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crispyfries's review against another edition
5.0
I loved Redemptor almost as much as Raybearer, which is saying a lot! I really liked the new characters (esp Zuri!!!) though I do agree w other reviewers that some of the old ones got a bit sidelined, especially Kirah. Dayo and Sanjeet are still precious in this book. I found the theme of guilt versus conviction to be quite interesting. Only complaints are the odd pacing and the big solution at the end, which felt slightly less revolutionary than it was meant to be.
idinamuraca's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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
secre's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Redemptor is a strong sequel in this duology, but it isn't quite as strong as it's predecessor. In focussing on the plot, it loses some of the characterisations that made the first novel such an excellent novel. There are still some excellent things about this novel, the world building is second to none, the plot is taut and unexpected in many ways and Ifueko makes powerful points about institutionalised corruption and unfairness. But it isn't as good as the first novel because it loses some of what made Raybearer so great.
In reality, I think this would have been better as a trilogy. Split the sprawling narrative across two books instead of cramming it into one, and build up the multitude of new characters so they are just as strong as the initial council siblings. It could have been easily done; spend one book with Tari building her new council and another book exploring Tari's quest to go to the underworld and fix the Treaty. As it stands, it felt like character development was sacrificed in order to propel the plot and I never really felt like the new council members were built into fully dimensional characters. At the same time, the previous found-family barely get a look in as the author introduces all these new characters and fails to build them as well.
The ghost children were interesting, but again, took away from the existing characters as Tari tries to deal with them all on her own. She has eleven council sisters, they can mind-talk and they are her found family. Yet Tari shoulders this burden all on her own. There is a certain amount of justification and explanation for this, but it felt like a wasted opportunity. The plot is broad and multi-faceted, but what was so stunning about the previous novel was the characters and that sense of family. That is lost in multiple ways here.
All in all, I enjoyed this but can't help but be disappointed. I loved Raybearer. Redemptor doesn't hit the same highs.
In reality, I think this would have been better as a trilogy. Split the sprawling narrative across two books instead of cramming it into one, and build up the multitude of new characters so they are just as strong as the initial council siblings. It could have been easily done; spend one book with Tari building her new council and another book exploring Tari's quest to go to the underworld and fix the Treaty. As it stands, it felt like character development was sacrificed in order to propel the plot and I never really felt like the new council members were built into fully dimensional characters. At the same time, the previous found-family barely get a look in as the author introduces all these new characters and fails to build them as well.
The ghost children were interesting, but again, took away from the existing characters as Tari tries to deal with them all on her own. She has eleven council sisters, they can mind-talk and they are her found family. Yet Tari shoulders this burden all on her own. There is a certain amount of justification and explanation for this, but it felt like a wasted opportunity. The plot is broad and multi-faceted, but what was so stunning about the previous novel was the characters and that sense of family. That is lost in multiple ways here.
All in all, I enjoyed this but can't help but be disappointed. I loved Raybearer. Redemptor doesn't hit the same highs.
tessofthetales's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
aross14's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
fast-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
molten's review against another edition
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
marieintheraw's review against another edition
5.0
Finale finished. I am stuck feeling bittersweet because I am going to miss this world, but am so happy that I experienced it.
tyra16572's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
intorilex's review against another edition
4.0
Actual Rating 3.5 Stars
This started off great, I was excited to be back in this well described world of magic, tradition and danger. Following Tarisai on her journey to save Aritstar from sacrificing anymore children, she grapples with how to rule as Raybearer and face her journey to the underworld. While the world building continues to be phenomenal, the characters didn't draw me in as much as they did before. Tarisai uncovers the harsh reality of how people suffer across Aritstar due to greed. Her determination to make a change keeps the book flowing in ways I didn't expect
Along the way we are introduced to new characters, but I wanted to learn more about Dayo's council from book one. The humor, banter and short chapters kept my attention, while I struggled to remember the many characters. The characters had unique characteristics but it was hard to keep them in mind, as they are quickly introduced. I enjoyed how adult themes were explored and the author didn't gloss over the horror of death and pain. Overall this was a great conclusion to Raybearer, and definitely worth the read.
For Readers Who:
-enjoy African inspired fantasy
-loved Raybearer (Book One)
-appreciate well thought out world building
-can handle adult themes and morality in this young adult tale.
This started off great, I was excited to be back in this well described world of magic, tradition and danger. Following Tarisai on her journey to save Aritstar from sacrificing anymore children, she grapples with how to rule as Raybearer and face her journey to the underworld. While the world building continues to be phenomenal, the characters didn't draw me in as much as they did before. Tarisai uncovers the harsh reality of how people suffer across Aritstar due to greed. Her determination to make a change keeps the book flowing in ways I didn't expect
Along the way we are introduced to new characters, but I wanted to learn more about Dayo's council from book one. The humor, banter and short chapters kept my attention, while I struggled to remember the many characters. The characters had unique characteristics but it was hard to keep them in mind, as they are quickly introduced. I enjoyed how adult themes were explored and the author didn't gloss over the horror of death and pain. Overall this was a great conclusion to Raybearer, and definitely worth the read.
For Readers Who:
-enjoy African inspired fantasy
-loved Raybearer (Book One)
-appreciate well thought out world building
-can handle adult themes and morality in this young adult tale.
jszlzsj's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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
4.5