Duology Review: Jordan Ifueko – Raybearer & Redemptor

Do you have a favourite duology? I got to read Redemptor by Jordan Ifueko early, and it’s safe to say the Raybearer duology is now my favourite duology of all time! I wanted to share my review already and tell you how much you need to preorder Redemptor – it comes out in August!

You can order Raybearer, the first installment, here, and you can preorder Redemptor, the sequel which is set to come out in August, here.

Both of these reviews are spoiler-free, by the way!

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Goodreads Synopsis Raybearer

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?

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Raybearer Review

“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.

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Redemptor Review

I’m in absolute awe of this book. This is now my favourite duology ever.

With Raybearer having been one of my absolute favourite books of 2020, the finale to this duology was one of my most anticipated 2021 books. And then I got BLESSED: right after the cover and release date were announced, the book went up on Netgalley and I got approved within a day. Needless to say, I dove in right away.

Very often, when I’ve really loved the first installment in a series, I will end up very disappointed by the second one, because it will just not live up to the first book. So if that happens to you too, let me just state right away: there’s no need to worry about that here. When I started reading, I was immediately transported back into this world, and everything about it – the writing, the plot, the characterization – felt completely consistent with the first book.

One of my favourite aspects of the first book was the way the found family trope was used. This is one of my favourite tropes in general, and while I adored it in Raybearer, I think it might have even been better in Redemptor. I especially still very much adore my beloved Dayo.

But really, this book just has it all: amazing characters with enough loveable interactions to keep me happy, an engaging plot, intricate world building, absolutely exquisite writing. Whether you like to read for the plot or for the characters doesn’t matter – you will be fed here.

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Are you looking forward to Redemptor?