember the ones you love and let them guide you through
- I thought it was so interesting how Tarisai explained why she deserved to live. It was such a strong statement.
- you have to be able to live for yourself. You can't live for other people.
- you have to find a passion but don't let it consume you. You are more than what you can do.
- let people who love you, love you. We don't control who loves us, how much or why. We can only let them.
- let others help you. Asking for help is strong. You don't have to do everything on your own. Even if your thoughts tell you that no one understand you, still try to talk to the people you love. They just want to help and understand you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Child death, Classism, Murder, Death, War, Body horror, and Abandonment
overbooked207's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
📖 Redemptor by Jordan Ifueko Book Review 📖
1st book of February 2022 and 11th of the year:
I absolutely LOVED this duology, and this was such a perfect conclusion to the story! Once again, the writing, story, and world building were beautiful, immersive, and expansive; the audiobook was beautifully done; the characters were strong, badass, caring, and new favorites of all time, and I love them with all my heart; the representation was great; the quotes and themes were fantastic and important; and I loved the found family aspect so much! These books are definitely two of my new favorite books of all time, and I want everyone to read them! Also, they’re getting adapted, and I couldn’t be more excited! TW for death, murder, blood, war, anxiety, panic attacks, parental neglect and abuse, drug & alcohol use, ableism, suicidal thoughts, negative self image, grief, gaslighting, injuries, misogyny, and violence📚💜🏳️🌈
1st book of February 2022 and 11th of the year:
I absolutely LOVED this duology, and this was such a perfect conclusion to the story! Once again, the writing, story, and world building were beautiful, immersive, and expansive; the audiobook was beautifully done; the characters were strong, badass, caring, and new favorites of all time, and I love them with all my heart; the representation was great; the quotes and themes were fantastic and important; and I loved the found family aspect so much! These books are definitely two of my new favorite books of all time, and I want everyone to read them! Also, they’re getting adapted, and I couldn’t be more excited! TW for death, murder, blood, war, anxiety, panic attacks, parental neglect and abuse, drug & alcohol use, ableism, suicidal thoughts, negative self image, grief, gaslighting, injuries, misogyny, and violence📚💜🏳️🌈
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Torture, Grief, Abandonment, Ableism, Blood, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Suicidal thoughts, Child abuse, Confinement, Murder, Misogyny, Violence, War, Death, Classism, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexism
booksthatburn's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
REDEMPTOR is a story of love, friendship, promises, and exploitation as Tarisai strives to end, once and for all, the cycles of poverty and violence that have heretofore been the social and economic underpinnings of the Empire.
In the first half, because Tarisai needs to get her own council it felt like she was doing again something we already saw the first time around. Much of the early book is figuring out what she needs to do, accepting that it's really the same thing that happened in book one and then doing it, which made it the pacing drag for me. Also by adding a second council of equal number to the first, it made the character list feel enormous and meant I had trouble feeling like I got to know more than a handful. I'm not new to large casts in fantasy, but normally there's more stratification in how important they are to the main character(s). In this, there was text telling me how important they all were, but not enough room to show scenes of all of them being very important in a way that showed that connection rather than just telling.
The second half is where it really shines, with answers to what was plaguing her in the first half, events moving more quickly, and a really fantastic ending to the duology. It proposes to answer immensely complicated questions in a very small space and finds a resolution to them which fits this context and characters. In a world where the Ray exists, it's a good answer.
The Underworld is interesting and well-described, the worldbuilding really shines there even though it's a relatively short section. The rest of the worldbuilding is very robust, with special care given to the descriptions of clothing from various parts of the Empire. It feels like a lived-in world, even in the small part of it that the story has time to cover directly.
This wraps up a very major thing left hanging from RAYBEARER. It has a storyline which starts here and wasn't present before, with several major things that are both introduced and resolved in this volume. It is the last book of the duology and it wraps up pretty much everything left hanging while also giving a vision of what the basic trajectory is for these characters after the book is over. It feels finished, which is good since there aren't any more planned in the series. The main character is the same as before, Tarisai, and her voice is consistent in this book. This wouldn't make a lot of sense if someone started here without reading RAYBEARER. This is book two of a two-part series, so please start with RAYBEARER. There's enough explanation that someone could probably get settled enough to enjoy the ride after the first 20%, but really it needs the first book to be whole.
In the first half, because Tarisai needs to get her own council it felt like she was doing again something we already saw the first time around. Much of the early book is figuring out what she needs to do, accepting that it's really the same thing that happened in book one and then doing it, which made it the pacing drag for me. Also by adding a second council of equal number to the first, it made the character list feel enormous and meant I had trouble feeling like I got to know more than a handful. I'm not new to large casts in fantasy, but normally there's more stratification in how important they are to the main character(s). In this, there was text telling me how important they all were, but not enough room to show scenes of all of them being very important in a way that showed that connection rather than just telling.
The second half is where it really shines, with answers to what was plaguing her in the first half, events moving more quickly, and a really fantastic ending to the duology. It proposes to answer immensely complicated questions in a very small space and finds a resolution to them which fits this context and characters. In a world where the Ray exists, it's a good answer.
The Underworld is interesting and well-described, the worldbuilding really shines there even though it's a relatively short section. The rest of the worldbuilding is very robust, with special care given to the descriptions of clothing from various parts of the Empire. It feels like a lived-in world, even in the small part of it that the story has time to cover directly.
This wraps up a very major thing left hanging from RAYBEARER. It has a storyline which starts here and wasn't present before, with several major things that are both introduced and resolved in this volume. It is the last book of the duology and it wraps up pretty much everything left hanging while also giving a vision of what the basic trajectory is for these characters after the book is over. It feels finished, which is good since there aren't any more planned in the series. The main character is the same as before, Tarisai, and her voice is consistent in this book. This wouldn't make a lot of sense if someone started here without reading RAYBEARER. This is book two of a two-part series, so please start with RAYBEARER. There's enough explanation that someone could probably get settled enough to enjoy the ride after the first 20%, but really it needs the first book to be whole.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Ableism, Child death, Death, Medical trauma, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Violence
Minor: Sexual content and Vomit
betweentheshelves's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was definitely a worthy sequel to Raybearer, which I read last year and loved. This picks up pretty much where that story leaves off, and even though I don't remember a lot about how that book ended, I remembered enough that it wasn't difficult to jump into this one.
Overall, the pace in this book was faster than the first, probably because a lot of the world building happened in the first book. Not only did this sequel expand on what we already know from the first book, but it also gives us more characters to learn to love. Tarisai's arc works so well in this book, as she learns to acknowledge her privilege and work to make things better in the future. All in all, you can tell this is a well thoughout duology that has a home in YA fantasy.
Overall, the pace in this book was faster than the first, probably because a lot of the world building happened in the first book. Not only did this sequel expand on what we already know from the first book, but it also gives us more characters to learn to love. Tarisai's arc works so well in this book, as she learns to acknowledge her privilege and work to make things better in the future. All in all, you can tell this is a well thoughout duology that has a home in YA fantasy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Blood, Child abuse, and Child death
Minor: Ableism, Death of parent, and Suicidal thoughts