Raybearer

Books | Young Adult Fiction / Fantasy / Epic

4.5

(784)

Jordan Ifueko

Fans of Sabaa Tahir and Tomi Adeyemi won’t want to miss Raybearer, an instant New York Times bestselling fantasy from breakout YA sensation Jordan Ifueko! Named one of the best books of the year by People magazine, Buzzfeed, New York Public Library, Chicago Public Library, Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and more! “Dazzling. . . . All hail Raybearer.” —Entertainment Weekly“Brilliantly conceived fantasy.” —People “An exquisitely detailed world.” —PopSugar Nothing is more important than loyalty. But what if you’ve sworn to protect the one you were born to destroy? 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 11. 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? With extraordinary world-building and breathtaking prose, Raybearer is the story of loyalty, fate, and the lengths we’re willing to go for the ones we love.

Fantasy

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More Details:

Author

Jordan Ifueko

Pages

400

Publisher

Abrams

Published Date

2020-08-18

ISBN

1683357191 9781683357193

Community ReviewsSee all

"4.5 stars - Unfortunately it took me a while to read Raybearer. Not because the book wasn’t fantastic but because lately my brain had been craving quick reads and Raybearer is definitely not a quick read. The world building was beautiful and expansive, the characters were intricate and exciting, and overall the plot was great. I loved the story and thought it was very unique! I can’t wait for the second book! I also think this story does an amazing job grappling with complicated relationships. What does being a parent mean? What makes you worthy of love? How do you reconcile abuse with affection? There are so many deeper questions explored and I really liked that."

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Alyssa Czernek

"I LOOOOOVED THIS BOOK!!!!!!! Jordan does a great job of using description and culture in a intermingled plot line of mystery and friendship. It was one of those books where you see two potential paths coming and when you get to the fork in the road, you've all of a sudden turned onto a third path that you didn't know existed. It was very interesting and I give a lot of respect to this new author who clearly has an outstanding sense of a good story. I definitely recommend this to any YA reader who likes mystery and a hint of romance. This was a very obvious 5 star book!!! Again, I LOOOOOVED IT!!!!!!"

Dana B.

"POTENTIAL SPOILERS! 3.75 stars. While this was a great story that ended better than I thought it would, I have several issues with it. For starters…. Tar is the product of her mother essentially raping a djinn. And then she completely avoids and neglects Tar throughout her childhood out of fear that she would accidentally command her to do something, ruining her chance to have her nephew killed… while simultaneously anointing another child to herself. While it’s meant to be a heartfelt reason, and she seems regretful in their reunion, but she still remained callous and cold until the end. The depth of the plot revolves around children around 10-11 years old (possibly younger) being groomed to be emotionally and physically connected to the future emperor through a weird blood bond; another child who is emotionally damaged from being abandoned himself by so many “friends”. The world building was so dense it was hard to stay focused at times. It almost seemed excessive and unnecessary to the plot line, and also repetitive. I would still recommend the book to others because it was overall a great read and it’s still a highly favored book already."

Cassandra English

"That was amazing. I really didn’t expect the ace rep (it was very well done) I will be continuing with the series."

Isa

"I loved this book and could barely put it down when I started reading. Unique magic system, strong characters, inclusion of culture, and rich imagery. I pre-ordered the sequel right away."

Alexandra Utschig

"I loved this book. The world. The characters. Everything about it. I want to know more and I can’t wait until the next book comes out."

Hannah

"Loved it such a great book"

Jordan belknap

"Young people coming into their powers and overcoming house it's always been done, challenging oppressive governments and parents to find themselves, since mysteries and hopefully save the world"

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Alli T

"Ifueko’s story of Tarisai of Swana crafts new spells and curses to be broken! The world is fully realized introducing the reader to the many lands, languages, cultures, and mythos in an expert fashion. You are not waterboarded with facts but introduced them to them with Ifueko’s magnificent storytelling and pacing all the while being surrounded by the magnificent world the story unfolds in. The Raybearer is a gem and shouldn’t be missed. -S.Lawson "

S.Lawson

"Wonderful world building! Great characters ♥️"