Raybearer

Did You Know?

• Ifueko began writing the novel in its early stage as a teenager.
• The novel is set in a secondary world based on the author's Nigerian heritage and other world cultures.
• In September 2021, Netflix announced it would adapt the novel into a television series under a new overall deal with Gina Atwater.

Synopsis

Tarisai, a young girl bound by a magical wish from her absent mother, can see others' life stories with a touch. Her mother, known as The Lady, is human, while Tarisai's father is a magical alagbato. Conceived to fulfill The Lady's plot to kill the Crown Prince, Tarisai is sent to Oluwan, capital of the Aritsar Empire, to train and compete to become one of the Crown Prince's closest confidantes. If chosen, she would join a council through the Ray, a bond deeper than blood. Ultimately, Tarisai resists her mother's plan.

Reception

Raybearer was named a New York Times Bestseller and was listed among the best books of the year by People, BuzzFeed, New York Public Library, Chicago Public Library, Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly. Entertainment Weekly called the book dazzling. Buzzfeed described it as one of the most exceptional YA fantasies of all time. People called it a brilliantly conceived fantasy, Seventeen praised its bold new world, and PopSugar lauded Ifueko's exquisitely detailed world.