For as long as she can remember, Tarisai has been alone with nothing but her tutors to keep her company. Her mother, known as "The Lady" rarely ever comes around and her father is nowhere to be found. She's grown used to this existence up until the moment where The Lady comes to gather her. She has a special trip planned. It turns out, Tarisai has been kept isolated from the world for a purpose: to join Prince Dayo's Council of 11 when she comes of age. Tarisai knew nothing of this plan until her mother showed her a picture of Dayo. See, Tarisai is half ehru, which means she's compelled to fulfill a limited number of wishes for her mother. For her third and final wish, The Lady orders Tarisai to gain Prince Dayo's trust, become one of his 11 and then when he loves her the most, kill him. Tarisai is brought to the capital of Aritsar, but she has no clue why she's there. She doesn't know what this visit is about, what will happen and doesn't even remember what her mother commanded her to do. Tarisai is excited at the possibility of finally having friends and not being alone...but little does she know those friends will come at a cost.

Let me tell you what I loved about this book, which was essentially...EVERYTHING!

From the moment we meet Tarisai, you can't help but feel connected to her. She's a little girl who wants nothing more than to be loved by the mother she almost never gets to see, but even deeper than that she just doesn't want to be alone anymore. You can't help but feel sorry for her, simply because from the beginning it's clear she's being used as a pawn in a game she doesn't understand. She's thrust into a situation she doesn't understand as a child and is forced to adapt despite the fact that according to the current emperor and his Council, she looks exactly like her mother who was a traitor to the empire, or so they say. She has no idea if it's true or not or what her mother did, but being the spitting image of her and having a hallow that allows her to see, steal, and replace memories can be very dangerous. The Council of 11 are the only ones who can harm the Emperor. They are his most trusted advisors, helping to keep the realm and Emperor safe, connected by something known as a Ray, which connects their minds to one another. What will happen if Tarisai actually becomes a member of the Council? She could be a danger to Prince Dayo? She seems innocent enough, but how can they be sure? How can Tarisai herself be sure?

These questions lead me to my point. No one knows for sure what's going to happen. It's clear that Tarisai has found her place in the capital, but the curse is also always in the back of the readers mind. How will Tarisai overcome this obstacle? Is she strong enough to fight against her mother's wishes and forge her own destiny? Will anyone figure out what's truly going on??? THE PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW!

The other piece of Raybearer that I loved were the characters themselves. I think often times, side characters don't get enough love and so we're left not feeling connected to them. Jordan did an amazing job going against that grain with this book. Kirah, Dayo, and Sanjeet are all amazing in their own right. Kirah and Tarisai immediately connect with one another and Kirah is such a kind soul that it's hard not to love her from the very beginning. Dayo, it's clear, has spent his whole life waiting for the moment that he'll have his own Council of 11, not because he wants to rule, but because that means he'll finally have friends who understand him and love him; People he'll be connected with for the rest of his life. Sanjeet....listen I swooned over Sanjeet the moment he was introduced. He's completely misunderstood because of his size and his past, but he's so much more than a soldier or a fighter. After growing up in an abusive home and losing his little brother, he's come to adore Dayo, but he's terrified of losing him too. He understands Tarisai in a way that no one else can. He understands what it's like to grow up alone and afraid and wanting your parent's love and approval, but never seeming to be enough. I just wanted to wrap him up in my arms and never let him go. It was like that for so many of the characters. You learn and watch them grow along the way and you can't help but to root for them.

Finally, the Jordan's writing is just amazing. She brings the cultures and the world of Aritsar alive with her words and imagery. This felt like a kingdom I not only wanted to visit, but also spend serious time in. Each of the kingdoms of the Empire has their own culture and beliefs and I just wanted nothing more than to learn about each and every one of them. It's truly amazing when an author can meld fantasy, culture, and amazing characters into one story and honestly, that's exactly what Jordan did with Raybearer.

Not only is this story amazing, but it also tackles some amazing things. We get to see on page Ace rep, the threat of losing your culture to colonization, just how harmful colonization can be, the importance of friendship, parental abandonment and abuse/manipulation, misogyny, the bullshit that is the patriarchy, and what happens when men are scared of powerful women.

I just have a lot of feelings about this book okay. Deal with it.

"Uniformity is not unity. Silence is not peace."

YA fantasy is my JAM but it ultimately, it feels like I've read the same things over and over. Enter Black and African YA fantasy that is just taking me on a journey that I never expected. As many do, I entered into Raybearer ready to compare it to Children of Blood and Bone - obviously realizing that not all African/Nigerian YA fantasy is the same but recognizing that comparisons are real. And I have to say, there are no comparisons - both are so different, amazing in their own right.

What is you've sworn to protect the one you were born to destroy?
Raybearer is the story of Tarisai, a young girl starved for love by an absent mother and sent to the empire to be chosen to protect the Crown Prince as a Council member. But Tarisai is sworn to kill Prince Dayo and struggles to build a home and family for herself while keeping this promise to her mother. Now the ploy sounds like it would be easy but Y'ALL are there twists and turns. At the end of Part 2 I was like HOW IS Jordan Ifueko going to get Tarisai out of this?! I loved where the story went and it wasn't something I expected.

Raybearer is a story of love, abandonment, betrayal - all that juicy YA stuff that works perfectly in the "chosen one" narrative. BUT, it is also a story of paternalism, misogyny and the things we can do to change our fate. And the threads of romance were beautiful and not distracting, with a diversity of identity that I appreciated. Overall, my favorite part were the friendships between Council members. I hope that what everyone takes away from this story is that when you are fighting against something (yourself, the world, inequity, injustice) that you surround yourself with people who hold you close, amplify your voice, and provide a shoulder for leaning.

I devoured this book and I hope you do too.

A fast-paced and riveting YA adventure. The worldbuilding and characters were great, it is rooted in both older folklore and modern fantasy, and reworks some tired tropes to make them fresh again. I would recommend it to any younger readers looking for something beyond the standard fantasy narrative that tends to be recycled in a lot of current YA series (and I think many adults will enjoy it, too).

4 out of 5 stars (4 / 5)
I was able to read the e-book and listen to this audio due to Libro.fm, NetGalley, Blackstone Publishing and Abrams generosity. It made it possible to soak this up throughout the day, regardless of what I was doing. This is definitely a book that you want to immerse yourself in and surround yourself with all things Raybearer.

Tarisai is unique, fierce, flawed, loyal and heartwarming. I immediately felt a connection to her because of her neglected childhood and the loneliness she felt. She is half-jinn and her mother has cursed her with doing her bidding. The journey she is sent on is twisty and challenging and soul-searching. Tarisai is phenomenal in her loyalty and the trials she endures are because of love.

This story is African-inspired and will grab you and pull you into the mystery. The twists are surprising and exciting. It is also Ifueko’s debut which is amazing.

There was very little content compared to most YA novels. I definitely expected more and was pleasantly surprised with such little language or detail in most instances.

This book is out August 18, 2020. Thank you again to those that made it possible for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book blew me away! I was anticipating an exciting, fun read, and I certainly got that, but it was also a deft, deep takedown of hetero-patriarchal norms, xenophobia, and even (to a lesser extent) classism. There's a scene about 75% of the way through the book that was so inspiring and satisfying that it took my breath away and left me crying--and then the book BUILT from there. I am in love with these characters--they're almost all fully fleshed out, complicated figures (even the children), and I am in love with this world and the belief systems that undergird it. This novel manages to foreground a quest for emotional maturity while also delivering on the more traditionally satisfying fantasy-plot elements; it features a nuanced deep dive into the problems with literal and figurative co-dependency, engaging examples of statecraft and diplomacy, AND a magical giant leopard. What more could you want?! I can't wait for the (hopefully inevitable?) sequel.

Thank you Netgalley for a copy of the book to review!

I loved this book! It felt like everything I was missing in many YA fantasy books I’ve been reading these days. The world building was excellent and had a complex and interesting magic system. I found myself really compelled by the magic system and it’s rules.

The one thing I think that really made this book for me was the fact that it doesn’t shy away from exploring racism, misogyny, patriarchy, intergenerational trauma, classism, and colonization. The interweaving of these topics within a fantastical world really worked for me. Along with the characters who were well flashed out and really lovable.

I seriously loved Tarisai (Tar) so much, she’s loyal, badass, and absolutely sweet. The loneliness Tar undergoes in the beginning of the book was so completely compelling and as we are going through this pandemic is sat heavy on my heart. It was the perfect time to read a book such as this because I felt a deep connection to Tar. I also felt the side characters were fun, but at times a little flat.

I guess my only complaint is that about the half way point the story gets a little slow until almost the end. Since I enjoyed the characters it helped me get through.

Otherwise I’m excited for the rest of this series!

Absolutely phenomenal! I received an ARC of this book and am 100% blown away by how amazing this book is! It made my heart ache one moment and soar with hope the next. I gasped, I cried, and I shivered with wonder. This book has everything I love about YA Fantasy: a complex, vibrant world; compelling characters; and a well-crafted plot.

Tarisai's mother has raised her with one purpose: to befriend the crown prince and kill him. Desperate for love and affection, Tarisai is welcomed into the fold of the prince's most trusted advisors and finds a true family amongst them. The more time she spends with them, the more she begins to question her mother's edict. She struggles between the destiny she was born to fulfill and the path she yearns to carve for herself.

I adored so many of the characters in this book!

Tarisai is a character who readers will cheer for and wish nothing but happiness. Her desire for belonging and and a sense of purpose will resonate with many, and her fierce dedication to justice is inspiring.

Sanjeet, another member of the prince's council, is a sweet boy who is sick of using his powers to hurt people and longs to heal them instead.

Dayo, the crown prince, always sees the best in people, and his kind nature shines like the sun.

Kirah, Tarisai's best friend and fellow council member, is wise and full of forgiveness.

Overall, this book has an excellent critique of colonialism/empires and assimilationist viewpoints and an epic story. It will leave a mark on readers' hearts.

The world-building in this young adult fantasy novel is just intense and all-encompassing that I genuinely felt like I could see it in my mind's eye. Tarisai is the only daughter of someone called The Lady. Her sole purpose is to obey her. This is a fast read, and the whole time I was flipping pages, I wondered what would happen next. It's one of those books where you want to know how it all wraps up without it actually being over.
If you are missing a magical universe, this may be your new favorite series. I'm suffering from a bit of a book hangover. The writing is just excellent, and the world is so vast. Don't even get me started on the back story. *chef's kiss*
This is one you won't want to miss. I read this as an ARC, and my only small complaint is that there was no map to help me decipher the geography of this vast world.

“You don’t have to help me change the world. But you mark my words; when I get going, this world will change. And you can be a part of that...or you can stand back and watch.”

Raybearer is the first book in its series and the first book by Jordan Ifueko. Blending a high fantasy with afrofuturism, Ifueko tells the story of a sixteen-year-old girl named Tarisai. Growing up secluded from the rest of her nation, Tarisai wants nothing more than to have friends and spend time with her mother, The Lady. One day, The Lady sends her to Oluwan city to vie for a position on the prince’s council, earn his trust, and ultimately assassinate him. The longer Tarisai is away from her realm and The Lady, the more she realizes that she doesn’t want to kill the prince; instead, she wants nothing more than to be friends with those she has grown close to. Bound by her mother’s wish, Tarisai must fight to follow her own path and create her own destiny.

Writing
In this culturally-diverse novel, Ifueko gives us a strong female protagonist that must fight to pave her own path. Alongside a group of culturally diverse characters, Ifueko’s lush and lyrical writing draws readers into Tarisai’s story. This book was hard to put down because of its addictive storyline, and it’s evident that Ifueko put her all into this book.

Setting
Ifueko’s world introduced me to a vast array of realms that all have their own unique offerings. I loved seeing the varying cultures that are introduced and how they all come together as one council in Oluwan city. Of course, I can’t forget to mention Songland. This is such a wonderful land, and in Tarisai’s trip there, we learn the truth of why they are not a part of the Oluwan empire.

Plot
This story is intricately-plotted with plenty of twists and far-reaching elements that are beyond Tarisai’s control. As the story progresses, it keeps you guessing, and makes you wonder if Tarisai will be able to successfully forge her own path or if she will fall victim to her mother’s command.

Characters
I absolutely love Tarisai and her friends on the council; Sanjeet, Dayo, and Kirah. There is cultural diversity amongst the group as all of them represent a different realm, and they all have unique abilities (hollows) that they can wield. I appreciated that Ifueko took them time to develop the characters in a natural way as they all learn about each other and their abilities.

Conclusion
Pros: Diverse Characters, Unique Abilities, Amazing World, and Intricately Plotted.
Cons: The only one I can think of is having to wait for the sequel.
Overall: Raybearer is the first book in its series. It is full of action, adventure, fantasy, strong characters. You won’t want to put it down.

This young adult fantasy novel has amazing lore, music, and language. Lyrical, and beautifully written. The characters are nuanced -- the main characters, good and bad, are layered with lots of depth, which I find very enjoyable.

The book had good pacing, but the second half, especially, moved quickly. I recommend this book for readers who want richness in world/plot/characters. While the unique magic system and culture are complex, it's laid out in an uncomplicated way.

The culture of this world, especially for the chosen counsel, is very affectionate. The characters are very close in body in mind. It was interesting to see sex as part of the culture, but the romantic tension was not strung super tightly, as we normally see with YA.

Minor plot holes, hardly noticeable once I let myself fall into the story. I loved the twists and turns of the plot as well as the resolutions.

TW: rape (not detailed), child abuse, child neglect, murder, death. Due to these factors, I'd suggest for age 14+.

*I received a digital copy from this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

This book was so incredible. It follows Tarisai, a young girl raised in isolation whose sole purpose in life is to serve her mother. After agreeing to a deadly request, she is whisked away to the emperor's palace to vie for the position of the crown prince's council. Tarisai must choose between obeying the wishes of her mother and her duties to her new found family. The fantastical elements of this book are inspired by African folklore, which is a refreshing update to the regular fairy tales in YA. I loved this book with all my heart and look forward to reading the next installment.

First of all 5 out of 5 stars, for sure.

I’m going to attempt to be as coherent about this book as possible, rather than unleashing my feelings in a never ending torrent of ‘oh how I loved this book’.

Tarasai is raised with an absentee mother, known only to her as ‘The Lady’, trained day in and day out for an unknown purpose. She craves connection more than anything, so when she is sent to the capital of the empire to compete for the future emperor’s council she seizes the opportunity. The council is made up of eleven soul-bounded members, something that Tarasai would do just about anything to have. But her mother’s purpose for sending her may just ruin everything.

So. This is a particularly well-crafted YA fantasy novel with an unendingly appealing cast of characters. The magic system and worldbuilding are unique and work masterfully with the plot to drive the story forward. Even frequent YA readers will find surprises and new flourishes to delight at. I will say, some story beats were familiar or not too hard to guess, but I don’t necessarily view that as a flaw. At least, it did not hamper my enjoyment of the book. Especially with such lovable characters to follow.

And oh what characters they are. Tarasai’s struggles to accept and love herself after being denied affection for most of her life are well-realized. I just wanted to reach into the book and give her a hug, my goodness! The surrounding cast of characters are also quite complex, with Kira, Woo In, and Sanjeet being my stand-out favorites. The complexity of the bonds between these characters are so well-done and there is so much left to explore in subsequent books.

This story is also really well-paced. There wasn’t any plot point that I felt was belabored or dragged out, and while the overall storyline wasn’t necessarily full of plot twists, I was left wondering what exactly would happen next.

All of that is to say, this is a really engaging story on many different fronts. I think a number of different kinds of readers would find something to love in this story. And I cannot wait for the next book in the series and to see what Jordan Ifueko does next.

I have seen a lot of hype already surrounding this book and I'm so glad I was able to snag the audiobook from NetGalley. Also, yay for audiobooks on NetGalley because I go through so many from my library and I'm glad it's now an opition.

In the beginning we are introduced to Tarisai who has had a very interesting upbrining. She has always been searching for love because she never received it from her mother.

I really liked Tarisai as a character. There is a lot of development from her throughout the book as she tries to battle between what she wants and what her mother has cursed her to do. Life isn't always easy for her and it made her feel authentic and just very real.

Another thing I loved about her, and the other characters, were the bonds she created with them. She cares deeply for them and sometimes you didn't know how much until another character brought something to light and then it just made you feel so many things!

The Lady, her mother, was such a fascinating character from the beginning. There is a backstory for her and I really enjoyed getting to know what makes her tick. Even though she has done some questionable things, I can't say that I don't like her. She definitely went through some things and it's what shaped her to be who she is.

A couple other characters that are at the top of my list are Dayo, Woo in, Kierah, and Sanjeet. Each one has their special qualities that I love and help Tarisai become who she wants to be. Even if they can't understand her reasoning and may get upset, they still don't walk away.

Honestly, there really wasn't any characters that I disliked in this book. Some got more page time than others but each one brought something to the table.

The plot of this book is unique, refreshing, and lives you needing to continue the story without long breaks. There are interesting abilities from healing to reading someone's memories. The drama involves politics and rivalries amongst family. The world that this author created is just mesmerizing! From the beginning I wasn't sure where exactly the plot would go which is good because each new plot twist had me surprised. That ending is really intense and I will definitely need to read the second book to find out what happens next.

Overall, I enjoyed this book! It was such an exciting experience and I know that many readers will love this story.

Review posted on Goodreads (July 7, 2020)
Review Linked.

5/5 stars!

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Amulet Books for an early E-Arc in exchange for an honest review!

This book is spectacular. It is now one of my favorite reads of 2020 and is probably now on my favorite books of all time list. It is so beautiful and strong. I fell in love with the world and the character that Jordan Ifueko created. I usually read my books super fast, and I deliberately read this book slowly because I didn't want the book to end. Tarisai is such an incredible, strong, beautiful main character. Also, all of the side characters were lovable and so well thought out.  

The end of this book was fantastic and I really cannot wait to read what comes next. I need the next book and just more from this world! If you love high fantasy that is very romantic, with epic story, and deeply thoughtful and complex characters, then this is the book for you! I really recommend picking up this book!

Thanks for reading!
Caden

First of all, thank you to Amulet Books for approving me for an eARC of Raybearer on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!

Tarisai is the only daughter of The Lady, and in her blood is the last wish that Tarisai must obey: once she gains the trust of the Crowned Prince, she must kill him. The Lady sends her to the capital where she must compete with other 11 year-olds to be chosen for the Crown Prince's Council of 11. If chosen by the Prince, she will counnect with him and the other Council members through the Ray.

Tarisai has never really belonged, but surrounded by other children with Hollows (gifts), this might be everything she could have wanted. All Tarisai wants, now, is to be a part of something, but the wish of The Lady is growing stronger inside her.

THIS BOOK. This book. ThIs BoOk. Like, where do I start? The world-building, the magic, the backstory. The characters are just YES. And the writing is beautiful and easy to read. This is definitely a fast read, but just becuase I was so sucked into the story and the world! It's so immersive, you'll stay up until 1 a.m. reading it. The romance in it is so sweet, and the characters, though young, are mature and thoughtfully written.

I just want to scream about this book becuase it is AMAZING. I don't know what else to say but read this! Add it to your TBR, because this might be my favorite debut of the year!

New and fresh voice in the world of YA fantasy. Ifueko creates a religiously and ethnically diverse world that slowly reveals itself in perfect pace with the plot. The book never feels rushed, and the political unrest provides an intriguing backdrop for Tarisai's journey to save the person she was sworn to protect but created to destroy.

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to read this book! I'm already excited for the sequel!

This is a story about kids who compete to represent their regions on the emperor's council. This is a story about a girl looking for her purpose. This is a story of an empire that looks peaceful on the surface, but hides dark secrets underneath. Sound familiar? Of course, I've read countless stories that could fit this description, but this one still manages to be completely unique and amazing. The main character, Tarisai, is extremely smart, spunky, and easy to love. Her friends, and everyone in the supporting cast, are each deep, complex characters, and the whole story just leaves the reader wanting to know more: more about the characters, their pasts, their futures, everything. The world-building is beautiful, and the magic system is cohesive. I was able to accurately predict some of the revelations that come throughout the book, but some left me astounded.

It is always amazing to discover a new voice in YA fantasy who isn't just rehashing previous bestsellers, and I am excited to read more from Jordan Ifueko!! Definitely recommend!!

Review based on a digital galley provided by Netgalley.

4.5 stars

I keep hearing great things about this book. Its beautiful cover drew me in at first glance. When I found out it was on Netgalley, I was excited to read it and pushed it to the top of my TBR pile. I am so glad I did. What a fantastic story! At its heart, this is a story about taking control of one’s own destiny and one’s own story, but it is so much bigger than that. It also examines what it means to be a part of a story, what that story means to you and how you want that story to play out for the betterment of all involved. It is a story about making choices, not easy choices by any means, but the right choices.

Tarisai is a strong, loving, principled young girl with brown skin who is thrown into a world that she does not understand and is not quite sure how to navigate. When she is pulled in directions that she does not want to go, she fights for what she knows it right, even though it is very difficult for her to do so. She continually wrestles with demons from her past, trying to find her place in the world. She yearns to find the family she never had, and once she does, struggling to determine how to keep that new family safe, despite her past. As she grows, she continues to learn, never settling for the status quo. Her insistence on justice and equality shine through, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

The story has a strong cast of diverse characters, reflecting many skin tones and ways of life, many paralleling those found in our own world. I don’t want to go into the characters too much because that would give the story away a bit, but there are several wonderful characters who are fascinating in their own right, even as they play a part and add depth to the journey of Tarisai: Dayo, Kirah, Sanjeet, Woo In, Kathleen, the Lady, each of these characters has his or her own story to tell. There are a few minor characters that I did not really feel a connection to, but the important characters were all well fleshed out and were indeed given their due.

The author deftly weaves many different elements into the story, creating a narrative that is interesting and intricate, with plot reveals that are timely and not predictable. I guessed one thing, but it did not deter my enjoyment of the book at all. It is a fantasy that pulls readers along at a brisk clip, while at the same time, slowing down enough in places to really help readers get a feel for setting and characterization. While the story takes place in a realm that is not our own, there are many parallels that can be drawn to current events – statements that ring true now and throughout history. Two of the quotes I found quite revealing are:

“I think, deep down, we’re afraid that things could get better. Afraid to find out that all the evil-all the suffering we ignore-could have been prevented. If only we had cared enough to try.”

“They’re both terrified by stories they can’t control.”

These two quotes crystalize things that are happening in our world right now. While the story definitely has elements that can and will enable readers to think more deeply about issues that affect our own world, it is not didactic in any way. It is a transporting read – highly recommended!

Jordan’s story is pure magic and unparalleled talent! The work that went into creating this story is noticeable. Their work into the character descriptions and their clothing is amazing! The world has so much beauty in it. I loved this book!!!!

What a beautiful, complex, and imaginative fantasy! This story enveloped me with its detailed exploration of setting and characters. The ploy was well paced and fascinating. Loved this from beginning to end!