In Ifueko's stellar follow-up to Raybearer (2020), Tarisai has ascended to Aritsar's throne and become the first Redemptor to wear the crown. It's a title that comes with heavy responsibilities, including fighting to unite a fractured realm in order to save the world. As empress, Tarisai must also contend with forming a council of her own, fend off those who question her right to rule, and journey to the Underworld to appease spirits of the dead. Furthermore, she must reckon with the atrocities of the empire she now rules and decide exactly what price she will pay if she truly wants justice for the sins of the past. 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. Ultimately, this novel asks the poignant questions: What does it mean to live, and how does one bring about meaningful and lasting change in a deeply flawed world still struggling with a heinous history?

Tarisai of Swana learns to navigate life in power while under constant pressure from friends and foes. Now 17, Tarisai adapts to being the new Empress and High Lady Judge of Aritsar. She hopes to live up to her honorific, Idajo, or the Just, and address economic inequalities that oppress anyone without noble blood. But she must also prepare to journey through the Underworld after offering herself as the last Redemptor child sacrifice to the abiku--demons--who dwell there. The abiku promise to forfeit future sacrifices if Tarisai makes it out alive, but she didn't factor in the weight and trauma of being haunted by undead children holding her accountable for their justice. The book, infused with West African influences, blossoms at a perfect pace as readers travel around the continental empire both physically with Tarisai and through the memories of others, learning more about the lush world Ifueko has crafted. New magical beings are awakened and their connections to nature and the survival of the people around Aritsar are explored with an emphasis on contemporary social issues of eco-justice seamlessly threaded through. This book is more reflective than the first volume, supporting insightful glimpses into the maturation of not just Tarisai, but other characters too; still, the action never lags, with the story remaining bright and exciting. A strong and worthy successor that showcases the skill of a master worldbuilder. (map) (Fantasy. 14-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

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, TX