Thank you to ReadersFirst for the free copy of this book! I'm not an avid fantasy reader but Raybearer was such an absolute delight to sift through the pages of. One of the best YA books I've had the pleasure of reading and one I'm absolutely itching for the sequel to. Ifueko whets the appetite with a vast array of characters and a world so full of intricacies and depth that I never grew bored. Every ritual and realm and magical facet was exciting and there still seems like so much can be learned about the universe created.
Raybearer explores some thematically rich concepts in its story too: familial bonds, cultural erasure, social hierarchies, toxic masculinity, and many other ideas without getting to be a bit much. It never feels preachy in its representation nor does it diminish from the narrative in any way; while the story itself never took my breath away I was also not predicting every trope and chapter. An enjoyable read that was immersive in its experience and heartwarming in its delivery.
Raybearer explores some thematically rich concepts in its story too: familial bonds, cultural erasure, social hierarchies, toxic masculinity, and many other ideas without getting to be a bit much. It never feels preachy in its representation nor does it diminish from the narrative in any way; while the story itself never took my breath away I was also not predicting every trope and chapter. An enjoyable read that was immersive in its experience and heartwarming in its delivery.