A review by michela_wilson
Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko

adventurous emotional inspiring tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.5

I have never wanted to jump into a world more than the world Jordan Ifuefo built! 

Raybearer follows Tarisai, a young woman who was commanded by her mother, The Lady, to kill the crown prince after she falls in love with him. This impossible situation causes Tarisai to fight for the right to control her own story and find a family that will support her along the way. 

First things first, the world of the Arit Empire is so incredibly rich and well-thought-of. Ifueko based a lot of her world on West African folklore which was incredible on its own, but then added the diverse political landscape of the Empire which added so much to Tarisai’s story and arc. Tarisai at her core is just and will always want to do what is fair and what is right, but she lives in a world that challenges that notion and makes her fight for who she is. 

This story at its heart is a story of self-determination and self-discovery. Tarisai has to fight to reclaim her name, her life, and her story, but she doesn’t have to do that alone. The found family that she gains through this story is incredible! Ifueko explores familial, romantic, and platonic love through the members of this found family; it is so beautifully done. 

The only reason I am not rating this five stars was because there were some moments where the pacing felt a bit off to me, but it was not enough to hurt my enjoyment of reading Tarisai’s story. I cannot wait to read the second book and explore more of this incredible world!