A magnificent fantasy world that encompasses an entirely new empire. Tariesi is the daughter of the Lady. Raised in isolation in a far flung province of the empire, she is raised away from all worldly things and taught by her tutors, she wants for nothing but the love of her mother, the mysterious Lady who appears only occasionally to check in on her before she disappears again.
At the age of 11, Tar is sent on a mysterious journey to the heart of the empire. She is tested by a group of adults who then send her in to meet a prince, who is a Raybearer.
The ruler of the kingdom is known as the Raybearer. Each Raybearer has a council of 11 people. Each person protects him against a danger that could cost him his life. Wait, let me back up - each person is born with a special protection which provides them with protection against a danger. Tariesi is immune to fire. She can walk through flames without incurring any danger. Were she to join the council, she would provide the prince with protection against fire. It won't hurt him. Each person on the council, joins minds with the prince and with each other through the Ray. This Ray is a bond that ties all of the council members together, forever. They are one, and they are able to talk to each other through the Ray.
Children throughout the kingdoms have been sent to the Palace, where they will work with each other and the Prince to see if they are chosen for the council. Tar has been sent across great distances to be considered for the council. There is just one problem. Her mother, the Lady, has implanted a compulsion in her subconscious to kill the prince when he anoints her to be a part of his council. Tariesi tries desperately hard to fight the compulsion and eventually, she succeeds in forgetting her life before she joined the council.
As Tar grows into her role in the council, she discovers that she can't keep the compulsion to kill the prince at bay forever, no matter how hard she tries. As Tar seeks to find a way to break the bonds that tie her to her mother, she discovers shocking things about not only herself but also the family history which makes her rethink everything she has ever known about herself, her mother, and the kingdom itself.
What will Tariesi do with the knowledge she has gained? Will she save the kingdom? Will she follow her mother's wishes and desires? Or will she set an entirely new path for the kingdom?
Bettina's Note:
I love the world building, the complex unexpected plot, and the unique Point of View, with a female heroine and characters of color. While the world itself is unique in the fantasy universe, there are shades of Game of Thrones running throughout this book - but it is a much kinder and gentler game than the one that took place in the world of George R.R. Martin. I am looking forward to the sequel.
Raybearer is Jordan Ifueko's first novel.
Author Web Site: https://jordanifueko.com/
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