What an impressive YA debut from Ifueko. I must say, Raybearer is one of my favorite YA novels I've read this year. The world felt incredibly rich. I loved reading and inhabiting this world, as well as the cultures it draws from. It felt as though the author created a world infinitely rich and capable of expansion--I can't wait to see where Raybearer takes us in book 2.

More importantly, I think this novel has very interesting things to say about legacy and fate. Reading Tarisai's journey felt intensely personal. One of the most complicated mother-daughter relationships I've ever read, it brought a lot of emotional brevity to this work. My heart broke with Tarisai as she fought for a name outside of her fate.

However, Tarisai isn't the only one we get to know in Raybearer. We meet the sweet warrior Sanjeet, the inquisitive scholar Kirah, and loving leader Dayo. As Tarisai became attached to this motley crew, so did I.

Will be waiting patiently for book 2!

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SO, a lot to unpack here. And there’s no official release date for the second book 🧍🏾‍♀️love that for me!