Raybearer, Jordan Ifueko
Raybearer, Jordan Ifueko
1 Rating(s)
List: $22.95 | Sale: $16.07
Club: $11.47

Raybearer

Author: Jordan Ifueko

Narrator: Joniece Abbott-Pratt

Unabridged: 14 hr 3 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 08/18/2020


Synopsis

The epic debut YA fantasy from an incredible new talent—soon to be a Netflix prestige series produced and directed by Gina Atwater (Westworld, Star Wars: The Force Awakens) 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.

About Jordan Ifueko

Jordan Ifueko grew up under a blanket fort, eating fried plantains, and reading comic books. Eventually, she switched the comics for a tea-stained notebook. She now lives in Los Angeles with her husband, David, and their collection of Black Panther Funko Pops.

About Joniece Abbott-Pratt

Joniece Abbott-Pratt has narrated many audiobooks for children, young adults, and adults. She has won several AudioFile Earphones Awards and in 2021 was a finalist for the prestigious Audie Award for Best Fantasy Narration. She earned an MFA degree in acting from the University of Iowa and has performed on regional theater stages across the country, including the Public Theater in New York City. She has also appeared on television shows, including The Good Fight, Law and Order: SVU, Luke Cage, and Orange Is the New Black, and has voiced commercials and projects for US Bank, Johnson & Johnson, and others.


Reviews

Goodreads review by jessica

with such a pretty cover, i knew i wouldnt be able to stay away from this. and i love how well the cover art reflects the inner story. its really quite perfect. ive read some of the 3 star reviews and it seems the reason why this didnt work out for some readers is exactly the reason why i enjoyed it......more

Goodreads review by Joel

I have uploaded a video review here A written review to come!......more

What a PHENOMENAL YA debut fantasy! I mean I haven't read anything like this ever. And please please please if you read this book do not attempt to compare it to Children of Blood and Bone. 4.5 Stars Trigger Warnings: parental emotional abuse, blood magic, death of children, rape Thank you to Abram B......more

Goodreads review by Miranda

4.5 starsDecember Tierlist Vlog is up! Click the link to see the video review of all the books read in December!The Written ReviewTarisai has had an...unusual...childhood. She's spent it isolated in a mansion, surrounded by servants afraid to touch her and desperately wanting the love......more


Quotes

“Jordan Ifueko creates a bold new world in her debut book.”

Seventeen

“[An] immersive and powerful debut.”

Minneapolis Star Tribune

 “The ultimate escapist read…Enthralling.”

Napa Valley Register

“Joniece Abbott-Pratt’s evocative narration skillfully complements Ifueko’s vibrant multilayered fantasy…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. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award.”

AudioFile

"Raybearer is an excellent and needed addition to diverse fantasy, and the writing and characters immediately captivated me.”

BuzzFeed

“I love it when characters are faced with impossible choices. Even better, add magic. I was hooked from page one.”

Electric Literature

“A fresh, phenomenal fantasy that begs readers to revel in its brilliant world.”

Kirkus Reviews (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.”

Booklist (starred review)

“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.”

Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Completely blown away! Tarisai’s tale set my imagination on fire.”

Ebony Elizabeth Thomas, author of The Dark Fantastic


Awards

  • Booklist Pick
  • Electric Literature
  • BookRiot Pick
  • Minneapolis Star-Tribune Pick
  • AudioFile Earphones Award
  • Kirkus Reviews Pick
  • Tor.com Reviewers' Choice
  • io9 Pick
  • Publishers Weekly Pick of the Week
  • Voice Arts Award
  • NPR Best Book of the Year
  • Buzzfeed Best Books of the Year
  • Audiofile Magazine “Best of the Year”
  • Audie Award
  • Nebula Award
  • Hugo Award