The blue eye

Ausma Zehanat Khan

Book - 2019

Third installment in Ausma Zehanat Khan's powerful epic fantasy quartet: a series that lies somewhere between N. K. Jemisin and George R.R. Martin, in which a powerful band of women must use all the powers at their disposal to defeat a dark and oppressive, patriarchal regime. The Companions of Hira have used their cunning and their magic in the battle against the patriarchal Talisman, an organization whose virulently conservative agenda restricts free thought. One of the most accomplished Companions, Arian, continues to lead a disparate group in pursuit of the one artifact that could end the Talisman's authoritarian rule: The Bloodprint. But after a vicious battle, the arcane tome has slipped once more beyond her reach. Despite be...ing separated and nearly losing their lives, Arian's band of allies has remained united. Yet now, the group seems to be fracturing. To continue the fight, Arian must make a dangerous journey to a distant city to recruit new allies. But instead of her trusted friends, she is accompanied by associates she may no longer be able to trust. Building on the brilliance of The Bloodprint and The Black Khan, this third volume in the Khorasan Archive series ratchets up the danger, taking the conflict to a darker, deadlier place, and setting the stage for the thrilling conclusion to this acclaimed fantasy.

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Subjects
Genres
Fantasy fiction
Epic fiction
Action and adventure fiction
Published
New York, NY : Harper Voyager, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers [2019]
Language
English
Main Author
Ausma Zehanat Khan (author)
Edition
First edition
Physical Description
433 pages : map ; 21 cm
ISBN
9780062459237
Contents unavailable.
Review by Booklist Review

In the exciting conclusion to the Khorasan Archives series (beginning with The Bloodprint, 2017), the Companions of Hira and their allies are up against the Talisman, an evil group that believes that women are impure, lead by the One-Eyed Preacher. But the all-female Companions of Hira, who control the power of The Claim, the scripture that has magical powers when recited aloud, must fight the Talisman for one extremely powerful set of verses, The Bloodprint. The group that controls this document will win the day and rule the world. The premise of the series that power comes from language is an awesome one, and it is not hard to pick a side in this battle. Still, all of the characters, even the Talisman, are sympathetic and complex; they are informed by their world as much as anything else. Ultimately, it is the feminist themes that shine throughout that make this not only a worthwhile read for any fantasy fan, but a series that will stand the test of time. Khan has proved herself a master of the genre by telling a timely, necessary story.--Emily Whitmore Copyright 2010 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review

Third in Zehanat Khan's Khorasan Archives fantasy series (after The Black Khan), this rousing quest celebrates feminist heroines Arian, First Oralist of Hira, and her companion, Sinnia, who struggle to overthrow the anti-intellectual and patriarchal Talisman. Ashfall, the Black Khan's capital, is being besieged by the Talisman and heroically defended by the Khan as well as Arian's lover, Daniyar. Arian and Sinnia travel perilously in search of the Sana Codex, which may hold the key to their eventual victory over the Talisman. These parallel adventures are hampered by continually shifting alliances and revelations of eerie and often malignant powers. Zehanat Khan's fondness for giving important figures multiple titles often dilutes her narrative pace, causing frequent references to her glossary and voluminous cast of characters. Her lush descriptive passages, echoes of Mideastern lore, and alluring glimpses of idyllic love ring true, and readers will linger on her central message of defiance against destructive book-burning purges and other violence meant to preserve the status quo. With strong writing and vigorous pacing, this is a satisfying addition to the series. Agent: Danielle Burby, Nelson Literary. (Oct.)Correction: An earlier version of this review incorrectly stated this book was the third volume in a trilogy.

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Library Journal Review

The Companions of Hira, a team of powerful women wielding ancient magic, have splintered and scattered across the land as they seek a manuscript containing lore that can turn the tide in the war against the authoritarian Talisman sect. The Companions and their allies contend with political betrayals, undead threats, and vast deserts. Khan's (The Bloodprint) fantastic setting is vivid in its depiction of a world at magical war, inspired by Middle Eastern settings and Islamic folklore. Readers will want to start with the first book in the series, as the narrative drops straight into the action with little time spent catching up on previous events. VERDICT Fans of Saladin Ahmed's Middle Eastern fantasy worlds will appreciate this series for its non-European flavor; those who enjoy Katherine Kurtz's "Deryni" books will savor its detailed worldbuilding and shifting alliances. [See Prepub Alert, 4/1/19.]--Jason Puckett, Georgia State Univ. Lib, Atlanta

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