Book Review: Hunted By The Sky

Details

Name: Hunted By The Sky

Series: The Wrath of Ambar #1

Date of Release: June 22nd, 2020

Author: Tanaz Bhathena

Genre: #Fantasy #YoungAdult #Romance #IndianCulture #Mythology

No of Pages: 384 pg (hardcover)

My Rating: 4.5/5

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Synopsis

Gul has spent her life running. She has a star-shaped birthmark on her arm, and in Ambar, girls with such birthmarks have been disappearing for years. Gul's mark is what caused her parents' murder and forced her into hiding to protect her own life. So when the Sisters of the Golden Lotus rescue her, take her in, and train her in warrior magic, Gul wants only one thing: revenge.

Cavas lives in the tenements, and he's about ready to sign his life over to the king's army. His father is terminally ill, and Cavas will do anything to save him. But sparks fly when he meets a mysterious girl--Gul--and as the chemistry between them grows, he becomes entangled in a mission of vengeance--and discovers a magic he never expected to find.

Dangerous circumstances have brought Gul and Cavas together at the king's domain in Ambar Fort . . . a world with secrets deadlier than their own. Exploring identity, class struggles, and high-stakes romance, Hunted by the Sky is a gripping adventure set in a world inspired by medieval India.

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Plot (mild spoilers)

This book appears to have a typical YA fantasy plot. A girl, whose parents have been killed by the King, seeks revenge. Let's just say the book has so much more happening that just that.

I found some of the sub plots mundane, cliche even. The betrayal of Rajkumar Amar, is one instance, the idea of a 'chosen one' is another, but for the most part, the book is very captivating. I love the anti climax death of King Lohar, and the light moments around Rajkumari Malti.

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Characters

I'm going to say this outright- I am an absolute sucker for bold and strong female characters and in that aspect, this book was an absolute treat. Literally every single female lead and supporting character- from our heroine Gul to Amira to Rani Amba and the amazing Major Shayla! It's the dream troupe- hands down.

Gul's character has been portrayed as a true adolescent, unsure of herself and of the world. Although the King himself is afraid of her, there are so many instances you'll find her second guessing and reprimanding herself. Not to forget, she is insecure about her magic, it having surfaced only a handful of times while her peers could draw on theirs with ease.

Although Major Shayla is an antagonist, her character is just really attractive! I couldn't help but be drawn to her. For starters she has built quite a reputation for herself, having organised the Sky Warriors as well her post in the military. She is the 'boss lady' in the literal sense.

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Writing/Concept

I genuinely don't know where to start. I LITERALLY COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! The usage of Hindi words like Rajkumari/Rajkumar (princess/prince), sangemarmar(marble), Shubhsaver(good morning) gives that book a unique sound that could not have been replicated any other way. The writing is no short of some of the most popular YA books I've read and I specifically love the description of the places as well as emotions.

The idea of living spectres has really got me hooked. I cannot stop thinking about it. Another unique part of living spectres is that they can only be seen by half-magus, which is unusual. In the typical books, half-magi i.e. people with one magical parent and one non-magical parent, tend to lie at either extremes; they either possess full potential for magic or they are unable to perform magic at all. So the idea of only half-magi having certain abilities is a breath of fresh air.

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“The sky will fall, a star will rise

Ambar changed by the king's demise

Her magic untouched and unknown by all

Marked with a star, she'll bring his downfall.”

― Tanaz Bhathena, Hunted by the Sky

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