Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko

The Quick Cut: A girl struggles with her identity when her absentee mother sends her off to compete to be a member of the prince's council of 11.

A Real Review: Destiny is a concept that is hotly debated. Although some think its inevitable and can't be escaped, others believe that its just an excuse. Do we have a choice over our actions or is everything we do just inevitable? This is the question hotly debated and fought against for Tarisai. Tarisai grew up in a home where her mother was a distant parent at best. Raised and taught in isolation, she grew up in a home devoid of warmth and love - right up to the moment that those who cared for her dropped her off to compete in order to try to become one of the eleven individuals who will be on Prince Davi's council. Except Tarisai isn't like every other child competing for the privilege. She's a half demon child who was born out of magic and is required to follow the wishes of her mother. Her mom's last wish? Earn the trust of Prince Davi... and kill him as soon as you have it. Can she fight the wish and make her own life choices? Or is she stuck doing what she was made to do? This book is so unique with the elements and how they're used that I can't think of any other like it. The worldbuilding is so dynamic and rich that it makes you want to be able to see it for yourself. That being said, there are a number of elements about the book that I'm not quite sure fit the YA genre (or at a minimum really aren't appropriate). Women are seen as less than men in many ways on the council, a piece of the law that is used as a plot point for the women to push against. Plus, there's some topics in here that lean more towards adult (such as the relationship between the Prince and his council). At a minimum, I would say this should only be read by the older end of the YA age scale. Tarisai (despite her origins) is hard not to love. She grew up in a very harsh reality and in all that, didn't grow hard. Instead, she just wanted to have a true home even more as the years went by. I can relate to that at some level. My childhood wasn't horrible like hers was by any means, but everyone wishes to feel understood. Seeing how she uses her gifts for good and attempts to make her own way in life makes you smile, especially in those small moments of connection with others or success in paving her own way. A beautiful world that pushes into the realm of adult themes a bit too much. My rating: 4 out of 5