Originally posted to I Should Read That

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This review is spoiler-free.

Everyone was talking about Raybearer in the lead-up to its release, and as with most hyped YA fantasy books I was a little cautious going in. I’m a reader that can really be let down by hype, however I’m here to say that Raybearer is absolutely worth your time and is one of the best books of the year!

I wont lie, I’ve been struggling with YA fantasy for a long time. After “discovering” the genre in 2017 and reading every YA fantasy book I could get my paws on, I eventually became much more picky with what I liked. Since that point, I’ve really struggled to find books that break the mould and, for me, are truly something special. Raybearer is one of those books.

The world that Ifueko creates is absolutely marvelous. From the gorgeous settings across cities and countryside and mountains, to the lush architecture and mixing pot of cultures and customs, to the magic that connects people, the world of Raybearer is easily one of the most beautiful I’ve read (and one of the few fantasy settings I’d love to explore in real life!). The magic system is particularly special. The power of a raybearer to mentally connect their council and communicate across the ray was fantastically done and wonderful to read. The consequences of this power, ‘council sickness’, was so impactful and works so well with the themes of found family, friendship, and trust within the novel.

Tarisai is a fantastic character and a new all-time favourite of mine. Ifueko does a wonderful job of developing her from a lonely young child to a cautious preteen and into a sharp and intelligent young woman. I totally understood her every action and decision, as well as how her loneliness and desire to belong to a family or a group impacts her. The romance, although definitely a side plot and not the main focus of the book, was particularly well written and one of the few pairings that felt truly authentic and real. Although Tarisai was mature, she still felt like the teenage character that is so pivotal to YA fantasy. I think she could easily be a case study into how to write a fantastic teenage heroine.

There is so much to say about Raybearer and I could go on and on to anyone who will listen to me ramble about this fantastic book. I read the physical book alongside the fantastic audiobook narration, and would highly recommend the audiobook for anyone interested in listening to a novel with a fabulous narrator.

Raybearer is easily one of the best books of the year and Ifueko is a debut author to watch!