Issues I Had with this Book:
*DoinTooMuchitis-This is the next book to suffer from this ailment and it's almost always debut fantasy authors. Sometimes when it's an own voices and it's set in a different country, they tend to want to put so much in their story that there is no focus and the story becomes confusing. This is what happened here. This story has a very simple plot; at least it did for the first 50%. And then the second half started.

Although I only had one issue with this book, I still dropped it to a 3/5 because there was so much to focus on and I stopped caring about everything around the 75% mark and I guessed a major thing within the first 5 chapters.

What I Liked About This Book:
*The Pacing on the first 60%-Ifueko did lots of stuff differently than the traditional YA fantasy and I liked that.
*The Folklore-There was one story with the Phoenix and the earth and the sea that was really good.
*The Underworld-There is an underworld component that was nice but it's almost an afterthought until it's either info-dumped or brought up when it's convenient.
*Themes-Feminism; revenge; jealousy; friendship were among the themes in Raybearer which makes this book a good book club selection.
*Diverse-Although it's an African fantasy, there are diverse characters within the world-Middle Eastern, European, and East Asian.

I hope there is going to be a second book! Raybearer is an immersive and stunning debut Ya fantasy novel. I loved everything thing about this story but the characters stole my heart. Tarisai and the journey that she undergoes to realize she isn’t a monster made me tear up. Dayo and his unending love for Tarisai. Sanjeet who was such a sweet bean under that hard exterior and Kirah who was such a good friend no matter what. All of them were just a joy to read and journey with throughout this story. The book does sort of throw you into the world from the start which can be a little jarring but once you get accustomed to the atmosphere that Jordan Ifueko has created you will be hooked. Thank you to NetGalley and the Blackstone publishing for the Arc.

Side note: I really loved how Tarisai would tie her hair up every night and it was mentioned in the book. This is such a small thing but it was so realistic and accurate of a young black girls hair and things like this are often never mentioned in books especially fantasy books.

This story certainly impressed and was so beautiful. This story is one of the rare ones that kept me guessing all the way through to the end - I did not see the ending coming. The characters are developed and developed so well that they actually feel fully fleshed out! The world is developed perfectly and built so you can feel yourself inside of it. I am over the moon in love with this book and cannot wait to read more from this author!

The audiobook for this one was completely stunning and enchanting.

All Tarisai has ever wanted is to belong. When she is chosen to join the Crown Prince’s Council of Eleven she is connected to them through the Ray, a bond deeper than blood. She has finally found a family.

But Tarisai has a secret.

Born to The Lady with one purpose, and one purpose alone, Tarisai is compelled by a magic deep within her bones to kill the Crown Prince she has come to love.

Can she resist The Lady's will?

Or will she be responsible for destroying those she holds most dear?

Ifueko's stunning world-building and character development immerse you from the very first word. A captivating tale of loyalty, fate, and belonging, this fantasy world feels as tangible as our own. Exploring politics, exploitation, and trauma, Raybearer scratches far more than just the surface.

Written in mesmerizing prose, this diverse fantasy YA novel gives up a complex and determined heroine to look up to, flaws and all.

Joniece Abbott-Pratt's narration was full of emotion and perfectly captured all of the many varied characters. I was on the edge of my seat and listened to the entire book in just two days, mouth hanging open at the twists and turns.

I can't wait to continue this journey with Tarisai in the next installment!

Thank you to Netgalley, Blackstone Publishing, and Jordan Ifueko for providing me with a free audiobook copy of Raybearer in exchange for an honest review.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3388338575?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1
https://www.instagram.com/p/CD180kYpQBF/
(YouTube review to come)

4.5 stars
Wow - I'm not a huge fantasy reader but I was happy to receive this advanced audiobook version because this was brilliant. I'm happy that I was given a copy of this book because the plotline and the characters were captivating and did a great job of incorporating magic. I loved the vivid depiction of the Black girl magic, from the description of the braids to the jewelry that was worn.

The only reason I gave this 4.5 stars instead of a 5 is that some of the beginning parts of the books were a little boring for me. However, the second half of the book picked up and I couldn't put it down. I'm excited to read more books in this world because I must know what happens next.

Thank you Netgalley for providing a free advanced audiobook version of the book. All opinions are my own.

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.

As a side note, I absolutely loved the narration of the audiobook. The narrator captured the magic of the story as well as the characters, which can sometimes be difficult. I would definitely listen to it again.

This is by far one of the best books I have read in 2020. I already know it is going to be in my top 5 no matter what else comes out. The relationships between Tarisai and Jeet and Tarisai and Kirah made my heart grow five sizes.

This book is a ray of excellence! ….And I will not apologise for using a completely appropriate title pun just now 😌 I just absolutely adored every page of Raybearer. (Well I listened to the audiobook, which was also incredible and I can’t recommend enough!!) It felt fresh and powerful, creative but also gives that comfort of a good sprawling fantasy world that you can just lose yourself in.

I suspect this will be the best YA fantasy I’ll read this year and I am here, in awe.

This is generally what sells a book for me, and oh I love the cast of Raybearer so much. Tarisai is cunning and clever, soft and vulnerable. She just wants a family and to be loveeeeed. Her voice is spectacular; she has the kind of narration that makes every scene a delight to be in. She also has a very specific gift: she can see the memories of a person or object just by touching them. She can also erase or dull memories, and she actually uses this for good to take away her childhood friends’ bad dreams. 🥺

The side characters also stole my heart too. I loved Dayo (the prince) and his and Tarisai’s really tight friendship. Then there’s Kirah who was practical and clever but also that mothering friend. And Sanjeet! The one who is too tol, too intimidating…but secretly an utter marshmallow. (Also can we take a second of deep appreciation that a YA book exists where the first boy Tarisai meets isn’t the love interest 😂👌🏻 thank you.)

The complexities of the villains (are they villains 👀) were also thoroughly captivating. I also loved the coming-of-age bent to this. The prince and his Eleven are still only growing up, so while they learn politics, the adults are still busy controlling the world. Their backstory was both layered and dark and fascinating too.

The world is so deliciously complex and huge, it had so many layers. It felt REAL. Vast and unmappable. You don’t have to remember or understand every people group or country, because it reminds you of who is who until you fall into the rhythm of the story. I genuinely appreciate a complex world and history! The backstory is amazing too. Like you could easily want a prequel following The Lady’s life?! (Or am I just craving more from this author…also that.)

The story starts when Tarisai is young: it follows her growing up under tutors and being taught to be terrifically smart. But all she wants is the love and affection of her distant mother, known only as The Lady. At 12 years old, Tarisai is taken to the palace to join the contest to become one of the prince’s sacred 11. This is how the kingdom is ruled: the king (the Raybearer) has a council of 11 and they are all completely interwoven and close and can talk through their minds and all linked by deep deep love.

Of course there are SO many twists and backstories and I’m not even going to go into it too deeply because just read it!!!! But least to say Tarisai gets chosen by the prince and the world unravels and changes from there.

Raybearer really captured my heart and imagination, and I can’t properly articulate just how exquisite this story is. It was creative and nuanced, beautiful and layered. I’m still thinking about it days later and aching with need for the sequel — because w o w that ending has left me both whole and wrecked. I love.

Wow! This audiobook was fabulous! Such a magical thrill ride that I was not expecting to love so much!! I am SO glad I was able to listen to this book via netgalley.

SURPRISING.

Is one word to explain my feelings towards this book. This book is so unlike any YA fantasy book I've ever read, it takes such basic tropes and twists them so perfectly in just the slightest of ways.


The first line immediately caught my interest and I was in love by the first dialogue. I love the songs and spoken storytelling woven into this book and the main plot, I love almost all the characters, good, bad, or gray for various reasons!

Jordan Ifueko truly did an amazing job in capturing the reader's attention and using so many amazing West African inspirations that I'm sure had own voices Nigerians in love because, I, as an Jamaican reader truly connected and loved this book because of those portrayals and the foods mainly!

This book came together so perfectly, I truly enjoyed it and it's now one of my TOP favorites of this year!!!!

Phenomenal narrator, she slipped between the diverse cast of characters seamlessly. Every character had a distinct voice. There are many audiobooks I need to do something while I listen, this one kept me enraptured to the point I often couldn't drive and listen!

Engaging, moving story, I believe middle grade and teen readers will love the narration as much as adults. Full of mythology, a world that is decidedly not Western and strong women and the men who surround them. Just when you think you understand the motivations of a character you are surprised.

A book I will listen to again and again.

First of all, thank you to Amulet Books for approving me for an ALC 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.

AND THE AUDIOBOOK! Like, one second, you think the physical copy is amazing, BUT WAIT. THERE"S MORE. Abbott-Pratt did an absolutely amazing job with this book! Her voice was absolutely perfect for this book, her pacing was amazing, and it just made me love Raybearer EVEN MORE, if that's even possible! So read it, listen to it, or, ya know, DO BOTH!

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!

Why I Requested This: I love a shot at reading new debut books ahead of time. The starting point to this YA fantasy series was no exception after seeing this cover and reading that description. Additionally, this story is Nigerian inspired fantasy and I’m trying to get more into non-western fantasy worlds.

Pros:
The story hooks you from the starting point while learning about Tarisai’s backstory and about The Lady who is clouded with mystery.
Speaking of Tarisai, the characters in this one are absolutely fleshed out making their motives fully understandable.
Did I mention straight-up world-building yet? Because this world is so unique that I just kept wanting to learn more especially about the magic system.

Cons:
Sometimes the pacing does feel a bit wonky which is probably due to the fact that this is a debut novel.

Overall: Despite some pacing issues, this is a story that hooked me from the start that I can’t wait to see where it heads.

An instant classic! I finally found something new that I can use in my classroom!

(The audiobook is an absolute treasure as Joniece Abbott-Pratt provides award-worthy narration throughout.)

I simply can not wait for the next installment -- I just hope it arrives soon,, before "council sickness" sets in!

Time to be honest. It's a very long time since I listened to an audio book. Years, possibly (mumble) decades. But I wanted to try out this new option Netgalley have given us, so I requested the audio book of a book I've read and really enjoyed. I thought that would be the best way to try this.

So I loved the narrator. Perfect speed, beautiful tone, differentiated between characters really well. I was never confused about who was speaking. Joniece has a wonderful voice and I really enjoyed listening.

However, I've decided that audio books aren't really for me. This has nothing to do with the narration, or the story itself, which was also brilliant. I just don't do well at listening; my attention tends to drift and I have to find my place again.

If you're looking for a wonderful story with an excellent narrator, this is definitely the one for you.

Wow, this is a debut? Jordan Ifueko is one to watch. This was absolutely BRILLIANT and YA fantasy at its best. The world was so lush, I felt like I was transported into another realm while listening. It was well paced and every time I thought I knew where the story was going, Ifueko proved me wrong. I think this book is best read just diving in without knowing too much and just allowing yourself to experience the magic.

The narrator was fantastic and really brought the story to life. I definitely recommend reading it on that platform if you are an audiobook fan.

The only negative about this book is that I don't already have book 2 to dive into.

READ THIS BOOK!

Full review will be live on www.readandwander.com on 17 August

A wonderful story with a strong female protagonist. Tar is smart and powerful and the story is captivating with pacing that makes you not want to put it down. The narration was excellent.

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!

This story is richly detailed (which does slow down the pace). Joniece Abbott-Pratt does a fantastic job with the various songs and sounds of drums throughout. She also makes all the characters (and there are several) sound unique and alive. The author, Jordan Ifueko, does a brilliant job surprising the reader. Whenever I thought “oh no, here we go again” Ifueko had her characters behave in a way that was still appropriate for their age, but also authentic.This is one you just need to read.

Ifueko's writing and the narrator worked so well together that it sold this book to me and I couldn't put it down. Sometimes, especially with high fantasy books, authors fall between a too simplistic writing style or too descriptive, but Raybearer does such a good job with being readable but not sacrificing prose that are pure magic.

Does this book have flaws? Sure. But they were personal and so inconsequential to how wonderful this story truly is, especially for a debut. I'm serious, if you're thinking about reading this book you should. Ifueko has such a talent for storytelling that I will definitely read whatever she writes from now on.