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kylieqrada's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
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
I haven't been picking up YA fantasy as much lately, but I am so glad that I grabbed this one. I probably would have loved it just for the asexual rep, but it is actually just an all-around really good book as well. The world-building and character development that Ms. Ifueko was able to accomplish in such a relatively short novel is incredible, and definitely sets the stage for the second installment in the series. The use of time jumps within the narrative allows the author to provide a good amount of back story for Tarisai without getting bogged down, and keeps the story moving along. While I definitely felt that the characters were the main draw for me personally, the plot had just enough intrigue and twists and turns to keep me hooked. A very enjoyable reading experience overall.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Grief, Medical content, Medical trauma, Misogyny, Sexism, Slavery, Violence, Child death, Genocide, and Murder
ninjamuffin's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Misogyny, Death of parent, and Emotional abuse
peachani's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
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
4.5
"No, we don't deserve the burdens that our parents gave us. But we can't defeat monsters that we won't face."
A fantastic novel about love, duty and desire: how they can shape - or distort - who we are and who we become.
I found that the story picked up in Part 2, and from then on, I was engaged. Ifueko reveals mysteries bit by bit, which made me want to keep reading till the end. (Confession: I almost tapped out at around 90% because I thought the main story was over and everything else was filler. I am glad I continued, not only because that wasn't the case, but also because Jordan Ifueko writes nicely!)
I tried to figure out what was going on, which I don't actively do, usually... and I was wrong as hell, which I appreciate. 😂
Also of note:
- Cool to see ace representation as well, though I cannot judge whether it is 100% accurate
- The description of Tarisai's loneliness, particularly in the first book resonated with me, as a child who was often left to her own devices. Unlike Tarisai, though, I was able to make and keep friends at school and in my neighborhood.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Confinement, Death, and Genocide
Moderate: Blood, Bullying, Child abuse, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Misogyny, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Minor: Grief, Kidnapping, Rape, Sexual content, Slavery, and Torture
leahsbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
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
4.5
I listened to the audiobook version of this, and I’m so glad that I did! The narrator, Joniece Abbott-Pratt, was such a great choice to read this, and listening to it allowed me to hear the beautiful songs and chants incorporated into the story. If you get the chance to read this as an audiobook, I strongly suggest it.
I honestly fell in love with this book. The beautiful, lyrical writing made it easy to lose myself in the world of Aritsar. I was stunned at how incredible the world building was — there are so many different regions, and each one has its own magic, culture, customs, and traditions. Since Tarisai grew up in such an isolated environment, it felt as though I was experiencing all the wonders of Aritsar with her as she was exposed to them.
Another thing that made this book feel so real was the quality of the relationships that Tarisai developed throughout the story. As someone who grew up in with so few people around her, dreaming of family and friends, there was such a strong theme of found family. I liked Dayo’s character, but nothing really came close to Kirah and Sanjeet, in my opinion. No matter what happened, they had her back and built her up. I would have liked to get to know more of the other 11, though. I felt like we didn’t really get to know them at all, but honestly, that was my only criticism of the entire book.
The story is set in an African-inspired world, and while I’ve read a few in the last year or so, this one definitely set itself apart. It incorporates cultural elements and the setting seamlessly, weaving elements of mythology and magic to create something fascinating and completely new, representing the 12 tribes of Aritsar. The world that this book is set in has become a place that I want to visit and travel around in. I’m always in awe of the imagination it takes to develop not just a book, but a world that draws readers in this strongly.
That ending left me wanting more right away. It’s a bit of a cliffhanger, but still gave me a sense of closure. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book, because I seriously need to find out what happens next in this world!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Murder, and Violence
annalisaely's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
The world building is fascinating with 12 different sections of the main character's home empire each with their own cultures, languages, and values, as well as a magic system along the lines of Pixie Hollow Talents with a side of blood magic and deals with demons. I loved the complicated main character with her conflicting motivations and ideals as well as the adorably sweet emperor to be and the precious love interest. I look forward to diving further into the politics in the next book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Grief, Misogyny, and Sexism
mar's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
5.0
TALENTED BRILLIANT INCREDIBLE AMAZING SHOW-STOPPING SPECTACULAR. QUITE POSSIBLY THE BEST YA FANTASY I'VE READ IN YEARS. I AM IN LOVE ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, and Misogyny
Moderate: Blood, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Grief, Murder, and Violence
Minor: Rape
kenziewol's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
I LOVED this book! It was such a good read and is easily one of my favorite books and honestly my top read of 2021 so far. This book was so engaging and I absolutely loved the world, the characters, the magic system and the plot.
The world building was really well done in my opinion. This world fascinated me and left me wanting to know so much more about the lore and history. I loved the way the magic system worked and found it super interesting and different from anything I had read before, it felt fresh and I really liked that about it. The characters were also all super lovable and I enjoyed watching them grow and develop throughout the story.
Overall I just felt this was a really good book that told an amazing story and I cannot wait until book two is in my hands. Basically, GO READ THIS BOOK!
The world building was really well done in my opinion. This world fascinated me and left me wanting to know so much more about the lore and history. I loved the way the magic system worked and found it super interesting and different from anything I had read before, it felt fresh and I really liked that about it. The characters were also all super lovable and I enjoyed watching them grow and develop throughout the story.
Overall I just felt this was a really good book that told an amazing story and I cannot wait until book two is in my hands. Basically, GO READ THIS BOOK!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, and Misogyny
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, Misogyny, and Violence
Minor: Rape and Sexual assault
agradstudentreadsforfun's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Grief, and Misogyny
beautifulpaxielreads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, and Racism
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Rape
rorikae's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
In ‘Raybearer,’ Jordan Ifueko creates a lush fantasy world filled with a fascinating history. The story follows Tarisai, who grows up in a house in the middle of the desert without a clear idea of who she is. Her mother, The Lady, has provided her with tutors and pushed her forward but toward what goal Tarisai does not know. Until her mother reveals that she is to be sent to the capital to compete to be part of the crown prince’s council, to ingratiate herself into his good graces so she can kill him. But there is still much about Tarisai and her world’s past that she has yet to discover.
Raybearer is a fantastic YA fantasy. Ifueko has created not only a lush world with a fascinating magic and political system but she has also populated it with incredible characters. It’s hard to chose who are my favorites, though Tarisai, as the main character, does stand out. Each character is fully formed and complex, dealing with a host of different issues that made them jump off the page. The plot is full of twists and turns though Ifueko does a great job of alternating between moments of quiet character growth and fast paced action. The care with which each detail is laid out in this world paired with engaging and evocative prose, made it sing. If you’re looking for an engaging fantasy story set in a unique world, please pick up Raybearer. It’s absolutely phenomenal and I can’t wait to get to learn more and spend more time with these characters in book 2.
Raybearer is a fantastic YA fantasy. Ifueko has created not only a lush world with a fascinating magic and political system but she has also populated it with incredible characters. It’s hard to chose who are my favorites, though Tarisai, as the main character, does stand out. Each character is fully formed and complex, dealing with a host of different issues that made them jump off the page. The plot is full of twists and turns though Ifueko does a great job of alternating between moments of quiet character growth and fast paced action. The care with which each detail is laid out in this world paired with engaging and evocative prose, made it sing. If you’re looking for an engaging fantasy story set in a unique world, please pick up Raybearer. It’s absolutely phenomenal and I can’t wait to get to learn more and spend more time with these characters in book 2.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Misogyny
Minor: Emotional abuse