A review by litkive
Redemptor by Jordan Ifueko

3.0

I think I want to give this book 2.75 stars. I had great expectations after finishing Raybearer especially because of Tarisai's adventure in the Underworld, but I must admit I was slightly disappointed. The writing was great but plot wise, I think Redemptor could have been a lot more. Most of the book was focused on Tarisai anointing her council but we never truly got to know anyone among the 12 rulers. I loved how we got to discover more on queen Min Ja and I wish a spin-off could be written on her but apart from her and Zuri, we really did not get to know the characters more and her original council sibling were just a bit forgotten in the background. Especially it took her so long to anoint the first council member, almost half a book only to have the rest done in a matter of a couple of chapters. I sort of had the same feeling with the rest Tarisai's journey. So much was dedicated to the anointing and only 100 pages to her actual journey. I understand that background was needed, especially since it is quite an emotional growth Tarisai goes through, but it felt a bit rushed. Either way, I do think Tarisai is a great and contemporary example in her feelings towards justice and battle for it. Her growth in how she relates and fights for justice is really admirable and I liked the conclusion it came to. Very proud of her for it and glad she realized she was not alone. I hope the new Aritsar can be exactly how she imagined it. So much more to discover in this beautiful and varied world that the author gifted us. Lastly, I do have to underline how contemporary and inclusive it felt. Open discussions about oppression, asexuality and power were taking place throughout the whole book, making some very true and interesting points.