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.

In ‘Raybearer,’ Jordan Ifueko creates a lush fantasy world filled with a fascinating history. The story follows Tarisai, who grows up in a house in the middle of the desert without a clear idea of who she is. Her mother, The Lady, has provided her with tutors and pushed her forward but toward what goal Tarisai does not know. Until her mother reveals that she is to be sent to the capital to compete to be part of the crown prince’s council, to ingratiate herself into his good graces so she can kill him. But there is still much about Tarisai and her world’s past that she has yet to discover.
Raybearer is a fantastic YA fantasy. Ifueko has created not only a lush world with a fascinating magic and political system but she has also populated it with incredible characters. It’s hard to chose who are my favorites, though Tarisai, as the main character, does stand out. Each character is fully formed and complex, dealing with a host of different issues that made them jump off the page. The plot is full of twists and turns though Ifueko does a great job of alternating between moments of quiet character growth and fast paced action. The care with which each detail is laid out in this world paired with engaging and evocative prose, made it sing. If you’re looking for an engaging fantasy story set in a unique world, please pick up Raybearer. It’s absolutely phenomenal and I can’t wait to get to learn more and spend more time with these characters in book 2. 

This fantasy truly had everything:

This debut is incredible and thus far my vote for the best new release of 2020. I hope that Jordan Ifueko becomes a household name for favorite authors. I can’t wait to read what she writes next.