Firstly, a huge thank you to Readers First for sending me an advance edition of Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko to review.
This book is an excellent example of the improvement and wider range of diversity coming to the forefront in YA publishing. This book will dens horizons way beyond the traditional Middle Ages based fantasy tropes with not a sword in sight.
The story is told from the perspective of Tarisai, raised in isolation by her mysterious, often absent mother known only as The Lady. Tarisai is sent to the capital of Aritsar as a child to compete to be chosen as one of the Crown Prince’s Council of 11. If chosen she’ll be joined with the other Council members through the Ray, a bond deeper than blood. Tarisai yearns for her own family and such a bond is irresistible, but her joy is tempered by fear as she is compelled by The Lady to fall in love with the Crown Prince and then kill him.
The whole story is told in such a beautiful and descriptive way that the empire of Aritsar comes to life, from the majestic cities to the towering mountains and expansive savannahs. The magic system is well devised, logical and contains its own beauty across the wide range of hallows.
The story itself goes beyond the traditional quest to save a prince, it brings the growth of Tarisai to the fore, showing her gradual development, rather than a sudden jump from helpless child to skilled magician or warrior. In addition the story challenges myths, imperialism, colonialism, politics and power struggles, all of which make the story more of an engaging challenge and joy and don’t alienate the reader.
A great engaging read that has left the door open for more stories in different worlds that I definitely want to explore.
This book is an excellent example of the improvement and wider range of diversity coming to the forefront in YA publishing. This book will dens horizons way beyond the traditional Middle Ages based fantasy tropes with not a sword in sight.
The story is told from the perspective of Tarisai, raised in isolation by her mysterious, often absent mother known only as The Lady. Tarisai is sent to the capital of Aritsar as a child to compete to be chosen as one of the Crown Prince’s Council of 11. If chosen she’ll be joined with the other Council members through the Ray, a bond deeper than blood. Tarisai yearns for her own family and such a bond is irresistible, but her joy is tempered by fear as she is compelled by The Lady to fall in love with the Crown Prince and then kill him.
The whole story is told in such a beautiful and descriptive way that the empire of Aritsar comes to life, from the majestic cities to the towering mountains and expansive savannahs. The magic system is well devised, logical and contains its own beauty across the wide range of hallows.
The story itself goes beyond the traditional quest to save a prince, it brings the growth of Tarisai to the fore, showing her gradual development, rather than a sudden jump from helpless child to skilled magician or warrior. In addition the story challenges myths, imperialism, colonialism, politics and power struggles, all of which make the story more of an engaging challenge and joy and don’t alienate the reader.
A great engaging read that has left the door open for more stories in different worlds that I definitely want to explore.