Raybearer: The epic and phenomenal New York Times bestselling YA fantasy

By Author / Illustrator

Jordan Ifueko

Genre

Fantasy

Age range(s)

14+

Publisher

Hot Key Books

ISBN

9781471409271

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

18-08-2020

Synopsis

The epic and phenomenal West-African inspired New York Times bestselling YA fantasy from an incredible new talent.'Only one thing is more powerful than a wish, and that is a purpose.'Tarisai has always longed for the warmth of a family. She was raised in isolation by a mysterious, often absent mother known only as The Lady. The Lady sends her to the capital of the global empire of Aritsar to compete with other children to be chosen as one of the Crown Prince's Council of Eleven. If she's picked, she'll be joined with the other Council members through the Ray, a bond deeper than blood. That closeness is irresistible to Tarisai, who has always wanted to belong somewhere. But The Lady has other ideas, including a magical wish that Tarisai is compelled to obey: kill the Crown Prince once she gains his trust. Tarisai won't stand by and become someone's pawn - but is she strong enough to choose a different path for herself?

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Reviews

Raybearer, a debut novel by Jordan Ifueko, is a fast-paced, fantasy adventure tale. From the outset we are totally immersed into the world which our main character and heroine Tarisai inhabits.

Tarisai has always longed to have a close relationship with her mysterious mother known as The Lady. She has had little contact with her and is locked away from the world; her only human interactions are with her servants and her tutors. The Lady sends Tarisai to the capital of the global empire known as Aristar. Here she must compete with other children to be elected to join crown prince Dayo's council. If she is picked she will be chosen through a magical bond known as the Ray.

Through joining Dayo's Council, Tarisai finally finds the human contact and friendships that she has longed for all her life, however, The Lady has very different ideas for her daughter. We soon discover that Tarisai is plagued by a curse given to her by her mother. Her destiny is to infiltrate the council and kill her friend Prince Dayo.

Ifueko's magical fantasy has it all, betrayal, lies, devotion and destiny all encapsulated in this remarkable new fantasy realm. I really liked that Ifueko's female characters were strong and independent. Tarisai dares to challenge the establishment and is not afraid to defy the immortal emperors to which she is bound. This fantastical world of great magical empires which Ifueko's characters inhabit is vivid and bold and filled with colour, the plot feels fresh and exciting.

This is a beautifully crafted fantasy story. Fans of Tomi Adeyemi will really enjoy this book too.

404 pages / Julie Broadbent, School Librarian