Satisfying conclusion to Raybearer.

Tarasai is now the Empress Redemptor. She is determined to stop her people from suffering, be it from child sacrifice, worker exploitation, or justice. Despite being Dayo's Raybearer, and tasked with creating her own council of Raybearers, she often tries to go it alone.

I feel like the book could have been longer. I wanted more Dayo and more bonding with the other rulers. However, the story is told from Tar's POV, and she is on a Mission. And she is focused on the Mission.

Redemptor was not as strong as Raybearer. While I had fun with the characters and the world, I did not enjoy it as much as its predecessor.

I did not like the introduction of so many new characters. Instead of getting to know the characters from Raybearer more, they were sent away for most of the book. The new characters did not make an impression, and I wish they had not been added to the story. They don't add anything to it. The romance in this book was not as well developed as in the first. We get a hint of a love triangle, but it goes nowhere. There is also no new development to the existing romance since Sanjeet is gone most of the book.

Tar annoyed me in this book. As a person who can communicate mentally with 21 others, she was bad at communicating. If she had talked-and not just explain the plot in dialogue-but actually talked to any one of her siblings, it would have avoided most of her problems.

Dayo and Sanjeet continue to be my favorite characters. Dayo was so sweet ad caring to everyone.

About 80% of the book is slow. Things happen, but nothing that drives the plot forward. There is too much dialogue between characters explaining what is happening, and again that does not drive the plot forward. There is a lot of build-up to conflict within the world and Tar going to the Underworld, but that is resolved within a few chapters leading to a very anticlimactic ending. The last chapter creatively resolved a plot point, and I'm glad it was done that way.

The writing, as with Raybearer, was exceptional. The descriptions in this book were fantastic; it's always great to get a full picture of the scene. There was more world-building, and I'm glad we explored more areas of the world. We also follow the world's politics, and it was interesting to see how things were handled and how Tar wanted to change them.

Even though I had some issues with the book overall, I enjoyed the series as a whole.

This is easily my favorite duology to ever exist. There are so many excellent elements within this book! The characters and relationships are brilliant. Ifueko’s writing is detailed, rich and brilliant. This world she’s created is simply phenomenal. Tarisai will always be one of my favorite characters.

This was a fantastic conclusion for such an incredible story. I cannot recommend this duology enough. Everything about this series is so unique.

This book is absolutely incredible and I can't wait to recommend it to my students as I incorporate it into discussions on representation in literature media. This book was an exciting read, and it kept me guessing every step of the way. As I got closer to the end, I wasn't sure how it was going to wrap up or if there would be a third book. And then the author pulled out all the stops and surprised me (yet again) with an amazing conclusion.

I loved so many elements of this book. The found family aspect was as amazing in this book as it was in the first. Additionally, we got to see some of the other relationships deepen and we got to know more of the characters. I also loved the matter of fact discussion on asexuality in this book, something that is not often found in books even when they are otherwise inclusive.

Overall an amazing book, incredible writing, fantastic characters, and a keep-you-guessing story. I can't wait to read everything Ifueko writes next!

I really enjoyed this book. Ifueko continues the rich worldbuilding of Raybearer in this sequel. I found the characters to be well fleshed out and engaging. I especially enjoyed the discussion around how society expects heirs and children without regard for what individuals want. The ace rep was also great to see. The one thing that tripped me up a bit was trying to keep track of all of the names of secondary characters and places. Some fantasy novels have a glossary of these in the back and I think this book would have benefited from one.

After reading loving Raybearer, I was excited to continue the story. Sometimes, I get nervous to read continuations of stories I love - afraid they won't hold up to the first one. But Redemptor is just as great - dare I say even better - than Raybearer. The characters and their loveability continues, the found family trope that Ifueko nails is still just as good, and I flew threw this one just as fast!

When you start reading a sequel of a book that figuratively blew your mind, it's normal to be sceptic andns think it may not live to your expectations so it's better to have none, but Redemptor is not that sequel. This book was just as amazing as the first book while doing its own thing which was very refreshing. We still have tons of representation, bad ass female characters and a quest to dismantle the injust system, while trying to save the world and find yourself in the process. Tarisai's journey is captivating and relatable, all the new characters were very interesting and the old ones kept their charm. Jordan Ifueko truly ended this duology tying everything beautifully with a bow and I'm going to miss this world.

Wow, what an absolutely phenomenal novel. The duology, overall, is just brilliant, and I'm not sure what I expected with Redemptor, but it still surpassed my expectations. Raybearer had been my favourite read of the year, and now Redemptor is right up there with it.

Everything good I said about Raybearer applies to Redemptor - the writing style, the method of storytelling, the use of rhymes and rhythms, the unique and vibrant characters/personalities, the twists and turns and absolute intrigue of the story itself. While the characters can sometimes frustrate you, you can't help but love them. And the story that unfolds throughout Raybearer and Redemptor was absolutely riveting from start to finish. The care put into telling this story is so evident. You should read this duology, really. As a fan of fantasy, these books really blew me away.

I rated its prequel Raybearer 4.5 stars, but the sequel, Redemptor, far surpassed its predecessor and giving it my top rating of 5 ⭐, feels like an injustice.

If going out with a bang could be described with a book, it would be Redemptor. Jordan Ifueko has managed to create an intricate and complex fantasy world, without it seeming like an overload of ideas. The amount of detail, rituals, customs, conflicts and characters she has managed to create for this duology is incredible.

Another thing she excels in, is creating credible character development. Where a lot of authors do too much telling, she does an amazing job of showing a character's trajectory. When we first met Tarisai in Raybearer she is a young girl, and I felt as if I was going along through her journey, as she grows into a young woman and co-ruler of Aritsar.

I highly, highly recommend this duology. The only negative I have to say is that Tarisai's journey has concluded with Redemptor. I could have read more books and I will read anything this author writes in the future.

Thank you @jordanifueko @abramsbooks & @netgalley for this #gifted ARC.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5/5 Stars

I was to preface this review by saying that Raybearer was one of my absolute FAVORITE books in 2020 and I’ve been dying to see how Tarisai’s story ended!

All of our favorite characters from Raybearer are back as Tarisai builds her council in preparation for her trip into the underworld.

Here’s what I loved about Redemptor:
☀️ Tarisai is such a strong character
☀️ The subtle sweet romance (definitely PG)
☀️ The undertones of African culture
☀️ The representation of an asexual character in addition to other queer characters
☀️ The world building as superb

The only reason why I’m not giving this book a 5⭐️ is that I felt the Underworld portion was a bit rushed. This entire book was built off the deal she has made to enter the Underworld and I just wanted more to actually happen while she was there. I was expecting her to have more trials and to have to fight her way out. While I liked what was written, I just craved a bit more from it.

Redemptor picks up right where Raybearer left us and I loved going back into this world. Tarisai is empress and must anoint a counsel of her own, then travel to the Underworld to end the sacrifices once and for all. I enjoyed the growth we see in Tarisai and her counsel siblings, how they are working through their new positions and defining their love boundaries with each other. I liked the realness of how Tarisai handles all the pressure of being tormented by spirits, preparing for her journey to the underworld, and making a counsel from the realms leaders, and by that I mean she tries to keep it all in until she is forced to be reminded that she has people who love and care for her who would support her through anything. An incredible conclusion to the duology!

I didn’t think I could love Tarisai even more after RAYBEARER but dammit Jordan…my heart is full right now. If you want a rich fantasy story that truly fulfills you, preorder REDEMPTOR.

Whenever I read a debut series, I get nervous about the sequels. Will the pacing be good? Was there enough content to stretch out? Well, let me tell you, I had nothing to worry about! Jordan Ifueko is hands down one of my favorite new authors. This series is so good that anything she puts out is an auto-buy from now on. I'm obsessed!

Redemptor was a whole step up from Raybearer (which I already loved). I was on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what would happen next. Honestly, I would die to read more about this world via prequels or sequels in the future, but I think a duology was perfect for this story; I'm glad it didn't get dragged out. Every single bit of this was gold!

I just have to gush about Redemptor! I love the Raybearer series so much and I’m absolutely obsessed with this book! I was lucky to be able to read Redemtpor as an arc through Netgalley. Thank you so much to Amulet Books and Netgalley. This has undoubtedly become one of my favorite series in general (second only to Hunger Games)! This is most definitely my favorite series in the West African fantasy genre! Jordan Ifueko just does such a wonderful job creating charismatic, fun characters who you become deeply invested in and she writes plot arcs that are so engaging and suspenseful. I love all the elements of her books. Everything just works! This is definitely one of my favorite books of the year!

I should probably tell you a little about the book lol. Redemptor is the second second in the Raybearer series (and hopefully not the last). (Slight spoilers) It picks up where the last book left off and follows Tarisai as she tries to assemble her own Ray council and prepares for her journey to the Underworld, while also acclimating to her new role as empress to the empire. Tarisai also has to learn to balance her imperial responsibilities while also remembering not to lose herself and the things that bring her joy. I appreciate how Jordan Ifueko discussed mental health in this book. It was subtle in its depiction, but it was still clear in its message and intention. Tarisai is haunted by these apparitions and they try to detract her from her purpose and sow insecurity. Those apparitions become so insistent that she internalizes their messages and it becomes her own voice. I think that was an interesting depiction of how anxiety manifests and impacts us. I really appreciated that.

Also, Tarisai has always been a really multi-dimensional character, but I feel in this book she had even more complexity! Something I love about Jordan Ifueko’s writing is how multi-faceted she writes young Black girls. She challenges her characters and Tarisai was challenged in new ways in this novel. I loved that! Jordan just writes A-mazing characters. Her characters have so much depth and charisma and I want to know more about all of them. Tarisai and Sanjeet have such good chemistry together and before they love each other they have a mutual respect and like for each other, and I appreciate that so much. I think authors underestimate how important it is that their characters actually like each other when developing romance. I’m also one of those people who thinks that conflict builds character in romantic relationships and Sanjeet and Tarisai go through it in this series. Also, I am obsessed with Thaddace and Mbali and I desperately want a prequel about them because their relationship intrigues me. This is actually something I’ve wanted since the first book, but now I’d like to officially petition for a Thaddace/Mbali prequel.

Normally, my reviews are kind of long and I have a lot of points but idk, when it comes to this series its head empty, just vibes. I just love this series that much and I really had such a good time reading this novel! I honestly cried when I finished, which is a rare reaction for me, but I love this series so much and I really don’t want it to end. The way Redemptor ended it seems like it's a final conclusion but I really do hope that there will be a third book. There’s still so much more that I want to know! I’m also not ready to let these characters go (insert sad face emoji). I feel like I’m growing up with them and reading their character development has been so fun for me. I really hope that we get a third book, but if not then Redemptor is a beautiful conclusion to a beautiful story!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of this novel.

4/5 Stars.

I loved loved loved loved Raybearer, so I was excited to receive an ARC of the sequel in this duology. Holy cats, Ifueko finished Tarisai's story beautifully. I'm still amazed by this world crafted by Ifueko as it blends African culture with Latinx and European and Asian and it's magical. I also like how it wrapped up the duology while also leaving room for future stories.

In terms of the plot, Redemptor picks up where Raybearer left off. There is a critical lens of imperialism and capitalism embedded throughout the story, which adds to the plot as a whole. There is also a LOT of grief and need to do more, and Ifueko balances the "not doing enough" with "what I can do will be enough" while Tar battles inner demons.

I did knock it a star though, just because it felt messy at some parts. I also just really hated Dayo's council at the beginning as they all were complacent in the faults Tar was pointing out about the empire...and Tar barely called them out on how they were being complacent.

Overall, this wrapped up the story beautifully! It kept me wanting to read more...and can I also get a Zuri or a Jeet....please?

First of all, thank you to Amulet Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Following the events of Raybearer, the first Empress Redemptor sits on the thrown. The ojiji haunt Tarisai, and we see her struggling to ocme to terms with her people nad having a power struggle with the rest of the kingdom.

While I did enjoy Redemptor, overall I fellt like the pacing could be off. I loved Raybearer and the found family aspect, but Redemptor was much more focused on politics and the power struggle. This made it a bit of a slower read for me. I did love the growth between Tarisai and Sanjeet, though. They're so complimentary to each other, and it's such a sweet romance.

Overall, I think I still enjoyed it, but I definitely preferred Raybearer.

**Review will be posted to my sites August 12th**

3.5 stars

MOSTLY FINE.

Ahhhhhhck.

Okay. The story was good. It was. The world building with all of the different nations is well written. I mostly liked the magic system and I once again really love this found family council that Tarisai has.

This book draaaaagged. I had to look up the page number amount because I swore I was reading something 450ish pages. Nope, 336. Felt so much longer and not in a good way. The repeated plot of Tarisai finding another group of council members rang hollow. When the other lines of the story with redeeming the horrific children sacrifices were being discussed, that was where everything was strong. The pacing was just off between the two major schemes.

Random plot lines were also thrown out and others added in. All of a sudden, Sanjeet was out for 90% of the book, and a newcomer (not named because, spoilers) is kind of involved, but not really? I don’t like random toss-ups like that. I did end up liking how the second “interest” worked into the story. He played a much bigger role than I expected and helped further the plot rather than being there purely for a love triangle.

Still really into this found family and all of the type of love witnessed. It’s such a great cast and I wanted more of them like I read in Raybearer. I love that there was more Dayo, but I wanted everyone else too.

The ending wrapped up the story well. All of the underworld scenes were really short compared to what I thought was coming. I felt like at least I wasn’t left with a long list of questions. I think it gave the final pages hope for a different and new future that did make sense for the world.

Overall audience notes:

YA Fantasy
Language: a little
Romance: kisses to heated make-outs
Violence: physical altercations, battle scenes, magic attacks
Trigger/Content Warnings: alcohol consumption, drug use, child abuse and neglect, murder

Redemptor was really a great story. I read Raybearer for the first time directly before this book, and I was very excited to begin Redemptor. I will say that Redemptor did introduce more angst, guilt tripping, and side stories than Raybearer. It was a bit much for my taste, but it didn’t distract from the story that much, so I let it slide. If you enjoyed Raybearer, this story won’t disappoint you. If you enjoy the blend of African lore combined with magical realism, this is an amazing series for you to enjoy this summer.

The story telling is still well woven with both engaging story lines and interesting yet realistic plot turns. The character development is still stunning, and I absolutely fell in love with Zuri. The story did a good job at introducing even more characters into this story, but I did want a bit more closure on some of the story lines and relationships that were built throughout the series. I definitely could’ve used an additional chapter or an epilogue, but the story did allow for imagination to flow.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is an amazing duology. I read Raybearer last summer and was so sad to have to wait almost an entire year before Redemptor came out. Redemptor wastes no time jumping right back into where Raybearer left off so it did take me a minute to gather my bearings and remember exactly who everyone was as there is a large cast of characters. However, Ifueko is a master storyteller with her world building, infusion of West African culture, and quick moving plot that I was quickly reabsorbed into Aritsar.

The cast from Raybearer is back with a few additions. Tarisai continues to be a beautiful, complex character and faces a lot in this second book as she makes incredibly difficult choices as Empress. Most of the book is dedicated to her journey to the Underworld, but there isn't as much time spent on the time spent in the Underworld in comparison.

Ifueko addresses themes that are so important for young adult (and adult) readers including family, self love, justice, guilt, mental health and sacrifice. I also appreciated the amount of representation in this book as well as the celebration of different cultures and people. There will be so many different ways that people who read this book will be able to identify with it.

"Do not ask how many people you will save. Ask, to what world will you save them? What makes a world worth survivng in?"

As an educator and parent and human being, this spoke to my heart. It is not enough to try and "save" individuals (it will never be enough), but rather to do our part in making sure the world is a place that celebrates, loves, and is worth surviving in for all.

Overall, I loved this book, this duology. It definitely made me want to teach older students just so I could introduce it to them!

What a brilliant end to an amazing duology! Redemptor picks up soon after Raybearer and never lets up. Tarisai's journey through winning over the other rulers and trying to bring a just rule to Aritsar are so well done and put together, I loved every bit of it. Her struggle against the ojiji read very much like a struggle with mental illness, and I really connected with the way the author put that to the page. I loved her training for her journey to the underworld and her struggle to do what she believed was right. The way to story concluded was beautiful, just very well put together, and I can't wait to read more from this author.