The BookBrowse Review

Published July 31, 2024

ISSN: 1930-0018

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Contents

In This Edition of
The BookBrowse Review

Highlighting indicates debut books

Editor's Introduction
Reviews
Hardcovers Paperbacks
First Impressions
Latest Author Interviews
Recommended for Book Clubs
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Literary Fiction


Historical Fiction


Short Stories


Essays


Poetry & Novels in Verse


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Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Speculative, Alt. History


Graphic Novels


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Science, Health and the Environment


True Crime


Travel & Adventure


Other


Young Adults

Mysteries


Thrillers


Romance


Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Speculative, Alt. History


Graphic Novels


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Extras
  • Blog:
    The New York Times Best 100 Books of the 21st Century: How Does BookBrowse's Coverage Compare?
  • Wordplay:
    It's R C A D
  • Book Giveaway:
    Smothermoss by Alisa Alering
Book Jacket

The Maid and the Crocodile
A Novel in the World of Raybearer
by Jordan Ifueko
13 Aug 2024
304 pages
Publisher: Amulet Books
Genre: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Speculative, Alt. History

A romantic standalone fantasy set in the world of Raybearer, from New York Times bestselling author Jordan Ifueko.

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

In the magic-soaked capital city of Oluwan, 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 being known only as the Crocodile, a god 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.

"The book contains thoughtful conversations around domestic abuse and labor inequities, the queer characters are well rounded and self-determined, and the romance, intimacy, and understanding of explicit consent are truly swoonworthy. A beautifully realized evergreen story about finding love and community." ―Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"This standalone novel, set within the same universe as Ifueko's Raybearer duology, offers a fresh narrative lens within that universe by prioritizing the perspectives of commoners over royalty...First-person narrator Sade's distinct voice and her journey of discovery and transformation are likely to captivate readers." ―Horn Book Magazine

Jordan Ifueko is the NYT Bestselling Author of the Raybearer series & the Disney-Marvel comics Moon Girl & Devil Dinosaur. She's a Nebula Award, Ignyte Award, Audie Award, and Hugo Lodestar finalist, and she's been featured in People Magazine, NPR Best Books, NPR Pop Culture Hour, & ALA Top Ten. She writes about magic Black girls who aren't magic all the time, because honestly, they deserve a vacation.

Other books by this author at BookBrowse:

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