Scan barcode
plumpaperbacks's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
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
4.5
I read Raybearer last year, and it was one of the most unique, immersive fantasies I’d come across, one that kept me interested despite the slower, character-driven story. I was so excited to dive back into this world with Redemptor, and it didn’t disappoint.
Ifueko did such a brilliant job further developing Tarisai, Dayo, Kirah, and Sanjeet, as well as all of the other characters and the world they live in. I was once again immersed in the story from the first chapter, and sped through it, eager to know what solutions there could possibly be to all of the new and old problems the characters faced.
Tar and Dayo and their council siblings really grew on me in the first book, and I enjoyed being back with them. I also grew to like many other, new characters, especially Min Ja, Adukeh, Ji Huan, and even Zuri. Although, I must say, my shipper heart was already quite set on Tar x Sanjeet, so I never did hop on the Tar x Zuri bandwagon. I’m not sure if I was supposed to or not, but I did not. My favorite new relationship, by far, was Tar and Min Ja. The latter basically adopted the former as her younger sister, and that was so sweet to see. (Also, I may or may not find Min Ja attractive. 🌚)
One smaller detail that I found refreshing was Tarisai’s disinterest in having children. Granted, there was some personal trauma tied to it, but even beyond that, she simply didn’t think it was for her. While I have absolutely no qualms about series ending with the protagonist and their love interest with or planning to have a kid or multiple—in fact, I’m quite obsessed with the idea of any of my ships as parents, whether it’s canon or not—it was nice to see Ifueko shake that standard up a bit.
I found the end of the book quite satisfying, too. There were some stressful and unexpected moments in the final chapters, even some unexpected moments in the very last chapter, but everything worked out. I’m happy with the way Ifueko wrapped things up, and I look forward to seeing what she does in the future.
Representation
Ifueko did such a brilliant job further developing Tarisai, Dayo, Kirah, and Sanjeet, as well as all of the other characters and the world they live in. I was once again immersed in the story from the first chapter, and sped through it, eager to know what solutions there could possibly be to all of the new and old problems the characters faced.
Tar and Dayo and their council siblings really grew on me in the first book, and I enjoyed being back with them. I also grew to like many other, new characters, especially Min Ja, Adukeh, Ji Huan, and even Zuri. Although, I must say, my shipper heart was already quite set on Tar x Sanjeet, so I never did hop on the Tar x Zuri bandwagon. I’m not sure if I was supposed to or not, but I did not. My favorite new relationship, by far, was Tar and Min Ja. The latter basically adopted the former as her younger sister, and that was so sweet to see. (Also, I may or may not find Min Ja attractive. 🌚)
One smaller detail that I found refreshing was Tarisai’s disinterest in having children. Granted, there was some personal trauma tied to it, but even beyond that, she simply didn’t think it was for her. While I have absolutely no qualms about series ending with the protagonist and their love interest with or planning to have a kid or multiple—in fact, I’m quite obsessed with the idea of any of my ships as parents, whether it’s canon or not—it was nice to see Ifueko shake that standard up a bit.
I found the end of the book quite satisfying, too. There were some stressful and unexpected moments in the final chapters, even some unexpected moments in the very last chapter, but everything worked out. I’m happy with the way Ifueko wrapped things up, and I look forward to seeing what she does in the future.
Representation
- full cast of characters of color
- Black protagonist and side characters
- Black biromantic asexual side character
- sapphic side character in a sapphic relationship
- queer side characters
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, Murder, Grief, and Child death
Minor: Fire/Fire injury, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, and Gore
Explanations -mental illness: Tarisai experiences anxiety. -death of parent: Tarisai lost her mother and Dayo lost both of his parents, all prior to the story. -child death: Mentions of child sacrifice throughout the book, all prior to the story. -fire/fire injury: Reference to an event of the first book that’s briefly remembered/reflected upon in this one. -suicidal thoughts: By a side character, at the very beginning of the book.lizgriffinwords's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
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
5.0
Accurately described as Raybearer's older sister, Redemptor brings the reader higher stakes, a growing cast, and questions of justice at the expense of status quo, a resonating topic for today's readers. Highly, HIGHLY recommend.
Additionally, the sensitivity with which Ifueko handles an Asexual main character is deeply appreciated. Bravo!
Additionally, the sensitivity with which Ifueko handles an Asexual main character is deeply appreciated. Bravo!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Mental illness
Minor: Vomit
gem114's review against another edition
adventurous
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? It's complicated
5.0
After reading Raybearer in 2020, I was really excited for this sequel. Ifueko did not disappoint! I honestly liked Redemptor even better than Raybearer. It built beautifully on the world created in Raybearer, and I thought the conflicts, both internal and external, were so much more compelling.
The best analogy I can come up with to describe this duology is that Redemptor is like Raybearer's big sister. They're clearly cut from the same cloth, but Redemptor is a little darker, more complex, and more worldly.
The themes of justice, sacrifice, love, and family make this a GREAT book for discussion with people of any age (I would say 12+; there are some sexy scenes, so if you plan to read/chat with kids, be prepared). It's also a wonderfully accessible introduction to politics for young people. What do we value in our leaders? Who has power/a voice in our community? What is class privilege? How do we address income inequality? BIG questions, but so important.
Finally, I genuinely appreciated the discussion about reproduction! Having children is a choice, not an inevitability, and it's completely valid to decide it's not for you.
Thank you, Jordan Ifueko!
Thank you to Netgalley and Amulet Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The best analogy I can come up with to describe this duology is that Redemptor is like Raybearer's big sister. They're clearly cut from the same cloth, but Redemptor is a little darker, more complex, and more worldly.
The themes of justice, sacrifice, love, and family make this a GREAT book for discussion with people of any age (I would say 12+; there are some sexy scenes, so if you plan to read/chat with kids, be prepared). It's also a wonderfully accessible introduction to politics for young people. What do we value in our leaders? Who has power/a voice in our community? What is class privilege? How do we address income inequality? BIG questions, but so important.
Finally, I genuinely appreciated the discussion about reproduction! Having children is a choice, not an inevitability, and it's completely valid to decide it's not for you.
Thank you, Jordan Ifueko!
Thank you to Netgalley and Amulet Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Mental illness, and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Child abuse, Confinement, and Death
More...