Breathtaking World Building and A Found Family to Root For! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED <3 | ARC Review: Raybearer (Raybearer #1) by Jordan Ifueko

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 11. 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?

 

Disclaimer: I received an Audionook ARC of the book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review! However, the thoughts, opinions expressed in the review are entirely my own.

I. AM. SPEECHLESS.

I rarely listen to fantasy books on audio – I can’t, with some many different and new character, words and pronunciations to learn and remember – it becomes hard to concentrate while listening to the audiobook a whole new level of superpower.

So while I was wary of reading the audiobook; the absolute love this book has been receiving had me overcoming my own apprehensions and picked it up.

And to be honest; IT WAS BEST FREAKING DECISION I EVER MADE.

Raybearer is a stunning fantasy debut that will keep your attention right from the start till the end – even though more than half of the book is a slow world building; a world that is breathtaking in its originality and expression!

It seems obvious that Iflueko has taken inspiration from reality; but she has made this world her own and owned it absolutely!

Tarisai, a young girl has been bought up in isolation – with only visits of The Lady to look forward to; considering the fact that the servants employed to teach her everything; and I do mean everything, about the different realms, aren’t EXACTLY her friends. When she finds out that she has been groomed and brought up to become part of the 11 Council Members of the Crown Prince of Aritsar.

While I would DEARLY LOVE to ramble on and on about the intriguing storyline; wonderful characters and the plot that would keep you hooked, I won’t, because I was told that I need to go in blind and trust me, so do you! It so dearly and surely worth it!

A beautiful, absolutely heartwarming fantasy novel about friendship, found family and a stunning world building with a hint of romance that will make your soul happy – Raybearer is a beautiful diverse fantasy novel, the first in what looks to be a series *fingers crossed* – and since I just read that there would be a sequel, because *THAT* ending had me holding my breath, I am literally on pins and needles to know EXACTLY where the author takes my babies to!

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ .75

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