Thank you for the advanced copy of this book! I will be posting my review on social media, to include Instagram, Amazon, Goodreads, and Instagram!

An epic conclusion to a great duology. Raybearer took my by storm and I was so excited to read this follow up. While Raybearer was a story of found family and fighting against family expectations, Redemptor is a story of what happens AFTER you find your family and survivor's guilt. Tarasai may have survived the events of book one, but she's forced to relive the trauma of all the redemptors that came before her. The children who weren't so lucky and were sacrificed for the "good" of the kingdom. Throughout the story we watch Tarasai struggle with keeping her promise to the Underworld, balancing life in the kingdom with her siblings and forming new bonds of support.

I'll admit that this isn't an easy read. It goes by quickly, but the subject matter is definitely heavy at times. Between hallucinations, guilt, depression, and loneliness, Tarasai struggles, but her journey through is beautifully written and just leave you wanting more. Jordan Ifueko certainly never disappoints.

I had high hopes for this book… AND it did NOT disappoint!!!!!! This was truly as amazing as book one if not MORE. Had me hooked once again from the beginning. The twists, the turns! I couldn’t put this book down omg.

I'd have to say Jordan Ifueko's Raybearer duology is my favorite duology! I finally read Redemptor and I'm so glad I did! Since it's a sequel, I won't be going into much about the plot, mostly focusing on my reactions and feelings about the book. First off, if you haven't read Raybearer and you consider yourself a fantasy reader, you need to fix that immediately and get your hands on these books. They have so many things I adore: fantastic world-building, found family, a unique magic system, and fantastic character development. I want to be friends with Tarisai, Dayo, and their whole found family! Some YA fantasy doesn't deliver the level of world-building and character development I expect from fantasy, but Ifueko is a master of both. I reread Raybearer before reading Redemptor and I'm so glad I did. There are quite a few characters to keep track of, but they still feel so distinct and well-developed. I didn't love Redemptor quite as much as I loved Raybearer, but my love for Raybearer knows no bounds, so that was a high bar to meet. Seriously, if you love fantasy and haven't read Raybearer yet, you're really missing out! I hope that even though this duology is finished Jordan Ifueko might return to this world because it's so vibrant and fascinating! I'd also highly recommend these on audio if you're looking for a good audiobook! The narration is fantastic.

Didn't capture my attention and engagement. Interested in trying it again though and hopefully it will take.

What a PHENOMENAL way to conclude this duology. I struggled a bit to get into this book physically, especially after reading the first one via audio, but once I was in I was HOOKED on audio. I love everything about this story, the characters, the plot, the callbacks to the first novel...I wish the ending was a little bit more drawn out, because I expected the entire book to cover what the conclusion covered, but overall I recommend this series to any fantasy lover. It is unlike a world I have been in before, and the focus on platonic love within this entire duology is so beautiful and makes my heart feel so full. Truly cannot believe this is Jordan Ifueko's first series and I will read ANYTHING she comes out with in the future.

This series overall is so original and crafted so well. At times I felt transported to a beautiful magical Africa. The descriptions of everything from people to the environment, it was so easy to see everything. I loved that I could not guess what would happen or where the story would go. Every page was a surprise. This book was pure gold. I am now rich and satisfied.
Full review to come on YouTube

what a fantastic sequel. Jordan Ifueko knows what she's doing and all i can say is: wow. this was everything i wanted and more.

This was one of my most anticipated sequels in a very long time, and I put off reading it for ages because I didn't want the story to be over. But, having finally read it, I can say it certainly lived up to--and even exceeded--my very high expectations. It's a lovely story and a more than worthy continuation of the glory that is 'Raybearer.' I guess now I'll have to wait in anticipation for the TV series to one day come out.

I hadn't had a chance to read this one before I finished Raybearer, but I finally got both books, so I wanted to review this one anyway.

While I love duologies, I'm often wary of the second book, because it's the final book and I really don't want to be disappointed when I loved the first installment. But, this was honestly perfect, it was very consistent with the first book and it's definitely not second book syndrome. The book has amazing characters and a very good plot so if you're a fan of either or both, just read these books!

This book is just as enjoyable as the first one. It's really great to see how Tarisai's experiences changed and made her stronger. Just as before the plot, characters and worldbuilding are both fantastic and believable.

I am so glad that I finally listened to this sequel to Raybearer! First, I highly recommend the audiobooks if you are going to read these books–they truly bring it to life! Also, although I was satisfied when Raybearer ended, Redemptor takes Tarisai on her true journey to figure out how she fits. Beautifully crafted in both voice and plot.

This book absolutely lived up to its predecessor!

The fantasy world is so unique and immersive, and I find myself getting lost in the stories that Jordan Ifueko tells. The themes of found family, of unconditional love, of grief, loss, and sacrifice, are all so potent and tangible. Even though this takes place in a world far far away from my own, I feel connected to these characters through their raw human emotions and the love they have for one another. I appreciate that each of them feel uniquely human with their faults and the lessons they learn.

I appreciate that this duology wrapped up nicely, and that the second book did not drag out the adventure too long. There is nothing to say besides that this is absolute fantasy perfection, and that the fantasy genre needs more perspectives and mythologies coming from the African continent because they are so vast and enriching.

Redemptor picks up soon after the events of the first book in the series Raybearer, where Tarisai must prepare for her treacherous journey through the world of the dead as well as create a united council above ground. Much like Raybearer, the pace of the book was quick and to the point, making it extremely easy to be immersed in the world and characters. The last half of the book did feel a bit too condensed, where the main climax of the book was over and done with without much struggle from the characters.

This book was a 4.5 star read for me but one I had no qualms about rounding up. I struggled with Raybearer because the audiobook narrator just didn't do it for me. That being said, I read the eARC of Redemptor and it was an entirely different experience. In a way, this will be a review of both books, but primarily focused on Redemptor. Jordan Ifueko is a talent who is one to watch. Her prose and pacing are a true marvel. The world-building is so fresh and so vividly imagined that this duology is refreshing to read. I loved Tarisiai and her heart so much. She's such a wonderful character who is so wonderfully vulnerable and relatable. All of the characters in these books are really well developed and multi-dimensional, and there is fantastic representation across the board. Themes of social justice, inequality, sexism and love are all threaded in this narrative in powerful ways. There's a joyful tone even in the midst of portrayals of heartache and turmoil that I adored reading. There wasn't a moment at all where I felt like the book was lagging or boring me, but it engaged me as a reader in fantastic ways. REDEMPTOR is a story about different kinds of love and relationships, as well as the actions a generation can take to redress mistakes of the past--especially when it comes at a cost.

There are some books that take a while to get into. This isn't one of them. If you were a fan of the first book, Raybearer, then you will love Redemptor. I am a huge fan of Tarisai and her desire to do what's right. It's interesting to me how her chosen develop throughout the course of the book. I loved every bit of it.

A sequel that lives up to its predecessor and avoids the sophomore slump! Ifueko has done it again with Raybearer, the continuation of Tarisai's story of becoming the Empress Redemptor of Aritsar.

An excellent sequel to an amazing book. I love this world and these characters and Ifueko's writing is masterful.

Redemptor is a strong sequel to Redemptor. You jump in right where you left off. It’s slow going at the beginning but the action comes back quickly. I loved that we got to see a different side of Tarysai and her council siblings to bring depth to their characters.

the raybearer duology is definitely perfectly situated on the best ya fantasy i've ever read throne.

“the only thing more powerful than a wish is a purpose.”


redemptor is the second and final book in this magical duology that i so deeply admire. it picks up right after the explosive ending of raybearer and it does not relent. i was considerably worried to start this sequel just because of how much i loved the first book, but as soon as i started reading it i was enchanted once again by jordan ifueko into this lush world and my overflowing love for these precious characters.

“don't worry," i told her. "no matter how bleak the world gets, i'll make sure there's always a corner to plant flowers.”


in this follow-up, we are already accustomed to the world and setting so we jump right into the plot and the thrilling political intrigue. i was so engrossed in what was happening and the author's magical talent of weaving beautiful prose through the story that was so natural and so captivating. the writing is lyrical and strong and the characters all ooze purpose and complexity, so incredibly written with fleshed-out journeys and arcs full of depth and growth.

“i think I’d rather be hated as a weakling than loved as a monster.”


admittedly, the characters could be drinking tea or strolling through aritsar or even the underworld and i would still adore this book, but all the plots in here also come together effortlessly. it was a bit of a whiplash at times, trying to keep track of everything that was happening, but i still enjoyed it nonetheless.

“you don’t get to choose why people love you. but what you do with the love you receive . . . that’s a choice you make every day.”


i am just so completely and wholeheartedly in awe of this story—even after sitting with this book without attempting to a review for over a month now, i can't seem to stop thinking about how much it means to me. i would've loved a fairytale-esque story like tarisai's when i was younger, but 22-year-old me is just the same admiring.

“the more i learn, the more i think the only decent way to use power is to share it with others. maybe there shouldn’t be rulers—at least, not in the way we think. maybe emperors—and kings, and queens, and raybearers—should just be people who make sure power flows to everyone.”


there are not enough words to express how much i adore this book, but i trust in jordan ifueko as now one of my favorite authors and i cannot wait to read whatever she brings next.

i highly, highly, highly, recommend you pick up this book. despite it being marketed as a young-adult read, i think it serves an incredible read for new adults and adults as well. just a delightful journey infused with hope, resilience and love.

— thanks to the publisher, abrams books, for providing me with the digital arc through netgalley and edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.