Reviews

Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko

tamtasticbooks's review against another edition

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adventurous dark 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

4.75

anayaix's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful sad tense fast-paced

4.25

peterparker's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging 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

I highlighted so many passages in this book because there were so many impactful moments. I'm so glad this was highly recommend and I took a chance on it. 

Raybearer is a young adult fantasy that follows Tarisai. Tarisai is set up for a harrowing future when she is young. Her mother The Lady sets her up on a path of vengeance and revenge but will Tarisai follow the commands forced upon her or make her own way? 

I love the magic present in this book it is set up in such a wonderful way. As you learn about the way in which this world works you also in tandem learn more about the magical elements. I love the way this book is written. So much care and thought went into every aspect of this book and it shows. I'm so glad this is young adult and that romance is there but isn't a detriment to the themes of the story instead it enhances it. I know this book is popular but I wish more people talked about it because it's so good. 

as120's review against another edition

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5.0

4.5 stars

This was an amazing book. It's been a while since I've read and enjoyed YA fantasy which is sad because that has historically been my favourite genre, but I loved this.

Thematically I loved this book, its about love, family, friendship, duty, and finding the power in yourself (especially as a woman). The characters are all interesting and loveable.

Plotwise this book was great, I was engrossed the whole time and looking forward to what was happening next. I also loved the worldbuilding, it was a big part of what made this story so enjoyable, the richness of the different cultures, and the intriguing nature of the political systems, and just generally the very rich world that Ifueko created.

My only criticism is that I didn't really feel like I fully understood the main character, even though you follow her for a good portion of her life I didn't feel like I saw where she came from personality-wise. I felt like her motivations were often told rather than shown. That said, this is only a minor quibble, and I wouldn't want this to put anyone off reading this book which is amazing. I may not have fully seen the development of her character but I did nonetheless love her as a character. This book is also richest in all the relationships she has with other characters and the way those were depicted was fully fleshed and really made the story what it is.

I am looking forward to reading the next book, I can't wait to see where Ifueko takes these characters!

keeperkaylab's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced

2.5

tjwallace04's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

starborns's review against another edition

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3.0

ambition was greater than the execution

barbwess85's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful inspiring tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

bluejaybooks's review against another edition

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Enjoyed this one. Though I have to admit that it's starting to get noticeable when I read YA books that I'm no longer part of the intended audience. But that's my problem, not this book's.

A whimsical fantasy adventure with a determined heroine. Definitely a must read for YA fantasy lovers.

thebooktender's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional inspiring fast-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

3.75