Feb 13

Feb 13 Raybearer (Raybearer, #1)

Author: Jordan Ifueko
Publisher: Amulet Books
Goodreads | The StoryGraph

Note: Trigger warnings are provided for those who need them at the bottom of this page. If you don’t need them and don’t want to risk spoilers, don’t scroll past the full review.

Cover Description

Nothing is more important than loyalty. But what if you’ve sworn to protect the one you were born to destroy?

Tarisai has always longed for the warmth of a family. She was raised in isolation by a mysterious, often absent mother known only as The Lady. The Lady sends her to the capital of the global empire of Aritsar to compete with other children to be chosen as one of the Crown Prince’s Council of 11. If she’s picked, she’ll be joined with the other Council members through the Ray, a bond deeper than blood. That closeness is irresistible to Tarisai, who has always wanted to belong somewhere. But The Lady has other ideas, including a magical wish that Tarisai is compelled to obey: Kill the Crown Prince once she gains his trust. Tarisai won’t stand by and become someone’s pawn—but is she strong enough to choose a different path for herself?

TL;DR Review

There are good books, great books, and then the books you shove into everyone’s hands immediately. Raybearer is in that last category. It’s soooo good.

For you if: You like fantasy novels, especially if you want to read more fantasy a la African legends and traditions.

Full Review

“Uniformity is not unity. Silence is not peace.”

Hello, my friends. May I introduce you to your newest incredible fantasy read? I’d seen enough hype for Raybearer to make me put it on hold at the library, but now, having read it, I can’t believe it hasn’t gotten even more hype. It’s SO GOOD. SOOOOOO GOOD. The writing is elegant and engaging, the characters are *everything*, the world is big and rich, and the story is incredible! Seriously, this book has it all.

Raised isolated from the rest of the world world, eleven-year-old Tarisai is eventually sent to vie for a place on the crown prince’s “council,” a group mentally connected through the prince’s power who advises him and helps him to rule for life. But her mother created her for one purpose — revenge — and it’s not as simple as just refusing her mother’s wishes. Tarisai must desperately search for the strength and freedom to write her own story.

I knew after a single chapter that this book was going to be a new favorite. And I was right. There are good books, great books, and then the books that you message all your friends about and demand they put it on hold at the library right that second. Raybearer falls into that last category — just ask my friends, lol.