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A review by jennabean855
Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko
adventurous
emotional
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
SUCH A BREATH OF FRESH AIR!!!!! The diversity implemented so beautifully, the politics, the magic system, the found family. To die for!!
This is, I think, the best ya book I have read in a hot minute. The world is vibrant, the fantasy elements are strong, the cast of characters are diverse and interconnected in such a way that you can feel the love they carry for each other. The council system and magic was so refreshing and new, and the character dynamics challenged my own preconceptions of love and family and made for a wonderful twist on a found family and being better than previous generations. AND! This book is GORGEOUS!!! The cover and its illustrations still have my jaw dropping….
My only qualm is that the action in this book is both short and lacking description in all of its sections. It got stronger in the end but otherwise it took me out of the moment— I can see it could be to emulate the character’s adrenaline and how everything happens so fast, but I really prefer the descriptions and time slowing down to really feel immersed and in love. It felt so lacking in combat description and the relationships that Tar has with her other council siblings!!! I’d love to see more, but at the same time I understand why it was cut a bit short— there’s a lot of them lol. Literally the only things I dislike about this book, beyond the challenge to my own preconceptions of relationships.
This is, I think, the best ya book I have read in a hot minute. The world is vibrant, the fantasy elements are strong, the cast of characters are diverse and interconnected in such a way that you can feel the love they carry for each other. The council system and magic was so refreshing and new, and the character dynamics challenged my own preconceptions of love and family and made for a wonderful twist on a found family and being better than previous generations. AND! This book is GORGEOUS!!! The cover and its illustrations still have my jaw dropping….
My only qualm is that the action in this book is both short and lacking description in all of its sections. It got stronger in the end but otherwise it took me out of the moment— I can see it could be to emulate the character’s adrenaline and how everything happens so fast, but I really prefer the descriptions and time slowing down to really feel immersed and in love. It felt so lacking in combat description and the relationships that Tar has with her other council siblings!!! I’d love to see more, but at the same time I understand why it was cut a bit short— there’s a lot of them lol. Literally the only things I dislike about this book, beyond the challenge to my own preconceptions of relationships.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Grief, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Child death and Death of parent
Minor: Kidnapping, Religious bigotry, and War