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fromjuliereads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
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
4.25
Fantastic sequel!
I love the characters in this duology and how their flaws and what they are going through in finding themselves is front and center. They are trying to stay true to themselves while making it a better world. And it is fantastic to read about.
I had thought the part with the Underworld might be longer or more integral to the book - it was pretty short for having worked up to it since book 1. But I still loved the story and of course the characters.
I love the characters in this duology and how their flaws and what they are going through in finding themselves is front and center. They are trying to stay true to themselves while making it a better world. And it is fantastic to read about.
I had thought the part with the Underworld might be longer or more integral to the book - it was pretty short for having worked up to it since book 1. But I still loved the story and of course the characters.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Classism, Mental illness, Murder, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Emotional abuse, Grief, Violence, and War
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
theespressoedition's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I had a conversation with a reader friend of mine when I was a little over halfway through this book. I told them that I was concerned this would be the kind of book that I forgot the moment I shut the final pages. Unfortunately, I'm here to report that that's precisely what happened.
This was one of those duologies that had a strong start that very quickly became a story that dragged way more than was necessary. When I finished the first book, I felt discouraged that I didn't love it, but I wanted to give the sequel a chance to redeem everything for me. Sadly, the sequel only made me more disinterested in everything.
The characters never felt particularly likable. The storyline was really cyclical and slow. And overall, I was just thoroughly unimpressed by how little I even retained. Maybe I was just not in the right mood for this kind of lore? I'm not sure. It reminded me of some books that I love but it just didn't have the oomph it needed to make me totally entranced from beginning to end.
This was one of those duologies that had a strong start that very quickly became a story that dragged way more than was necessary. When I finished the first book, I felt discouraged that I didn't love it, but I wanted to give the sequel a chance to redeem everything for me. Sadly, the sequel only made me more disinterested in everything.
The characters never felt particularly likable. The storyline was really cyclical and slow. And overall, I was just thoroughly unimpressed by how little I even retained. Maybe I was just not in the right mood for this kind of lore? I'm not sure. It reminded me of some books that I love but it just didn't have the oomph it needed to make me totally entranced from beginning to end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Mental illness, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Torture, and Violence
Moderate: Child abuse and Child death
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
brokenbodybitch's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
This book was somehow even better than Raybearer and that was a very easy 5 stars; I do want to preface this one with an added warning that if you have any issues with intrusive thoughts or feelings of not being enough you should go into this book with caution, it may be immaculate, but it also took me 12 days to be able to finish and normally it’s a few days max. However, Jordan Ifueko is very easily an auto-buy after this duology. Also sorry this is a long one...
*SPOILERS PAST THIS POINT YOU’VE BEEN WARNED*
At this point I don’t think I can say a bad thing about the duology, the writing was so detailed and layered that I yet again can’t figure out where to start; the dynamics between Tarisai, her childhood and her mother, and how it continues into this second book or, even what other character to talk about and what I enjoyed about them and their relationship with Tar, Dayo and other council members or… maybe the way intrusive thoughts, self doubt and other terrible thoughts are able to manifest in these more tangible forms in a way that is truly horrific yet I can’t help but give 5 stars because it is genuinely immaculate and spot on.
Jordan Ifueko has truly masted the art of giving enough depth to characters, no matter how much of a focus they are; they are given the perfect amount of history and backstory in the moment or leading up to events, that no matter the character or sequence of events, each character you read about has layers and nuance to them. I genuinely hated certain characters, like as ‘people’ but the depth they are given, make you at minimum have some level of understanding for the situation that they find themselves in, so even if you think someone is a piece of shit you are still some level invested in their trauma or their story of what lead them to this path and why they became that way, which is a talent.
There’s also this depth to the relationships between characters which I really loved reading; the aspects of found family are explored so much more in this book and the discussions of what counts as love are really interesting. You see them not only trying to figure out the balance 1 on 1 but, they are also trying to find their place in the council itself. Most notable relationships I enjoyed the dynamics of were the ones between: Tar & Sanjeet, Tar & Zuri and, Tar and Min Ja. Tar and Sanjeet have this cozy and warm love that radiates the feeling of a hug which contrasts so well with her relationship with Zuri that is a lot more fire-y and abrasive. Tar and Zuri have this dynamic where they will cause the other to burn brighter but they may also burn each other to the ground - a harsher expression, where as Tar & Sanjeet is much more of a supportive, softer kind of love. I also had to add, how much I enjoyed the plot line with Min Ja because it is a very challenging start to their connection and it gets a little rocky for a while but ultimately they end up loving each other and having a very adorable dynamic. A line I love is when Tar goes…
“in the words of my council sister Queen Min Ja,” I whispered back, “that’s what makes me so popular”
I don’t know it was just really sweet how she ended up having such an impactful moment with her after how they started.
I must say though, the ojiji spirits and the abiku are straight up fucking nightmare fuel, they will and have been in my nightmares for a bit…but at the same time I can not help but admire how well it was done. The way these terrifying spirits are written is a painfully accurate analogy for what it is like to have these deep feelings of not being enough, that manifest as intrusive thoughts but in this case, it’s manifesting as these oh so lovely creatures that, I will let you read the descriptions of because I physically shuddered when I read it. The creep factor aside I really do love the way these spirits and her time in the underworld were done, as for me at least, it was a fantastic way to show these awful thoughts, that loop in your head and when they tend get worse, along with generally some of the effects of trauma; but in a less direct way by using these things outside of just mental ‘thought loops’.
I really really love what happened with Tarisai and her mom in the underworld, it was very satisfying to read Tar walking away that final time, and it was like second hand therapeutic tbh. The way Jordan Ifueko shaped the underworld is very interesting yet terrifying; the idea you must walk though your regrets and all these hard things was truly immaculately done. From the scene with the Abiku masking itself Zuri and her only recognizing it because he can’t physically touch her without her asking (that shattered my heart just a bit...), to her animal guide in the underworld, to ‘The Lady’ pretending to help her but leading her to her death, to those fucking stairs of mirrors, that show you versions of yourself and life that tempt you into the mirrors…. Damn is literally all I have to say.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Acephobia/Arophobia, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Child death, Abandonment, Death of parent, Mental illness, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Ableism, and Violence
mental illness - heavy on intrusive thoughts *these are only ones that I caught/remembered please do not take this as the end all be all*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
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