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Raybearer: The New York Times bestseller, soon to be a major Netflix series Paperback – 18 Aug. 2020

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 2,065 ratings

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The epic and phenomenal West-African inspired New York Times bestselling YA fantasy from an incredible new talent.

'Only one thing is more powerful than a wish, and that is a purpose.'

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?

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From the Publisher

Raybearer Jordan Ifueko Fate Fantasy Magic Faeries Politics Children Blood Bone Vice Virtue Souls

Raybearer Jordan Ifueko Fate Fantasy Magic Faeries Politics Children Blood Bone Vice Virtue Souls

Raybearer Jordan Ifueko Fate Fantasy Magic Faeries Politics Children Blood Bone Vice Virtue Souls

Raybearer Jordan Ifueko Fate Fantasy Magic Faeries Politics Children Blood Bone Vice Virtue Souls


jordan
Written by Jordan Ifueko

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.

An epic West-African inspired YA fantasy from an incredible new talent.

'Only one thing is more powerful than a wish, and that is a purpose.'

Tarisai was raised in isolation by a mysterious, absent mother: The Lady. The Lady sends her to the capital of Aritsar to compete to be chosen as one of the Crown Prince's Council of Eleven. If she's picked, she'll be joined with the other members through the Ray, a bond deeper than blood. But The Lady has a magical wish that Tarisai must obey: kill the Crown Prince. Tarisai won't stand by and become someone's pawn - but is she strong enough to choose a different path for herself?

  • First in a gripping fantasy duology, with a West-African inspired setting.
  • Perfect for fans of CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE, PET and KINGDOM OF SOULS.
Raybearer Jordan Ifueko Fate Fantasy Magic Faeries Politics Children Blood Bone Vice Virtue Souls

Product description

Review

Fresh and utterly transportive, Raybearer is a fantastical fight for freedom, family and justice at all costs -- Heidi Heilig

A fresh, phenomenal fantasy that begs readers to revel in its brilliant world ―
Kirkus starred review

The prose is effortless and poetic from the very first sentence. Ifueko's mesmersing debut stuns as it weaves a tale of loyalty, fate, destiny, family, and revenge ―
Booklist starred review

A stunning debut ―
Publishers Weekly 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 starred review

This intensely readable, satisfying fantasy asks questions about identity, choice, power and obligation, against a vivid, richly imagined backdrop of west African-inspired magic. -- Imogen Russell Williams ―
The Guardian

I believe Jordan Ifueko's impressive science fiction fantasy, the Raybearer duology, falls into the same category and will be an effortless way to share a reading experience with your teenagers. Jordan Ifueko, the daughter of Nigerian immigrant parents, born in Southern California, began imagining the incredible fantasy world with its 13 culturally distinct realms when she was just 13 years old herself. Another 13 years later in 2020, her first book Raybearer was published. The heroine of this unique world is 16 year old Tarisai who can jump into other people's minds and search out their past. With unspeakeable curses, spellbinding magic and mystical creatures infused with West African inspired folklare, this remarkable other world pays significant tribute to our own world and ancient cultures. ―
New African Magazine

Book Description

The epic and phenomenal West-African inspired New York Times bestselling YA fantasy from an incredible new talent.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Hot Key Books; 1st edition (18 Aug. 2020)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 496 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1471409279
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1471409271
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 14 years and up
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 12.9 x 2.7 x 19.8 cm
  • Customer reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 2,065 ratings

About the author

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Jordan Ifueko
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Jordan Ifueko is the NYT Bestselling Author of the RAYBEARER series & the Disney-Marvel comics MOON GIRL & DEVIL DINOSAUR. She’s a Nebula Award, Ignyte Award, Audie Award, and Hugo Lodestar finalist, and she's been featured in People Magazine, NPR Best Books, NPR Pop Culture Hour, & ALA Top Ten. She writes about magic Black girls who aren’t magic all the time, because honestly, they deserve a vacation.

Follow Jordan on instagram @jordanifueko.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
2,065 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story charming and interesting with exciting twists and turns. They appreciate the vibrant characters and relatable heroine. Readers praise the writing quality as well-written, descriptive, and realistic. However, some pages are missing, causing a gap in the story.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

17 customers mention ‘Plot’17 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the engaging plot with its unique and interesting storyline. They find the characters relatable and the storyteller's storytelling amazing. The book is described as inspiring with a rich world-building, an intriguing magic system, and a captivating West African fantasy setting.

"...What transpires next is an epic tale of fighting to change destiny, championing friendship and becoming the hero no one realises they truly need...." Read more

"...and roles is sprinkled throughout but deeply effective and I love the worldbuilding which truly transports you to another world...." Read more

"...The magic system is an interesting one. There is magic that can be learned, though many do not...." Read more

"...based on a different culture which is refreshing and adds tremendous dimension to the novel as well as many unexpected twists...." Read more

11 customers mention ‘Character development’11 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the vibrant characters and relatable heroine.

"...All of the characters were so vibrant, with interesting side characters who all feel relevant and fleshed out, and I care about them all deeply -..." Read more

"Fantastic book with amazing characters and great dynamics between them...." Read more

"...Primarily, the characters have to have some depth. If I don't love the characters, the story will be a grind...." Read more

"...societal and racial segments of society and I found that the heroine was relatable and empowering while not being a cliche...." Read more

5 customers mention ‘Writing quality’5 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing quality of the book good. They say the story is well-written and easy to read. The descriptions are rich and immersive, making the world feel realistic and alive.

"...~~ The world building of Raybearer was richly descriptive and entirely immersive...." Read more

"...Raybearer did all of this and more. Ifueko's prose weaves a tale as beautiful as though it were told by Am the Storyteller themself,..." Read more

"Headlines: Easy to read and get into A bit overly convoluted Likeable protagonist..." Read more

"...The world building and culture was so fantastically done that it felt realistic. This is a fantasy book unlike any others...." Read more

6 customers mention ‘Missing pages’0 positive6 negative

Customers are unhappy with missing pages in the book. They mention 20 pages and 13 pages spanning 2 chapters were completely blank, meaning they're missing a lot of the story right in the book.

"...13 pages spanning 2 chapters were completely blank, meaning I am missing a lot of the story right in the middle of the book!..." Read more

"...book is amazing, but the copy I ordered from Amazon has 11 pages that have been missed out (blank in the middle of book)...." Read more

"...] The book is amazing however 200 pages in and I am missing 20 pages… I bought the book a year ago so can’t apply for an exchange for a non faulty..." Read more

"...ago but only got round to reading it now to find out that 12 pages are completely blank...." Read more

Love afrocentric fantasy!
5 out of 5 stars
Love afrocentric fantasy!
Raybearer by @jordanifueko, is my current read and I am LOVING IT! The book has a sequel, Redemptor (which I can not wait to get my hands on.)The book is about a girl, Tarisai who is “locked away” by her mother, The Lady because she was horn for a specific reason, to kill the future Emperor, the Raybearer. On the journey of finding out who and what she is, Tarisai also realises she could be a Raybearer even though it is believed a woman can never be a Raybearer.THEMES:• Love: Tarisai loved her mother so much she longed for her presence, even though she was controlled by her to kill. Tarisai also found love in Sanjeet, who was isolated because of his built and also because of his powers. Dayo (future Emperor), loved Tarisai so much, and Tarisai loved him back, but it was more of a kinship, platonic love. The Eleven’s love for their Emperor was very strong, they could and would die for him.• Vengeance: The Lady wants to avenge being thrown out of Oluwan by the Emperor, who we later come to know was closer to her than I thought. There is also Melo (a magical creature, Ehru) who is Tarisai’s father, wanting to be set free from the curse he is under, which can only be broken if Tarisai kills Dayo.• Loyalty: Tarisai’s loyalty to Dayo was unquestionable. The council was very loyal to their Emperor, being away from him or their council sibling literally had them getting sick.There are more topics e.g tribalism, forgiveness, redemption are covered in this book and I would say it is a YA. Mostly a fantasy for tweens and teenagers. Frankly, anyone who loves a bit of magic, action, betray, love and vengeance, will stay glued to this masterpiece.
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Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 February 2022
    Tarisai of Swana was born to kill a future Emperor. Her mother, known as ‘The Lady’, invokes a binding magical command Tarisai cannot resit: once Tarisai is trusted by Prince Ekundayo and is anointed onto his council, she must kill him. With no choice but to obey, Tarisai enters the council’s candidacy race. What transpires next is an epic tale of fighting to change destiny, championing friendship and becoming the hero no one realises they truly need. Raybearer is packed with inspiring imagination and soul from an undeniably talented debut author.

    This book can only be described as phenomenal. Although, I must say, I initially struggled to get into this story; I felt like I’d been thrown into the deep end without any floating aids or any prior knowledge of how to swim. But once I got my bearings, I was absolutely hooked. I still remain absolutely astonished this was a debut novel.

    ~~

    The world building of Raybearer was richly descriptive and entirely immersive. The setting is Aritsar, an empire consisting of thirteen realms, with the story primarily set in the realms of Oluwan (where the Emperor lives) and Swana (Tarisai’s home). The other realm of importance is Songland. This is because three hundred souls, known as Redemptors, are surrendered to the Underworld every year to keep demons (called abiku) from attacking the empire. For some unknown reason, the Redemptors only come from one area of the empire, Songland.

    Every emperor of Aritsar has the special power called “the Ray” - this power was sought out hundreds of years ago by the very first emperor of the empire, Enoba, in a time unification of neighbouring islands was desired. The power of the Ray allows the Emperor immunity from death until old age (but is vulnerable to those he trusts i.e. his council…)

    The Emperor has a council of eleven people from across the realms of the empire. This council provides the emperor with immunity to death from everything and everyone, but the council themselves, are capable of hurting, even killing, the emperor. The Emperor’s Ray power also allows him to connect the minds of his council to him and to each other.

    The members of the Emperor’s council must possess a birthright ability - called a Hallow - like being able to heal or being able to manipulate plants. If they don’t have a “Hallow”, then they’ll be dismissed. Luckily for Tarisai, she does have a hallow: she has the ability to read people’s memories.

    ~~

    I mean, how bloomin impressive is all of that? That’s not even beginning to cover the creatures in the story; sprites, ehru’s, spirit-beasts and alagbatos (the guardians of life), to name some. I massively enjoyed this world. The sheer brilliance and imagination… No words will truly do it justice; I can’t do anything but bow for Jordan Ifueko.

    Tarisai of Swana is such an endearing protagonist. She has been deprived of love and human connection for most of her life, up until she becomes a candidate to join Dayo’s council. It was difficult to see her grow up in isolation due to her ability to see and take people’s memories. Then it was very emotional to see Tarisai’s journey of discovering her sense of self and her self worth, seeing her being embraced and loved by those around her and learning to see the good in her gift rather than feeling like its a curse. Also, I was delighted to see a focus on the idea of justice and the law through Tarisai and one of her mentor’s, High Lord Judge Thaddace. Tarisai witnesses the implications policy has on the realms and, more and more as the story goes on, she begins to find her confidence to challenge the rules, that have lead to such misery and persecution, like cultural cleansing. Am I love her.

    Through Tarisai, the ensemble of characters and the overarching plot come together perfectly. The threads were woven together so smoothly with each and every character being well crafted. There’s Tarisai’s childhood relationships - her mother, father and her guardians - and then there’s the present group, her fellow council candidates and the reigning Emperor’s council who teach the children. The nature of the council created an intimate atmosphere of friendship; Tarisai quickly befriends another girl, Kirah, who has the ability to heal, and also Sanjeet, who has the ability to see people’s physical weaknesses, making him the ideal candidate to lead the empire’s army. Then there’s Dayo, who, much to Tarisai’s chagrin, is easy to love with his pure soul. All of the characters were so vibrant, with interesting side characters who all feel relevant and fleshed out, and I care about them all deeply - for good or bad.

    The romance! From the offset, my heart was set on one boy and one boy alone. Thankfully, Raybearer does not have a love triangle. The romantic elements were an undercurrent throughout the book, even when the characters were being more subtle in approaching their feelings and navigating friendship. I was greedy for every little bit of romance these characters shared and continue to want more and more.
    Also, with respect to a different character, I was ecstatic to see what I believe to be asexual representation (hopefully we’ll find out more in the sequel!).

    My only minor criticism of Raybearer… is it felt like it was constrained by the “young adult” genre. At its centre was the potential to tell a grander tale without holding back. It skirts around sex scenes, violence and the like, when if these things hadn’t been, so to speak, censored, I definitely believe the book would have been even more enjoyable than it was. I beg not to be misunderstood here, because the book was an incredible read, it just felt like it wasn’t being allowed to explore everything available. Nevertheless, the as-is-PG version was fantastic.

    Raybearer has one of the most gripping endings I’ve read in a while. The revelations! The theatrics! The most ingenious ways to set the stage for a sequel! I don’t know what I’d of done if I had to wait for the sequel - patience as a virtue be damned. I wouldn’t say it is the worst of cliffhangers, but it will definitely leave most readers with a burning need to return to this world and know how it all ends.

    All in all, Raybearer is one of the best YA fantasies I have ever read. It was on my mind constantly - during and after reading it - and I honestly don’t see myself ever forgetting this story. I wish I could put this book in everyone’s hands, it’s unbelievably good. I’d happily reread this book without hesitation and eagerly (EAGERLY) await the Netflix adaptation of this series. Book friends, do yourself the biggest of favours this - add this book to your TBR, it’s a must read!
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  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 March 2022
    Fantastic book with amazing characters and great dynamics between them.
    The asexual representation didn't disappoint, and the queer platonic relationships between the main characters is wholesome and interesting to explore.
    The oppression of genders, sexuality, and roles is sprinkled throughout but deeply effective and I love the worldbuilding which truly transports you to another world.

    Only negative I have isn't with the story but my copy of the book which was missing pages. 13 pages spanning 2 chapters were completely blank, meaning I am missing a lot of the story right in the middle of the book! Hoping I can get a replacement.
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 July 2021
    4.5 stars.

    Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko is a West-African inspired fantasy novel following Tarisai, the girl from Swana confined to her childhood home, Bhekina House, invisible to outsiders, where she learned everything aside from who she was and how the emperor and his councils worked. When she is sent to the capital of the Aritsar empire with nothing but her ability to see people's memories, longing only for the mother who remained distant from her entire childhood, she is amazed to find a new family, one who loves her and wants her.

    Having struggled to read much of anything for the past few years, I came to a realisation that if I were to rekindle (no pun intended) my love of reading and kickstart a new reading habit, I was going to have to come at it a little differently. No more reading things because I felt I should or I was told a book was great. I'm a big mood reader, so this time around I'd find a book I'm in the mood to read, and read it. The idea is to attempt reading more during the day, rather than at night when I end up making excuses and procrastinating instead. So I picked up my Kindle and just picked something at random, something that looked intriguing and landed on Raybearer, which I believe I picked up in a Kindle sale back in January. Eleven days later, I'd finished the book, and heck it was a great read!

    When I'm looking for a book, I need a few things. Primarily, the characters have to have some depth. If I don't love the characters, the story will be a grind. I also need the writing to flow around the story, showing me the world and everything within it. If I can feel the story, the writing is spot on. And of course, the world, the magic, and the story itself need to enchant me. Raybearer did all of this and more.

    Ifueko's prose weaves a tale as beautiful as though it were told by Am the Storyteller themself, often leaving me in awe of the lyrical nature her words can take, and scattered throughout were folk songs sung by the locals of the Arit empire, creating a very real sense of a world and its beautifully diverse cultures, which is effective in making you care about what happens to its people, how they are treated, and what happens to them.

    The characters were complex and interesting. I did grow frustrated with Tarisai at times, though she acted like a teenager who was still discovering who she was, working through years of emotional abuse. Sanjeet was adorable in his determination to protect the ones he loved most. Kirah provided a spark of sisterhood that Tarisai always needed in her life. And Ekundayo is the sweethearted young boy that you want for Tarisai, his kindness, and attempts to do right always a comfort. Then there's The Lady, Tarisai's mother, I hate her and how she treated Tarisai her entire life and there was a moment late in the story when Tar is talking about abusive parents with another character and I'll admit, it spoke to me and my own relationship with my own mother, it really hit home. The Lady, though heinous, does have a history and reasons for being the way she is. It doesn't excuse it and we know that, but she's an interesting character, for sure.

    I read so much medieval European inspired fantasy that the entirety of the Arit empire was like a breath of warm but fresh air. It actually woke me up to the diversity I'm lacking in my fantasy reading and I'm dying to read so much more fiction inspired by all sorts of worldwide cultures now. The way each country is described is wonderful, but none so wondrous as Swana's savannah with it's little specks of light from the tutsu sprites, the fae creatures within, the trees, the people. It feels alive and very real and I long to go there. I was utterly enchanted by the world Ifueko has created.

    The magic system is an interesting one. There is magic that can be learned, though many do not. Most of the magic comes from the emperor's ray and people's Hallows, a random ability granted at birth. Tarisai's ability to see people's memories, take them, grant them, is her Hallow, and each member of the Emperor's Council must have their own, as well. From healing magic to illusions. It is fascinating. Learned magic is more elemental in nature, and I dearly hope we get to experience more of it in future books.

    There were a few moments, maybe halfway through, where I felt some of the dialogue and the reasons behind things felt a little contrived but this didn't last too long before I was drawn right back into the magic of that beautiful prose once more.

    Overall, I loved this book. It was just what I needed after such a long reading slump and I absolutely went ahead and preordered the follow-up, Redemptor, due for release in August. I recommend Raybearer to anybody looking for something a little bit different and hey, the brief asexual representation was wonderful too. But no spoilers from me!
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Amanda337
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book!
    Reviewed in Canada on 5 January 2025
    I listened to this as audiobook twice and then bought a physical copy as a trophy and to honour the author. 10/10
  • Ananya Canakapalli
    5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent novel
    Reviewed in India on 23 February 2022
    Raybearer is an enchantingly perfect debut novel by Jordan Ifueko. It explores a distinctive magical world and extraordinary concepts that are so good to read.

    The story is about the Arit Empire, the twelve unique realms, and the Emperor’s Council of Eleven. It follows a girl called Tarisai, who was raised by a mysterious woman called The Lady. At a young age, children from all the realms are sent to the capital of Aritsar to compete to be chosen as one of the Crown Prince’s Council of Eleven. Tarisai, despite her ignorance, is sent to the capital for this purpose. The rest of the story shows The Lady’s plans and in a chain of twists, the fate of the Arit Empire.

    It is a world full of fascinating realms, cultures, beautiful characters, and more importantly, Raybearers and Redemptors. To understand the intricacies of this magic system is a unique experience in itself.
    Several conflicts between blood relations, promises, loyalty, sacrifices and betrayals arise and I love how great philosophical things can be derived from fantasies.

    I’d recommend this to anybody who’d like to dive into another world of fantasy and I am totally ready and excited to pick the sequel.
  • Danielle Carlton
    5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read from a Debut Author
    Reviewed in the United States on 6 September 2020
    “You don’t have to help me change the world. But you mark my words; when I get going, this world will change. And you can be a part of that...or you can stand back and watch.”

    Raybearer is the first book in its series and the first book by Jordan Ifueko. Blending a high fantasy with afrofuturism, Ifueko tells the story of a sixteen-year-old girl named Tarisai. Growing up secluded from the rest of her nation, Tarisai wants nothing more than to have friends and spend time with her mother, The Lady. One day, The Lady sends her to Oluwan city to vie for a position on the prince’s council, earn his trust, and ultimately assassinate him. The longer Tarisai is away from her realm and The Lady, the more she realizes that she doesn’t want to kill the prince; instead, she wants nothing more than to be friends with those she has grown close to. Bound by her mother’s wish, Tarisai must fight to follow her own path and create her own destiny.

    Writing
    In this culturally-diverse novel, Ifueko gives us a strong female protagonist that must fight to pave her own path. Alongside a group of culturally diverse characters, Ifueko’s lush and lyrical writing draws readers into Tarisai’s story. This book was hard to put down because of its addictive storyline, and it’s evident that Ifueko put her all into this book.

    Setting
    Ifueko’s world introduced me to a vast array of realms that all have their own unique offerings. I loved seeing the varying cultures that are introduced and how they all come together as one council in Oluwan city. Of course, I can’t forget to mention Songland. This is such a wonderful land, and in Tarisai’s trip there, we learn the truth of why they are not a part of the Oluwan empire.

    Plot
    This story is intricately-plotted with plenty of twists and far-reaching elements that are beyond Tarisai’s control. As the story progresses, it keeps you guessing, and makes you wonder if Tarisai will be able to successfully forge her own path or if she will fall victim to her mother’s command.

    Characters
    I absolutely love Tarisai and her friends on the council; Sanjeet, Dayo, and Kirah. There is cultural diversity amongst the group as all of them represent a different realm, and they all have unique abilities (hollows) that they can wield. I appreciated that Ifueko took them time to develop the characters in a natural way as they all learn about each other and their abilities.

    Conclusion
    Pros: Diverse Characters, Unique Abilities, Amazing World, and Intricately Plotted.
    Cons: The only one I can think of is having to wait for the sequel.
    Overall: Raybearer is the first book in its series. It is full of action, adventure, fantasy, strong characters. You won’t want to put it down.
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Me encanto el libro .Desde que era pequeña siempre me han encantado los libros de fantasía y de ciencia ficción , pero nunca me he sentido del todo identificada con los personajes
    Reviewed in Spain on 22 February 2021
    El hecho de que este libro este inspirado en el continente Africano de donde prevengo me hace realmente feliz , y espero que lo disfrutéis como yo.
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars MASTERPIECE
    Reviewed in Germany on 24 November 2020
    "Do you love me now, Tarisai of Swana?"

    The award for most precious side character goes to Dayo for sure. He stole my heart immediately and I would gladly give my life for him.

    On a more serious note, this book is a MASTERPIECE. I feel like I've read a book series with 5 installments with how much happened in the book, yet I never got confused or overwhelmed but it was always just as engaging and interesting. So many twists and turns, such masterful storytelling, I'm honestly blown away.

    From the very first page up until the very last, I felt absolutely transported into this story. I loved everything about it - the strong cast of characters, the amazing world building, the intrigue and the many twists and turns. I could never do it justice in a review, but I hope it's clear that I'd HIGHLY recommend this.

    If you're going to read this book, the audiobook is an absolute must. It's so SO good. I personally listened to the audio while reading along in my physical copy and it was so immersive.