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e_claire's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
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? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death
Moderate: War and Sexism
rhm04's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Murder, Blood, Child death, Death, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, and War
Moderate: Sexual content
jupiterlee's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Xenophobia, Mental illness, Murder, Misogyny, Genocide, War, Violence, and Panic attacks/disorders
lisa_m's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
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
5.0
This was everything I wanted from the conclusion of this series.
Raybearer was one of my favourite books this year so naturally I was super excited for the sequel.
I feel like most of the praise I have for this book would just be me repeating my last review.. but still:
There are strong friendships, self doubts, goals, betrayal, righteousness and justice, power structures and questioning of the way things are run.
There is a great mixture between political, mystical and emotional content.
I loved the setting, the characters and it is amazingly connected. The ending was something I did not expect and I was wondering throughout the entire book how the whole story will tie up. The author didn't change the characters personalities and everything made sense while still being quite idealistic.
I don't think I can say much more without spoiling this book for anyone who hasn't read it. I can only say that I HIGHLY recommend this Duology and it is a clear 5 star book. This is how you do a conclusion to a series!!
I just want to write down a list of things I really liked about these books / that inspired me :
- dangerous magic is called 'the pale arts'
- power structures like royalty, though presented are criticised
- the solving of the problems of the empire is one that (in a magical world) would actually work
- everything is really well thought out
- the characters remain consistent in their traits and characteristics throughout the books
- the use of song and music
- the different 'hollows' and how they each got used
- the concept of pure love even if it is just platonic
- asexual representation
- compassionate partners and understanding without pressure
- realistic fights and issues that are not purely made up but would realistically happen in those situations
- self doubt in the form of ghostly figures and the journey from believing them because they do speak true sometimes to seeing how they undermined ones self worth and confidence
- toxic relationships with parents and how sometimes we may love someone even if they were toxic and that we can love someone deeply and still decide to sever ties
- that some people never change and if they tell you who they are, you should believe them
- it doesn't make you weak to believe in justice or fairness
- you could love anyone if you knew their whole story, their pain, wishes, hopes and dreams. Loving someone is knowing someone. Even the parts they don't love about themselves.
- not everyone is destined for greatness but everyone can play a part in something great
- your past does not define you. You are more than your parents and more than your past choices.
- if you are going through hardship, remember the ones you love and let them guide you through
- I thought it was so interesting how Tarisai explained why she deserved to live. It was such a strong statement.
- you have to be able to live for yourself. You can't live for other people.
- you have to find a passion but don't let it consume you. You are more than what you can do.
- let people who love you, love you. We don't control who loves us, how much or why. We can only let them.
- let others help you. Asking for help is strong. You don't have to do everything on your own. Even if your thoughts tell you that no one understand you, still try to talk to the people you love. They just want to help and understand you.
Raybearer was one of my favourite books this year so naturally I was super excited for the sequel.
I feel like most of the praise I have for this book would just be me repeating my last review.. but still:
There are strong friendships, self doubts, goals, betrayal, righteousness and justice, power structures and questioning of the way things are run.
There is a great mixture between political, mystical and emotional content.
I loved the setting, the characters and it is amazingly connected. The ending was something I did not expect and I was wondering throughout the entire book how the whole story will tie up. The author didn't change the characters personalities and everything made sense while still being quite idealistic.
I don't think I can say much more without spoiling this book for anyone who hasn't read it. I can only say that I HIGHLY recommend this Duology and it is a clear 5 star book. This is how you do a conclusion to a series!!
I just want to write down a list of things I really liked about these books / that inspired me :
- dangerous magic is called 'the pale arts'
- power structures like royalty, though presented are criticised
- the solving of the problems of the empire is one that (in a magical world) would actually work
- everything is really well thought out
- the characters remain consistent in their traits and characteristics throughout the books
- the use of song and music
- the different 'hollows' and how they each got used
- the concept of pure love even if it is just platonic
- asexual representation
- compassionate partners and understanding without pressure
- realistic fights and issues that are not purely made up but would realistically happen in those situations
- self doubt in the form of ghostly figures and the journey from believing them because they do speak true sometimes to seeing how they undermined ones self worth and confidence
- toxic relationships with parents and how sometimes we may love someone even if they were toxic and that we can love someone deeply and still decide to sever ties
- that some people never change and if they tell you who they are, you should believe them
- it doesn't make you weak to believe in justice or fairness
- you could love anyone if you knew their whole story, their pain, wishes, hopes and dreams. Loving someone is knowing someone. Even the parts they don't love about themselves.
- not everyone is destined for greatness but everyone can play a part in something great
- your past does not define you. You are more than your parents and more than your past choices.
- if you are going through hardship, remember the ones you love and let them guide you through
- I thought it was so interesting how Tarisai explained why she deserved to live. It was such a strong statement.
- you have to be able to live for yourself. You can't live for other people.
- you have to find a passion but don't let it consume you. You are more than what you can do.
- let people who love you, love you. We don't control who loves us, how much or why. We can only let them.
- let others help you. Asking for help is strong. You don't have to do everything on your own. Even if your thoughts tell you that no one understand you, still try to talk to the people you love. They just want to help and understand you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Child death, Classism, Murder, Death, War, Body horror, and Abandonment
aformeracceleratedreader's review against another edition
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
4.5
A wonderful sequel to Raybearer. Although not as good for me as the first book, it is still a solid book. Loved expanding on the ACE character. A little slow in a few parts but nothing so slow that it ruins the story.
Also the narrator is fantastic! Joniece Abbott Pratt embodies Tarisai perfectly and does a great job with the other characters as well.
Also the narrator is fantastic! Joniece Abbott Pratt embodies Tarisai perfectly and does a great job with the other characters as well.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, War, Injury/Injury detail, Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, Murder, Mental illness, Violence, Death, and Death of parent
hkburke2's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
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
4.25
Another banger! The first book will be my favorite because it was so surprising, but I appreciated the continued world building and magic and reflection and hope in this sequel. Truly the narrator is a key highlight for me - absolutely brought these well crafted books to life. A delight to escape into.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Death, and Murder
katsbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
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
“You don’t get to choose why people love you. But what you do with the love you receive . . . that’s a choice you make every day.”
“B-But . . . what good is a v-voice with no st-story to tell?”
“The only thing more powerful than a wish is a purpose.”
This was an outstanding follow-up to Raybearer. I love this duology with my whole heart. I'm not kidding. The found family Tarisai finds in the council is so heart-warming. I loved all the truly warm relationships and support she had. The ojiji were a great metaphor for depression and I really appreciated that representation. It made the Underworld chapters so much more intense and believable. I also really enjoyed the commentaries on power and resistance. I think it was very timely given the world events of the last two years. This duology is going to live rent-free in my head for a long time. I can't recommend it enough. I loved it so much I can’t even come up with a half-decent review other than, “Please just go read it.”
“B-But . . . what good is a v-voice with no st-story to tell?”
“The only thing more powerful than a wish is a purpose.”
This was an outstanding follow-up to Raybearer. I love this duology with my whole heart. I'm not kidding. The found family Tarisai finds in the council is so heart-warming. I loved all the truly warm relationships and support she had. The ojiji were a great metaphor for depression and I really appreciated that representation. It made the Underworld chapters so much more intense and believable. I also really enjoyed the commentaries on power and resistance. I think it was very timely given the world events of the last two years. This duology is going to live rent-free in my head for a long time. I can't recommend it enough. I loved it so much I can’t even come up with a half-decent review other than, “Please just go read it.”
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Violence, Child abuse, Child death, Classism, Death, Genocide, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and War
kirstenf's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
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
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: War and Death
queergoth_reads's review
adventurous
emotional
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
5.0
This was a fantastic end to the story of Tarisai. I really enjoyed Raybearer and honestly I think this book was even better. It was written beautifully I truly felt like I was on that journey as well. It was so wonderful.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Death
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and War
Minor: Death of parent
overbooked207's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
5.0
📖 Redemptor by Jordan Ifueko Book Review 📖
1st book of February 2022 and 11th of the year:
I absolutely LOVED this duology, and this was such a perfect conclusion to the story! Once again, the writing, story, and world building were beautiful, immersive, and expansive; the audiobook was beautifully done; the characters were strong, badass, caring, and new favorites of all time, and I love them with all my heart; the representation was great; the quotes and themes were fantastic and important; and I loved the found family aspect so much! These books are definitely two of my new favorite books of all time, and I want everyone to read them! Also, they’re getting adapted, and I couldn’t be more excited! TW for death, murder, blood, war, anxiety, panic attacks, parental neglect and abuse, drug & alcohol use, ableism, suicidal thoughts, negative self image, grief, gaslighting, injuries, misogyny, and violence📚💜🏳️🌈
1st book of February 2022 and 11th of the year:
I absolutely LOVED this duology, and this was such a perfect conclusion to the story! Once again, the writing, story, and world building were beautiful, immersive, and expansive; the audiobook was beautifully done; the characters were strong, badass, caring, and new favorites of all time, and I love them with all my heart; the representation was great; the quotes and themes were fantastic and important; and I loved the found family aspect so much! These books are definitely two of my new favorite books of all time, and I want everyone to read them! Also, they’re getting adapted, and I couldn’t be more excited! TW for death, murder, blood, war, anxiety, panic attacks, parental neglect and abuse, drug & alcohol use, ableism, suicidal thoughts, negative self image, grief, gaslighting, injuries, misogyny, and violence📚💜🏳️🌈
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Torture, Grief, Abandonment, Ableism, Blood, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Suicidal thoughts, Child abuse, Confinement, Murder, Misogyny, Violence, War, Death, Classism, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexism