Jordan Ifueko

Sequel to Raybearer

Redemptor

Natalie Sypeck 

The hotly anticipated sequel to the instant New York Times bestselling YA fantasy about Tarisai's quest to change her fate For the first time, an Empress Redemptor sits on Aritsar's throne. To appease the sinister spirits of the dead, Tarisai must now anoint a council of her own, coming into her full power as a Raybearer. She must then descend into the Underworld, a sacrifice to end all future atrocities. Tarisai is determined to survive. Or at least, that's what she tells her increasingly distant circle of friends. Months into her shaky reign as empress, child spirits haunt her, demanding that she pay for past sins of the empire. With the lives of her loved ones on the line, assassination attempts from unknown quarters, and a handsome new stranger she can't quite trust . . . Tarisai fears the pressure may consume her. But in this finale to the Raybearer duology, Tarisai must learn whether to die for justice . . . or to live for it.

Redemptor (Raybearer Book 2)

kitty 

Anyaconda

Redemptor was amazing. Read it. 
Just read it.

Anna Cashman

I want this series on everyone’s tbr!
I’m so bummed that it’s done and I have to leave this world and these characters. But at the same time, A++ ending everything wrapped up nicely and a little surprise goodness at the very end.

Lia Yuliana

Update 03/03/2022

Find my reviews on :  An Ode to Fiction
Official Release Date : August 17th 2021
Buy the book :
 Amazon |  Book Depository

3.5 rounded up to 4/5 ⭐️

Redemptor is the conclusion to a duology that could've shone brighter yet still has that consistent warming glow.


  
    A sun for the morning, a sun for the evening. And moons for years to come.
  


Starting 2022 I wanted to finish a few series I have started in the past two years of my reading journey. One of those series that I have anticipated to finish is Raybearer. In 2021 I read Raybearer tumbling head first into the world and falling instantly in love with all the characters. Jordan Ifueko's beautifully weaved prose, incredible pacing, and well detailed world building immersed me fully into the story of Tarisai. Which led me to this day when I finally finished reading the sequel and conclusion to Tarisai's story, Redemptor. From my rating many of you can summarize that I enjoyed the story but not without any bumps along the way, as my rating isn't the same one I gave to Raybearer. Let's cut to chase and dive into the nitty gritty of Redemptor.


  
    “I think I’d rather be hated as a weakling than loved as a monster.”
  


Redemptor is the sequel and conclusion to the shining debut by Jordan Ifueko titled Raybearer that was released in 2020. The story of Raybearer started with a young girl named Tarisai as she is molded and chosen to become of the candidates of the young prince Dayo's council. Unknown to anyone but her mother, The Lady, Tarisai is bound to a sinister duty and forced to do The Lady's bidding in a plot against the crown. In Redemptor, Tarisai's story continues as she has embraced her new role and duties that takes a toll on her mind, body, and soul. As dark forces creep through the corners of her mind and the empire, Tarisai faces a challenge no ruler have faced before in this grueling continuation and triumphant conclusion of the Raybearer duology. 


  
    “You don’t get to choose why people love you. But what you do with the love you receive . . . that’s a choice you make every day.”
  


The reading gap between the first and second book wasn't that jarring so I could a recall the events that happened in Raybearer. Though for future reader that are going to pick up Redemptor I can offer you comfort as Jordan Ifueko has masterfully summarizes the important plot points within the few early chapters to remind readers of certain important happenings, terms, customs, etc in case readers are feeling a bit lost about the story or world building. Though some readers may find this a tad bit inconvenient because of the repetition I found it quite helpful. Jordan Ifueko structured it with purpose and well-paced writing as to not bombard readers with a flood of old and new information. The quality of Ifueko's writing truly blossomed in this sequel as Ifueko threads each sentence to form the story in a cohesive structure that is consistent from start to finish. The vibrant and vivid world building is as consistent as it is in Raybearer. Dare I say Redemptor furthered it's reaches as readers will get a glimpse of the underworld and the colourful aspects of the twelve realms within the empire. Though I have expected it could've been explored deeper Redemptor focuses it's rays on character development and takes on a more political over arching plot. This is where the bumps on the road is felt. 

Though I praise Ifueko for the consistency in quality and writing, there are certain parts that I loved in Raybearer that dimmed in its brightness. The pacing though immaculate during the first half of the story it slowed down as readers are taken into the confines of the palace. The charm of the world building is slightly lowered compared to Raybearer. One of the things that enthralled me in Raybearer is how epic the scope of the world is and yet in Redemptor that scope is minimized. This bothered slightly, I acknowledge that this is a subjective view from me as I had hoped that Redemptor would take Tarisai to different realms instead the setting, for most part of the story, takes place in the palace. I should've known this after seeing the map of the palace instead of the world in the first pages of the book. Regardless of my subjective views I'd say the quality is consistent as every part of the world is conveyed vividly through Ifueko's writing. Especially in the cultural aspects of the world that shows the diversity of the characters and the world through the description of clothes, accessories, phrases, and traditions for example the showcasing of Songlanders calligraphy dance, the innate description of Ai-Ling's hanfu, etc.


  
    “If one person understands another completely—from their deepest pain to their most passing thought—I think they can’t help but love each other. I think . . .” Dayo gave me a small smile and shrugged, crinkling his burn scar. “When you take someone’s story as your own, it’s no different than loving yourself.”
  


In my reviews I have said time and time again that characterization hold the highest importance for me when I'm reading a book. Ifueko's skill writing a diverse cast of characters is outstanding and well thought-out. This quality is persist in Redemptor and I'd say amplified as Ifueko adds more personality and fleshes out all the characters. That is Ifueko's magic that has improved in this sequel, it is their ability to breathe life to a character from just paragraph of description and a quip of dialogue. With this Ifueko introduces more side characters and a few new main characters that contributes to Redemptor's over arching plot. Though the strong characterization in Raybearer isn't as present in Redemptor. One of the characters that can be either a good display of characterization or an unbearable personification of a one dimensional character is Zuri. I have mixed feelings towards this character and the level of uncertainty in characterization that emanates from him is profound. Zuri's character could be more well fleshed out and isn't conveniently tied up with a bow behind a smoke screen of 'secrets' and conveniently abled by Ifueko to avoid answering questions. It was infuriating to see Tarisai be hypnotized by this character in the few interactions they have. 


  
    “I clenched my fists. Not all pain was worthless.
Sometimes, pain could write a story.”
  


Tarisai's characterization, if I could describe it the best way I can, is out of body. By out of body I mean that the Tarisai's growth took a turn that is sometimes questionable. I blame this on the antagonist of the story that haunted Tarisai throughout the story and Zuri. The believability level dropped slightly for me because of the way Ifueko weaved Zuri into the climax of the story. Zuri's characterization wavered a lot throughout the story that it just made me not trust his motivations and presence. Which led me to not enjoy the satisfying development in Tarisai's characterization. Tarisai's development is very dependant on Zuri's character. It is just hard to see the relationship between Tarisai and Zuri that is seemed more forced than naturally developed because of how this Zuri character is fleshed out by Ifueko. The side characters as well that are a present hum within the story is taken away for the progression of plot that is purposeful but done for convenience to easily transition the arc. Taking a step back from the distracting presence of Zuri, I can see Ifueko's intention to show a more vulnerable side to Tarisai and the moments that humbled her to see within herself that she cant do things by herself. Though not obviously written it is one of the themes in Redemptor alongside trust, camaraderie, justice, and self worth. The appreciation and admiration I would like to extend for the themes Ifueko conveys through Tarisai's character development. The ending chapter made me teary to see Tarisai achieve the peace and goals she has tirelessly fought for throughout the book.


  
    Behold what is coming
  


Final thoughts, Redemptor is a nice sequel and conclusion to the Raybearer duology with it's important themes and consistent quality. Though there are bumps to achieve the satisfying ending Redemptor still shines that bright potential and unparalleled impact that this series overall have made in showing the beauty of diversity in the young adult genre. It is the prime example of well executed series that has vivid and descriptive world building that is epic in scale that some would think was could only be found in adult fantasy. To that I say NAY because Jordan Ifueko has shown that it is possible and has set my bar high for other young adult fantasy books. I highly recommend the Raybearer series to any reader that is interested in reading something that is not your typical young adult fantasy or for adult fantasy readers that wants to see epic world building and amazing characters but doesn't want to pick up chonky tomes.

Merve A. 

this was a beautiful follow-up to raybearer, which is one of my favorite fantasies ever. i loved tarisai's development and her unwavering love and care for their people. her bond with dayo was one of the driving forces in this sequel in my opinion. even when her other council siblings did not understand her (including sanjeet), dayo was there with her. i also enjoyed the addition of some new characters such as min ja and zuri. this was a nice conclusion to the story and finishing this duology made me emotional. i will be looking forward to reading more from jordan ifueko.

Elizabeth Hagenlocher

SO GOOD. It’s so good. 

This was one of my most highly anticipated reads of the year, and it DID NOT disappoint. I’m just grateful that Ms. Ifueko blessed us with this book so soon after the first one. And in a PANGEA.

Sequels are difficult, but Redemptor kept all of the grit, the soul, and the emotion that made Raybearer shine. Tarisai, in the wake of claiming her status as Empress and becoming the last Redemptor, is struggling to live up to these names. 

She’s plagued by spirits who echo what she believes about herself: that she’s not good enough, that she’s unlovable, that she’s alone. If you’ve struggled with mental illness, this is an all too haunting depiction. So we watch Tar grapple with these intrusive thoughts that she feels burdened with and unfortunately, believes she deserves. 

Not only is she adjusting to a world that does not (seemingly) want her, but all of the imposter syndrome that usually follows. 

Despite being a little over 300 pages, this book feels like it is packed full in a way that some 400+ page books do not. We’re constantly immersed in action and storytelling, and yet I rarely felt like it was rushed. Even knowing how much ground there was to cover (after all, the book was meant to cover two years of Tar’s life, including her journey through the Underworld). 

This book also delved further into Dayo’s identity as ace, and showing that he still has many intimate and fulfilling relationships. I loved seeing that representation further explored. And speaking of—we also got Min Ja and Da Seo, and what a blessing. I love them 😍 

A powerful and masterfully crafted sequel with beautiful themes about justice and balance and power and a dozen other things—all well-explored. I’ll probably say more, once I’ve sat with it even longer.

Michelle García

What makes a world worth surviving in? I liked this even better than the first one. I loved these themes of guilt, of fighting to make a better world without forgetting to take care of yourself and rely on the people around you. It was just beautiful, emotional, greatly atmospheric. I loved it!


Unfortunately, this book didn't do as well as book one for me. 
This isn't the first time a strong female character suddenly appeared to be weak in book two, it would be nice to see a woman stay strong through and through, especially in YA books. 
I found our MC very frustrating for this entire book, how could she be so full of herself yet at the same time lack any backbone. She felt she was the only one who cared about anything and thought everyone else was just fine with letting injustice run rampant. I just don't see how she could spend the majority of this book thinking so little of those who love and care for her. I found the last 50 or so pages interesting and liked the way the story ended. I still liked the world building, but am a bit bummed we didn't get more found family aspects (same complain as in book one). I liked the writing though and think Ifueko is a good storyteller. I will certainly be willing to read more of their stories in the future.

Jolien De Landsheer

A really solid end to the duology! This is honestly a great fantasy story, and I'm glad I finally got around to reading the final book. I love both the magic system and the focus the story has on the importance of friendship, family, and love - and how love can have different shapes. It's not quite a 5-star read for me because some of the actions were a bit too conveniently solved, as well as there not being quite enough time to unfold the plot. I love that this is a duology but what we've been building up to for an entire book just seemed to pass in about 5 pages which was a tad anticlimactic. However, overall, I would definitely recommend the series!

Sahi K

This one is more of a 4.5 but ofcourse I’m rounding up. 

Despite having the advance copy, I’m late by a week in writing this review but I just couldn’t read this book when I wasn’t in the mood, because one of my most anticipated sequels of the years deserved my full attention. And listening to this audiobook gave me all the joy I needed. 

Raybearer was a book that was never on my radar until I received the audiobook as part of a promotion and I decided to give it a try - not realizing that it would enchant me completely, becoming one of my top 3 favorites reads of 2020. Redemptor is not much different, plunging us into a tense situation right from the first page and letting us feel a lot of things through the course of the story. The author is great at exploring issues of oppression, poverty, and rebellion, as well as themes of self worth, guilt, grief and despair - all through the eyes of Tarisai. The narration of Joniece Abbott-Pratt heightens the emotions such that we feel what Tar is going through in our heart, and just like Raybearer, the audiobook definitely makes this story even better. The plot took unexpected turns at places but was also predictable at times, but the pacing was just right and I never felt bored. I did go into this book expecting it to be five stars and I can’t say exactly that I’m disappointed to reduce a half star, but the ending kinda felt a bit anticlimactic and rushed than what I thought it would be - it’s satisfactory enough but just falls a little short. 

Tar is an amazing protagonist just like in the first book and it’s so fascinating to see her growth. She may be a young and unexpected Empress who was not trained from childhood for this role, but accepts the responsibility with all dedication. Not having the same privileged background and upbringing as Dayo and the other nobles, she is unable to close her eyes and turn away from the status quo of centuries of oppression by the elite families on the common people, where the poorest experience all kinds of tortures and indignities while the nobles hoard their coffers. When everyone around her chides her for trying to do too much and advises her to go slowly and incrementally, she is ready to make sweeping changes because it may be difficult but it’s also the right thing to do. In a bit of a parallel to our real world, the author shows us how some people are always ready to overlook the injustices of the past because they haven’t committed them in the present, despite the consequences of said past still having an effect; and how there are always people like Tar and Zuri who can’t stomach the atrocities, either the past or present, and just dedicate their lives to make the world better. 

Zuri was probably the most fascinating new addition to this world. His dialogues filled with riddles, his charming demeanor and a slightly wicked streak hide a much more empathetic person and I really enjoyed how the author revealed parts of him bit by but. I probably would have liked to see him more but in this book which has two councils, each with twelve members, there were just too many characters. Even when the focus is on Zuri or the ruthless queen Min Ja, we only get to know them for a short while which I thought was unfortunate, coz these two were definitely very compelling characters. We also see Tar’s relationship with her first council, especially Dayo and Jeet and Kirah and I really enjoyed seeing them again. Dayo in particular was a delight and I absolutely adore his platonic relationship full of love with Tar, and how supportive he is of her choices and decisions. The romance did take a backseat this time but I didn’t feel anything missing because this story was about much more. 

To conclude, this was a worthy finale to one of the best YA debuts of last year. With masterful storytelling, compelling group of ensemble characters and the most stunning audiobook narration, the author creates a memorable world and explores a very important question - what is the duty of a ruler? This duology has strong heroine, a extremely compassionate emperor, a found family which shows us all the forms that love can take, an empire full of different kingdoms with their own traditions and cultures, and a story that keeps you hooked throughout - don’t give this a miss.

Emily Klo

I wanted to love it so bad because I loved the first book but it felt a little unbalanced- so much buildup for such a short end result. Still loved exploring Tar and her families’ stories!
Worth mentioning I did read it fairly quickly- the writing was exciting; just felt like a whole lot of exposition. 

Isabella Cottingham

The impossible happened… I preferred a sequel to the first book! This book is AMAZING. From the start to the end every word,phrase,punctuation is perfect. I LOVE this book 💜💜💜

Stephanie Vischer

** 4.5 stars **

Ok, where do I start? I really enjoyed this story on so many levels.

At the beginning, I was worried that I wouldn’t like it since my interest took a dive after the first 100 pages. But I recovered quickly, and I’m glad that I kept going because the ending is worth everything!

The two things I criticised in Raybearer weren’t really an issue in this sequel. I thought that the political issues were more thought through, and the MC and the other characters weren’t as short sighted as in the first one. One could argue that they had to learn for they are 'only' kids/teens after all. Maybe I was too harsh in the first one. Still, I enjoyed the political side in this one much more.

We also get to know one member of Dayo’s council more in depth, and I LOVE Ai Ling so so much!

Though I was a bit disappointed at how the author prioritised the two parts of the story I thought she still did a great job at delivering it (I’m not gonna say more, as I don’t want to spoil anything).

The thing that had me most was the way the author described Tarisai and her inner war. It’s sooo authentic, and I had to pause at random places in the book to drift off and collect my thoughts again.
I was so scared that she wouldn’t seek help and that she would always think it was her own burden to carry - which is also why my 'relationship' with Zuri is very, very complicated.

Also, I LOVE Jordan Ifueko’s imagination! The world is AMAZING, and I enjoyed reading about the different realms, etc. and tying everything together.

I would love to say so much more but I really don’t want to spoiler anything!
I will say though, that I think the message of this book is wonderful!
Let’s change this world for the better. Each of us the way they can but let’s stand together and help each other.

Favourite quote: „If one person understands another completely – from their deepest pain to their most passing thought – I think they can’t help but love each other.“

My guess is that if you loved the first one you’ll also going to enjoy the sequel ☺️

Elodia

** spoiler alert **
            Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book

Redemptor was not as strong as Raybearer. While I had fun with the characters and the world, I did not enjoy it as much as its predecessor. 

I did not like the introduction of so many new characters. Instead of getting to know the characters from Raybearer more, they were sent away for most of the book. The new characters did not make an impression, and I wish they had not been added to the story. They don't add anything to it. The romance in this book was not as well developed as in the first. We get a hint of a love triangle, but it goes nowhere. There is also no new development to the existing romance since Sanjeet is gone most of the book.

Tar annoyed me in this book. As a person who can communicate mentally with 21 others, she was bad at communicating. If she had talked-and not just explain the plot in dialogue-but actually talked to any one of her siblings, it would have avoided most of her problems. 

Dayo and Sanjeet continue to be my favorite characters. Dayo was so sweet ad caring to everyone. 

About 80% of the book is slow. Things happen, but nothing that drives the plot forward. There is too much dialogue between characters explaining what is happening, and again that does not drive the plot forward. There is a lot of build-up to conflict within the world and Tar going to the Underworld, but that is resolved within a few chapters leading to a very anticlimactic ending. The last chapter creatively resolved a plot point, and I'm glad it was done that way.

The writing, as with Raybearer, was exceptional. The descriptions in this book were fantastic; it's always great to get a full picture of the scene. There was more world-building, and I'm glad we explored more areas of the world. We also follow the world's politics, and it was interesting to see how things were handled and how Tar wanted to change them.

Even though I had some issues with the book overall, I enjoyed the series as a whole.

Kerri McDonald

“Do not confuse guilt with conviction. Guilt is self-centered and leads only to destructive obsession. But conviction brings balance – a sense of purpose beyond oneself.”

Before I get into my review, I want to thank the publisher, Amulet Books, and Netgalley for providing me with a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! It made my freakin’ year and I’m so appreciative. Now, let’s get to the review!

***SPOILER ALERT***

As this is a review for the second book in a duology, this review may contain spoilers for the first book, Raybearer. If you have not read it yet, you might want to skip this review.

It’s always a good feeling when your most anticipated read of the year turns out to be five stars. Like, this book has cleared my skin and watered my crops. This book was an incredible return to the world of Aritsar and I’m already planning when I can squeeze it in for a re-read 😂

At the beginning of this story, we pick up pretty much where we left off. Tarisai has revealed herself as a Kunleo and a Raybearer and is now getting used to being empress. On top of that, she has two years to prepare to enter the Underworld as, hopefully, the last Redemptor. And that includes anointing her own council of eleven chosen from the leaders of the different nations of Aritsar. So you could say she has a lot on her plate! Tarisai knows she has to work harder than she ever has if she wants to bring about the just version of Aritsar that she envisions. But obstacles keep appearing and she finds it’s hard to bring justice to a land that is happy with the status quo.

Y’all this book was absolutely spectacular! All the vivid imagery and beautiful writing from the first book are on display in this one, as well. It helps to pull you back into the world of Aritsar as if you never left. I fell into the story immediately and was absolutely swept away! This builds upon where Raybearer started and makes the world feel that much richer. I loved how we got into the politics and court intrigue. I loved that we got to see a lot more of the different realms. And I especially loved learning more about the lore of ancient Aritsar and the Underworld. The world-building in this is immaculate and makes me want a book just filled with Arit and Songland folktales!

But, just as before, the real shining star of this sequel is our main character, Tarisai. Oh, Tarisai! Never have I simultaneously loved a character so much and also wanted to slap some sense into them so badly! I spent a good portion of Redemptor reading of Tarisai’s antics and thinking… “Oh no baby what is you doing?”

But I also saw my younger self in her so much exactly because of those decisions. There were often times I would forget that Tarisai is seventeen at the start of this story. Seventeen and she’s expected to help run an empire! An empire where, until very recently, a female Raybearer wasn’t supposed to exist. She has a huge amount placed on her shoulder on top of the fact that she is meant to fling herself into the Underworld in order to save the continent from ever having to send children back in again. And she fully expects to never come back. It’s incredible watching her journey, her growth, and her struggle to accept help from the people who love her. Fighting for change is never easy and I loved that the author doesn’t shy away from what can happen if you try and take the entire burden on your shoulders. Tarisai is such a beautifully complex character who doesn’t always make the best decisions, but has the ability to learn and grow from her mistakes. I think she’s solidly settled her place as one of my favorite characters of all time ❤

Final thoughts: I’m definitely rambling, but it’s so hard to put into words how much I loved this book! At least succinct, coherent words 😂 Everything about this story is immaculate. The world-building is just as good, if not better than it was in the first book! The pacing and plot was fantastic! I would lose myself in the story, reemerge, and realize that several hours had passed when it only felt like moments. I enjoyed the political intrigue, the further dive into the cultures present in this book, and… well… pretty much everything! But my absolute favorite aspect of this book was our leading lady, Tarisai. What a gem of a character! And doubly so because now I get to live in a world where young Black girls can pick up a fantasy novel and see someone who looks like them be a beacon of hope and change. They can see someone who looks like them star in a novel and feel like they are part of the magical world of fantasy, too. And that’s just incredible to me. So, to finally wrap up this gush session, this sequel was all I could ask for and more. I can’t wait to see what Jordan Ifueko comes up with next!

Teresa Schultz

Overall a pretty good ending to the wonderful book that was Raybearer. I really love the world that the author made, and Redemptor does a good job of exploring it even more. However, I was not a fan of Zuri and felt the story let him off the hook too much. I was also a bit frustrated that so many of the side characters from the first book mostly had nothing to do in this one. But Tar continued to be a wonderfully flawed main character, and it was definitely a compelling story - I read it in one day.

Liz Griffin

Perfect described as Raybearer’s older sister, in Redemptor we continue following Tarisai as the stakes get higher, the cast grows, and questions of justice versus status quo will resonate deeply with today’s readers.

A beautiful conclusion to Raybearer that still leaves some questions and openings to the vast world Ifueko has created. If your heart aches for justice, pick up this book.

Also, Zuri reminds me of Finnick 🥲

Redemptor Sequel to Raybearer

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