An African mythology inspired YA fantasy world is not my usual pick but I surprised myself and really enjoyed this book. It was incredibly unique and the characters, the world building and the complex storyline were all fantastic. The last book that I read that had any similarities to this type of story was His Dark Materials but again, Raybearer was completely original and I loved the descriptive and colourful style of writing.

Raybearer takes place in a West-African inspired fantasy world full of magic and mythology. Tarisai is raised in isolation by her mother, The Lady, until she comes of age and is sent to compete for a place on the Crown Prince's Council. But Tarisai is cursed by a magical wish; once she gains the Prince's trust and is anointed to his council, she must kill him. Along the way, Tarisai unlocks the dark secrets of the empire and of her own past.
I really enjoyed this book! The world-building and magic system was really unique and well-developed, and I found the mythology very interesting. Tarisai was a likeable and believable character, and the rest of the cast is diverse and full of strong female characters. The plot kept me gripped and I couldn't guess how everything was going to unfold - everything came together in a really clever way at the end! I seriously need a sequel now!!
I gave Raybearer 5 stars and I definitely recommend YA fantasy fans pick this one up!

If you haven't come across this book, you are in for a treat. This is the first instalment of a two-book series that was inspired by African history, myths and legends. It's set in an alternate universe where the world has been united (i.e. conquered) into an empire centred around Africa. There can only be one ruler, and that ruler is a direct descendant of the conqueror, who rules with 11 ray-siblings - not related by blood and coming from all areas of the empire, they are men and women who have a special bond with the emperor. However, the emperor has a secret, and that secret is about to make itself known and throw things out of balance.

Set in a world full of magic and fairy tales, this is a superb novels that tackles life, relationships, loyalty etc. head on. It is utterly unique and I cannot wait to see what Jordan Ifueko comes up with next.

A great debut YA fantasy novel that will appeal to fans of this genre. Superb world building, rich in culture, lots of magic and superbly crafted characters. Readers will want to continue the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this review copy.

This was intriguing and well written with interesting characters, and while I appreciate the storyline in this extract, I don't think this is my kind of book so I don't think I'll be reading further. Thank you for the chance to investigate this story with this extract

This blew my mind! The best kind of fantasy I’ve read in years. Such amazing and interesting magic systems and really great characters. I really enjoyed reading this.

I found Raybearer an interesting read but also one of my disappointments of the year. I expected great things from the reviews I had heard but unfortunately for me it missed the mark.
While the story was clever, I found it almost too involved which clashed with the simplistic writing style. There were elements I don’t think were explained and the background characters were what I wanted more of.

This was non-stop and had perfect pacing, every chapter has a twist or reveals something new and exciting about the world or the magic system. There is a strong critique of imperialism, which was very well done - how one culture or ruling power can and does destroy others in the name of unity, the ways in which that sometimes looks like overt violence and sometimes by making it impractical to hold to tradition, even when it appears you are given free choice. I also liked the exploration of different kinds of relationships and how you can be tied to people.

Thank you for a free sampler of this, I loved this and can’t wait to read the full book! This sounds like the perfect fantasy read, with multilayered world building and characters that come to life on the page. Absolutely can not wait to read this!

Hard to review from a small sampler but it looks goid. Will definitely give it a whirl in the shop and see how it goes.

Thank you so much for this gorgeous sampler, It was the perfect incentive to get this book!! I cannot wait to see, what Jordan Ifueko does next.

A beautiful sample of this West-African-inspired fantasy. I was completely hooked and now can't wait to read the rest of the book to see how it ends. The characters are compelling and I really liked the settings and world-building. Looking forward to reading the rest!

Lovely sample of this book, I can't wait to read the rest and see how it ends! I really liked the fantasy elements mixed with the West African setting. I look forward to seeing how the main character deals with the magical wish placed upon her and whether she kills the prince or manages to avoid it.

This West-African inspired YA fantasy is a beautifully crafted story of a girl who longs for a family and for people to accept her as she is. Growing up her mother was constantly absent from her life, while the servants who raised her were afraid to touch her. After turning 11 years old, Tarisai is sent to the capital to compete with other children for a place on the Prince’s Council of 11. Once chosen, she would have the chance to be a part of a family that she’s always longed for. The only obstacle standing in her way is a magical wish which compiles her to kill the prince once she’s accepted on the council.

I have truly never read something so unique and beautifully written. The magical system was really interesting, and the cast of characters were well developed while the world building was complex and exceptionally presented. The imagery was vibrant and colourful while the culture was so fascinating to read about. The fact that this was the author’s debut novel makes me highly look forward to her future releases.

This was an interesting sampler of Raybearer., a new fantasy series.

The author has done a great job of world building and creating a land and story you want to find out more about. The start sets the scene for a child who is being set up to help kill the Crown Prince having at first earned his trust.

This sample certainly makes me want to go out and get hold of the book to find out more about the world created and whether Tarisai is successful with her mission..looks a welcome addition to the fantasy genre.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing a free sampler of this book for me, for an an open and honest review.

A compelling story with believable characters. The story is West African inspired and very unpredictable.

Thank You to Netgalley and Bonnier Books for this ARC of Raybearer in exchange for an honest review.

What a fantastic debut! The levels of world building and layering of magic are another level! I always worry that the next YA Fantasy won’t be as good as the last but this book has proven that worry foundless!
I have bought the audio version of this so that I can listen to it now. I always find I see worlds like this so much more vividly when I listen.

This would make an EPIC film.

Thank you to NetGalley and Publishers for this ARC

Unfortunately I did not get to read this book as I missed my chance. My apologises

You guys! you. guys. This book! wow! I was on the edge of my seat, i laughed, i cried! There was twists, and then turns, and then more twists! Raybearer is a West-African YA fantasy novel. The world building is ace, the characters are diverse and well-written, it’s new, it’s fresh and fantastic! you should read it!

This was a difficult book to get into, I felt that I was just beginning to enjoy the story when the sampler finished. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an egalley.