4.5 stars

Raybearer is a well-crafted YA fantasy that excels in worldbuilding, character dynamics, and subverting familiar tropes. Ifueko's storytelling is rich with cultural depth, and her world is nicely imagined. The story feeds the reader information gradually, never overwhelming with exposition, and creates a world that feels both intricate and immersive. The magic system, while compelling, isn't a very detailed one. This may leave readers with questions about the finer details, but the strength of the worldbuilding allows the magic to feel grounded enough to work. 

I found the concepts of Ray and the Council fascinating. I loved how they allowed Ifueko to explore interconnected relationships, especially since the characters are another highlight. The platonic relationships are given just as much weight as the romantic ones. 

Tarisai, our protagonist, is a capable, thoughtful heroine navigating a complex and often unjust world. I do think skipping around in time weakens some of the character building, which means that Tarasai is stronger for the role she plays within the story and her interactions with others rather than her individuality.

Still, I enjoyed this very much.