SO GOOD. It’s so good.

This was one of my most highly anticipated reads of the year, and it DID NOT disappoint. I’m just grateful that Ms. Ifueko blessed us with this book so soon after the first one. And in a PANGEA.

Sequels are difficult, but Redemptor kept all of the grit, the soul, and the emotion that made Raybearer shine. Tarisai, in the wake of claiming her status as Empress and becoming the last Redemptor, is struggling to live up to these names.

She’s plagued by spirits who echo what she believes about herself: that she’s not good enough, that she’s unlovable, that she’s alone. If you’ve struggled with mental illness, this is an all too haunting depiction. So we watch Tar grapple with these intrusive thoughts that she feels burdened with and unfortunately, believes she deserves.

Not only is she adjusting to a world that does not (seemingly) want her, but all of the imposter syndrome that usually follows.

Despite being a little over 300 pages, this book feels like it is packed full in a way that some 400+ page books do not. We’re constantly immersed in action and storytelling, and yet I rarely felt like it was rushed. Even knowing how much ground there was to cover (after all, the book was meant to cover two years of Tar’s life, including her journey through the Underworld).

This book also delved further into Dayo’s identity as ace, and showing that he still has many intimate and fulfilling relationships. I loved seeing that representation further explored. And speaking of—we also got Min Ja and Da Seo, and what a blessing. I love them