Book Review: The Maid and the Crocodile (Raybearer) by Jordan Ifueko

Rating: ★★★★
Audience: YA Fantasy + Romance
Length: 304 pages
Author: Jordan Ifueko
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Release Date: August 13th, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

The smallest spark can bind two hearts . . . or start a revolution.

In the magic-soaked capital city of Oluwan, country bumpkin Small Sade needs a job—preferably as a maid, with employers who don’t mind her unique appearance and unlucky foot. But before she can be hired, she accidentally binds herself to a powerful god known only as the Crocodile, who is rumored to devour pretty girls. Small Sade entrances the Crocodile with her secret: she is a Curse Eater, gifted with the ability to alter people’s fates by cleaning their houses.

The handsome god warns that their fates are bound, but Small Sade evades him, launching herself into a new career as the Curse Eater of a swanky inn. She is determined to impress the wealthy inhabitants and earn her place in Oluwan City . . . assuming her secret-filled past—and the revolutionary ambitions of the Crocodile God—don’t catch up with her.

But maybe there is more to Small Sade. And maybe everyone in Oluwan City deserves more, too, from the maids all the way to the Anointed Ones.

Fans of the Raybearer series, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Beauty and the Beast will enjoy The Maid and the Crocodile–no prior knowledge of the Raybearer series necessary.

GREAT AUDIO.

I loved being back in this world and getting this spin-off story. It has the aura of a folk tale and listening to it as an audiobook really brought everything to life. I loved had strong Sade was and the journey she undertook. I love a non-linear path and seeing all of the pathways taken to forge your own way when the world feels like it wasn’t made for you.

You don’t have to read the previous two books but I do think it will spoil some key aspects of that story and you won’t have as much background knowledge to the world and magic system already in place.

The subtle romance was really sweet and I loved the curse aspects to it. I loved the way they came together and the slow and tenuous interactions between them. It’s a great read and if you enjoyed the Raybearer duology you should absolutely pick this one up too.

Overall audience notes: