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danijoy's review against another edition
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
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.
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
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!
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
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.
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
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.
bubblegumcreams's review against another edition
5.0
2022 Re-Read Rating: 5 stars
2021 Rating: 4.5 stars
2021 Rating: 4.5 stars
justmys's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
“No, we don't deserve the burdens that our parents gave us, but we cant defeat monsters we won't face.”
A really powerful book filled with a beautifully rich and vivid world populated by well fleshed out characters.
The relationships Tarisai built felt natural and well paced. The mother was heartbreaking at times in her obsession, which was an odd experience to have. Complex "villains" are a favourite of mine and this book definitely explored all of the shades of grey for her.
I only gave the book 4 stars as there were times I felt things happened out of convenience for the plot, but they weren't overly distracting and didn't detract too much from the overall book. I also felt that, at times, the ages of the characters were confusing to follow. This might have been my fault, perhaps I didn't hear it when listening but I felt myself reeling a little at how the characters spoke or interracted and had to keep double checking ages online.
Overall, a really great read and the narrator for the book did an amazing job bringing the music of the world alive.
A really powerful book filled with a beautifully rich and vivid world populated by well fleshed out characters.
The relationships Tarisai built felt natural and well paced. The mother was heartbreaking at times in her obsession, which was an odd experience to have. Complex "villains" are a favourite of mine and this book definitely explored all of the shades of grey for her.
I only gave the book 4 stars as there were times I felt things happened out of convenience for the plot, but they weren't overly distracting and didn't detract too much from the overall book. I also felt that, at times, the ages of the characters were confusing to follow. This might have been my fault, perhaps I didn't hear it when listening but I felt myself reeling a little at how the characters spoke or interracted and had to keep double checking ages online.
Overall, a really great read and the narrator for the book did an amazing job bringing the music of the world alive.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Emotional abuse, Confinement, Abandonment, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Sexual content, Excrement, and Pregnancy
biliboc_diana_simona's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
lilawillow's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
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
4.5
dani_hart1864's review against another edition
5.0
From the description I didn't think I'd like this but I actually really enjoyed it. The world building was really good, and I feel like I was torn about who the real villain was. It was pretty complex and thought-provoking. The only thing that bothered me a little bit was the ending seemed a little TOO convenient.