A review by heyleigh05
Redemptor by Jordan Ifueko

adventurous challenging emotional mysterious 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? Yes

5.0

 Redemptor has me in shambles, please help

I just have to gush about Redemptor! I love the Raybearer series so much and I’m absolutely obsessed with this book! I was lucky to be able to read Redemtpor as an arc through Netgalley. Thank you so much to Amulet Books and Netgalley. This has undoubtedly become one of my favorite series in general (second only to Hunger Games)! This is most definitely my favorite series in the West African fantasy genre! Jordan Ifueko just does such a wonderful job creating charismatic, fun characters who you become deeply invested in and she writes plot arcs that are so engaging and suspenseful. I love all the elements of her books. Everything just works! This is definitely one of my favorite books of the year!

I should probably tell you a little about the book lol. Redemptor is the second second in the Raybearer series (and hopefully not the last). (Slight spoilers) It picks up where the last book left off and follows Tarisai as she tries to assemble her own Ray council and prepares for her journey to the Underworld, while also acclimating to her new role as empress to the empire. Tarisai also has to learn to balance her imperial responsibilities while also remembering not to lose herself and the things that bring her joy. I appreciate how Jordan Ifueko discussed mental health in this book. It was subtle in its depiction, but it was still clear in its message and intention. Tarisai is haunted by these apparitions and they try to detract her from her purpose and sow insecurity. Those apparitions become so insistent that she internalizes their messages and it becomes her own voice. I think that was an interesting depiction of how anxiety manifests and impacts us. I really appreciated that.

Also, Tarisai has always been a really multi-dimensional character, but I feel in this book she had even more complexity! Something I love about Jordan Ifueko’s writing is how multi-faceted she writes young Black girls. She challenges her characters and Tarisai was challenged in new ways in this novel. I loved that! Jordan just writes A-mazing characters. Her characters have so much depth and charisma and I want to know more about all of them. Tarisai and Sanjeet have such good chemistry together and before they love each other they have a mutual respect and like for each other, and I appreciate that so much. I think authors underestimate how important it is that their characters actually like each other when developing romance. I’m also one of those people who thinks that conflict builds character in romantic relationships and Sanjeet and Tarisai go through it in this series. Also, I am obsessed with Thaddace and Mbali and I desperately want a prequel about them because their relationship intrigues me. This is actually something I’ve wanted since the first book, but now I’d like to officially petition for a Thaddace/Mbali prequel.

Normally, my reviews are kind of long and I have a lot of points but idk, when it comes to this series its head empty, just vibes. I just love this series that much and I really had such a good time reading this novel! I honestly cried when I finished, which is a rare reaction for me, but I love this series so much and I really don’t want it to end. The way Redemptor ended it seems like it's a final conclusion but I really do hope that there will be a third book. There’s still so much more that I want to know! I’m also not ready to let these characters go (insert sad face emoji). I feel like I’m growing up with them and reading their character development has been so fun for me. I really hope that we get a third book, but if not then Redemptor is a beautiful conclusion to a beautiful story!