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4.39 AVERAGE
4.39 AVERAGE
adventurous
slow-paced
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
adventurous
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:
No
This book promised some fresh ideas and plenty of culture. But, while it did not disappoint, I was concerned about the 'young adult' tag which so often I find means a good story has been filled with teenage angst, characters the author decided to make 'badass' instead of interesting and flawed, and dialogue that is cringeworthy in its attempt to make those characters seem like cool people who have cool banter. But this book had none of that. It is a story suitable for young adults in that the language is relatively simple, there is no swearing, and scenes of any graphic nature - such as death, injury, or sex - are not described in a graphic way. However for all other elements this novel is incredibly mature. For what is, at it's essence, a coming-of-age story, we are led through a tale that addresses a lot of incredibly complex topics through the eyes of a complex lead character and her complex relationships with her equally complex companions. Nothing is simple in Raybearer and the author does not condescend her audience by spoon-feeding us the subject matter, nor does she demistify the fantastical nature of the world building by spelling out exactly how each element relates to real-world emotions; a trap that I've seen many authors fall into. A true masterclass in showing rather than telling that perfectly incapsulates what it means to 'come of age'
I can’t believe this is a debut because WOW was this a perfect YA fantasy!! It was beautifully written, and felt so poetic! It was just stunning. The pacing was perfect, the plot was engaging, the world was absolutely incredible to be immersed in and had such an interesting magic system. This book was just so unique and felt fresh!! These characters were easy to connect to and root for! I loved how compelling they were despite their flaws and issues. They went through so much but managed to create a beautiful found family. They were vulnerable, had great characteristics but definitely had room to grow and I loved watching them do so throughout the book. I know I will grow to love them even MORE in the next book, and to hate others even more!! I love an author who can make me feel so much irritation towards a character because why do I want to jump in the book and fight them?! All in all this was a perfect start to a fantasy and was one of the best I’ve read. So many important topics were discussed and I loved a lot of the themes throughout as well. I can’t say enough good things about this book just know it was 10000% worth the read and I was captivated from chapter 1 and never lost interest. I am SO glad I already have the next book and will be DEVOURING it tomorrow!
adventurous
emotional
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:
N/A
First of all, I want to apologize to my friends and followers that waited until now for me to read this book. You were all right. Keeping this book in my bookshelf forever unread was a crime without precedents. And yes, you were also right about how amazing it is and I know it’s my fault I didn’t found that sooner. Please forgive me, because I’m in love and that should be punishment enough.
Raybearer is the kind of book that calls to my soul. Its essence, is the kind that makes me feel at home. There is so much to love here, that I don’t know where to start this review. If for how beautifully written is, if for how outstanding its plot is, if for how breathtaking its worldbuilding is… I just don’t know how to make it justice. Because it’s such an unique story, with such depth and detail, full of emotion and important messages woven in it. I was just deeply and gladly, lost in it, trying to find all its secrets and being amazed at every turn and twist.
As any epic story, the characters that gave it life are also unforgettable. Each one of them has its own story and fight, their believes and nightmares, their hopes and dreams. Each one of them are a symbol of a corrupt empire and of a flame starting to burn. Raised to obey, they will question their fate and oh, how great they will be.
A story about imperialism and colonialism, oppression and misogyny, Raybearer is one of the best fantasies I ever read and I can’t wait to know how it will end.
This was a breath of fresh air when it comes to fantasy ya. Solid worldbuilding, interesting political system, fantasy that is not Western-inspired, wonderful vibrant characters, and dilemma's that are actually tough. It was engaging, original, consistent but not predictable or boring, and infused with morality. The main character makes tough decisions, and even when you might've chosen otherwise, you'll still understand why she made the choice she made. Just good storytelling all around (the focus on storytelling in the book is another thing I loved, by the way), and I'm not going to wait a moment before picking up the sequel. I'm very, very invested.
adventurous
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:
Complicated
adventurous
hopeful
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:
No
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:
No