When the Stars Align

Hunted by the Sky by Tanaz Bhathena grabbed me by the hand and expertly invited me to Ambar, an alternate world of kings and warriors and allowed me to meet a fierce and powerful character in Gul.

Marked at birth with a star-shaped birthmark, Gul has been hunted since she was a child. When the Sky Warriors finally catch up with her family she suffers a devastating loss and begins her journey to discover her birthright. With the help of the Sisters of the Golden Lotus and a non-magus named Cavas with whom she seems to be inexplicably linked, she makes her way to the Ambar fort to complete her mission of vengeance.

Speculative fiction is all about world building and Tanaz Bhathena has created a world so clear and defined readers will be instantly transported and experience the sights and sounds of Ambar. She easily provides the reader with the guidance they need to completely immerse themselves in the world and connect with Gul, Cavas and all of the other people of Ambar. With brief periods of description and histories told by many of the supporting characters in the story, the reader understands the history of Ambar, how svapnalok fell at the hands of a ruthless king and the war that has left the world devastated.

There are moments of inspired and clever dialogue that feel current yet also of the past. Gul is a strong and powerful character who feels very much like a teenager today, questioning, defying and trying to force her way into the world. Cavas is an incredible counterbalance to Gul. He is more solid, steady and is reluctant to force his way into the world, careful to live under the radar of the powerful. Their blossoming romance is familiar, not over done and flowery but real and reluctant like many young romances are. 

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the magic…not since the world of Harry Potter has a book infused with magic captured my heart. Tanaz Bhathena is clear with the magic in this world. There are clear class lines between those who possess magic and those who don’t, offering the reader the gift of examining how these class structures can be seen in our society and to be able to question and think critically about race and class. It also offers a powerful addition to the world by creating a push and pull between Gul and Cavas that adds a tension to their fragile love.

I could not put this book down and am so looking forward to the continuing story in Rising Like A Storm due on bookshelves June 22, 2021.