Oh my goodness, where do I start? By saying that Raybearer has been one of the highlights of my reading year? I loved it from start to finished – everything was incredible. From the gorgeous cover (and have you seen the US version too?) to the very last chapter. Raybearer gives us an incredible world of Artistar filled with a whole host of amazing characters. The story itself is so unique I have never read anything like it.
The worldbuilding is absolutely incredible, from Songland out on it’s own beyond the mountains to the 11 realms of the Empire of Aristar each with its own rich history and peoples – we catch vivid glimpses of them as Tarisai travels and also through the people who are from those realms. I found myself wishing I could visit Songland, the Blessid Valley and Mewe as well as all of the other realms.
Tiarisai is an absolutely incredible protagonist, she was unique and I loved that she was brave and vulnerable and that despite all of the obstacles she faces and the fact she had been used and lied to she still has a good heart. Despite the fact that she had been manipulated by The Lady and others, she is still trusting and opens her heart not only to Dayo but also to her council siblings, most notably Kirah and Sanjeet. I loved the friendship between Tarisai and Kirah, to see two girls build each other up and trust each other. I don’t want to say too much for fear of spoiling things but I these characters were just so alive and interesting.
Everything about Raybearer was just perfect, the characters and the worldbuilding are so complex, the story is unique and the pacing was spot on. I literally cannot recommend Raybearer enough. I am so glad that there is a sequel planned and I cannot wait to explore more of the world and spend more time with these incredible characters. Jordan Ifueko’s writing style is absolutely beautiful, it is magical and so immersive.
The worldbuilding is absolutely incredible, from Songland out on it’s own beyond the mountains to the 11 realms of the Empire of Aristar each with its own rich history and peoples – we catch vivid glimpses of them as Tarisai travels and also through the people who are from those realms. I found myself wishing I could visit Songland, the Blessid Valley and Mewe as well as all of the other realms.
Tiarisai is an absolutely incredible protagonist, she was unique and I loved that she was brave and vulnerable and that despite all of the obstacles she faces and the fact she had been used and lied to she still has a good heart. Despite the fact that she had been manipulated by The Lady and others, she is still trusting and opens her heart not only to Dayo but also to her council siblings, most notably Kirah and Sanjeet. I loved the friendship between Tarisai and Kirah, to see two girls build each other up and trust each other. I don’t want to say too much for fear of spoiling things but I these characters were just so alive and interesting.
Everything about Raybearer was just perfect, the characters and the worldbuilding are so complex, the story is unique and the pacing was spot on. I literally cannot recommend Raybearer enough. I am so glad that there is a sequel planned and I cannot wait to explore more of the world and spend more time with these incredible characters. Jordan Ifueko’s writing style is absolutely beautiful, it is magical and so immersive.