Raybearer

Tarisai selalu mendambakan kehangatan sebuah keluarga. Dia dibesarkan di sebuah rumah khusus, terisolasi, oleh pelayan dan tutor, di bawah pengawasan ibunya yang misterius dan jarang ada untuknya, dikenal dengan nama The Lady.
The Lady mengirimnya ke ibukota Kerajaan Aritsar untuk berkompetisi bersama anak lainnya supaya bisa dipilih menjadi salah satu dari sebelas dewan Putra Mahkota. Jika dia terpilih, dia akan tergabung bersama anggota dewan lain melalui The Ray (Sinar), ikatan yang lebih kuat dari darah. Kaisar maupun Putra Mahkota merupakan Raybearer (Pembawa Sinar).
Namun The Lady memiliki rencana lain, melibatkan keinginan magis yang harus dilaksanakan oleh Tarisai. Membunuh Putra Mahkota begitu Tarisai meraih kepercayaannya.
Seperti biasa ketika aku memulai seri yang kurang populer, ekspektasiku tidak tinggi. Namun ternyata ini melebihi ekspektasi dan di luar dugaan, seru dan menarik. Rancang bangun dunia dan sistem magisnya agak berbeda, dengan mengangkat budaya benua Afrika dengan diksi yang pastinya kurang familiar buatku. Namun pada halaman akhir buku ada glossary-nya.
Satu-satunya keluhan aku, seperti yang selalu kurasakan pada setiap novel YA, kenapa anak-anak remaja inilah yang “menentukan nasib negeri”, seakan-akan orang dewasa tidak memiliki kuasa. Jadi 4 bintang dariku. Aku merekomendasikan ini untuk para penggemar YA fantasi.

What an epic, thematically rich page-turner of a YA novel. It ticks every box for what I expect from a book meant for teen audiences and on top of that creates its own enthralling world of mythos, magic and politics. In this empire the ruler is bonded to representatives of each of the 12 realms - all have their own unique power - and together they form a council. It begins with the protagonist, Tarisai, being raised in isolation and longing for her mother and to go outside and make friends. If you're looking for something with a complicated daughter-mother relationship, feminist themes, themes around power and choice, deep friendships (including unconditional, platonic m/f), found family, a smidge of teen romance (felt genuine and did not hit on the annoying YA romance tropes for me), revenge and complex schemes, and a wholly realized new fantasy world to explore, I highly recommend.

soooooo good. the found family. the world building. the characters. I loved it all

I loved the characters and the love that is described between them. It is so much warmer than it is usually because of that. However, it made me remember why I stopped reading YA books. The fact that they are kids and have no power and have to listen to their adults in their lives. Still learning how the world works and all that is very annoying to read about. I think that story and world building were very rich, but just slightly too childish for be to truly enjoy it. It was very well written and the characters and story were great, don't get me wrong. 

I loved this book. It really spirited me away into the pages and I didn't want to leave. When I started the book I had intended only to read for 30 mins to an hour before bed. This book completely enveloped me and I didn't realise four hours had passed until I looked up and saw it was midnight. Those books are the best kind of books, the ones that whisk you away so entirely that you forget that you're turning pages at all.

I have the next book already reserved from the library and I'm glad of it because that's all that's keeping my book grief at bay. I loved this book entirely, even when it slowed down at the 3/4 mark before picking right back up.

I whole heartedly recommend it for anyone who is and isn't a fan of YA. It doesn't read like a typical YA, so much so that I only found it was supposed to be YA when I added it to my reading shelf in this app.

23rd december 2022:


Raybearer is full of great lore. I enjoyed some parts of it but truthfully speaking the execution of the story the book was trying to conceive was fatally weak. It builds an interesting foundation but fails to follow through on it. 

It tries to tell many things in one book. A civil conflict due to cultural differences between the people, a centuries long conflict with a spiritual kingdom, complicated relationships surrounding the main character, and the main character's personal struggles.

The problem is, while there are parts, one thing seldom connects to the next thing. Issues in some chapters arise suddenly without letting the reader ponder upon the details of the previous scene unless its the end of a part. A lot of things end up being the fault of the MC at the accusation of the other characters, making motive of the story weak. And at one point there is a sudden introduction of romance between two characters that came completely out of nowhere.

The things I did enjoy were the bonds of the main character with her found family but I kept wishing for better explanations for everything else as the flow didn't feel natural.

Final Rating: 2.5/5

I loved everything about this story. A lot of main characters come across as a little holier-than-thou, which is fine because we often love them despite (and sometimes because of) this! Tarisai, however, just feels genuinely good, rather than goody-goody.

I loved the magic system, the lore and the beautiful imagery. The characters al had flaws and strengths which brought them more to life than many fantasy books which rely on overly perfect characters, for whom flaws are not really flaws at all but rather, quirks- Tarisai is easily led for much of her life, naive and too trusting. She is also kind, fiercely loyal, and dedicated. Dayo is a little spoiled to begin with, is very accepting of his treatment by his elders and does not much question their decisions or their actions. He is also loving, a little silly, and fair (or at least tries to be). There are many other qualities both good and bad for each of the characters, and all are an enjoyable read.

I liked that there was some LGBTQ+ representation as well, as I am LGBTQ+ myself, I appreciate that there were a few diverse sexual orientations to read about, although they were not explored much, but it didn't feel exclusionary- just that it may have been superfluous to the story.

And “Tarisai Ibajo”? Are you kidding me? I sobbed!! This may be my new favourite fictional world.

Rich, powerful emotions, detailed characters and descriptions, and a powerful journey & struggle with oneself. I love the innate queerness and closeness of the Council system, I love our main characters, I love all of the small details about the world and cultures and people. The details about hair are such a joy to read. I wanted to pick up the sequel immediately!

Good book with beautiful writing and worldbuliding


“Peace comes when stories are celebrated, not erased.” -Tarisai, Ch.29, ph 289

Good book with beautiful writing and worldbuliding. But as the book slowed down I think my interest kind of waned. But all in all, the world in the book is so beautiful with unique places, cultures, trials that the characters go through. There was a lots of character development with them confronting their trauma and gaining self confidence.

I liked the idea of the council siblings and the Ray and how they could speak to each other through it. I like how they each was Appointed their own part to play in the world. I also like how the each have their own Hallow, a supernatural gift, like Kirah with healing and Tarisai with seeing memories. It's awesome and unique to each of them.

The down fall is that it was too slow paced for me and I wished we got learn about the other council siblings outside of Kirah, Dayo and Sanjeet, but overall it was a really good book.

probably the best story ya fantasy has to offer..

i loved this story! tarisai was so easy to like, and so were the characters around her - jeet, kira, dayo, even katherine and woo in, and the lady. the world building was done really well - i found myself really curious about aritsar, and songland, and the people, as well as their history. it's a shame we couldn't spend more time with the other members of the council, but i can understand why when there are so many lol. i'm looking forward to the second book!!

Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko is a West-African inspired fantasy novel following Tarisai, the girl from Swana confined to her childhood home, Bhekina House, invisible to outsiders, where she learned everything aside from who she was and how the emperor and his councils worked. When she is sent to the capital of the Aritsar empire with nothing but her ability to see people???s memories, longing only for the mother who remained distant from her entire childhood, she is amazed to find a new family, one who loves her and wants her.

Having struggled to read much of anything for the past few years, I came to a realisation that if I were to rekindle (no pun intended) my love of reading and kickstart a new reading habit, I was going to have to come at it a little differently. No more reading things because I felt I should or I was told a book was great. I???m a big mood reader, so this time around I???d find a book I???m in the mood to read, and read it. The idea is to attempt reading more during the day, rather than at night when I end up making excuses and procrastinating instead. So I picked up my Kindle and just picked something at random, something that looked intriguing and landed on Raybearer, which I believe I picked up in a Kindle sale back in January. Eleven days later, I???d finished the book, and heck it was a great read!

When I???m looking for a book, I need a few things. Primarily, the characters have to have some depth. If I don???t love the characters, the story will be a grind. I also need the writing to flow around the story, showing me the world and everything within it. If I can feel the story, the writing is spot on. And of course, the world, the magic, and the story itself need to enchant me. Raybearer did all of this and more.

Ifueko???s prose weaves a tale as beautiful as though it were told by Am the Storyteller themself, often leaving me in awe of the lyrical nature her words can take, and scattered throughout were folk songs sung by the locals of the Arit empire, creating a very real sense of a world and its beautifully diverse cultures, which is effective in making you care about what happens to its people, how they are treated, and what happens to them.

The characters were complex and interesting. I did grow frustrated with Tarisai at times, though she acted like a teenager who was still discovering who she was, working through years of emotional abuse. Sanjeet was adorable in his determination to protect the ones he loved most. Kirah provided a spark of sisterhood that Tarisai always needed in her life. And Ekundayo is the sweethearted young boy that you want for Tarisai, his kindness, and attempts to do right always a comfort. Then there???s The Lady, Tarisai???s mother, I hate her and how she treated Tarisai her entire life and there was a moment late in the story when Tar is talking about abusive parents with another character and I???ll admit, it spoke to me and my own relationship with my own mother, it really hit home. The Lady, though heinous, does have a history and reasons for being the way she is. It doesn???t excuse it and we know that, but she???s an interesting character, for sure.

I read so much medieval European inspired fantasy that the entirety of the Arit empire was like a breath of warm but fresh air. It actually woke me up to the diversity I???m lacking in my fantasy reading and I???m dying to read so much more fiction inspired by all sorts of worldwide cultures now. The way each country is described is wonderful, but none so wondrous as Swana???s savannah with it???s little specks of light from the tutsu sprites, the fae creatures within, the trees, the people. It feels alive and very real and I long to go there. I was utterly enchanted by the world Ifueko has created.

The magic system is an interesting one. There is magic that can be learned, though many do not. Most of the magic comes from the emperor???s ray and people???s Hallows, a random ability granted at birth. Tarisai???s ability to see people???s memories, take them, grant them, is her Hallow, and each member of the Emperor???s Council must have their own, as well. From healing magic to illusions. It is fascinating. Learned magic is more elemental in nature, and I dearly hope we get to experience more of it in future books.

There were a few moments, maybe halfway through, where I felt some of the dialogue and the reasons behind things felt a little contrived but this didn???t last too long before I was drawn right back into the magic of that beautiful prose once more.

Overall, I loved this book. It was just what I needed after such a long reading slump and I absolutely went ahead and preordered the follow-up, Redemptor, due for release in August. I recommend Raybearer to anybody looking for something a little bit different and hey, the brief asexual representation was wonderful too. But no spoilers from me! 

Bardzo mi się podobała fabuła i cały wymyślony świat❤️ Niestety dawno nie czytałam fantastyki w języku angielskim więc próba rozszyfrowania, niektórych słów i momentami brak płynności w czytaniu trochę pogorszył mój experience z Raybearer. I tak jednak z wielką chęcią przeczytam kontynuacje losów Tarisai

4.5 A fully realized world, complex characters, great writing, and even included a list of character name pronunciations and a glossary of in-world terms for readers. I appreciated the themes of toppling patriarchy and the freedom/power of finding your purpose and using your voice. Really great first book, will definitely be looking out for more from Ifueko. This book is fully contained, but I can definitely see her building this world out in sequels. The audio by Joniece Abbott-Pratt was very well down (she also killed it reading Grown). A strong recommend if you like fantasy that rises about clichés!

This book follows the story of Tarisai, a young girl who was raised in isolation by an absent mother named The Lady. The Lady sends her to the capital to join the competition to be chosen to be part of the Crown Prince's Chosen Eleven. Tarisai is drawn to these children, looking for a closeness she's never had. But The Lady has other ideas, including a magical wish she made that compels Tarisai to kill the Crown Prince.

This book was really fun. The story is fresh and interesting, and the theme of chosen family is strong and beautiful. The reader gets to watch as Tarisai and her family all grow up together, learning about their roles as future leaders of this country. As a character, Tarisai is flawed and relatable, having to learn lessons the hard way. There were multiple twists and turns that I didn't see coming, and the antagonists were all real people with complex backstories. I would recommend this book to people that enjoy YA fantasy, and I will be picking up the second when it comes out.

At the beginning of the book reveals were peppered in, constantly giving me answers to some of my questions while delivering more things for me to question. It think this really kept the energy high while reading and contributed to how quickly I devoured the book. Information was dropped along the way and without the necessary context I couldn???t solve the puzzle.

I particularly loved the ending. At this point a lot of the questions raised are answered and it feels like a arc of plot and characterisation has been completed. But Ifueko drops in just the hint of an opening for a sequel without needing to rely on a cliffhanger. It???s left me dying for more.

Monsters were nothing. The true terrors were people like me ??? the ones who saw suffering, who heard the screams of a hundred generations echoing for miles around them ??? and still did nothing.

minor pacing issues and i want more of the anointed sibs (mayazatyl ctfu) BUT what a wonderful and rich world. so glad to see this is the first book in a series as it beautifully establishes this world, its unique magic, and complicated politics. can't wait for the rest of this series!!!!!!!

also, you're lying if you say you're not soft for sanjeet.

I will be very honest, I was mesmerized by the cover of this book and the premise seemed very fascinating, but it wasn't really at the top of my tbr or anything. I just thought I'll keep it on the list and read someday. But when I got the opportunity to listen to the audiobook in advance, I thought why not and now I can't believe that I wanted to put this book on a back burner. Because this book... it's just wow

Stories can be held captive, blemished with falsehoods it doesn't matter how long but the true story will break free.

Human touch are what everyone craves for. Tarisai has only ever known stories, knowledge and memories growing up. She grew up with people around her but she was lonely. Her mom the Lady showed no affection and was cold towards her and her mentors never touched her only ever lectured and instructed. Family is the only thing Tarisai ever wanted. She's instructed to get it and destroy it. She was born out of magic. Out of the Lady's wish. Tarisai needs to grow close to the crown prince , belong to his beloved , make him love her and kill him. Tarisai won't be a pawn in her story no matter what.

This world and magic system is enchanting but the true magic are the characters and that makes Raybearer all the more worthwhile. The book is very character driven but each character, even to the minor ones sets the plot in motion. Tarisai is the lead, we fall in love with her council mates the way she does with the eleven and we notice the prejudice and injustice lurking underneath bit by bit as she does. Tarisai is strong leading lady ,the emotional abuse makes her scared to be loved in every way possible. She's terrified it will be lost and will be taken away. It was a pleasure seeing her grow, be confident in herself and shine like a brilliant sun. Her loved ones, the council, the other eleven but in 3 particular stand by and show her that she's worthy of love. The council consist of people of different cultures and ethnicities but I'll spotlight Kirah, Sanjeet and Dayo. All 3 so different and immensely important to her. I'll let you'll discover for yourself. Speaking about love, Raybearer speaks about the absence of love and the different kind of love. The familiar bond between friends and romantic love has equal weight in importance. All types of love should be important.

The slow burn romance that Ifueko crafted and slowly build is a beautiful one. Still on the topic of love I'm so happy Ifueko included an ace character, Dayo - the crown prince. Dayo crushes on boys and girls. Being ace and homoromantic , I was so happy when I read it and hope others will too.

The opposite of love is destruction. Ifueko writes rage inducing about the horrors of colonialism and assimilation. How people in power will and have tried to destroy cultures and societies through law and military force. I can't wait to see people's reaction.

Worldbulding and magic
This is such an unique world and feels so fresh. The way 12 regions or realms are different but feel like one collective culture. Seeing character with different skin tones: Black, brown and white. I had to be extra creative when imaginating it and it's so easy with the help of Ifueko's beautiful writing. It helped me and challenged me to try to dismantle my learned Eurocentric mental picture. I envisioned Sanjeet with brown skin but ones or twice I saw a white person and that's an issue I have to combat. Seeing how Sanjeet is favorite character of mine.

The magic system is beautiful to see. We have pixies and black fairies.Hallows are gifts one is born with. Any possible power imaginable. Tarisai interacts with memories of objects , nature and people whenever she touches. The council , her friends have different power each. I can't wait to see how her gift and the others flourish. To see how the world and magic system will be further explored.

Raybearer is a rhythmic cultural practice on the page. It felt like listening to orally told story when reading. Suriname has loads, every culture different but still Surinamese. Raybearer stands on it's own and will enrich the already published African YA fantasy and the ones to come next year and years to come. I know without a doubt the audiobook will be magical and and an experience.