Y’all. Y’ALL! I just finished __The Maid and the Crocodile__ by Jordan Ifueko and Y’ALL!!!!! It’s set in the same ‘verse as her *Raybearer* series but I can confirm it can be read as a standalone because I haven’t read her debut (BUT I AM GOING TO REMEDY THAT ASAP!). It’s got so much excellent commentary on accessibility and disability - the main character, Small Sade, has a broken foot and uses a cane, and one of the things she talked about was how if houses are supposed to be for everyone, if they have stairs that means she must be no one because she can’t access stairs in the same ways. There’s also lots of commentary on social change and social disparity and the ways you can’t break the system by working within it, you have to disregard it. There’s also such a soft romance and the ending includes ||him building her an elevator so she never has to use stairs again!!!!!!|| and a sweet animal companion (gecko named Climber). Also I strongly recommend the audio if that’s a format that works for you, because how Sade’s cleaning works is when she sings she’s able to see the spirit soot, and the narrator actually does sing!!! Like, seriously, I cannot get over this book and I loved it so much and I now wanna shove it at everyone!!

Five Stars! The Maid and the Crocodile (written by Jordan Ifueko, and narrated by Adetinpo Thomas) was a great listen. I haven’t read the Raybearer books yet, and I don’t believe anyone would need to read them first in order to enjoy The Maid and the Crocodile. The book was very engaging, and I look forward to reading more by this author. I was provided with an advanced audio copy of this book by NetGalley.

THE MAID AND THE CROCODILE, a standalone fantasy set in the same world as Jordan Ifueko’s RAYBEARER, is exactly what I needed in so many ways.

Like her first book, it brings INTENSE FAIRYTALE ENERGY from new angles. You’ll recognize strong shades of both Beauty & the Beast and HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE, but in a pseudo-African instead of pseudo-European context, with a huge emphasis on interesting friendships and working class concerns.

Ifueko interrogates the very notion of “changing the world,” with deep looks at how easy it is to SAY everyone is now equal compared to how hard it is to make that WORK in a once heavily stratified society. There’s a lot here about shifting attitudes, whose voices get amplified, and which contexts different people operate within.

Despite the underlying heaviness, it’s also just plain fun. There are witty exchanges between great characters, cool twists on established motifs, and a whole bunch of songs, all of which superstar narrator Adetinpo Thomas performs in the audio edition. I never wanted to turn the book off and I’ll eagerly await Ifueko’s next release.

4.5 stars. Highly recommended.

How lovely it was to be taken back to the Raybearer universe.

The narrator did an incredible job creating an immersive experience, and gracing us with her lovely vocals!

Jordan Ifueko truly has a way with storytelling, and if should wants to continue to write more stories in this universe I will be front and center every time.

The Maid and the Crocodile had me cackling in my car, and locked in when things got tense. This book was just EVERYTHING!

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the Audio ARC!

4.5/5 stars

A powerful story of ants raising against their giants and the power of choice. A reminder that how you look or dress does not determine your power or your influence or your value - but your impression of yourself most certainly can. A beautiful story of changing how you see yourself, and how doing so can help you change the world.

Jordan Ifueko has a unique talent for writing stories that touch your heart and soul, hit on relevant issues, make you smile and laugh...while creating a magical yet almost real world that makes it feel fantastical yet approachable and timeless. Did that make any sense? Probably not to anyone else...but that's why she's the author and I am not.

But seriously, the Raybearer duology is a personal favorite of mine so getting the opportunity to return to that world excited me - and Ifueko did not disappoint. It's so rare you get to see the impact of the heroes after a series, and this book did that and more. It hit on issues relevant to both a world of fantasy and the world we live in beautifully and with respect, but also without shying away from how critical it is that we all stay informed, engaged, and that we challenge the status quo to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live the life they want.

I encourage everyone, regardless of your age, to read this book (and the Raybearer duology!). It's YA, but it hits on critical topics to our society and features beautiful writing and storytelling that will capture the heart and mind of readers of all ages.

Thank you NetGalley for providing this audiobook.

I loved this book! I have recently read the Raybearer and the Redemptor and this book takes you back to this world 9 years later.

The main caracter is Small Shade she is a girl aging out from the orphanage and her short life sodar has not been fortunate.

She has some unique abilities as a cuse and sin eater and these abillitys propell her life forward.

These abilities help her find a much needed domestic position and propelles her into meeting some of the best side caracters from the series.

Its wonderfull to see how these caracters have grown in 9 years and to follow them throughout this story.

Also you will fall in love with the most lovable and naughty gecco.

The narrator brings you right back to this wonderful fantasy world inspired by the authors childhoud nigirian folk and fairytales.

If this world speaks to you, i would advise to read the Raybearer's series first. Sinds this book is 9 years later and has caracters of that series it does reveal a lot of the plot from that series.

5 stars
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I’m absolutely struggling to find the words to describe how much I absolutely adored this book. Oh, how I missed this world.

Raybearer was one of my top reads of 2021 and revisiting the world was everything I never knew I needed. I loved the incorporation of our beloved characters, but I appreciated how unique this story truly was. The writing was just as wonderful here as Ifueko’s other books are. The prose is well done and I love the ability to build such a vivid world with its own myths and rules without the reader feeling confused or lost. This is world building as it should be. The pacing was perfect and I was sucked in quickly and held there. I devoured this book in a day. I couldn’t stop reading. I loved the plot and the uniqueness of the mythology used. I cannot adequately find words to describe it.

The characters are is well written and fleshed out. I spent the book cheering Sade on and loved the Crocodile’s backstory and how it shapes who he is as a character. The establishing of this found family in our side characters is well done, as always. The disability representation was well handled and I appreciate the authors use of sensitivity readers to accurately portray Sade. The romance is a good slow burn.

The voice of the narrator was absolutely enchanting. I’m so happy I requested the audio book because this narration made the book. The individual voices, the singing of the songs. Engrossing doesn’t even fully describe it.

While it works as a standalone, I would always recommend the duopoly first, as this definitely highlights events of those books.

The Maid and the Crocodile is a profound story about love, grief, hope and evolution. You are immersed into the world of Oluwan City and introduced to our heroine Small Sade. At just 17, she has endured what most have not in their entire lifetime. Sade is an orphan, she has a physical disability and she is now homeless after being aged-out of the orphan system. On her quest to find employment and enter the "real world" she has a strange encounter in which she accidentally binds herself to the Crocodile God. After these two meet, Sade's life is set on course of adventure, friendship, healing, finding family, self-actualization and love.

The story was captivating from beginning to end. The plot was engaging and told in the second person. This method of story telling allowed me to feel like I was hearing Sade tell her own legacy story for *me* to pass down to the next generation. It hooked me in and made the events in the story that much more noteworthy.

I enjoyed all of the characters in the story. The Amenities now hold space in my heart and I'm sure they will hold space in yours too. All in all, you will not be disappointed. Jordan Ifueko's writing is so descriptive that you are teleported into that universe and captivated by its beauty. Undoubtedly phenomenal.

Adetinpo Thomas' narration was absolutely amazing. Her ability to change her voice allowed each character a chance in the spotlight and added personality to the story. A great listen and in totality an outstanding story.

Favorite quote: "What if there is nothing wrong with being an ant?" I wondered aloud. “What if together, we could be stronger than any giant?"

**Thank you to RBmedia and NetGalley for the ARC of this audiobook. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

This was a delightful offshoot of the first two books. I would recommend reading those first so as to not get anything spoiled because there is some overlap. I listened to the audiobook and truly enjoyed the different accents and songs. The author creates a world that feels African (more western) and has a sense of folk tale to it as well.

I love love love Jordan’s writing. I love this world and I love her story telling and I need EVERYONE to read her books! I will forever be greatful for any book she puts out even her comic series!

4.75 rounded up! This was everything I was hoping it would be.

This follows Small Sade as she ages out of the orphanage she grew up in. While trying to find a job as a maid, she gets thrown into the world of the Crocodile. She is also more than your average maid with the ability to clean curses.

Great disability representation and found family. A refreshing take on essential workers in a fantasy world.

Song plays an integral part in the story, so I would highly recommend the audiobook as Adetinpo Thomas brings the song to life.

If you've read Raybearer, don't skip this one. If you haven't read Raybearer/Redemptor, I would recommend starting there unless you don't mind some big spoilers.

Thank you NetGalley and Recorded Books for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

The Maid and the Crocodile by Jordan Ifueko is a delightful, magic-filled story that I thoroughly enjoyed. Small Sade, the main character, is incredibly endearing, and her journey is both touching and full of surprises. The dynamic between her and the Crocodile adds a unique twist to the story that kept me hooked from start to finish.

The narration by Adetinpo Thomas was fantastic. She brought so much warmth and energy to the story, making the characters and the world of Oluwan come alive. Her performance made the audiobook experience even more enjoyable, and I highly recommend listening to it.

I really enjoy the author's writing style, and I think I would enjoy her other book(s) within this universe. I also love her representation, as Small Sage (the FMC) has a physical disability and Vitiligo. This particular book, however, was not for me. I really wanted to like it because I did enjoy the author's writing, but a quarter of the way through the book and I didn't care at all about any characters or the plot. Ultimately, I DNF'd this book, but I have bumped Raybearer higher on my TBR.

I saw the reels the author made to describe this book and RAN to Netgalley to request it. I really liked the ray bearer series but this is a standalone in the same world and I loved it even more than I thought I would.

Sade is in desperate need of a job and she is hopeful to work in a wealthy house as a maid before she can get hired she accidentally gets bound to an old cursed god. She needs to break his curse all while keeping her new job.

I love this world (especially the characters)and feel like the writing is done so well you won’t necessarily need to read the Raybearer series to enjoy this one.

Thanks to netgalley and Recorded Books for an alc

This was sweet, beautiful, whimsical, and thought provoking! It definitely lives up to the "Howl's Moving Castle" comp which I loved.

I read this without reading the Raybearer series, and didn't feel lost. I wanted a bit more from the romance, but they were very cute with lots of great moments. Highly recommend if you're a fan of YA fantasy!

The audiobook was excellent.

Wow. This book was magnificent. The layered characters, the story weaving... I was absolutely hooked. I loved Small Sade. Literally everything about her. The character is so perfectly crafted and the crocodile! Listening to these two as the grew closer and started to really see each other was its own form of magic. This is the kind of book that makes you want to jump down the authors entire catalog from the beginning. The audiobook is well performed and certainly kept me entertained. This is one book that you do want to have the physical copy for because it's that good and you'll want to highlight and notate in every chapter. Excellent work.

Thank you Netgalley and dreamscape media for the free ALC. What an amazing book. Loved the narration, the story the fantasy aspect the entire thing was just perfection. I will absolutely add this to my forever shelf.

5/5☆

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

The Maid and the Crocodile is a powerful, tender, and beautifully cozy YA fantasy with fantastic characters and an entertaining plot.

I had so much fun with this one! The Howl’s Moving Castle vibes were *chef’s kiss. The story was cozy and hopeful, with fun and magic woven throughout. It’s the perfect read to brighten your day or help you relax after a long one. I adored the characters and their lovely development. The found family and magic were well-written, and the romance was fantastic. The writing was gorgeous and vivid; I felt like I was inside the story the entire time. I highly recommend this whimsical fantasy!

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the fantastic audiobook narrator. Adetinpo Thomas presented this story with unmatched love, power, energy, and warmth. She immersed me in the story and brought it to life! I highly recommend listening to the audiobook of TMatC!

Thank you to the publisher for the free ALC!

If you've read Raybearer, you know that Jordan Ifueko is a masterful storyteller. The Maid and the Crocodile is no different. This story is immersive, rich, and will simultaneously allow you to escape and reflect back on the state of the world.

I was beyond grateful to received an audio ARC from Recorded Books narrated by Adetinpo Thomas. The narration is absolutely phenomenal. Their voice will draw you in and keep you engaged through the entire story. I now am considering a deep dive through all the books narrated by them.

The narrator's voice helps weave the imagery of this audiobook beautifully. This is a great book, with a somewhat cozy-ish vibe to it.