A review by peachmoni
Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

"No, we don't deserve the burdens that our parents gave us. But we can't defeat monsters that we won't face."

A fantastic novel about love, duty and desire: how they can shape - or distort - who we are and who we become.

I found that the story picked up in Part 2, and from then on, I was engaged. Ifueko reveals mysteries bit by bit, which made me want to keep reading till the end. (Confession: I almost tapped out at around 90% because I thought the main story was over and everything else was filler. I am glad I continued, not only because that wasn't the case, but also because Jordan Ifueko writes nicely!)

I tried to figure out what was going on, which I don't actively do, usually... and I was wrong as hell, which I appreciate. 😂

Also of note:
  • Cool to see ace representation as well, though I cannot judge whether it is 100% accurate
  • The description of Tarisai's loneliness, particularly in the first book resonated with me, as a child who was often left to her own devices. Unlike Tarisai, though, I was able to make and keep friends at school and in my neighborhood.
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