The Archer at Dawn

May 15, 2020
When rebel Esha and soldier Kunal join forces to fight for the land they love, they risk their lives--and their budding relationship. In this sequel to The Tiger at Midnight (2019), Esha and Kunal travel to the royal city of Gwali for the annual Sun Mela alongside the Crescent Blades, the rebel group that Esha leads. This time, their mission is to save deposed Dharkan prince Harun's sister, princess Reha, from Vardaan, the usurper king of Jansa, who is also Harun and Reha's uncle. Harun's interest in his sister goes beyond family ties: Reha's magical blood is necessary to seal the ancient janma bond with the gods that protects the lands of both Dharka and Jansa. Before performing the ceremony, Harun plans to use his sister to restore his family to the throne. As Esha and Kunal work together with the Crescent Blades, loyalties are tested, trusts are betrayed, and promises are broken--especially after Esha discovers that the soldiers who killed her parents are attending the Mela, providing her with a chance to avenge her family's deaths, but only at the cost of the mission. Teerdhala's Hindu-mythology-inspired world is richly drawn, and the book's fight scenes are detailed and action packed. At times, however, her prose is confusing, making the plot difficult to follow, especially for readers unfamiliar with the first book. A South Asian-inspired fantasy with a strong female lead. (map) (Fantasy. 14-18)

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