Review – Raybearer (Raybearer, Book 1) by Jordan Ifueko (5/5 stars)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy
Length: 428 pages
Publisher: Amulet Books
Release Date: August 18, 2020
ASIN: B07WVDZDKD
Stand Alone or Series: 1st book in the Raybearer duology
Source: eBook from Library
Rating: 5/5 stars
“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.”
Series Info/Source: This is the 1st book in the Raybearer duology. I borrowed this on ebook from my library.
Thoughts: This was the last book I had on my list of books I really wanted to read in 2025. I was honestly not that excited to pick it up since I was in the mood for something else completely. I thought I would read the first 25% or so and then maybe set it aside if it didn’t grab my attention. Imagine my surprise when I started reading this and found I was really, really loving it. This is so well written, I loved the world and characters here and enjoyed the adventures that Tarisai ends up on.
Tarisai has been raised in luxury in a lonely estate. Her life has been one of tutors and solitude with occasional appearances by her mother only known as The Lady. Then, one day she is picked up by her mother’s minions and carted off to the capital of Aritsar. There she will fight to become one of the Crown Prince’s council of 11. However, her mother has also made one final wish about Tarisai’s fate and that is that Tarisai must kill the Crown Prince to finally get out from under her mother’s thumb. Tarisai fights her path with all she is worth until one day things change.
I loved the world created here and the unique abilities the characters have. The closeness of the Council was fascinating, and this was an intriguing way to rule a kingdom. This book was incredibly engaging and spans quite a bit of time. We follow Tarisai as a young child, then as a young competitor for a council seat, and then as young woman trying to change her path. The story shifts between different themes. At first, it is all about a lonely girl learning about her powers. Then it is about politics and surviving a competition. Then it is about finding a family to call you own. Then it is about adventure and surviving deadly terrain. All of it was done well. The side characters have a lot of depth and really come alive. The decisions Tarisai is faced with are heartbreaking and tough.
This was an amazing fantasy book that really surprised me with how much I enjoyed it. It is complex and intriguing without being confusing. I really cared about the characters and their stories. I enjoyed the magic and the adventure as well. When I finished this I was excited to read the second book in this duology.
My Summary (5/5): Overall this was a fantastic fantasy read. It has excellent world-building, amazing characters, and a variety of engaging story elements that really kept me intrigued and engaged. If you are looking for your next fantasy read, I would definitely recommend. I look forward to reading the second book in this duology, “Redemptor”.
