Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko is such a good book. Really. Go out and get it if you haven’t read it yet. (From the library works–that’s what I did.)

The book is about Tarisai, who is beautiful, intelligent, talented, strong, and immune to fire. She can also read (or steal) memories when she touches a person or thing that holds the memory. But she has been brought up by the servants of a mostly absentee mother. These caregivers see to her physical needs and provide for her intellectual stimulation, but they’re afraid of her and avoid touching her.

Tarisai first feels love when she goes away to compete to be part of the team forming around the young prince who will be the next emperor. The team becomes the family she’s never had.

But her mother insists that her entire reason for existence is to kill the prince who is the linchpin of her new family.

I love the characters in this–and the gorgeous world-building–and the intense internal (and external conflict.)

The magic feels original, too. Original, but inevitable, like the best magic systems do.

At any rate, if you like young adult fantasy, or political dramas, or just really good stories, I encourage you to read this book.

If you’ve already read it, what did you think? Interested in reading the next one (Redemptor) together?

Looking for other books a bit like this? Try Binti.