Genre: Fantasy Age Range: Adult Star Rating: 5/5 stars Series: yes - book 1
Synopsis:
The Amrithi are outcasts; nomads descended of desert spirits, they are coveted and persecuted throughout the Empire for the power in their blood. Mehr is the illegitimate daughter of an imperial governor and an exiled Amrithi mother she can barely remember, but whose face and magic she has inherited.
When Mehr’s power comes to the attention of the Emperor’s most feared mystics, she must use every ounce of will, subtlety, and power she possesses to resist their cruel agenda.
Should she fail, the gods themselves may awaken seeking vengeance…
Thoughts:
This book is wonderful. The richly drawn world leaps off the pages, the mythology wrapping around the plot and characters. I was hooked by the plot, the careful sense of fearful anticipation lacing the story that pulled me along on the edge of my seat worrying about what would happen next.
Mehr is an entracing main character. She is so strong, but not in a ‘I can fight you all’ way – a much subtler strength of character type of power. She is afraid and lonely but full or iron will and determination and – most importantly – hope. We need more women like this in books! Amun is quiet and gentle despite his cold exterior, while the Maha is a terrifying villain.
Mehr and Amun’s relationship is exquisitely drawn, carefully handling the controlling circumstances that have married them without making the relationship worrisome. The choices the two make about each other and how to handle their situation and feelings are perfect, and heartbreaking.
Do I have any criticisms? One, really tiny thing. There are three ‘chapters’ that follow Lalita rather then Mehr, and were a little jarring at first. However, they served to explain a bit more about the Amrithi and Ruhi, rather than it being a complete surprise and needing a lot of exposition when Mehr stumbles upon Ruhi’s clan.
Definitely worth a read.
Read my reviews of other books by Tasha Suri:
The Books of Ambha (this series):
- REALM OF ASH (#2)
The Burning Kingdoms:
- THE JASMINE THRONE (#1)
- THE OLEANDER SWORD (#2)
Sifa Elizabeth Reads 