When I say that Jordan Ifueko is a master storyteller, I mean it!!! Omfg.

Diving back into the world of Raybearer universe was so interesting. Not only because I loved the Raybearer duology, but also because it would be fascinating to see what happens after the world has toppled the exploitative governments and people in power. Like yes, common people have taken back what's theirs and have ridden nobles. What's next after the revolution? Will they flourish? Will it stay the same?

Here in The Maid and the Crocodile, we have Small Sade and the Crocodile. Small Sade was such a compelling main character. And she's not a Chosen One, she's not a queen. She's a maid, an orphan. And I love that her journey perfectly showed us that we can choose to be something else or more. And that we deserve something better. Small Sade's story is a tale of discovering self-worth, allowing yourself to be angry at the system not designed to help you win, and still looking out for others and remaining grounded.

As for the Crocodile, Raybearer fans will know who he is! And yet, we still have a lot to know more about him. He was already so charming in Redemptor, but this story, I think, really built up his character and allowed him to fully complete his arc. Because while I liked him in Redemptor, there were some things about him that bothered me then—things that we could still see in him in this story. It was nice to see him realize those on his own.

(Also I had to remind myself, while 10 years have passed, Zuri still remained the same. He's that nineteen-year-old boy-king so desperate to fix the world and yet still so clueless to the world and its people.)

 

Now, the story might be an extension of the Raybearer universe, but the problems were very much a reflection of the real world. Ableism, child labor still happening in different parts of the world, violence against women and pregnant women from their very own partners, class discrimination, and laborers being exploited and treated badly despite their significance in societies. It was all so real. And we see Small Sade live in a world where she has experienced and seen all of this, and we see how these have shaped her as a person and how these will impact her decisions in the future. Of course, it was also a good way to highlight how horrific these are in the world, bringing awareness—and anger—to every reader.

As for the romance, this was just perfection. Because while Small Sade and the Crocodile had immediate chemistry, it took a while for their romance to simmer. And you know what? I'm quite alright with that. Sometimes, romance doesn't need to be flashy and bold; it needs to be patient. And that's what this was. Also I love that this book is being marketed as "romantic fantasy" and not romantasy. I think "romantasy" comes with both expectations and implications that wouldn't have fit The Maid and the Crocodile. Yes it did have romance, but it wasn't a big part of the plot that could alter the story altogether. And I don't know about others, but I really love my fantasy novels that way. 😆

And of course, let me mention the writing style and the overall storytelling, because this was just exquisite. This had minimal action (maybe even less action in Raybearer and Redemptor, nothing more than small instances of rioting and a building crumbling down, really). But the story held so much substance that you're never really bored. The way the author knows how to pull emotions out of you and steer you in the next direction after a plot twist is just so freaking good. Because how do you go from feeling giddy to feeling remorseful in one scene? 😂 And how do you write such a great plot twist in a fantasy, but it's like the calmest scene ever?? The author really knows how to tell a good story, hands down. So, hats off to her. Another thing, second person POV was also used here in a very unique way, and I think it really worked. Not only did it add to the storytelling, but it also had impact and significance in the right moments. I thought that was really clever.

If I had anything to nitpick, maybe I just wished that more justice was brought upon the villains of this book, particularly the ones who hurt Sade. But I kind of also understand why that wasn't part of the book. That wasn't the focus or the essence of the story. (I will hold a grudge for Sade lol, I hope [redacted] and [redacted] rots in hell).

Overall, this is such a powerful standalone fantasy in the same universe as Raybearer. I am so glad to have read it. 🥹

(ALSO, SAPPHICS STAY WINNING YES)

Thank you so much to Abrams Books/Pique Beyond for sending an advanced copy my way! This, of course, did not impact my overall opinion of the book.

CW: pregnancy, childbirth, domestic violence, ableism, limb injuries, child labor, death of a parent, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts (off-page)