Redemption, the final book of the Raybearer duology, follows Tarisai as she takes her newly shared seat on the empire’s throne. She’s so determined to find her purpose and do right by everyone, but does that end up changing the girl who we’ve all come to know and love? What makes her so sure she’ll be able to rewrite history and keep it together? I know I couldn’t. But nonetheless, the book earns 5/5 stars from me.

What I loved:
- all the diversity
- the rallying of the nations
- the fight against morals
- hidden agendas, which I can’t talk about for spoiler purposes, but the ones in this book were great

What I didn’t love so much:
- did we really have to sit through another anointing? I mean I get it, but it’s repetitive and her new anointed don’t contribute much of anything character-wise. Uniting kingdoms? Sure, that was the only use of it
- we did not get enough time in the underworld!! For that to be the whole major twist at the end of the first book, it did not get enough recognition and time as a scene in the second.

Thanks to NetGalley and ABRAMS Kids for sending me and advanced ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Redemptor comes out August 17, 2021 - I know I’ll be there to buy my physical copy (can’t have Raybearer sitting on the shelf without it’s pair!)

Redemptor takes all the world building and character building that was set up in Raybearer and lifts it to new levels. Tarisai has been recognized as Empress Redemptor and has the impossible task to build her council of leaders from the 12 kingdoms, but her task is complicated by unusual visions and assassination attempts.

The best part of this story for me is the world building. This unusual world of Aritsar is a delight to read, with a celebration of cultures from around the world, but mainly focused on the center four kingdoms which are heavily based on Africa. You get a more intimate view of some of these kingdoms in Redemptor as Tarisai meets with the Kings and Queens of the realms. In a genre where many fantasy worlds seem to be centered on medieval Europe inspiration, it is welcome to see different viewpoints and interpretations of what fantasy means.

I also loved how the government Tarisai becomes a part of isn't viewed as ideal and she becomes an activist to change that. Her development and questioning of how one best makes changes to a breaking or broken system are an important conversation to have now, especially in a YA novel. Will definitely be purchasing a copy of this when it releases in August!

Thanks to Amulet books and NetGalley for providing a copy for review!

Overall, this book did not disappoint. I absolutely swooned over Raybearer and the likelihood that this book would live up to the first was slim. That said, the first and last section of this book were pure magic and in those parts, I couldn't put it down. The middle section dragged for me, mostly because it revolved around a new character that I didn't really care about. I wanted more Kirah and Sanjeet and this book was woefully short on those two characters. Still, the ending was wonderful and full of twists and surprises, and I am sad there won't be anymore Tarisai in my life!

Solid sequel to Raybearer; 4,5/5 stars

When I began the book I was a bit confused on how much time had passed, but Ifueko quickly centers you in Tarisai's journey to connect with 11 others before her trip to the underworld. The pacing was interesting--slow build with Tarisai's journey in the underworld taking up about 15% of the book towards the last quarter of the book. This pacing is not for everyone, and I typically don't enjoy books that follow this flow.

I appreciated the the Lady was included, but her presence was brief and aligned with what we learned about her in the the first book. I wish there was more about Kirah in this book--she and Tarisai seemed to grow alongside each other in the first book!

ALSO, the way in which Dayo's asexuality was presented was so positive throughout the book, and it was valuable that this was shown as a key part of his identity, without it being the only part of his character worth sharing. Ifueko crafted a strong world, consistent with the first book--definitely recommend to have this book on hand for students, although I would not personally choose to teach this text due to the odd pacing.

Raybearer was one of my absolute favorite books of last year so I was so excited to read this sequel and let me tell you....it did not disappoint. Tarsiai has saved her people, for a time, but her journey to the underworld is fast approaching. Before she makes the journey she must make changes, the world she lives in is divided into the haves and the have nots and she knows that has to change. As she grows and developed as an individual the bond she has with her family threatens to break and she must learn how to be enough both for everyone else and for herself. Tarsiai is a favorite character who embodies black girl magic, literally, and strength that is unrivaled. With a cast of character magical in their own ways this book transports you to another world, where the fight for justice continues but with warriors like Tarisai on the side of what is right they just may win this battle!

3.5 stars. Overall I enjoyed this duology! I really loved Raybearer and was looking forward to see how it ended, and though I didn’t like it as much as the first, I can still look on the series with a positive feeling!

First, the good: I felt that Tarisai’s overall journey was satisfying and ended in a nice way. I enjoy her relationship with Dayo (though I did feel like we didn’t get as much of them as I would’ve anticipated), Ai Ling and Kirah. Her romance with Sanjeet was never my favorite and that opinion didn’t really change in this book. Her new relationship with Min Ja was one of the highlights of the book! I also really liked Zuri as a character but did NOT enjoy the twist or the utter confusion I felt regarding his ending.

This sequel just felt off to me, both pacing and plot-wise. It was somehow slow while also packing in just WAY too much stuff. It covers a lot of time very quickly and it was all leading up to something (Tarisai’s journey through the Underworld) that ended up being super rushed. I found it difficult to follow the storyline with the abiku and why they were soo evil when they’re barely present, and while most of the book seemed to focus on the relationships between Tarisai and her council siblings, none of those relationships felt fully developed. We BARELY got to see any interaction with most of her new council members (I can’t even tell you much about the old ones, either) besides Min Ja. It kind of all seemed like filler to get her into the Underworld for the finale.

Overall a lot of things just felt rushed. I am fine with almost all of the characters’ endings but just wasn’t happy with the pacing and plot decisions. Will still check out Ifueko’s work in the future, though!

“Redemptor” by Jordan Ifueko raises not necessarily timeless, but generational and cyclical, questions that whisper like our own ojiji: How can those complacent with contentment for themselves, be driven to empower change for others with and without guilt? How to pursue the journey for justice if it feels antithetical to peace? How to remember and reconcile the pain and suffering of others, let alone your own? What to do if your experiences make you feel like you’ve outgrown your friends? If we have a voice, how to tell a story worth telling?

If “Raybearer” was Tar finding her voice, “Redemptor” is her figuring out what for. She learns that nothing is static--confidence, love, forgiveness, justice--but instead, each moment is a choice.

Instead of just joining Tarisai in these moments to moments, I sometimes wish I could join her from an expanded depth to expanded depth. This wish (alagbatos, are you listening?) comes as a reader who enjoys every thread rippling and echoing back through our characters, but understands that sometimes the book is busy not just “pay[ing]” for past abuses” but “find[ing] a future to live for too” (Redemptor quote!).

-NOT SPOILERS, BUT MAY ALLUDE TO PLOT POINTS!-
Many threads in the book DO do this (Zuri’s development, Ye Eun’s relationship with Tar (poignant and realistic...if there was some way to make HER the next Raybearer(!!!!), the ojiji), but if I could ask for three more, they’d be...

Second Council:

Tar does not worry how her relationship with the second council will affect her relationship with the first. I could wave this absence away, after all, Tarisai DID learn in the first book that love is not zero sum and the heart can expand and nuance as she meets others. And! The book very cleverly addresses out-of-council consorts, council sickness etc. However, we do not hear how the second council feels about each other considering that their minds are linked to one another, not just to Tar. I can’t as easily wave away that everyone is totally fine with this nuanced love and mindspeak and having to relearn vulnerability, internal privacy etc. Tar shows her second council memories of her past, but they’re rarely seen making future memories, and working together in ways only possible by their bond.

Because Tarisai feels so alone and isolated for the majority of the book, it makes sense that even if the second council was a new found family, she, as our main narrative viewpoint, is not able to see it in that way. However, as a reader I wish I at least could! Even if to just shout to Tarisai from the margins that she’s no longer in the margins!

Alagbatos:

We learn that a certain item has a connection to the memory of a long-forgotten pact between alagbatos and the Kunleo dynasty, and by the end of the book, Tarisai has a way to access that memory. Even so, she does not do so! She maybeee arguably makes a new pact (really a promise) at the item, and granted, she’s busy with a few other important things being Empress and all, but how I would LOVE a short-story exploring this item. In general, I wish the alagbatos had a greater presence and integration with the plot.

Running a Kingdom:

Tarisai instigates changes in Aritsar (there goes our favorite badass <3) that have far reaching implications on how the kingdom is run...like, on its treasury. We never hear how these changes actually impact the other council siblings, or how they feel about the changes themselves (not just the changes in Tarisai). This, ‘Tarisai only brings about change!’ and ‘Tarisai only deals with the consequences!’ again reflects Tarisai’s tunnel vision and feelings of isolation in the book, but perhaps with the trade off of not fully building out the world and development of the council siblings.

-ALLUSIONS TO PLOT POINTS DONE!!-

Overall, this book is a must-read. Even if you dislike it, it will be a generative, mirror-of-self dislike in which you have to reckon with the why’s (Because of my own privilege? Insecurities? Understanding of justice? Definition of shame? etc.) Before and beyond the 13 deaths, “Redemptor” will show you the un-rest of peace and un-rest of justice while still going gentle on your heart. Like Tarisai, “Redemptor” will have to carry a burden much much harder than everyone hating it...it will have to prepare for everyone loving it too, without controlling why or how much.

Thank you to ABRAMS Kids / Amulet Books and NetGalley for allowing me to go through a rift in our world for access to this incredible ARC.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

SUCH a satisfying sequel!

Tarisai’s world expanded so much in Raybearer - she found the family and friends that she’d always longed for but lost others. The guilt she felt over the Lady’s control in the first book has morphed into a consuming obsession with her need to right the wrongs of the past, which causes her world to shrink. Under the influence of unknown forces, the Empress Redemptor pushes everyone away while trying to build her royal council and keep her pact with the Underworld.

Ifueko’s master storytelling had me in tears and on the edge of my seat with this page-turning finale.

Raybearer was one of my favorite books I read last year, it was a fresh and unique story, and I found it endearing. So, believe me when I say, I’m sad I didn’t love this as much as the first.

Let’s start off with the good parts of this story. One thing I really appreciated was how Jordan Ifueko wasn’t afraid to explore themes of systematic oppression regarding class. All throughout the story, Tarisai is learning about how unjust the empire is, she learns how her privilege has afforded her comfort. I love seeing Tarisai question and go against the status quo. Unfortunately, that's all I really enjoyed.

One thing I loved the most about the story is the found family aspect, seeing Tarisai come from an abusive home to the Children’s Palace where she was able to find a family to call her own was heartwarming. The only critique I did have was that I wished the relationships were fully explored and I was hoping to see that familial bond explored even more in the second story. Unfortunately, the second book doesn’t explore those dynamics at all. We were constantly being told how much the Council Siblings cared for each other, but we were never shown it.

Female friendships aren’t explored enough in fiction and I felt that Raybearer did an amazing job exploring the friendship between Tarisai and Kirah and it was one of the best parts of the story. So, I was incredibly disappointed that she only made a few appearances. Even her relationship with Sanjeet and Dayo is put on the back burner. It felt as though character development was being sacrificed for the sake of the plot, which was especially disappointing to me because the characters are the reason, I loved the first book so much.
Even when it came to Tarisai building her own council, it felt as though we were being held at an arm’s length. None of their characters were fully developed
And it felt like Tarisai’s Council Siblings were there for the plot and nothing more.

In terms of plot, it felt like the story lacked consistency. The plotline with the alagbatos didn’t serve much of a purpose and was only used as a plot device to separate Tarisai from her council siblings. The plotline with Tarisai building her council and going into the underworld made the pacing feel inconsistent and could have been separated into two books.

The way the magic system was handled was also disappointing to me. I loved the idea of being in love in order to be bonded through the Ray, it made the found family aspect that much sweeter. I didn’t like the idea of that love being distorted.

Overall, I don’t think this is a bad book. The first book set the bar so high and this just didn’t live up to it.

Like the first book, the entire story moved along at a slow burn and left me warm and content. If you enjoyed the first, you will definitely enjoy the sequel. I would not recommend reading Redemptor until finishing Raybearer, as so much of this book required having knowledge of the back story and knowledge of what had already transpired.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amulet books for the ARC.

5 beautiful stars for Tarisai Kunleo, Empress Redemptor.

Very many thanks to Abrams Books for making my dreams come true by giving me the opportunity to read this book SO early on via Netgalley. Raybearer is one of my favorite 2020 reads, and I was so hyped for this book. fun fact, I also got to listen to an audiobook of Raybearer early, back in July thanks to Blacksone Audio via Netgalley. I love Raybearer a lot and Redemptor did not disappoint.

This was an action-packed and emotion-filled book, and Raybearer got a well-deserved sequel. From the opening chapter, Jordan Ifueko brought us up to speed with how the first book ended, and in a couple of pages, the action was underway. This book introduced a myriad of new characters, and elevated the importance of some characters (much like how a series takes a character from recurring to regular) by giving them a prominent storyline or making them more integral to the central storyline. I loved some of the characters and hated others.

SO MANY important themes were discussed in this book. With Tar and her council siblings at the helm of power, they are exposed to the unjustness of the ruling system and the divide between the rich and the poor. Tar is especially sympathetic towards the plight of the poor. Depression and anxiety are also examined through a very unique angle with the use of the ‘ojiji’. It broke my heart for Tar, but also warmed my heart the way the author handled it. Dayo’s asexuality was also explored more in this book. Family, friendship, love, loyalty, sacrifice, grief, loss, healing, and a number of other themes were also key to Redemptor.

Tar’s journey towards creating her own council was tough and filled with bumps, and the author added a very unique twist at the beginning of it. My poor baby Tar had to deal with a lot in this book, and she faced a lot of fears and inner demons. Her journey in this book was so awe-inspiring and motivating. I learnt a lot from Tar and this book just elevated her status on my list of favorite book heroines.

A lot about the past and history of the Kunleo family and the powers they possessed were examined in this book. We also learnt more about the ‘abiku’ and the first Treaty.

This book made me laugh, cry, swoon, giggle, get hurt, scream, and fall in love. The action and pacing were great, the characters were exquisite, and the writing was excellent. Just as with Raybearer, this book was infused with so many beautiful aspects of West African (especially Yoruba) culture.

If you thought I loved Raybearer and wouldn’t shut up about it before, my Redemptor campaign would ecen be more massive. Out on the 17th of August, I want everyone to preorder this and I can’t wait for you all to love it as much as I do.

Fantasic characters. Interesting plot. The story will keep you engaged the whole time. I loved it from the first sentence. 5 stars isn't enough for Jordan's amazing story!!!!!!! I love her writing!

A gripping story that will leave readers wholly satisfied yet curious about what’s next for Ifueko. Powerful stories and dynamic relationships make this story a gem!

The first book was amazing, and the sequel didn't disappoint. What I loved about Raybearer was that the world was so vibrant and the twists so unexpected, and Redemptor maintains that energy. Obviously royalty is popular in YA because it's fun, but it was great to see this book actually face the implications of that and the real world parallels of inequality and address them. The characters just leap off the page, and while it wouldn't be realistic to see more of the less important council members, it always leaves me wanting more, which is a good thing. And it's always great to see an asexual character with a subplot handled well!

Redemptor by JordanIfueko
#2 in the #Raybearer Duology
Publication Date: August 17, 2021
TW: Drug Use, Violence, Death, Loss

I’m really at a loss for words. I feel like anything I write will not do this series justice. The book hangover after this one has been a struggle.

As a whole, Raybearer & Redemptor feel like fresh and inventive YA fantasies. I really enjoyed the concept of the rulers having individuals melded to their minds and could therefore speak to each other through their minds.

I liked that this particular book depicted Tarisai’s struggles as Empress. It was interesting to see how even the best intentions can lead to missteps. The book also deals with themes of found families and self-love for which I adored.

Every single page was packed with character development, worldbuilding and plot development. The story was so intricately put together I’m already craving a re-read as I am sure there were things I missed. I will say that so much of the book was dedicated to preparing Tarisai for her journey to the underworld that I was surprised how little of the book actually detailed her time there. I know sometimes the journey is more important than the moment itself but Tarisai almost made it look too easy. Although maybe that’s also a testament to her character and abilities?

Also, I really appreciate the inclusion of a character who knew they didn’t want children and not just because they were told they couldn’t have them.

Thank you Netgalley, the author and Abrams Kids for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was a little disoriented beginning this book because I didn't fully remember everything that happened in the previous book, but it all came back as I really got into it. This doesn't work as a stand alone, to fully appreciate it you need to read the first book, Raybearer, but this was a wonderful continuation of that story. I'm not sure if there's another book planned in this series, but it ends in a very satisfactory way, so even if there are no more books, the reader still has closure.

After reading Raybearer in 2020, I was really excited about this sequel. Ifueko did not disappoint! I honestly liked Redemptor even better than Raybearer. It built beautifully on the world created in Raybearer, and I thought the conflicts, both internal and external, were so much more compelling.

The best analogy I can come up with to describe this duology is that Redemptor is like Raybearer's big sister. They're clearly cut from the same cloth, but Redemptor is a little darker, more complex, and more worldly.

The themes of justice, sacrifice, love, and family make this a GREAT book for discussion with people of any age (I would say 12+; there are some sexy scenes, so if you plan to read/chat with kids, be prepared). It's also a wonderfully accessible introduction to politics for young people. What do we value in our leaders? Who has power/a voice in our communities? What is class privilege? How do we address income inequality? BIG questions, but so important.

Finally, I genuinely appreciated the discussion about reproduction! Having children is a choice, not an inevitability, and it's completely valid to decide it's not for you.

Thank you, Jordan Ifueko!

After Raybearer, I did not think Jordan Ifueko could manage to blow me away even further. Now that I've had the honor of reading Redemptor, I can proudly say my expectations for what I would consider a perfect series have been forever changed by Tarisai's story.

The Raybearer duology is a series that is so incredibly unique - everything from the worldbuilding to the use of the found/chosen family trope, to exploring complex relationships and one's own personal duty and willingness to sacrifice for the greater good are all wrapped up in lush worldbuilding and characters who you can't help but adore. The morals of love and justice and strength are ones that will stay with you for a lifetime. Redemptor does an amazing job of picking up the story right where we left off and bringing readers on an incredible journey that is difficult to put down.

I especially connected with the exploration of the different types of love and how the narrative makes it clear that no one type is more significant than another. Tarisai's trauma and conflicting emotions surrounding her childhood continue to add depth to her character beyond the development we received in the first book. Dayo's asexuality is portrayed beautifully. Romantic, platonic, and familial relationships come full circle and each one is equally heart-melting.

Ifueko's strength in character building stood out to me especially. Newly introduced characters - namely Zuri and Min Ja - added layers to this story that I would have never expected and loved immensely.

Without spoiling anything, I also loved the way themes of depression and anxiety play a role, albeit in a fantastical way that does not draw any of the importance away from the lessons to be learned.

Tarisai's journey from the Children's Palace to Raybearer and Empress is one that I will cherish forever.

I really enjoyed the first book of this series so I was very excited to read the second one. It did not disappoint and I really enjoyed the plot line. The main characters were super relatable and interesting which I really like in a story. I will be recommending this book to all of my friends.

I'm in absolute awe of this book. This is now my favourite duology ever.

With Raybearer having been one of my absolute favourite books of 2020, the finale to this duology was one of my most anticipated 2021 books. And then I got BLESSED: right after the cover and release date were announced, the book went up on Netgalley and I got approved within a day. Needless to say, I dove in right away.

Very often, when I've really loved the first installment in a series, I will end up very disappointed by the second one, because it will just not live up to the first book. So if that happens to you too, let me just state right away: there's no need to worry about that here. When I started reading, I was immediately transported back into this world, and everything about it - the writing, the plot, the characterization - felt completely consistent with the first book.

One of my favourite aspects of the first book was the way the found family trope was used. This is one of my favourite tropes in general, and while I adored it in Raybearer, I think it might have even been better in Redemptor. I especially still very much adore my beloved Dayo.

But really, this book just has it all: amazing characters with enough loveable interactions to keep me happy, an engaging plot, intricate world building, absolutely exquisite writing. Whether you like to read for the plot or for the characters doesn't matter - you will be fed here.