Redemptor: the sequel to Raybearer

The hotly anticipated epic and phenomenal West-African inspired finale to the New York Times bestselling YA fantasy Raybearer.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. In this finale to the RAYBEARER duology, Tarisai must learn whether to die for justice . . . or to live for it.

From School Library Journal

Gr 8 Up-Tarisai Kunleo, Empress of Aritsar and the first recognized female Raybearer in memory must fulfill the daunting promise she made in the duology's first installment. Born with the marks of a Redemptor, Tarisai refused to maintain the generationsold tradition of sacrificing these children, and proposed herself, a Raybearer, as the final offering. She has two years to unite the Arit countries, before entering the Breach to the Underworld. Through the Ray, Tarisai communicates with Dayo, Sanjeet, and her family of choice, strengthened by their love and their Hallows, gaining protection against many forms of death. Taunted by the ghost-children's chants that she is not enough, and needs to "do more," Tarisai rights injustices where she can, at the same time crafting a plan to keep her promise without losing her life. When skin color is mentioned, it is shaded copper to dark, and the series blends Nigerian folklore with inventive fantasy, adventure, and occasional romance. Familiarity with Raybearer, and its maps and glossary, is required. VERDICT This series explores questions of family, gender roles, and the distribution of wealth and power. A satisfying conclusion that should be purchased by any library where the first book is popular.-Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley Sch., Fort Worth, TXα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

NPR

“Breathtakingly beautiful. . . Impossible to put down. . . Enthralling. . . I am sold on anything that Ifueko creates for her audience from this point on.”

Buzzfeed

"Immersive and gorgeously written, the sequel and conclusion to the Raybearer duology is just as excellent as the first."

Tor.com

“[An] incredible sequel.”

Ms. Magazine

“Tarasai is back and bound to survive the trials and terrors of being the Empress Redemptor in this remarkably written fantasy sequel.”

Minneapolis Star Tribune

“This conclusion to Jordan Ifueko’s richly imagined fantasy saga is full of complex characters, rich language and conflicts that will resonate.”

Black Girls Create

“A fast-paced story [readers] will not want to put down.”

Cinelinx

“Redemptor delivers a more than satisfying conclusion to this incredible world Jordan has gifted us.”

YA Books Central **STARRED REVIEW**

“Redemptor is a stunning conclusion to an atmospheric and imaginative YA fantasy duology.”

Booklist **STARRED REVIEW**

"This proves once again that Ifueko is a masterful storyteller. She paints a breathtaking, heart-wrenching story about love, family, responsibility, and duty. Ifueko’s writing is nothing short of transportive, whisking readers to far-off worlds while employing gorgeous imagery and prose."

Kirkus Reviews

"A strong and worthy successor that showcases the skill of a master worldbuilder."

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Fans of the previous title will find a satisfying and twisty journey to success for Tarisai, whose trauma and guilt will resonate with many, and fantasy readers looking for an intricate, unique story in comparatively compact form will want to check out this larger-than-life duology."

School Library Journal

"The series blends ­Nigerian folklore with inventive fantasy, adventure, and occasional romance. . .A satisfying conclusion."

About the Author

Jordan Ifueko is the New York Times Bestselling Author of the Raybearer series. She’s a Nebula Award, Ignyte Award, Audie Award, and Hugo Lodestar finalist, and she's been featured in People Magazine, NPR Best Books, NPR Pop Culture Hour, & ALA Top Ten. She writes about magic Black girls who aren’t magic all the time, because honestly, they deserve a vacation. Ifueko lives in Los Angeles with her husband, David, and their 3-legged trustafarian dog Reginald Ovahcomah. Follow Jordan on instagram & Tiktok @jordanifueko.

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