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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

What listeners say about Raybearer

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

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.

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5 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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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.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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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.

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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.

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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.

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2 people found this helpful

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An inspiring tale :)

Great plot, the narrator was excellent, and I am beyond excited for the next book!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

From another land.

Both the narrator and writer bring us to another land that is seldom seen. I enjoyed both the story and the setting.

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Boring bad suggestion from audible in comparison to what I purchase from them

Not even a genre I would listen to. Was suggested by audible so review is on them not the author.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

amazing storytelling

Amazing storytelling and the narration is also excellent. I highly recommend both books in the series.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

the main character is fine, but the villains arn't

I truly enjoyed this book's worldbuilding and culture despite personally being a white male. (It is obviously aimed at those of African descent and for a female audience.) However I was jarred out of the book and almost didn't finish it by how repeatedly shortsighted the emperor and the lady were. especially since they both had advisors that should have told them they were screwing up. The main character makes a few mistakes but they are perfectly understandable for a sheltered young girl. The mistakes the adults make are required by the plot, but anyone dumb enough to have made them wouldn't have gotten to the position the adults are in based on their backstory. They would have been deposed and possibly killed way before the story started. If you are willing to ignore how dumb the adults are it's a good read.

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