Raybearer is a lush, immersive, and colorful fantasy for young readers that feels like a breath of fresh air for the genre. It playfully twists expectations, is full of both tender and abusive relationships, and asks questions around generational trauma, loyalty, leadership, and belonging.

Tarisai is a kindhearted child that craves touch and family more than anything. She was raised by a mother simply called The Lady in a hidden home completely isolated from the rest of the world, and she is given one magical demand once she turns twelve: kill the Crown Prince.

The only way to do so is to become part of his Council, connected in community by the bond of the Ray. Tarisai wants to belong so very badly, but she also is terrified of the darkness inside of her. She must be brave enough and strong enough to battle The Lady’s wish and forge her own destiny.

The world is original, though it is inspired by West African cultures, lands, and mythologies. You’re never overwhelmed as a reader, and each part of the map is unlocked a bit more as you keep reading. The descriptions of each setting are beautiful and I really felt as though I was there. There’s a glossary at the end, and while I always appreciate a glossary because I have the worst short term memory in the world, I really think the book doesn’t need it! The world building is just that patient and clear and immersive. 

Tarisai is just a shining star of a main character. She’s earnest - and makes mistakes - but she cares so deeply and wants not just to protect her people, but to protect all people. Her arc from a sheltered, naive, touch-starved girl to a leader is so wonderful to witness. 

We don’t get tons of insight into all of the supporting characters, but Dayo, Kirah, and Sanjeet all delighted me as well. They all pushed back against the boxes they were placed into and expectations that didn’t feel right. And the antagonists - in all of their forms - were frighteningly believable. Truly, all of these characters felt complex and deeply personal, and while I would have liked getting to know the rest of the Council more, I was happy to trade that off for the depth that was given to the main players. A major character is also asexual! 

I also appreciated the thoughtful (yet clever) twists and turns that often subverted my expectations. I couldn’t put this book down, even on a reread where I KNEW what was coming. The writing was just so well done and completely captivating.

The magic system here is a little bit loose, with some aspects feeling more metaphorical versus a hardcore system with clear rules. This didn’t bother me, because I bought into everything I needed to understand, and I just appreciated how compelling the powers and world were. 

It’s just so good. The threads of legacy, family history, and stories we capture, exalt, and destroy are also always very close to my heart. An all-time favorite duology.

CW: death (parent/child), murder, child abuse, fire, abandonment, violence, misogyny, confinement, gaslighting, blood, grief, colonization, racism, genocide, war, xenophobia, gore, vomit

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