Raybearer
Jordan Ifueko
Age 14 +2021 Nominee
Waterstones Children's Book Prize
18 August 2020
9781471409271496 pages
Synopsis
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?
'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?
Fresh and utterly transportive, Raybearer is a fantastical fight for freedom, family and justice at all costsHeidi Heilig
A fresh, phenomenal fantasy that begs readers to revel in its brilliant worldKirkus 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 revengeBooklist starred review
