Title: Raybearer

Series: Raybearer #1

Author: Jordan Ifueko

Nothing is more important than loyalty. But what if you’ve sworn to protect the one you were born to destroy?

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 11. 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?

Oh my gawd what a breathe of fresh air and a ‘ray’ of sunshine this was <—– see what I did there?!

Anyway I’ll stop with that and just get down to it!

Tarisai was born and bought up with a purpose, train, join the Crown Prince’s Council….and then kill him. But there is more at work here than being that simple and as it unwound I was speechless!

‘My adventure had confirmed their most sinister suspicions. My mother was the devil, and I, her puppet demon.’

I’m not really going to say much, well nothing, about the plot because anymore than what you know already will spoil it….so characters….

Tarisai, oh jeez I just wanted to give her a full on Mumma cuddle (that my son won’t allow anymore, damn those pre teen years!)

The Crown Prince, Dayo was so loveable but I did find him a bit of a drip in some places.

Jeet and Kirah were the ones that stood out for me and stole my heart. You have the fierce friend in Kirah, always standing by Tarisai’s side and then the scary Jeet who was actually a softy (well for Tarisai and Dayo anyway!)

‘I’m so happy you’re in my story, Kirah. And I’m happy you’re in mine.’

This book has it all, Revenge, betrayal, bonds, love and twists. It reminded me of the saying, family are the friends you choose. Oh and BTW that ending had my jaw dropping!