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Learn moreBookseller recommendation
“Immerse yourself in a rich fantasy world with wishes to cheat death, struggles for power, and hopes to find love. Jordan Ifueko has given us the start of a series where peace may not be as it seems and who you are vs. who the world tells you to be can have life-threatening and history-shaping consequences. One of my favorite aspects is the chants, prayers, and songs that are essential to the story and the narrator rhythmically enriches the reading.”
— Jessica • Once Upon A Time
Bookseller recommendation
“Such a cool fantasy novel with an incredible magic system! Perfect for fans of "Children of Blood and Bone." I highly recommend listening to the audiobook to further immerse yourself in this beautiful world that Ifueko has created.”
— Coleen • An Unlikely Story
Bookseller recommendation
“Joniece Abbott-Pratt did a stunning job with narrating this duology! She brought Ifueko's beautiful world to life. With sweeping prose and magical storytelling, this is a tale you won't soon forget, I promise. Truly one of the best audiobooks I've listened to! ”
— Emily • Vroman's Bookstore
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.
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.
With an MFA in acting from the University of Iowa, Joniece Abbott-Pratt has performed on regional theater stages across the country, including The Public Theater in New York City. She has also appeared on numerous television shows, including The Good Fight, Law and Order: SVU, Luke Cage, and Orange Is the New Black.
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Audiobook details
Author:
Jordan Ifueko
Narrator:
Joniece Abbott-Pratt
ISBN:
9781094149226
Length:
13 hours 48 minutes
Language:
English
Publisher:
Blackstone Publishing
Publication date:
August 18, 2020
Edition:
Unabridged
Libro.fm rank:
#3,218 Overall
Genre rank:
#137 in YA Fiction
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Reviews
“Completely blown away! Tarisai’s tale set my imagination on fire.”
“I love it when characters are faced with impossible choices. Even better, add magic. I was hooked from page one.”
“A fresh, phenomenal fantasy that begs readers to revel in its brilliant world.”
“Fresh and utterly transportive, Raybearer is a fantastical fight for freedom, family, and justice at all costs.”
“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!”
"Raybearer is an excellent and needed addition to diverse fantasy, and the writing and characters immediately captivated me.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“[An] immersive and powerful debut.”
“The ultimate escapist read…Enthralling.”
“Jordan Ifueko creates a bold new world in her debut book.”
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