The Maid and the Crocodile: A Novel in the World of Raybearer

Gr 7 Up–Seventeen-year-old Small Sade is only looking for a job to keep herself safe after aging out of the orphan house. While Sade, who has vitiligo and walks with a cane, might appear unlucky, she is hopeful she can find work using her abilities as a Curse-Eater who can cleanse the energy of those around her when she sings. But before she has the chance to secure a job, Sade ends up accidentally binding herself to the charming Crocodile God. Seeing that the Crocodile God is suffering under a curse that is slowly transforming him into monster, Sade attempts to cure him only to further intertwine their fates. Fleeing from the possibility of being devoured by an out-of-control Crocodile, Sade eventually finds her place working for a wealthy inn owner who sees Sade’s curse-eating as a path to power. But curse-eating comes at a price, and Sade must figure out how much of herself she is willing to give. Set in the world of the “Raybearer” duology with a nuanced portrayal of disabled and LGBTQIA+ characters, a satisfying slow-burn romance, and a heroine on a journey of self-discovery, this will give fans plenty to delight in. However, newcomers to Ifueko’s universe may find the intricate worldbuilding challenging to navigate.