I've enjoyed the world of Raybearer so I was excited to read more in that world and from Jordan Ifueko. This book had everything that I was hoping for and enjoyed about the concept. It had a great writing style and the characters worked with the story-line. I enjoyed the romantic elements going through this and loved the fantasy element. Jordan Ifueko always does a great job writing this and can't wait to read more from the author and this world.

Yo, this straight up slaps.

That's it; that's the review.

I have spent the whole day gleefully quoting this to my partner, rallying my friends to add this to their TBRs, sharing in righteous indignation at societies and their imbalance of power, and kicking my lil feet at how stinkin' cute this man is.

The world of Raybearer:
First things first, I know this is billed as a standalone Romantasy in the Raybearer universe but it's important to know that this will spoil and explain some pretty major reveals from both Raybearer and Redemptor; if you have any intention of going into those without being spoiled, I would read them before this one.

But it would abso-freaking-lutely be remiss to not read The Maid and the Crocodile once you're done. Criminal, honestly. I love the well-fleshed out world-building that Ifueko has achieved here. There's attention to detail and thought put into the ramifications of subtle changes, a rich well of West African inspirations, and so much heart. I'll be reading anything she chooses to publish in the Raybearer universe, no questions asked.

Elevator Pitch:
I would pitch this as a West African version of Ten Thousand Stitches with a healthy dose of rage from Those Beyond the Wall and a strong emphasis on disabilities and fitting into a world not made with you in mind. It's definitely got that balanced mix of wholesome romance and eat-the-rich fury that I loved so much in the Regency Faerie Tales.

Characters:
Most books don't have characters that capture my imagination-- they don't feel real to me, I can barely remember their names while reading (let alone a week later), and they just overall don't leave a big impact or lasting impression. But my picky ass was well-satisfied here. Aside from a few smaller characters who get less screentime due to the constraints of page count and a streamlined story, all the characters are very big and colorful and real to me. Within the first page of each of their introductions I could fully imagine each of them-- that's such a rare talent!

Even the animal companions? Clemeh! My precious child who must be protected at all costs. [insert cuteness-induced screaming here]

Overall:
This is going in my best of 2024 list, no doubt.

I absolutely am obsessed with this book. I love the world and characters so much. It was so wonderful to return to Aritsar and to see another side to life there. This book contains such depth of themes about both societal issues and personal struggles. It’s absolutely genius and I’m going to be shouting from the rooftops about it until it comes out and then after.