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Raybearer cover art

Raybearer

Written by: Jordan Ifueko
Narrated by: Joniece Abbott-Pratt
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Publisher's Summary

The epic debut YA fantasy from an incredible new talent - perfect for fans of Tomi Adeyemi and Sabaa Tahir.

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 Eleven. 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.

©2020 Jordan Ifueko (P)2020 Blackstone Publishing

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What listeners say about Raybearer

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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enjoyed

I think this was a young adult book but I am 57 and really enjoyed it. Great storyline and interesting characters.felt like I was in another time and place. hope there is a sequel.

5 people found this helpful

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Beautifully Written

This story took me completely by surprise. It has pretty much everything I love in a young adult fantasy: Adventure, world-building, characters, drama, and a dash of romance, all written with beautiful prose.

The story follows Tarisai, a young girl raised in isolation who becomes a true force to be reckoned with. She is easy to love and root for, thanks to her selflessness and determination. All of the side characters she meets are equally as layered and interesting, though Tarisai remains the strongest.

The story takes place over a period of years and spans many different subplots. I found they were all wrapped up very well and amplified the final story. It was compelling with complex relationships and twists to keep it going.

While not as action packed as other fantasy books, I loved the magical and cultural aspects of the book. Next to the prose and Tarisai, these were the strongest elements. I absolutely love this world and want to see more of it.

While the book doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, it does leave the door open for another epic adventure, one that I am happy to follow along. Recommended to all lovers of fantasy, culture, and found family.

3 people found this helpful

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Amazing world-building, compelling story, engaging characters

Jordan Ifueko has done an amazing job of creating a complex, layered world full of interesting, engaging characters. I’m hoping that there’s going to be a sequel - I want to know where this story goes next.

Shout out, as well, to Joniece Abbott-Pratt for a stellar job on the narration.

2 people found this helpful

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If I could give more stars I would!

This novel is chock full of allegory that I wouldn't have grasped it all as a YA. It is so layered that there is a level for many ages, accessible enough vocabulary for a preteen and also so complex that I wanted to reread portions to dig deeper.
The narration was seemless and comforting. Just enough nuance between voices to sense the change but not so jarring to distract from the story. Can't wait for Redemptor to arrive on Audible.

2 people found this helpful

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Enthralling tale that leaves you wanting more

I loved this book, the narration is well performed, the writing is superb with smaller arcs across the overall that keep the story engaging through the whole book.

2 people found this helpful

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Meh

I honestly found this a more challenging book to follow. I guess you need to be a fan of fantasy, more so than I. And Perhaps you will like it.

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  • E
  • 2023-03-17

extraordinary

truly amazing story that holds such power and importance. this is the type of book kids should be reading in schools

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Great Surprise

Captivating, Fun, and Refreshing. I had run out of purchased titles, so I checked this out for fun and was thoroughly impressed!

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Enjoyable but occasionally drags

The world and characters of this novel were amazingly rich and detailed, but I sometimes felt that the pacing lagged. I found it very fresh and the prose exquisite.

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  • NN
  • 2023-03-13

Wonderful storytelling

I loved this story. I'm thrilled to see there is a sequel. Very descriptive writing. Unexpected turns...I hope there are more to come! Diving right in to the next.

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  • lisa
  • 2021-01-28

Not bad!

I may not be the intended audience but I read/listened to this book when I received it in the Once Upon a Book Club subscription book for Christmas. 14 year old me would have absolutely loved it, 35 year old me saw paths and plot lines that she wished the author would have fleshed out a bit more. I enjoyed the back & forth tension between Tarisai and her mother because it is essentially realistic in so many ways. I ended the book still quite conflicted about the lady and wanting more! I guess this is the first in a series? I might check out the next book. Narration was great!

10 people found this helpful

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  • RLC
  • 2020-08-23

Worth your time

I almost didn't finish my research paper because I couldn't put this down. Ifueko builds a detailed and unique world and accompanies it with a plot that kept me fully engaged. The characters are nuanced and complex. The narrator did a beautiful job enhancing the story with distinct character voices. I'm left wishing there was more, hoping for a sequel while at the same time completely satisfied with the ending. I hope to see more work from Ifueko in the future!

6 people found this helpful

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  • Bee
  • 2021-05-09

I can’t wait for the sequel

Read this as part of our BIPOC bookclub and ended up talking as a group for 3 hours about this beautiful book. This book represents everyone, even the childfree and ace communities. It also has a morally ambiguous antagonist (as in your can relate to them even if they are going about things in the wrong way) and examines many complex themes about gender roles, government corruption, and the illusions of power and control.

Do yourself a favor and read this book!

4 people found this helpful

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  • Morado
  • 2022-05-25

loved it

story and narration were great! rushing to start the 2nd one in the series right now!

1 person found this helpful

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  • A
  • 2022-05-17

Amazing Story!

SOOOOOO good! The world building, the magic, the character development and the interpersonal relationships and how they developed (really love the strained parent-child relationships and growing into a heathier person despite it) - just, WOW! There is no part of this I did not love

1 person found this helpful

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  • Slap Happy
  • 2022-04-07

Fantastic read

Loved the book. One of the most complex YA stories I've found. Great performance by the reader, instilling character into the people and world. Only issue I have is the incomplete ending, but this is to be expected from a YA series. Already bought the next book on here.

1 person found this helpful

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  • Becca
  • 2021-07-19

Great idea, not a great execution

The concept is really interesting, but I had a hard time with how the main character let herself be manipulated and how she acts as if her entire purpose is for a boy. As for the performance, I like the narrator's voice, but I got so tired of the singing.

1 person found this helpful

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  • Maya Dailey
  • 2021-01-12

One of the best fantasy books I've ever read!

Its soooo good! And the narrator is wonderful at making the characters feel alive!! Do yourself a favor and get this book! I can't wait for the sequel!

1 person found this helpful

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  • Alex C
  • 2023-03-03

Loved it!

Loved the book from beginning to end! Can’t wait to begin the next book in the series!!

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  • Amazon Customer
  • 2023-02-08

Possibly the best fantasy book I have ever read

Finished in 2 days. Immersive, well-crafted world & magic system. Strong, engaging story and characters.