The Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko is a book that deserves more attention. There are times when people proclaim that Young Adult novels are dead or even worse, superfluous. The worst written of the genre can leave a bad taste in the mouth and brain while inspiring dozens of imitators. Then, there are times when when the book you're reading is nothing less than magic itself; a spell that makes one nothing else than being immersed in the story while also not wanting it to end. Ifueko's tale is such a book.
Jordan Ifueko has crafted a world in The Raybearer no less thought out or conceived than Tolkien or Martin. There are over twelve realms. Each has its own language, culture, geography and motives. Many online have analyzed them trying to find which countries Ifueko borrowed from as though they assumed her work to be like the Black Panther film; lovingly borrowing from all of Africa. Her own biography mentions her collection of Black Panther Funko Pops. However, the Nigerian-American uses an entire lifetime of influences in her work as well as her historical research into pre-colonial West Africa. When Fatima on Goodreads asked, "Is Kirah's religion (People of the Wing) based on Islam? That's where my thoughts went when the book said she wears a prayer scarf over her hair", Ifueko responded, "No, not at all, actually! People of the Wing, along with their head coverings, are loosely inspired by a sect of Christianity that I grew up with as a kid. Many in this sub-sect believed in covering their heads with prayer shawls (due to some verses commanding that they do so in the New Testament). As a fun side fact, Kirah's struggles with her family's gender roles are directly based on my own struggles with the conservative Evangelical sect I grew up in. All of the religions in RAYBEARER, however, are mostly fictional, with occasional inspirations from my life experiences."
The most incredible world building on this planet would be worth nothing if the characters were boring or unlikable. The Raybearer excels at its characters as well. The main protagonist is Tarisai. As with the best title characters, she has been raised apart; starved of affection and knowledge about herself. Her quest will take the length of the book and, like the rest of us, still not be fully done. Kirah, mentioned above, becomes one of her closest confidantes. It's also refreshing to have her natural hair described in all its various braids and forms until it's as free as she has become. Although super-powered, Tarisai escapes the Mary Sue trope by making mistakes and subverting the "liking" requirement. How can you know who to trust if people liking you turns out to be one of your superpowers? How far does people liking you really get you in politics and centuries old feuds? This isn't a superficial book. The environment might be rooted in the past yet many of the debates are grounded in today. Can females be accepted alongside men as rulers? How far should a ruler go in the name of peace? Can a world truly be united if they're forced to let go of what makes them unique?
Tarisai is supposed to kill Ekundayo, the future prince coddled from birth. He suffers from the same power of everyone liking him so even if they go against his wishes, he's not told why. Dayo doesn't travel and meets few others unless they're destined to be on his council. Unlike other fictional royalty, he's not commanded to excel in everything. His birth, powers and an heir are all that's required of him. The rest will be accomplished by his council. Ignorance makes it easier for Dayo not to question things, but he still finds a way. It's intriguing to think what might happen with his character in the future. Also, he's Asexual. Yay, representation! Plus, take that YA gods who demand a love triangle in every series.
The Raybearer is divided into four parts, similar to a run in a comic book series featuring a specific plot. Ifueko's love of comics is evident. Each part not only adds to the reader's knowledge, but also the momentum until the fourth part demands full attention and bated breath at what could happen next. It feels like anything could happen and it usually does; not just creating more conflict but more puzzle pieces about what's going on except the puzzle is about a thousand pieces. It is a relief that the book ends on a satisfied note. However, the pain of reaching that last page still demands searching for a sequel release date: sometime this year.
Have you read The Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko? If not, you've missed out on one of the best books of 2020. It's definitely one of 2020's redeeming factors. Already, the temptation to start it all over again calls to me. There should be visual adaptations, maybe even a graphic novel. It can be found at any bookstore along with many libraries and Hoopla!
9.5 out of 10
Read more about Jordan Ifueko at We Need Diverse Books
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