Raybearer Book Review

Raybearer

Author: Jordan Ifueko

Pages: 496 pages

Genre: YA Fantasy

Published: August 2020

Rating: 5 Stars

Synopsis:

Nothing is more important than loyalty.
But what if you’ve sworn to protect the one you were born to destroy?
 
Tarisai has always longed for the warmth of a family. She was raised in isolation by a mysterious, often absent mother known only as The Lady. The Lady sends her to the capital of the global empire of Aritsar to compete with other children to be chosen as one of the Crown Prince’s Council of 11. If she’s picked, she’ll be joined with the other Council members through the Ray, a bond deeper than blood. That closeness is irresistible to Tarisai, who has always wanted to belong somewhere. But The Lady has other ideas, including a magical wish that Tarisai is compelled to obey: Kill the Crown Prince once she gains his trust. Tarisai won’t stand by and become someone’s pawn—but is she strong enough to choose a different path for herself? With extraordinary world-building and breathtaking prose, Raybearer is the story of loyalty, fate, and the lengths we’re willing to go for the ones we love. 

My Review:

Wow. This book blew me away. I went in without knowing much about it and it was so good!

From the blurb I thought this might be an enemies to lovers romance but it surprised me in ways I didn’t expect. Tarisai was raised in isolation from the outside world and only saw her mother on rare occasions. Her mother, also known as The Lady, kept Tarisai in the dark about many things, until she came of age. Once Tarisai was eleven, The Lady used her last wish to compel Tarisai into killing the crown prince of Aritsar once he trusted her. Tarisai is then taken to the capital and entered into a competition of sorts, to prove loyalty and complete tests to show she is capable of being one of Dayo, the prince’s eleven. Each member of the crown prince’s council must have a Hallow and once anointed they will be connected through the Ray.

‘I choose the girl who walks through fire. I choose sunshine.’

I adored the way this book skipped time and we got to see Tarisai as she grew older and first met the members of Dayo’s council. I thought she was an incredibly detailed character and I thoroughly enjoyed her character arc over this book. There were many twists and turns that have me desperate to pick up the sequel! Kirah and Sanjeet were great characters and I loved the relationship they, Dayo and Tarisai had. There was a romantic subplot in this book, which I always appreciate, although I will admit it is not what I expected. So I won’t spoil who it’s between but just know that I loved it!

‘But I knew, deep down, that love had never fixed anyone. It had only given them the strength to try over and over and over again.’

The world building in Raybearer was insane and the glossary at the back of the book was also quite helpful. I found myself easily pulled into this intricate West-African inspired world and am desperate to explore more of it. There is a high level of political intrigue in this book and it was so interesting to see how each character responded to what was expected from them. I loved the way they worked together and thought their friendships were really special.

‘That’s the problem, sunshine girl. When it comes to you, I will never stop falling.’

I really enjoyed this book and now that this review is written, I can pick up the sequel!

Keep reading,

Georgia x