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4.39 AVERAGE
4.39 AVERAGE
adventurous
mysterious
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:
No
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:
Complicated
I really enjoyed this book. There are so many twists and turns. The stakes are high and it keeps you turning the page. Even though there is a big cast of characters it never felt overwhelming. I was really emotionally invested in Tarisai. I just want the best for her. I really loved how Ifueko weaved all the storylines together. So well done and there was always a storyline that kept you reading on. I really loved the different themes in the book and there were some elements I haven't read before. I'm excited to get my hands on the sequel. 9.14 on CAWPILE TW// death (including parental), domestic abuse, genocide, gore, misogyny, parental abuse (emotional), rape (referenced) , suicide (referenced)
Read for Popsugar: A duology (1)
This book had a really unique magic system - finding power through love but also opening yourself up to sickness should you be parted from that found family. The worldbuildling was super interesting - think Pangea with African nations taking the lead. I loved all the descriptions of clothing and hairstyles, especially.
It tackles some complex issues - resisting familial expectations to find your own purpose, classism, gender equality. I'm excited to see where the next book will pick these up!
Bonus points for ace rep and showing so many types of love.
This book had a really unique magic system - finding power through love but also opening yourself up to sickness should you be parted from that found family. The worldbuildling was super interesting - think Pangea with African nations taking the lead. I loved all the descriptions of clothing and hairstyles, especially.
It tackles some complex issues - resisting familial expectations to find your own purpose, classism, gender equality. I'm excited to see where the next book will pick these up!
Bonus points for ace rep and showing so many types of love.
This is such a rich and immersive story. I loved the characters, the world building, the coming of age and found family themes, along with audio narration that is absolutely stunning.
adventurous
emotional
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
This is a beautiful story about a young woman finding her power outside of the influences of others. I loved experiencing a more diverse fantasy that is not centered around white, western culture. The chemistry between the characters is outstanding. Highly recommend!
This book took a second for me to get into but then I was hooked. It’s an exploration of identity and breaking free of what someone else has dictated for our path. How we find our own truths and purpose. I highly suggest it!
I really enjoyed listening to this book. And I can’t wait to listen to the next one.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
adventurous
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
“Why does everyone hate change so much?" I demanded."Because things could get worse.""Maybe. But do you know what I think?" My chest throbbed. "I think deep down, we're afraid that things could get better. Afraid to ding out that all the evil—all the suffering we ignore—could have been prevented. If only we had cared enough to try.”
➽ I finally got around to reading Raybearer, which was so popular back when it came out! I can see why now, because it's a great Fantasy. I've been getting pickier with what YA Fantasy books I check out and Raybearer convinced me with its immersive, interesting world! The story follows Tarisei who gets sent by her mysterious mother to become part of the Crown Prince's personal Council. However, she is forced to carry out another mission: kill the Prince as soon as she has gained his trust and is part of his Council!
➽ I loved the lush, immersive world! Tarisei and her competitors are from the nations of the Empire Arti, as the council is made up of 11 people of different descent. Tarisei's from Swana and has been sheltered her entire life by an absent, strict mother who's now forcing her to carry out this mission. I loved the idea that she's competing to become part of a Council (instead of competing to marry him), who is connected to him by something called the Ray. The lore behind that was great, as each person joining Prince Dayo gains him immunity against a way to die. Due to the connection, the Council can't stay apart either, as they'll get sick quickly. I thought that dynamic was fascinating! The Council's something far more intimate than simply the Crown's advisors! The only issue I had was that most of Tarisei's fellow council members felt indistinguishable. Apart from Prince Dayo, her best friend Kirah and her love interest Sanjeet, no one had much of a personality and I couldn't tell you a single thing about them
➽ I really enjoyed following Tarisei's journey of becoming a council member and fighting against her mission. She has no idea why her mother wants her to kill the Prince, as she knows him as a kind and compassionate man. I sympathized with Tarisei, as she's forced to obey her mother's command and trying her best to protect her new family. However, there are also dark secrets in the Empire, she's confronted with, making her question if her mother didn't have a good reason after all. The Empire's policy of forced assimilation of different cultures to promote 'unity' is concerning from the start.
➽ I loved how the author explored serious topics with nuance. For example, women are allowed to be on the Council and serve public roles, but there's still misogyny in society. Tarisei's value is always seen relative to the men in her life and her biggest honor is seen as producing the next Raybearer. Women aren't seen as rulers to the point that the only female Raybearer barely got any recognition.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Sexism, Violence, Blood, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Rape, Slavery, Xenophobia, Gaslighting