I don't usually read samplers, but I wanted to check out whether to preorder this book, so I thought I'd give this a go. It's a fascinating opening -- definitely enough to make me keen on preordering the book. It kind of surprised me how quickly stuff happened: some books would have lingered over that opening and the mysteriousness of the narrator's origins, and The Lady, but this one gives you a bit of kindling to fan the flames.

I didn't read too much, because I hate getting into a book only to get cut off, but I will probably pick this up when it comes out.

eARC Sampler provided by NetGalley , thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK. All opinions are my own.

There is 1010 pages in this sampler. I can tell this is going to be a popular YA fantasy pick of the year.

It's lush, dark , dangerous and different. It's like a wild animal pacing - I kept waiting for more and more strikes. It was poetic without being over the top, which I loved. The characters were interesting and it was different and imaginative.

It is however impossible to judge a book on less than a quarter of it, I will have to wait to read the full edition but I can say it was stunning debut launch sampler.

I really look forward to reading this book and I am so grateful to have gotten the sampler!

A good beginning of a new story. I am looking forward to the book's release. The cover art is beautiful.

Great sample! I'm very much looking forward to the book's release. The writing style feels fresh but at the same time immersive because there is something recognisable about it. The cover art is stunning.

A very strong opening to a novel that has me excited to continue reading and wishing I could already have a full copy in hand. I will definitely be picking up a copy upon release.

The story follows a young girl named Tarisai, the child of a mysterious and distant women known only as The Lady. She has grown up alone, knowing only her tutors while remaining isolated from her peers. She is sent to contend for a spot on the council of the Crown Prince of Aritsar - a council bound by a force called the Ray; a bond deeper than blood. The Council could provide Tarisai the warmth and love of a family she never had, but she is also compelled to obey her mother's wish: to kill the Crown Prince.

Ifueko's prose is stunning, vivid and engaging from the very first page and kept me gripped throughout the promotional sample. The world-building, particularly the setting of Aritsar and the magical-fantasy weaved around West African folklore is intriguing. From the very beginning you are drawn into an elaborate setting, with explanations of the world, its magic and its creatures delivered seamlessly without feeling like an information-dump with heavy-handed exposition. I am definitely excited to learn more about the intricacies of the world Ifueko has built as the story progresses.

Tarisai herself has a very distinct voice as the main character that I can already find myself connecting to and her primary dilemma has been set up incredibly well for the remainder of the book. She yearns for some kind of connection with others, having been denied love and warmth her whole life. Now, having finally been given the perfect opportunity to do so, she finds herself torn. I have found myself unable to wait to find out what happens next; to read and follow Tarisai as she finds the strength to carve her own path in light of her dilemma.

Overall, I definitely recommend anyone interested in young adult fantasy, particular those looking to diversify their reading habits, to pick up a copy of Raybearer when the novel is release. I for one will definitely be doing so!