I didn't expect a YA fantasy to be my favorite read of the year so far, but look.

The story is gripping from the first to the last page. I don't think there was a single chapter that was lacking or that wasn't needed. It's also divided in 4 parts with short chapters within, so if you struggle to read plot heavy books because there's nowhere to stop, this one is for you. I was intimidated by the novel before picking it up because fantasy usually requires some effort to get into the world, but in this case it was immersive and made it so easy to dive in.

The main characters are so easy to root for. Tarisai is a wonderful protagonist, complex and strong without falling into Mary Sue territory. Dayo is a literal ray of sunshine, and Kirah and Sanjeet are both lovely and complex too. When it comes to the rest of the characters, though, this book also shines, portraying grey characters in a manner that makes sense, where no character is just plain evil. I found my opinion about so many characters changed organically as I found out more, both for better and for worse.

The immersive atmosphere aids to the rich worldbuilding of the book. I could see each scene perfectly thanks to the beautiful descriptions that didn't fall into purple prose. The story is complex, gripping from chapter one, filled with well crafted plot twists that build the puzzle that is this story. The world is not as perfect as it seems, and you find out along with Tarisai what justice truly means in a situation that reflects colonialism and erasure of culture, and patriarchy in the real world. By the end of the book, I was thoroughly satisfied but so happy that this is actually a duology and we're getting one more dive into this beautiful world and another chance to be with the characters.

This has it all. Found family. High stakes. Complex, deep rooted problems. Beautiful imagery. Hope. I strained my brain to find something I didn't love so that this review isn't me gushing nonstop, and the only thing I could come up with is that I wished there was more Dayo. So there you go. Take this as a push to pick this up. 

TALENTED BRILLIANT INCREDIBLE AMAZING SHOW-STOPPING SPECTACULAR. QUITE POSSIBLY THE BEST YA FANTASY I'VE READ IN YEARS. I AM IN LOVE 😭😭😭

Not only is the prose in Raybearer Incredible, so is the world building, the character development, the themes— I couldn't stop reading, and when I wasn't reading I was Itching to come back to it.

Would recommend it if political drama, found family, reclaimed personhood and magic bonds all wrapped up in a richly built world told in beautiful prose are your thing.

The only other comment I have is against the pacing. Although it didn't feel precisely rushed, the events in this installment could have probably been covered in two books and that way we would've been given more time to take in the (fantastic!) world and some of the plot points— specially the political intrigue, which I loved, for the record.

But as it is I adored it, I was blown away and left in tears more than once and I can't wait to read the next installment.

I almost couldn't put this book down - but the plot was so intense that I found I needed to take two breaks while reading it. Amazing world-building accompanied by good character development made it a pleasure to read. I must generally read slower-paced books, because the action driving the plot was relentless; one thing after another for Tarisai and her friends! I'd have liked to have spent more time with them in the Children's Palace, just for a breather from worrying about them. It's still a five-star book for me, though, and I hope there's a sequel soon.