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Jordan Ifueko

Raybearer Paperback – August 3, 2021

by Jordan Ifueko (Author)

4.7 1,858 ratings

Book 1 of 2: Raybearer

Editors' pick Best Young Adult

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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
"One of the most exceptional YA fantasies of all time." --Buzzfeed
"Brilliantly conceived fantasy." --People
"An exquisitely detailed world." --PopSugar

Fans of Sabaa Tahir and Tomi Adeyemi won't want to miss this instant New York Times bestselling fantasy from breakout YA sensation Jordan Ifueko!

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.

Reading age

12 years and up
Book 1 of 2

Raybearer
Print length

400 pages
Language

English
Grade level

7 and up
Dimensions

5.5 x 1.3 x 8.25 inches
Publisher

Harry N. Abrams
Publication date

August 3, 2021
ISBN-10

1419739832
ISBN-13

978-1419739835
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From the Publisher

What if you've sworn to protect the one you were born to destroy?

Blurb: Highlights—in technicolor and glittering gold—the trifecta of our most basic of human desires

The fantasy duology sensation by New York Times bestselling author Jordan Ifueko.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"All hail Raybearer . . . Fans of recent breakouts in the genre like Tomi Adeyemi and Sabaa Tahir may just find their next obsession."―Entertainment Weekly

"Brilliantly conceived fantasy."―People Magazine

"One of the most exceptional YA fantasies of all time."―Buzzfeed

“Jordan Ifueko creates a bold new world in her debut book.”―Seventeen

“An exciting fantasy debut that drops the reader into an exquisitely detailed world.”―Popsugar

"[Raybearer] reads like the work of a seasoned world-builder. . . Ifueko has created a rich, fresh, fully rounded world and a cast of characters to match; you’ll be on tenterhooks as Tarisai figures out how to balance destiny and compulsion, but her prince and her palace companions command equal attention."―NPR

“Nothing like a boss @$$ fantasy with a gorgeous, dark brown girl at the center that highlights—in technicolor and glittering gold—the trifecta of our most basic of human desires: to belong, to be loved, and to walk a path of one's own choosing.”―Nic Stone, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin

“One of my favorite books of this year . . . a fantastic exploration of what it means—and the sacrifices it sometimes requires—to truly become your own person.”―Patrice Caldwell, editor of A Phoenix First Must Burn

"A compelling, finely tuned fantasy with fantastic world building."―Shannon Hale, New York Times bestselling author

"Fresh and utterly transportive, Raybearer is a fantastical fight for freedom, family, and justice at all costs."―Heidi Heilig, author of The Girl from Everywhere

“Ifueko’s world building and prose is nothing short of seductive and I completely adore Tarisai's headstrong, tragic self. This will be a major gem of a release in 2020!”―Jessica Khoury, author of The Forbidden Wish and Last of Her Name

“Completely blown away! Tarisai’s tale set my imagination on fire.”―Ebony Elizabeth Thomas, author of The Dark Fantastic

**STARRED REVIEW**
"Ifueko’s mesmerizing debut stuns as it weaves a tale of loyalty, fate, destiny, family, and revenge. Moreover, it places a dark skinned heroine front and center, who is beautiful and powerful, deadly and compassionate, and vulnerable and tough, giving YA literature more of the diverse representation teens need."―Booklist

**STARRED REVIEW**
"Ifueko’s debut is full of lush world building and detailed, Nigerian-inspired mythology, giving life to a myth of epic proportions and a tale that is bound to stick with readers long after they finish it."―Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

**STARRED REVIEW**
"A fresh, phenomenal fantasy that begs readers to revel in its brilliant world."―Kirkus Reviews

**STARRED REVIEW**
"Stunning... Fierce, kindhearted characters from ethnically and culturally diverse backgrounds enhance the well-paced, exquisitely crafted plot, which thrills and inspires while fostering readers’ hope for a sequel."―Publishers Weekly

"Ifueko’s debut fantasy blends Nigerian folklore with a mélange of other influences to create a multicultural world where colonization and imperialism inform the story as much as Tarisai’s own choices... [A] promising first installment in a fantasy duology."―School Library Journal

“An imaginative, epic YA fantasy debut.”―Ms. Magazine

“[An] enticing debut novel.”―Book Riot

“An incredible journey through a wholly original world.”―Tor.com

“Need a good YA fantasy read? Look no further than the debut from Jordan Ifueko.”―Betches

“I was hooked from page one. . . .The world-building is gorgeous.”―Electric Literature

About the Author

Jordan Ifueko is the Nebula Finalist & New York Times bestselling author of the Raybearer series and other stories, including short fiction in the Hugo-nominated magazine Strange Horizons. She’s been featured on NPR Best Books, NPR Pop Culture Hour, ALA Top Ten, Buzzfeed, and other publications. She writes about magic Black girls who aren’t magic all the time, because honestly, they deserve a vacation. Ifueko lives in Los Angeles with her husband David and their 3-legged trustafarian dog Reginald Ovahcomah. Follow Jordan on instagram @jordanifueko.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harry N. Abrams (August 3, 2021)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 400 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1419739832
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1419739835
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 12 years and up
Grade level ‏ : ‎ 7 and up
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.8 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1.3 x 8.25 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #164,326 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #723 in Teen & Young Adult Epic Fantasy
- #768 in Teen & Young Adult Fantasy Action & Adventure
- #831 in Teen & Young Adult Sword & Sorcery Fantasy

Customer Reviews:
4.7 1,858 ratings

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Jordan Ifueko

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Jordan Ifueko is a Nigerian American writer who grew up eating fried plantains under a blanket fort. She now lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their collection of Black Panther Funko Pops. Raybearer is her debut novel.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5

1,858 global ratings

5 star		78%
4 star		17%
3 star		4%
2 star		1%
1 star 0% (0%)		0%

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Top reviews from the United States

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Amy katzman

Exceptional

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on February 19, 2023

Verified Purchase

I do not know how to describe this with no spoilers. I can tell you I cried, and felt inspired by Tarisai's strength. The world is beautifully crafted, and the themes are explored both emotionally and intellectually. There is a fair about of mystery and some magic, the politics are well portrayed without bogging the story down.

I would have liked to know the other characters better, particularly the other council members, who the main character shares a deep bond with, but we only have a vague impression of. My version has some typos and grammatical errors but that doesn't retract from the story and is only a matter of superficial editing.

2 people found this helpful

Helpful

Alyssa

Wonderfully Descriptive and a Captivating Story!

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on February 27, 2023

Verified Purchase

Aahhhhh this was sooooo good! So many twists and turns and when it all finally was laid out, I was in shock. I love this world the author created, the types of love, platonic and romantic, and the even unraveling of secrets and the beginnings and a true and fair ruling. Ugh I am looking forward to book 2!

2 people found this helpful

Helpful

Danielle Carlton

Must Read from a Debut Author

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on September 6, 2020

Verified Purchase

“You don’t have to help me change the world. But you mark my words; when I get going, this world will change. And you can be a part of that...or you can stand back and watch.”

Raybearer is the first book in its series and the first book by Jordan Ifueko. Blending a high fantasy with afrofuturism, Ifueko tells the story of a sixteen-year-old girl named Tarisai. Growing up secluded from the rest of her nation, Tarisai wants nothing more than to have friends and spend time with her mother, The Lady. One day, The Lady sends her to Oluwan city to vie for a position on the prince’s council, earn his trust, and ultimately assassinate him. The longer Tarisai is away from her realm and The Lady, the more she realizes that she doesn’t want to kill the prince; instead, she wants nothing more than to be friends with those she has grown close to. Bound by her mother’s wish, Tarisai must fight to follow her own path and create her own destiny.

Writing
In this culturally-diverse novel, Ifueko gives us a strong female protagonist that must fight to pave her own path. Alongside a group of culturally diverse characters, Ifueko’s lush and lyrical writing draws readers into Tarisai’s story. This book was hard to put down because of its addictive storyline, and it’s evident that Ifueko put her all into this book.

Setting
Ifueko’s world introduced me to a vast array of realms that all have their own unique offerings. I loved seeing the varying cultures that are introduced and how they all come together as one council in Oluwan city. Of course, I can’t forget to mention Songland. This is such a wonderful land, and in Tarisai’s trip there, we learn the truth of why they are not a part of the Oluwan empire.

Plot
This story is intricately-plotted with plenty of twists and far-reaching elements that are beyond Tarisai’s control. As the story progresses, it keeps you guessing, and makes you wonder if Tarisai will be able to successfully forge her own path or if she will fall victim to her mother’s command.

Characters
I absolutely love Tarisai and her friends on the council; Sanjeet, Dayo, and Kirah. There is cultural diversity amongst the group as all of them represent a different realm, and they all have unique abilities (hollows) that they can wield. I appreciated that Ifueko took them time to develop the characters in a natural way as they all learn about each other and their abilities.

Conclusion
Pros: Diverse Characters, Unique Abilities, Amazing World, and Intricately Plotted.
Cons: The only one I can think of is having to wait for the sequel.
Overall: Raybearer is the first book in its series. It is full of action, adventure, fantasy, strong characters. You won’t want to put it down.

7 people found this helpful

Helpful

A beautiful fairy tale of a book

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on October 10, 2021

Verified Purchase

Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko was a beautiful, adventurous fantasy and I truly enjoyed every moment. Many, many reviews before me have provided excellent synopses so I'll skip it and just add a bit of context for my review: Tarisai has grown up in an African-inspired land where magic is real, but her tiny world revolves around visits from her emotionally (and physically) distant mother. As an adolescent she travels to the emperor's palace for a chance at joining the newly-forming sacred council of the young crown prince.

Rarely have I found a story as immersive as Raybearer. Ifueko's writing is both evocative and accessible and I felt I was right there in the grasslands of Swana and the gilded palaces with Tarisai. The important characters are three-dimensional and engaging, even the ones who aren't particularly likeable. The one criticism I have regarding the content of the story is that the side characters felt a little flat. Tarisai is on a council of eleven children her age who are so close they read each other's minds and call each other "sibling" yet we know virtually nothing about all but two of them beyond "this one likes to garden" and "this one likes to dress up." I wish we could've delved a lot more into their relationships and dynamics.

Raybearer reads like a fairy tale, full of magic and curses and twists. Tarisai's relationship with her manipulative mother is fascinating and complicated, as is the magic system and the whole concept of an anointed council pooling their strength for the emperor to achieve immortality. The world felt large and real and I was able to keep the many locations and realms straight without confusing anything.

It's entirely possible I'll change this to 5 stars after I read Redemptor (which I'm so excited for!) but the truth is, I'm just really salty about the way Raybearer ended. It was less a cliffhanger ending and more just a right-in-the-middle-of-the-story ending. Nothing was resolved in any way. In fact, we left an important character just before his murder trial! I get the impression the author took the advice often given about long manuscripts ("just split it into two books!") far too literally because it seems she really did just split one continuous story into two books.

I'm very frustrated to be left hanging but it's only because I loved the book and Tarisai's story so much. I can't wait to pick up where I left off!

CW: emotional manipulation of a child, emotional neglect of a child, off-page physical abuse of a child, mass murder of children, implied rape, murder, light supernatural horror

4 people found this helpful

Helpful

A. Kruse

Great for adults too!

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 11, 2023

Verified Purchase

I am an adult and I also thoroughly enjoyed this book. Easy and engaging read, and great representation!

2 people found this helpful

Helpful

Top reviews from other countries

Micky - bookphenomena

3.5 stars with mixed great and okay feelings

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on July 19, 2021

Verified Purchase

Headlines:
Easy to read and get into
A bit overly convoluted
Likeable protagonist

I've come out of Raybearer with somewhat mixed feelings. First of all, I did enjoy this, but I was expecting to be wowed from everything I've heard about it. I launched into this book straight out of a very complex fantasy and what I was so glad for was an easy-to-get-into story and an ease of reading experience.

The strength of this story lies in it's freshness, I think. I loved the West African contextual fantasy setting, the different lands brought together and the concept of Raybearers. The was a subtle but growing misogynistic undertone to these lands and their ruling class; I enjoyed how that built into a identifiable issue.

Character-wise there is much richness, from the MC Tarisai, to Deyo, the Lady, Jeet and Woo In. This found family were special and I did love the characters. So why the 3.5 rating? The plot line felt convoluted to me, overly so and the last quarter, it was a bit of a push to the end.

I am definitely invested in reading the second book and for the characters alone, I'll be reading. I'm not sure I like the whole Redemptor storyline, but I hope I'll like it more than I imagine.

2 people found this helpful

Hannah

An enchanting debut into a West African inspired story that helped me break my 8 year reading slump.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on July 13, 2021

Verified Purchase

4.5 stars.

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!

One person found this helpful

Idealpages

Fantastic but complex

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on February 24, 2022

Verified Purchase

Tarisai of Swana was born to kill a future Emperor. Her mother, known as ‘The Lady’, invokes a binding magical command Tarisai cannot resit: once Tarisai is trusted by Prince Ekundayo and is anointed onto his council, she must kill him. With no choice but to obey, Tarisai enters the council’s candidacy race. What transpires next is an epic tale of fighting to change destiny, championing friendship and becoming the hero no one realises they truly need. Raybearer is packed with inspiring imagination and soul from an undeniably talented debut author.

This book can only be described as phenomenal. Although, I must say, I initially struggled to get into this story; I felt like I’d been thrown into the deep end without any floating aids or any prior knowledge of how to swim. But once I got my bearings, I was absolutely hooked. I still remain absolutely astonished this was a debut novel.

~~

The world building of Raybearer was richly descriptive and entirely immersive. The setting is Aritsar, an empire consisting of thirteen realms, with the story primarily set in the realms of Oluwan (where the Emperor lives) and Swana (Tarisai’s home). The other realm of importance is Songland. This is because three hundred souls, known as Redemptors, are surrendered to the Underworld every year to keep demons (called abiku) from attacking the empire. For some unknown reason, the Redemptors only come from one area of the empire, Songland.

Every emperor of Aritsar has the special power called “the Ray” - this power was sought out hundreds of years ago by the very first emperor of the empire, Enoba, in a time unification of neighbouring islands was desired. The power of the Ray allows the Emperor immunity from death until old age (but is vulnerable to those he trusts i.e. his council…)

The Emperor has a council of eleven people from across the realms of the empire. This council provides the emperor with immunity to death from everything and everyone, but the council themselves, are capable of hurting, even killing, the emperor. The Emperor’s Ray power also allows him to connect the minds of his council to him and to each other.

The members of the Emperor’s council must possess a birthright ability - called a Hallow - like being able to heal or being able to manipulate plants. If they don’t have a “Hallow”, then they’ll be dismissed. Luckily for Tarisai, she does have a hallow: she has the ability to read people’s memories.

~~

I mean, how bloomin impressive is all of that? That’s not even beginning to cover the creatures in the story; sprites, ehru’s, spirit-beasts and alagbatos (the guardians of life), to name some. I massively enjoyed this world. The sheer brilliance and imagination… No words will truly do it justice; I can’t do anything but bow for Jordan Ifueko.

Tarisai of Swana is such an endearing protagonist. She has been deprived of love and human connection for most of her life, up until she becomes a candidate to join Dayo’s council. It was difficult to see her grow up in isolation due to her ability to see and take people’s memories. Then it was very emotional to see Tarisai’s journey of discovering her sense of self and her self worth, seeing her being embraced and loved by those around her and learning to see the good in her gift rather than feeling like its a curse. Also, I was delighted to see a focus on the idea of justice and the law through Tarisai and one of her mentor’s, High Lord Judge Thaddace. Tarisai witnesses the implications policy has on the realms and, more and more as the story goes on, she begins to find her confidence to challenge the rules, that have lead to such misery and persecution, like cultural cleansing. Am I love her.

Through Tarisai, the ensemble of characters and the overarching plot come together perfectly. The threads were woven together so smoothly with each and every character being well crafted. There’s Tarisai’s childhood relationships - her mother, father and her guardians - and then there’s the present group, her fellow council candidates and the reigning Emperor’s council who teach the children. The nature of the council created an intimate atmosphere of friendship; Tarisai quickly befriends another girl, Kirah, who has the ability to heal, and also Sanjeet, who has the ability to see people’s physical weaknesses, making him the ideal candidate to lead the empire’s army. Then there’s Dayo, who, much to Tarisai’s chagrin, is easy to love with his pure soul. All of the characters were so vibrant, with interesting side characters who all feel relevant and fleshed out, and I care about them all deeply - for good or bad.

The romance! From the offset, my heart was set on one boy and one boy alone. Thankfully, Raybearer does not have a love triangle. The romantic elements were an undercurrent throughout the book, even when the characters were being more subtle in approaching their feelings and navigating friendship. I was greedy for every little bit of romance these characters shared and continue to want more and more.
Also, with respect to a different character, I was ecstatic to see what I believe to be asexual representation (hopefully we’ll find out more in the sequel!).

My only minor criticism of Raybearer… is it felt like it was constrained by the “young adult” genre. At its centre was the potential to tell a grander tale without holding back. It skirts around sex scenes, violence and the like, when if these things hadn’t been, so to speak, censored, I definitely believe the book would have been even more enjoyable than it was. I beg not to be misunderstood here, because the book was an incredible read, it just felt like it wasn’t being allowed to explore everything available. Nevertheless, the as-is-PG version was fantastic.

Raybearer has one of the most gripping endings I’ve read in a while. The revelations! The theatrics! The most ingenious ways to set the stage for a sequel! I don’t know what I’d of done if I had to wait for the sequel - patience as a virtue be damned. I wouldn’t say it is the worst of cliffhangers, but it will definitely leave most readers with a burning need to return to this world and know how it all ends.

All in all, Raybearer is one of the best YA fantasies I have ever read. It was on my mind constantly - during and after reading it - and I honestly don’t see myself ever forgetting this story. I wish I could put this book in everyone’s hands, it’s unbelievably good. I’d happily reread this book without hesitation and eagerly (EAGERLY) await the Netflix adaptation of this series. Book friends, do yourself the biggest of favours this - add this book to your TBR, it’s a must read!

Rudo Manyere

Love afrocentric fantasy!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on September 30, 2021

Verified Purchase

Raybearer by @jordanifueko, is my current read and I am LOVING IT! The book has a sequel, Redemptor (which I can not wait to get my hands on.)

The book is about a girl, Tarisai who is “locked away” by her mother, The Lady because she was horn for a specific reason, to kill the future Emperor, the Raybearer. On the journey of finding out who and what she is, Tarisai also realises she could be a Raybearer even though it is believed a woman can never be a Raybearer.

THEMES:

• Love: Tarisai loved her mother so much she longed for her presence, even though she was controlled by her to kill. Tarisai also found love in Sanjeet, who was isolated because of his built and also because of his powers. Dayo (future Emperor), loved Tarisai so much, and Tarisai loved him back, but it was more of a kinship, platonic love. The Eleven’s love for their Emperor was very strong, they could and would die for him.

• Vengeance: The Lady wants to avenge being thrown out of Oluwan by the Emperor, who we later come to know was closer to her than I thought. There is also Melo (a magical creature, Ehru) who is Tarisai’s father, wanting to be set free from the curse he is under, which can only be broken if Tarisai kills Dayo.

• Loyalty: Tarisai’s loyalty to Dayo was unquestionable. The council was very loyal to their Emperor, being away from him or their council sibling literally had them getting sick.

There are more topics e.g tribalism, forgiveness, redemption are covered in this book and I would say it is a YA. Mostly a fantasy for tweens and teenagers. Frankly, anyone who loves a bit of magic, action, betray, love and vengeance, will stay glued to this masterpiece.

Phoebe Ashcroft

Misprinted version

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on November 1, 2021

Verified Purchase

Look, the book was great, and the author reels you into a charming story of magic and competing relationships between friends and family but it would’ve been better if only I knew what happened in pages 193-204. And 208-209.

Amazon sent me a free repeat copy after I complained about the first misprint and the SECOND ONE WAS ALSO MISPRINTED, so I guess I’ll just never know.

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Ships from: Amazon.com

Sold by: Amazon.com

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$6.71