Sep 7

Sep 7 The Maid and the Crocodile

About the book

Author: Jordan Ifueko
Publisher: Abrams Kids

More info:
The StoryGraph | Goodreads
Note: Content and 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 review.

Buy and support indie bookstores (+ I earn a small commission):
Bookshop.org (print) | Libro.fm (audio)

My Review

The Raybearer duology is one of my favorite YA fantasy stories to come out in recent years, and so when I heard Jordan Ifueko was publishing a standalone novel set in the same universe, I was all in. And it did not disappoint!!

Ifueko is such a talented storyteller. She gives us a rich world, lots of heart, deft commentary on social issues, and characters you’d die for (including animal sidekicks — protect Clemeh at all costs!). This book also has A+ disability representation and a romance plot that’s just enough.

Two recommendations: First, yes this is a standalone, but it takes place after the events of the Raybearer duology. So if you haven’t read that yet, definitely read it first or this book will spoil many major plot points for you. Second, I recommend listening to this on on audio (or pairing the print with an audio copy). The main character’s magic is activated when she sings, and the voice actor sings all the songs beautifully.