Raybearer is a West-African inspired fantasy story that introduces the protagonist Tarisai at a very young age.
She is the product of 3 wishes demanded from a Djinn by her mother The Lady and has the power to extract memories from people and places.
The Lady wished for her 'daugher' to use her to kill the Prince, but first Tarisai must gain a place on the Prince's council.
In the first chapters the author immediately begins to craft a world that the reader can imagine being based on North Africa with elements of other continents. The wonderfully crafted words bring the images to life and commence world-building of an excellent standard.
The map provides a wonderful overview of the 12 regions that make up Aritsar and it is cleverly illustrated with the key products/elements of each region. I chuckled at Quetzala and the image of a temple that is highly reminiscent of Chichen Itza in the Yucatan Peninsula (Mexico,) and the Quetzal bird.
Tarisai is a very interesting character and the story is in the majority told in her voice, not an approach I'm usually a fan of, but in this instance it works and it strikes a chord...she can't touch anyone and no-one will touch her. She is cared for by an army who fear The Lady and this destroys all chances of any personal and caring relationships. Tarisai does not feel loved and is desparate for love.
I would love to read more about Tarisai's world and the next steps in her journey, as this story is crafted excellently and has totally engaged me. Even if I don't win this book, it will be on my to buy list.
She is the product of 3 wishes demanded from a Djinn by her mother The Lady and has the power to extract memories from people and places.
The Lady wished for her 'daugher' to use her to kill the Prince, but first Tarisai must gain a place on the Prince's council.
In the first chapters the author immediately begins to craft a world that the reader can imagine being based on North Africa with elements of other continents. The wonderfully crafted words bring the images to life and commence world-building of an excellent standard.
The map provides a wonderful overview of the 12 regions that make up Aritsar and it is cleverly illustrated with the key products/elements of each region. I chuckled at Quetzala and the image of a temple that is highly reminiscent of Chichen Itza in the Yucatan Peninsula (Mexico,) and the Quetzal bird.
Tarisai is a very interesting character and the story is in the majority told in her voice, not an approach I'm usually a fan of, but in this instance it works and it strikes a chord...she can't touch anyone and no-one will touch her. She is cared for by an army who fear The Lady and this destroys all chances of any personal and caring relationships. Tarisai does not feel loved and is desparate for love.
I would love to read more about Tarisai's world and the next steps in her journey, as this story is crafted excellently and has totally engaged me. Even if I don't win this book, it will be on my to buy list.