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sapphic_reader's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-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
4.5
Rep:
Black main character
Lesbian character
Asexual character
Black main character
Lesbian character
Asexual character
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, and Violence
Moderate: Child abuse and Child death
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Ableism, Alcohol, and Sexual content
kylieqrada's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
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
4.0
Jordan Ifueko WENT. THERE.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Genocide, Mental illness, Violence, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Drug use, Murder, and War
Minor: Ableism and Suicidal thoughts
ok7a's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Murder, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Child abuse and War
Minor: Death of parent, Genocide, Suicidal thoughts, and Ableism
deedireads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
All my reviews live at https://deedispeaking.com/reads/.
TL;DR REVIEW:
Redemptor (and the Raybearer Duology overall) is just so freakin good, with a rich world, lovable characters, and an adventure I’d go on a hundred times.
For you if: You like YA fantasy, and/or you want to read more African-inspired YA fantasy.
FULL REVIEW:
I read Raybearer earlier this year and was immediately obsessed. Everyone who read it will tell you that it’s incredible. So naturally I jumped at the chance to read Redemptor, the second half of the duology. (Thank you Amulet Books / Abrams for the digital review copy!) And I’m delighted to report that this book absolutely lived up to its predecessor — what a fantastic conclusion.
No spoilers on book one from me, but here’s a quick overview: The duology is about a girl named Tarisai, the daughter of a ruthless woman called The Lady and an alagbato (being of ancient, wish-granting magic) The Lady trapped. Tarisai grows up lonely, and the product of a deadly plot. When she turns 11, she’s sent to the palace to join the crown prince’s council of siblings. Meanwhile, a tenuous child-sacrifice peace treaty with the abiku, underworld beings, is up for renewal. Book one deals mainly with Tarisai’s mother’s plans, and book two deals mainly with the abiku.
I can’t get over how much I loved these books. This is African-inspired YA fantasy at its absolute best. The worldbuilding is rich and layered, with much to say about class and privilege and industrialization and more. The story is an A+ mystery, with lots of plots to unfurl and dots to connect. And the characters are intensely lovable, with great queer (even ace) representation.
All that was true of Raybearer, and it’s true of Redemptor as well. I loved the way Ifueko brought the weight on Tarisai’s shoulders to life, not shying away from her loneliness and inner conflict. I loved the new world-building elements and mythology. I loved the tension between the choice to “die for justice … or live for it.”
I will also say that I had the joy of listening along with the audiobook of Raybearer, but because I read Redemptor early, I didn’t get to listen to that one. I missed it! The audio production was really good, and I recommend supplementing your print copy with audio in both cases.
I absolutely can’t wait to see what Ifueko writes next!
TL;DR REVIEW:
Redemptor (and the Raybearer Duology overall) is just so freakin good, with a rich world, lovable characters, and an adventure I’d go on a hundred times.
For you if: You like YA fantasy, and/or you want to read more African-inspired YA fantasy.
FULL REVIEW:
I read Raybearer earlier this year and was immediately obsessed. Everyone who read it will tell you that it’s incredible. So naturally I jumped at the chance to read Redemptor, the second half of the duology. (Thank you Amulet Books / Abrams for the digital review copy!) And I’m delighted to report that this book absolutely lived up to its predecessor — what a fantastic conclusion.
No spoilers on book one from me, but here’s a quick overview: The duology is about a girl named Tarisai, the daughter of a ruthless woman called The Lady and an alagbato (being of ancient, wish-granting magic) The Lady trapped. Tarisai grows up lonely, and the product of a deadly plot. When she turns 11, she’s sent to the palace to join the crown prince’s council of siblings. Meanwhile, a tenuous child-sacrifice peace treaty with the abiku, underworld beings, is up for renewal. Book one deals mainly with Tarisai’s mother’s plans, and book two deals mainly with the abiku.
I can’t get over how much I loved these books. This is African-inspired YA fantasy at its absolute best. The worldbuilding is rich and layered, with much to say about class and privilege and industrialization and more. The story is an A+ mystery, with lots of plots to unfurl and dots to connect. And the characters are intensely lovable, with great queer (even ace) representation.
All that was true of Raybearer, and it’s true of Redemptor as well. I loved the way Ifueko brought the weight on Tarisai’s shoulders to life, not shying away from her loneliness and inner conflict. I loved the new world-building elements and mythology. I loved the tension between the choice to “die for justice … or live for it.”
I will also say that I had the joy of listening along with the audiobook of Raybearer, but because I read Redemptor early, I didn’t get to listen to that one. I missed it! The audio production was really good, and I recommend supplementing your print copy with audio in both cases.
I absolutely can’t wait to see what Ifueko writes next!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Ableism
Moderate: Violence
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