Scan barcode
thenovelmaura'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
5.0
This is the sequel to Raybearer, an incredible book, and I'm happy to report that the end of this duology is as satisfying as the beginning. This reminded me of the Six of Crows duology because a great sequel picks up right where the first book left off and keeps the same energy level throughout. Ifueko's pacing is so excellent and she knows how to keep a reader the edge of their seat. Just like in Raybearer, I had no idea where the story was going but I loved where it ended up!
In my review of the first book, I talked about how I could tell that Ifueko put a ton of thought into world of Aritsar and that she had a solid foundation to expand on for the sequel. My wish came true and we were exposed to so many more of the customs, traditions, and differences between the realms. I'm keeping things vague to avoid spoilers, but there are valid critiques that certain characters needed more page time and others were introduced too quickly for the reader to truly connect with them. However, I really enjoyed the overall plot and the themes of mental health (specifically activist burnout) that were conveyed throughout this part of Tarisai's journey. All in all, fantasy duologies really hit the spot for me as a reader right now, and I wholeheartedly recommend adding this one your list.
In my review of the first book, I talked about how I could tell that Ifueko put a ton of thought into world of Aritsar and that she had a solid foundation to expand on for the sequel. My wish came true and we were exposed to so many more of the customs, traditions, and differences between the realms. I'm keeping things vague to avoid spoilers, but there are valid critiques that certain characters needed more page time and others were introduced too quickly for the reader to truly connect with them. However, I really enjoyed the overall plot and the themes of mental health (specifically activist burnout) that were conveyed throughout this part of Tarisai's journey. All in all, fantasy duologies really hit the spot for me as a reader right now, and I wholeheartedly recommend adding this one your list.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Violence and Blood
Minor: Death of parent
hollyk's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
slow-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
3.0
I can't help but feel a bit disappointed by this book. I wanted to love it--I loved Raybearer and thought it was so unique and loved all of the diversity.
But this book lacked some of the charm of the first book--namely, Dayo's council, who barely make an appearance before going back to their home realms. And in their place we have Tarisai creating a whole new council of people that to be frank, I had no real interest or investment in with the exception of Min Ja.
It also seems like the empire still isn't really fair? Like sure,Nyamba underwent a revolution and became a more egalitarian state with no poverty, but Tarisai (and Dayo) didn't really keep that same energy when it came to Aritsar as a whole--sure, the Ray can now be passed to anyone at any time, but that doesn't really change the fact that other realms have poverty and the capital has the majority of the resources, which aren't being redistributed like Nyamba did . Nyamba also isn't a focal realm in the first book as far as I can remember, so it felt like this choice was less impactful than it could have been.
The Redemptor arc was only the fifth section, and the previous book seemed to imply that it would be a major part of this book--but at the end of the day, it was barely a factor and could have been a much larger portion with more significance, especially in regards tothe Redemptor children and the abiku's army. That plot line felt too easily wrapped up when it was a major point of contention in the first book.
I still enjoyed this book, the writing is beautiful and the characters are great, but there were just some elements that left me wanting more.
But this book lacked some of the charm of the first book--namely, Dayo's council, who barely make an appearance before going back to their home realms. And in their place we have Tarisai creating a whole new council of people that to be frank, I had no real interest or investment in with the exception of Min Ja.
It also seems like the empire still isn't really fair? Like sure,
The Redemptor arc was only the fifth section, and the previous book seemed to imply that it would be a major part of this book--but at the end of the day, it was barely a factor and could have been a much larger portion with more significance, especially in regards to
I still enjoyed this book, the writing is beautiful and the characters are great, but there were just some elements that left me wanting more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Mental illness, and Death
Moderate: Sexism, Child abuse, Blood, Violence, Alcohol, Classism, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Bullying, Ableism, Fire/Fire injury, and Grief
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, War, and Alcoholism
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
a_libra_library'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? N/A
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Classism, Child abuse, Death, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Abandonment, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Bullying, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Blood, and Grief
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
genny's review against another edition
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
4.0
My heart twinged as I watched Tarisai, so fiercely idealistic and stubborn, try to carry the weight of the world on her shoulders - I think her internal struggles about responsibility and morality can be relatable to a lot of people. Like in Raybearer, however, I got annoyed with how slow she was to pick up on some things. An improvement is that we now see more of her relationships with council members other than Sanjeet and Kirah! Buuut then, due to circumstances in the story, we were introduced to even more characters...many of whom we barely heard from. 🤷🏽♀️
People may hate me for this, and even Tarisai herself would disagree, but I have to say it: she had way more chemistry withZuri than with Sanjeet . 😆 I understood why they weren't compatible in the end, but man! I lived for their interactions. Even his unhinged spiel about his history with The Lady, etcetera .
I listened to the audiobook over the course of 2 months as I was very busy at the time, so that likely affected my perception of the pacing, but I think the story got too long and meandering. Despite my criticisms, I really did enjoy the journey, and the ending was satisfying. Ifueko handles familial trauma well. I recommend this duology :)
People may hate me for this, and even Tarisai herself would disagree, but I have to say it: she had way more chemistry with
I listened to the audiobook over the course of 2 months as I was very busy at the time, so that likely affected my perception of the pacing, but I think the story got too long and meandering. Despite my criticisms, I really did enjoy the journey, and the ending was satisfying. Ifueko handles familial trauma well. I recommend this duology :)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Child death
Minor: Death of parent
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
katsbooks's review
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
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