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It may have taken me a long time to read this, but that's not a reflection on its quality. This is a first rate book. I have been intentional about reading more African diaspora speculative, science fiction and fantasy, and I am loving them so much. There are some amazing middle grade and young adult books out there in this arena.

Raybearer is a unique concept and introduces a beautiful, rich mythology of the author's creation to the reader. Tarisai was created to achieve her mother's revenge, and raised with that goal in mind. She has strong abilities, but her life essentially belongs to her mother and she has to do what her mother tells her to. This makes her life complicated, even tragic as her mother's revenge requires her to infiltrate the heir of the emperor's court, where she finds friendship and belonging such as she's never known.

This book takes a while to get going, but it's needed and well-rewarded. There is so much to establish. At the same time, it doesn't feel boring as the writing is so richly detailed with descriptions of the magical world the characters inhabit, and the authentic-feeling cultures they operate in. I love how Ifueko handles magic, and the unique connect that forms between the characters in the royal court. There are some awe-inspiring set pieces and this book feels highly cinematic. And the payoff of everything is so satisfying.

Love is a huge theme of this novel. What is and isn't love. The endless depths of love and the diversity of its forms. When we believe obsession is love, but it isn't. Or when love is manipulated for selfish reasons. It's about what love makes one do, sacrifice and surrender. And it's also about how that feeling of love can be corrupted by bitterness and betrayal. Tarisai learns what true love is, and that she shouldn't have to demand love of others. The characterization is so good. Even though there are many characters, none of them are cardboard, but have depth even for their short times on screen.

This is a young adult book that treats its readers with respect and demands a lot of its readers. It doesn't dumb down the concepts, but presents very adult ideas (without graphic content that might be unsuitable to young adults). At the same time, there is fair amount of violence, and suggestions of sexual situation (not on screen) except for some passionate kisses. The plotting is immaculate and everything that is introduced has an important part of the narrative. Things build in a very satisfying way to the conclusion. And readers won't leave this book without having their emotions impacted in profound ways. It really challenges readers on the ideas around unconditional love and loyalty, and also touches on the inherent corruption of the so-called divine right to rule (and in a modern day concept how the populace concedes power to their rulers in an uncritical way.

I highly recommend this book. I think I do have to give this one five stars.