Raybearer

Raybearer is a young adult fantasy novel, as well as a coming-of-age narrative, or Bildungsroman. The novel draws on many structures and tropes from both literary genres, while also challenging their conventions in creative ways. As with many works of young adult fantasy, Raybearer takes place in a completely fictional world that is populated by magical creatures and characters with powerful abilities. Tarisai, the protagonist, embodies many of these traits, for she possesses unique powers and is also technically a magical creature, given her heritage as the daughter of a deity-turned-djinn. Her ability is to look into and take the memories of another person or object. Tarisai’s friends also have unique powers of their own, such as the ability to fly or to heal through song, and some even have connections to the giant cats from the Underworld. The author’s in-depth world-building, much of which stems from West African folklore, places Raybearer in conversation with works such as Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series (The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, The Titan’s Curse, The Battle of the Labyrinth, and The Last Olympian), which relies heavily upon aspects of Greek and Roman mythology.

Within the world of Raybearer, Tarisai’s unique abilities and heritage mark her as one who is destined to accomplish great deeds, and this aspect of the plot conforms to the common trope of the “Chosen One,” in which a protagonist wields powerful magic to fulfill a predestined role. This plot pattern is already well-established in such popular fantasy novels as J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. Similarly, Ifueko makes it clear from the outset that Tarisai will be the one to bring about great change on behalf of her world. However, Tarisai’s marked reluctance to embrace her role and her gifts challenges the traditional rhythm of the “Chosen One” trope, and the bulk of the narrative focuses instead on her struggle to determine her own identity rather than relying on the path that was “chosen” for her. In this way, Raybearer exhibits many of the conventions of the Bildungsroman, as Tarisai’s journey helps her to evolve from an uncertain and anxious young girl to a powerful leader.

The novel also contains traces of the romance genre, which often makes an appearance in young adult literature. Tarisai develops romantic feelings for her friend Sanjeet, as he does for her, although her circumstances and her destiny work to keep them apart until the novel’s conclusion. However, unlike other popular young adult series like The Hunger Games and Twilight, Ifueko refrains from indulging in the well-worn patterns of the typical “love triangle” scenario, and there is no other character to rival Sanjeet and compete for Tarisai’s affection. Although their other male friend, Dayo, is presented as a possible love interest, his lack of sexual attraction to anyone implicitly removes him from the equation. Thus, the drama of romance remains secondary to the novel’s main function as a coming-of-age tale that focuses on Tarisai’s personal growth.