Scan barcode
A review by knightreader1988
Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko
5.0
This is the story of Tarisai. Born from the union of a djinn and a human, Tarisai’s life begins remarkably with three wishes. Her mother, known only as The Lady, seeks to push her daughter toward a future Tarasai cannot understand. But before setting off on her journey to fulfill her mother’s dream, Tarasai is given a task that shakes her. She must kill the Crown Prince of Aristar.
Tarasai is tumbled into this “purpose” as a child, utterly confused and perplexed. She looks at her task with childish innocence and fear. As she grows up and faces her demons, Tarasai must fight for what she loves while straddling two worlds she longs to join: her mother’s and that of her newfound friends. We watch as Tarasai grows up and matures, choosing more and more frightening pathways to change the course of her life and those around her for good.
This story is amazing. It is a masterpiece. Authors wishing to add to the Fantasy catalog of books must work so hard to present original work. Sometimes I wonder if it’s even possible. But here is Jordan, creating this world that is so seemless and fluid, I can’t believe this world doesn’t exist. Additionally, she tells this story in a world where POC are the MCs and the book exudes the sights, smells and colors of Jordan’s culture. This book is rich in #BlackGirlMagic and I have hope that finally we may be able to wean ourselves from the Rowlings, Tolkiens, Lewis’ and other low melanin authors who have dominated high fantasy for years.
Remember when you watched Black Panther? Remember when you just wanted to jump up in the cinema and do a fist pump and shout “Yeah!!!!” ? That is Raybearer. Tarasai will make you proud of who you are, she will make you feel seen.
So if you don’t read the genre, gift it to a niece or nephew searching for that book that will one day transform them into a reader. Heck, even if you don’t read high fantasy, this one is filled with emotional and interpersonal elements that make the work so accessible. You never thought you’d watch a Marvel movie but there you were feeling seen at Black Panther. So go!
Tarasai is tumbled into this “purpose” as a child, utterly confused and perplexed. She looks at her task with childish innocence and fear. As she grows up and faces her demons, Tarasai must fight for what she loves while straddling two worlds she longs to join: her mother’s and that of her newfound friends. We watch as Tarasai grows up and matures, choosing more and more frightening pathways to change the course of her life and those around her for good.
This story is amazing. It is a masterpiece. Authors wishing to add to the Fantasy catalog of books must work so hard to present original work. Sometimes I wonder if it’s even possible. But here is Jordan, creating this world that is so seemless and fluid, I can’t believe this world doesn’t exist. Additionally, she tells this story in a world where POC are the MCs and the book exudes the sights, smells and colors of Jordan’s culture. This book is rich in #BlackGirlMagic and I have hope that finally we may be able to wean ourselves from the Rowlings, Tolkiens, Lewis’ and other low melanin authors who have dominated high fantasy for years.
Remember when you watched Black Panther? Remember when you just wanted to jump up in the cinema and do a fist pump and shout “Yeah!!!!” ? That is Raybearer. Tarasai will make you proud of who you are, she will make you feel seen.
So if you don’t read the genre, gift it to a niece or nephew searching for that book that will one day transform them into a reader. Heck, even if you don’t read high fantasy, this one is filled with emotional and interpersonal elements that make the work so accessible. You never thought you’d watch a Marvel movie but there you were feeling seen at Black Panther. So go!