A review by syllareads
Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko

adventurous challenging tense 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? It's complicated

5.0

This book is a beautiful tale spun by a masterful storyteller, intent on dragging us into the world she created - and I loved it.

I already remarked on this outside of this review, but the entire story, aided by the first-person narration, feels like a story being told to us - this might sound strange, so let me explain: to me, it felt like I was both living Tarisai's experiences while also hearing her tell us of her magnificent journey. The theme of a story being told is present in the entire book, just as much as music - often, parts of the story and the clues Tarisai needs to get through her adventures are told in song. 

(I'm also very thankful that the author included a list of ways to pronounce a lot of important names for both people and places in the back! I appreciated and needed it a lot and I found myself going back to it every now and then to check whether or not I was imagining the right sounds in my head while reading this beautiful book)

I can only HIGHLY recommend this book and will breathlessly wait for its sequel!