★ 02/24/2020
In Ifueko’s stunning fantasy debut, a woman known as “the Lady” commands a djinn to build her an invisible stronghold and impregnate her with a child who must someday grant her third wish. She raises the resulting daughter, dark-skinned Tarisai, in ignorance of her origins, isolating and training her for an undisclosed reason. When the Lady dispatches 11-year-old Tarisai to Oluwan City to compete for inclusion on Crown Prince Ekundayo’s governing Council of Eleven, the affection-starved girl is delighted; if chosen, she will bond eternally with Dayo, as the prince is known, and her Council siblings via a mystical Ray. The union will also render Dayo immune to all forms of premature death except murder by a Council member—which is precisely what the Lady envisions. Tarisai, however, resolves to write her own destiny and protect Dayo, no matter the cost. By crafting a world plagued by imperialism, poverty, and institutionalized misogyny, and a mythology that literalizes the power of love, purpose, and sacrifice, Ifueko illustrates the need for social change and inspires readers to fight for it. Fierce, kindhearted characters from ethnically and culturally diverse backgrounds enhance the well-paced, exquisitely crafted plot, which thrills and inspires while fostering readers’ hope for a sequel. Ages 12–up. Agent: Kim-Mei Kirtland, Howard Morhaim Literary. (Apr.)
"[Raybearer ] reads like the work of a seasoned world-builder. . . Ifueko has created a rich, fresh, fully rounded world and a cast of characters to match; you’ll be on tenterhooks as Tarisai figures out how to balance destiny and compulsion, but her prince and her palace companions command equal attention."
One of my favorite books of this year . . . a fantastic exploration of what it means—and the sacrifices it sometimes requires—to truly become your own person.
editor of A Phoenix First Must Burn Patrice Caldwell
Completely blown away! Tarisai’s tale set my imagination on fire.
author of The Dark Fantastic Ebony Elizabeth Thomas
"A compelling, finely tuned fantasy with fantastic world building."
New York Times bestselling author Shannon Hale
"One of the most exceptional YA fantasies of all time."
An exciting fantasy debut that drops the reader into an exquisitely detailed world.
**STARRED REVIEW** "Ifueko’s debut is full of lush world building and detailed, Nigerian-inspired mythology, giving life to a myth of epic proportions and a tale that is bound to stick with readers long after they finish it."
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
An imaginative, epic YA fantasy debut.
I was hooked from page one. . . .The world-building is gorgeous.
Jordan Ifueko creates a bold new world in her debut book.
[An] immersive and powerful debut.
The ultimate escapist read. . . .Strong world-building makes this an easy book to fall into.
Excellent writing, complicated relationships and a rich cast of characters makes this novel by a Nigerian-American writer a stellar debut.
BCCB (Bulletin of the Center for Children)
author of The Dark Fantastic: Race and the Ima Ebony Elizabeth Thomas
**STARRED REVIEW** "Ifueko’s mesmerizing debut stuns as it weaves a tale of loyalty, fate, destiny, family, and revenge. Moreover, it places a dark skinned heroine front and center, who is beautiful and powerful, deadly and compassionate, and vulnerable and tough, giving YA literature more of the diverse representation teens need."
02/01/2020
Gr 7 Up— Tarisai has grown up with every luxury imaginable—except for a loving family. Her mother, known as The Lady, has kept Tarisai isolated save for a group of revolving tutors and servants afraid to get too close as she prepares her daughter for a mysterious future. At the age of 11, Tarisai finally learns The Lady's plan when she is sent to compete for a spot on the Crown Prince's Council of 11. Joining the Council will give Tarisai the family she has always craved, but it will also bring her one step closer to completing her mother's magical request: killing the Crown Prince after Tarisai has earned his trust. As Tarisai learns more about the empire, the Crown Prince, and herself, she will have to decide where her loyalties lie and if she is strong enough to choose her own path in the face of her mother's magical compulsion. Ifueko's debut fantasy blends Nigerian folklore with a melange of other influences to create a multicultural world where colonization and imperialism inform the story as much as Tarisai's own choices. Tarisai's first-person narration offers a limited perspective, increasing suspense as she tries to guess The Lady's motives. Large-scale but vague world-building and a plot with far-reaching elements beyond Tarisai's immediate concerns make this story needlessly convoluted at times. VERDICT A dense but promising stand-alone fantasy.—Emma Carbone, Brooklyn Public Library
★ 2020-01-07
Born of a mysterious woman known only as The Lady and her unholy coupling with an ehru (djinn), coily haired, dark-skinned Tarisai is hidden away in the grasslands of her home realm and constantly tested by tutors, preparing her whole life to join the Council of Eleven that will advise the Crown Prince. When she discovers that she was created as a weapon to assassinate that same beloved prince, Tarisai embarks on a journey through the 12 realms of Aritsar to discover the truth about her complicated history, hoping for a chance to shine a light on a new path for herself. Debut author Ifueko's ethnically and religiously diverse empire is well-built, taking form as it unfurls and blossoms in a way that never feels rushed. This fantasy world—where tutsu sprites roam and people are graced with a never-ending spectrum of Hallows, or birth gifts—provides constant wonder and enchantment and has a tantalizing potential that engages readers. The perfectly paced plot is laid against a backdrop of political unrest and intrigue that explores colonialist and imperialist themes, ensuring its continued relevance. The nuanced experiences of the fantasy communities will resonate with global, contemporary marginalized peoples and their struggles against discrimination.
A fresh, phenomenal fantasy that begs readers to revel in its brilliant world. (Fantasy. 14-18)
Nothing like a boss @$$ fantasy with a gorgeous, dark brown girl at the center that highlights—in technicolor and glittering gold—the trifecta of our most basic of human desires: to belong, to be loved, and to walk a path of one's own choosing.
#1 New York Times bestselling author of Dear Marti Nic Stone
"Fresh and utterly transportive, Raybearer is a fantastical fight for freedom, family, and justice at all costs."
author of The Girl from Everywhere Heidi Heilig
"Brilliantly conceived fantasy."
"All hail Raybearer . . . Fans of recent breakouts in the genre like Tomi Adeyemi and Sabaa Tahir may just find their next obsession."
**STARRED REVIEW** "Ifueko’s mesmerizing debut stuns as it weaves a tale of loyalty, fate, destiny, family, and revenge. Moreover, it places a dark skinned heroine front and center, who is beautiful and powerful, deadly and compassionate, and vulnerable and tough, giving YA literature more of the diverse representation teens need."
[An] enticing debut novel.
An incredible journey through a wholly original world.
Ifueko’s world building and prose is nothing short of seductive and I completely adore Tarisai's headstrong, tragic self. This will be a major gem of a release in 2020!
author of The Forbidden Wish and Last of Her Name Jessica Khoury
Need a good YA fantasy read? Look no further than the debut from Jordan Ifueko.
"All hail Raybearer . . . Fans of recent breakouts in the genre like Tomi Adeyemi and Sabaa Tahir may just find their next obsession."—Entertainment Weekly People Magazine Buzzfeed Seventeen Popsugar Raybearer ] reads like the work of a seasoned world-builder. . . Ifueko has created a rich, fresh, fully rounded world and a cast of characters to match; you’ll be on tenterhooks as Tarisai figures out how to balance destiny and compulsion, but her prince and her palace companions command equal attention."—NPR Nic Stone, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin Patrice Caldwell, editor of A Phoenix First Must Burn Shannon Hale, New York Times bestselling author Raybearer is a fantastical fight for freedom, family, and justice at all costs."—Heidi Heilig, author of The Girl from Everywhere Jessica Khoury, author of The Forbidden Wish and Last of Her Name Ebony Elizabeth Thomas, author of The Dark Fantastic Booklist Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Kirkus Reviews Publishers Weekly School Library Journal Ms. Magazine Book Riot Tor.com Betches Electric Literature
"A lush, intriguing, and perfectly paced epic YA fantasy."
Joniece Abbott-Pratt's evocative narration skillfully complements Ifueko's vibrant multilayered fantasy. Tarisai grows into a prestigious role in Aristar, but while her gifts bring change, her mother has cursed her with a violent purpose. Tarisai's pursuit of justice and sense of belonging are beautifully interwoven with Ifueko's explorations of power, society, and family. Abbott-Pratt balances danger and intrigue as Tarisai continues her training, delving deep into the secrets of the corrupt capital. Ifueko captures magic, mystery, metaphor, vivid imagery, and dialogue that build to dramatic scenes and stirring reveals. Abbott-Pratt's richly expressive characterizations imbue a fascinating cast with warmth and complexity, and her expert delivery evokes the listener’s curiosity at each turn. K.S.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2020 Best Audiobook, 2021 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine
