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Synopses & Reviews
"Immediately captivated me." -Buzzfeed
"A bold new world." -Seventeen
"Dazzling...All hail Raybearer." -Entertainment Weekly
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 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? 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.
Review
“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.” Patrice Caldwell, editor of A Phoenix First Must Burn
Review
“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.” Nic Stone, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin
Review
"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!" Jessica Khoury, author of The Forbidden Wish and Last of Her Name
Review
"Completely blown away! Tarisai's tale set my imagination on fire." Ebony Elizabeth Thomas, author of The Dark Fantastic
Review
"A fresh, phenomenal fantasy that begs readers to revel in its brilliant world." Kirkus Reviews
About the Author
Jordan Ifueko is a Nigerian American writer who grew up eating fried plantains while reading comic books under a blanket fort. She now lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their collection of Black Panther Funko Pops. Raybearer is her debut novel.