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afi_whatafireads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
“Do not ask how many people you will save. Ask to what world will yous save them? What makes a world worth surviving in.”
Personal Ratings: 4🌟
That was one hella of a ride and also marks my first read for Black History Month.
I have to say, the ending of this duology, had left my feelings in a blunder. I loved the writing. Jordan Ifueko's writing was nothing short of good despite it being a YA. It was something that I appreciated and I really liked how she had incorporated a vast net of culture and the importance of love. The found family in this book had made my heart filled with warmth, and the winning point of this book was the fight for justice, and at the end, the people of the nation.
Short Summary
The final book to the duology Raybearer, from the events of the first book, Tarisai will need to annoint new siblings for her to defeat the abiku. New characters introduced and a new mission in which Tar needs to fight in order to keep her world safe again and free her people.
Personal Thoughts
One of the best things that I liked about the series was the Jordan Ifueko's Writing. Its not only eloquent but I liked how she incorporated cultures of the South African in the book which made it more interesting. The politics in this book is just top notch, and the magic system is one that its super interesting.
My thoughts after this paragraph would not be hating on the book but more on the potential that it had missed which can actually make it a 5 star duology if not for some of these drawbacks.
Firstly, the pacing. For the second book, we focus more on the Tarisai's mission, her inner conflicts and her dilemma in handling every single thing in the country. I can't say much because it will be a spoiler but I feel that the first POV in this book kinda did not do justice for this series. I really would have liked if the other characters were given a moment to shine through. Altho I understand where the author is going with the story and its on Tarisai's growth from a child to the Empress she is now, the Annointed Siblings had missed their chance, and I think this duology would be splendid if it was from a third POV. With that said, I still enjoyed being in Tar's head. Being a 16 year old girl with so many things to juggle and lives at stake is not exactly something that everyone can do, and I like Tar's inner conflict and how she tries to solve them as well.
“The only thing more powerful than a wish is a purpose.”
Tar's purpose in this book was something that had been highlighted which I liked. The Politics in here is exceptionally good, but the thing that I was scared would happen came true. The ending was rushed , and man it became so anti-climatic. I get that the preparation before the part is important, but I felt that if the author had made it a tad longer and showed how the war had been resolved will make a justified conclusion for the book. But, at the end of the day, we get an end to a series that concludes and wraps everything neatly.
“None of us are Gods. We are merely tools, wielded by the strongest system. I am giving you the chance to choose what that system is.”
I would say one of the strongest point of the book are the Characters. I liked almost everyone in here and there was a character that really remind me of Nikolai :') He is such a character and I liked his resolve with Tar. The romance in here was cute too. Its subtle but not overly done, and I like that all the couples are suited for each other.
“It was beautiful-his cause. It was selfless, unambiguously right. But he had given himself nothing else to live for. His world had gone adrift, and so… he had chosen to fall out of orbit”
All in all it was a great series for sure. One that is unique, with such a vast worldbuilding. There were a few things that I would liked it to be elevated, but all in all, I had enjoyed it very much.
Thank you to Pansing Distributions (@definitelybooks) for generously providing me a review copy of the book.
Disclaimers: All my reviews are my thoughts of the book and according to my personal preferences. Even though I had received a review copy, it does not affect my review and honest thoughts for the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, War, Animal cruelty, Eating disorder, and Blood
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