A review by gem114
Redemptor by Jordan Ifueko

adventurous hopeful inspiring tense 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? It's complicated

5.0

After reading Raybearer in 2020, I was really excited for this sequel. Ifueko did not disappoint! I honestly liked Redemptor even better than Raybearer. It built beautifully on the world created in Raybearer, and I thought the conflicts, both internal and external, were so much more compelling.

The best analogy I can come up with to describe this duology is that Redemptor is like Raybearer's big sister.  They're clearly cut from the same cloth, but Redemptor is a little darker, more complex, and more worldly.

The themes of justice, sacrifice, love, and family make this a GREAT book for discussion with people of any age (I would say 12+; there are some sexy scenes, so if you plan to read/chat with kids, be prepared).  It's also a wonderfully accessible introduction to politics for young people. What do we value in our leaders? Who has power/a voice in our community? What is class privilege? How do we address income inequality? BIG questions, but so important.

Finally, I genuinely appreciated the discussion about reproduction! Having children is a choice, not an inevitability, and it's completely valid to decide it's not for you. 

Thank you, Jordan Ifueko!

Thank you to Netgalley and Amulet Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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