Reviews

Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko

shay_d's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful sad 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

girl7seven's review against another edition

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5.0

Loved this series. This series should be made into a made for TV series

ranee_samaniego's review against another edition

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5.0

Raybearer was absolutely the BEST book I have read recently. I was absolutely transported to a new world, riveted and unable to put the book down. I had no idea at times where the story was heading, and I was continually surprised by the twists and turns of the plot. This book held so many beautiful messages about the celebration of cultures, about love of all kinds, and the power to find your own destiny. Stunning. I would give it 10 starts if I could!

ex_hardesty's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional sad 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

beiiadonna's review against another edition

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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? Yes

4.75

danijoy's review against another edition

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5.0

Ifueko’s storytelling is, quite simply, breathtakingly magical and unique. It was a joy to read this book and be transported into the carefully crafted and detailed world she created! I’m very excited for the sequel!

mementomorivv's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5

My notes were very bad and I can’t find them but I loved this so much! I even cared about the characters which hasn't happened in a bit, after chapter 2 I was ready to fight anyone who hurt Tarisai & Dayo while also waiting for [redacted for spoilers] to just die. The worldbuilding was also one of my favorites in this along with the writing! There was a time jump at some point and the way that it was done just surprised me and made me even more excited to read it. I did get in a tiny bit of a slump while reading but that was on me, not this book. And it’s a good thing I took notes too because I easily forget character names and I’m really looking forward to what comes next in this series, especially after that ending because I’m definitely intrigued.

kalikoblack's review against another edition

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5.0

Wow. Raybearer was amazing. I've been so tired of reading academic texts, articles, and journals. This was a welcome change in its vibrancy and flow. I was 100% gripped the whole way through, and even had tears well in my eyes near the end when Tarisai had tears in hers. I love the way the author was able to portray the sense of longing for community. She also skillfully portrayed intimacy in character relations in tasteful ways. I loved the intertwining of Melu in the world, almost an actor of the Storyteller, who was involuntarily subject to slavery, manipulation and control. Just the same as The Lady, Tarisai, and Woo In. All victims of a patriarchal society fuelled by insecurity. The world was colourful, imaginative, refreshing, contrasting, alluding, and in ways, familiar.
Needless to say, I'm starting the sequel after posting this. While the ending tidied up most of the major plot points, I need to read the second one to see how the rest of the details get situated, and how the story's conflict is resolved. I'm giving this two thumbs up. 5/5. I hope to see more from this contemporary author!

slawler's review against another edition

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4.0

There was a lot I loved about this book. The world, the lore, many of the characters.

I was disappointed that once the ensemble of characters was introduced, there was little development for most of them. While set up to be a complex cast of characters, it was actually a story focused on very few.

I would have loved to see it more fleshed out.

rosemwood's review against another edition

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5.0

This is the first book in a series. It is a friction/ fantasy story about justice, freedom, family, and inner turmoil. The development of the characters and the plot in this story is very well written. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.