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A review by coffee_nd_pages
The Maid and the Crocodile: A Novel in the World of Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
"Why not shape the world you live in instead of just existing inside it?"
This was such an adventurous read, and also one that's going to stick with me for a lot longer! I've read the Raybearer dualogy when it was released and it's one of my all time favourites, so I was extremely excited for this standalone set in the same world. And I can assure you that Jordan Ifueko does it again!
Read if you like -
Young Adult fantasy
Found family
Cursed god x curse breaker
Magical villa
Cute animal companion
Slowburn
Sapphic relationship
Disability rep
Revolution and power dynamics
"The Maid and the Crocodile", while being marketed as a romantasy is definitely more than that. We follow Small Sade, who starts her job as a maid in one of the inns in the city, and the book focuses on her journey of self discovery and growth. Because of an unfortunate incident in her previous workplace, Sade has an injured leg and has to rely on a cane for walking. I liked how assertive and strong she was in her opinions, and also the way at which she questioned the rules of the society!!
On the other hand, we follow Crocodile who's cursed to turn into a beast and Sade might be the only one who can cure his curse. From the moment we are introduced to him, it's so obvious that he's not the "murderous beast" everyone portrays him to be! He's intelligent, caring and highly observant! He helps Sade in every step of the way and also makes her see the value in herself, and I adored that about him.
The book heavily focuses on the aspects of revolution and the need for a world where everyone has equal rights and freedom to do what they want. The idea that people should not be bound by where they're born, and should be allowed to follow their passion and should not be looked down on even if it's something so menial is highlighted in the novel. There's a lot of trigger warnings too, so I'd advise looking them up before starting it.
Overall, this was such a well-rounded YA fantasy that I'd highly recommend it for people looking for more than romance in their fantasy books! Also it's perfect for readers who love "Howl's Moving Castle" and "Half A Soul."
Huge thanks to Netgalley and RB Media for sending me the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
This was such an adventurous read, and also one that's going to stick with me for a lot longer! I've read the Raybearer dualogy when it was released and it's one of my all time favourites, so I was extremely excited for this standalone set in the same world. And I can assure you that Jordan Ifueko does it again!
Read if you like -
Young Adult fantasy
Found family
Cursed god x curse breaker
Magical villa
Cute animal companion
Slowburn
Sapphic relationship
Disability rep
Revolution and power dynamics
"The Maid and the Crocodile", while being marketed as a romantasy is definitely more than that. We follow Small Sade, who starts her job as a maid in one of the inns in the city, and the book focuses on her journey of self discovery and growth. Because of an unfortunate incident in her previous workplace, Sade has an injured leg and has to rely on a cane for walking. I liked how assertive and strong she was in her opinions, and also the way at which she questioned the rules of the society!!
On the other hand, we follow Crocodile who's cursed to turn into a beast and Sade might be the only one who can cure his curse. From the moment we are introduced to him, it's so obvious that he's not the "murderous beast" everyone portrays him to be! He's intelligent, caring and highly observant! He helps Sade in every step of the way and also makes her see the value in herself, and I adored that about him.
The book heavily focuses on the aspects of revolution and the need for a world where everyone has equal rights and freedom to do what they want. The idea that people should not be bound by where they're born, and should be allowed to follow their passion and should not be looked down on even if it's something so menial is highlighted in the novel. There's a lot of trigger warnings too, so I'd advise looking them up before starting it.
Overall, this was such a well-rounded YA fantasy that I'd highly recommend it for people looking for more than romance in their fantasy books! Also it's perfect for readers who love "Howl's Moving Castle" and "Half A Soul."
Huge thanks to Netgalley and RB Media for sending me the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.