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ashton_reads_'s review against another edition
3.0
The sky will fall, a star will rise.
3.5/5 stars
I really enjoyed all this book had to offer!! However, I do wish that some aspects were explored deeper.
Goodreads synopsis:
Gul has spent her life running. She has a star-shaped birthmark on her arm, and in the kingdom of Ambar, girls with such birthmarks have been disappearing for years. Gul's mark is what caused her parents' murder at the hand of King Lohar's ruthless soldiers and forced her into hiding to protect her own life. So when a group of rebel women called 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 just 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--in the capital's bazaar, and as the chemistry between them undeniably 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.
This book truly is a fun ride!! High-stakes is definitely the word for it; the action and the tension is non-stop as Gul infiltrates the palace and constantly has to hide her birthmark and her intentions from the people around her. The only person she feels she can trust is Cavas, but she’s not sure why, for he tries to avoid her at all costs in order to protect himself and his father. Despite his hesitations, he can’t seem to stay away either, as if they’re tied together by a force stronger than themselves. The tenuous peace between the kingdoms (if it can even be called that) is wearing thin, and there seems to be a divine hand stirring the pot as the prophecy is fulfilled. It all adds up to a whirlwind of a plot that is quite the adventure.
“Raja Lohar’s rule is coming to an end. What will follow will be more terrible than you can imagine – if you don’t accept your destiny. The king’s death will not save Ambar from destruction. Only you will.”
This book has the magic, mythology, and action to take it to the next level - but see, it never really gets there. As I puzzled through why, exactly, it never blew me away, I realized it lacks a solid story arc. You know, a beginning that increases steadily into a climax, then back down to a resolution and some level of a cliffhanger to keep you ready for the sequel. But this entire book feels like an introduction because the intensity level stays consistent (though there are a few slower parts), around the middle of the spectrum throughout the whole book. And the romance is always kind of middle-ground angsty: there is attraction since they meet, but there’s never a breakthrough where they get past the angsty, I’m-not-supposed-to-like-you phase. There is an identifiable climax, but it didn’t have the intensity it should’ve.
Basically, this book is worth the read if you’re looking for a binge-able duology (the sequel has been released) packed full of action, tension, and magic!!! It didn’t quite reach the potential intensity it could’ve achieved, but overall, it is a great fantasy read and a great introduction to the duology! I’m very excited to experience the rest of Gul and Cavas’s story!
If you enjoyed this review, you can friend me here on Goodreads and follow me on Instagram/Pinterest @ashton_reads for more bookish content! Thanks for reading!
books_over_everything's review against another edition
5.0
Initial Thoughts
I had seen this book floating around on Instagram and I believe it was my lovely friends Brad and Britney of @audioshelfme who first showed it off and made me want to look it up. Some things to note, I am half Indian and love seeing Indian mythology represented in fantasy novels. It’s not super commonplace and it was also so important to me that this novel is an Own Voices novel. After learning what the book was about, that it represents my culture, and that the FFBC was hosting a tour, I knew I had to be a part of it!
Some Things I Liked
That glossary. Yes, that is at the end of the novel but major props to Tanaz Bhathena for not italicizing her non-English words. I loved that. As mentioned above, I am half Indian, but I cannot speak a lick of anything other than English. I struggled to pronounce these words as much as probably anyone reading words in a new language would and I love that! Some words felt familiar and others were entirely new and I can’t stress enough how well they were woven into the story. They felt organic. By the end of the book, I still probably couldn’t pronounce most of them, but the vocabulary made so much sense.
Surprise enemies to lovers vibes. I really wasn’t expecting that tension between Gul and Cavas but I was so there for it! I loved their banter and the fact that they both narrate the story.
On that note, I loved Cavas and Gul’s first meeting and all of the other Easter egg kernels sprinkled throughout the book. Latif?? I can’t say any more but, I will say I suspected what his deal was before it was formally announced. However, I loved the subtlety in the writing style. Specifically, the scene where our narrators meet. I recall thinking, is this Gul, no, this can’t be Gul, we’d know if it was her. Tanaz Bhathena didn’t need to say it, she dropped that tiny hint about the necklace with three beads and it was perfect.
Stars as a theme. One word. Obsessed. I can’t stand how much I loved the mythology and world building in this story. This isn’t the first Indian-inspired story about the stars that I’ve read so I’d be curious to delve into my own culture more to find out which myths this book was based on.
Series Value
That ending. First of all, I am officially broken. If it wasn’t for numerous other tour commitments, I’d be in a serious book hangover right now. I must read the next book. It’s not a question of if, it’s definitely when. I can’t wait for it!
Furthermore, the clues and subtle hints in the writing style lend themselves so nicely to a re-read of Hunted by the Sky before reading any sequels. So, this book has both high sequel potential as well as high re-read value.
Final Thoughts
I can’t stand how much I loved this book. I want to tell everyone I know how much I loved it. I read it cover to cover in one sitting. Why can’t all books be this good??
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommendations for Further Reading
The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Choshki – if you enjoyed the themes of gods, goddesses, stars, and Indian-inspired mythology, check out this series. The first two books are relatively independent but should be read in order. The third is a series of novellas of stories mentioned in the first two books (but is totally worth reading).
The Tiger at Midnight by Swati Teerdhala – again, if you can’t get enough Indian mythology, try this series by Swati Teerdhala. Full disclosure, only two of three books are out now and the ending of book two is a doozy. I’m still reeling and I read it almost 2 months ago.
Star Daughter by Shveta Thakrar – again, if you enjoyed the themes of Hunted by the Sky, try this August 2020 release when it comes out. I have an ARC that I will be starting shortly, but I’ve heard really good things about this book.
I had seen this book floating around on Instagram and I believe it was my lovely friends Brad and Britney of @audioshelfme who first showed it off and made me want to look it up. Some things to note, I am half Indian and love seeing Indian mythology represented in fantasy novels. It’s not super commonplace and it was also so important to me that this novel is an Own Voices novel. After learning what the book was about, that it represents my culture, and that the FFBC was hosting a tour, I knew I had to be a part of it!
Some Things I Liked
That glossary. Yes, that is at the end of the novel but major props to Tanaz Bhathena for not italicizing her non-English words. I loved that. As mentioned above, I am half Indian, but I cannot speak a lick of anything other than English. I struggled to pronounce these words as much as probably anyone reading words in a new language would and I love that! Some words felt familiar and others were entirely new and I can’t stress enough how well they were woven into the story. They felt organic. By the end of the book, I still probably couldn’t pronounce most of them, but the vocabulary made so much sense.
Surprise enemies to lovers vibes. I really wasn’t expecting that tension between Gul and Cavas but I was so there for it! I loved their banter and the fact that they both narrate the story.
On that note, I loved Cavas and Gul’s first meeting and all of the other Easter egg kernels sprinkled throughout the book. Latif?? I can’t say any more but, I will say I suspected what his deal was before it was formally announced. However, I loved the subtlety in the writing style. Specifically, the scene where our narrators meet. I recall thinking, is this Gul, no, this can’t be Gul, we’d know if it was her. Tanaz Bhathena didn’t need to say it, she dropped that tiny hint about the necklace with three beads and it was perfect.
Stars as a theme. One word. Obsessed. I can’t stand how much I loved the mythology and world building in this story. This isn’t the first Indian-inspired story about the stars that I’ve read so I’d be curious to delve into my own culture more to find out which myths this book was based on.
Series Value
That ending. First of all, I am officially broken. If it wasn’t for numerous other tour commitments, I’d be in a serious book hangover right now. I must read the next book. It’s not a question of if, it’s definitely when. I can’t wait for it!
Furthermore, the clues and subtle hints in the writing style lend themselves so nicely to a re-read of Hunted by the Sky before reading any sequels. So, this book has both high sequel potential as well as high re-read value.
Final Thoughts
I can’t stand how much I loved this book. I want to tell everyone I know how much I loved it. I read it cover to cover in one sitting. Why can’t all books be this good??
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommendations for Further Reading
The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Choshki – if you enjoyed the themes of gods, goddesses, stars, and Indian-inspired mythology, check out this series. The first two books are relatively independent but should be read in order. The third is a series of novellas of stories mentioned in the first two books (but is totally worth reading).
The Tiger at Midnight by Swati Teerdhala – again, if you can’t get enough Indian mythology, try this series by Swati Teerdhala. Full disclosure, only two of three books are out now and the ending of book two is a doozy. I’m still reeling and I read it almost 2 months ago.
Star Daughter by Shveta Thakrar – again, if you enjoyed the themes of Hunted by the Sky, try this August 2020 release when it comes out. I have an ARC that I will be starting shortly, but I’ve heard really good things about this book.
mariamreadsalot's review against another edition
3.0
How do you review a book you're very ambivalent about? At first, I was intrigued by how quickly events were happening then for like 40 percent of the book, Gul was just being a servant girl and whilst I didn't dislike those bits, I didn't think it was very informative. And it was a little predictable. Until they put her in a cage to fight off a mammoth. That was cool, at least. And the bit about Cavas' magic was intriguing too. I just know I need to read the second book of the duology if I want to scratch that itch. I liked their dynamic together, however, and how often Gul annoyed Cavas. The writing is beautiful, I'll give you that much. And I like the abundance of female characters, which you don't find in a lot of fantasy novels. And they weren't just good people, but also evil. Let women be villains, amirite?
kote_'s review against another edition
5.0
While this book took me awhile to push through, probably around half way in it was impossible to put it down. It was amazingly done with the characters, fight scenes, and additions of cultural aspects. Cavas can be my stable boy anytime
kesreads13's review against another edition
4.0
Loved the chemistry between Gul and Cavas! I look forward to reading the second one.
clonazine's review against another edition
Yo intentando leer un libro YA, se ve que no son para mi, me aburro.
ckkurata529's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 I liked the world and fantasy elements; the characters and their relationships were less developed and I’m marginally concerned about a future love triangle.
hasnita_singh's review against another edition
4.0
Such a great read! It took a little bit for me to get into it but when I did, I fell in love. I love the story, everything Indian, the romance, the characters. And I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book.
caitlink's review against another edition
medium-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Death of parent
Minor: Grief
mjandbooks's review against another edition
4.0
I read this a long time ago and never ended up writing a review but since I buddy-read this with someone, I have a couple of the texts that I'll include in this review:
The opening line is FANTASTIC.
As someone who kind of knows Hindi, reading some of the names is really awkward.
For eg: the General's horse's name is Raat (which means night in Hindi) and one of the sentences reads, "Will he be riding Raat tonight?"
Another name - Neel - which translates into Blue in Hindi - and one line says, "the blue of Neel's eyes."
Yeah, it's like when Americans call a drink Chai Tea Latte.
Still, it's super fun to read a YA Fantasy set in India. It's interesting to see the difference between what YA used to be like, with primarily white protagonists, and now where POC characters are coming into the limelight.
There were some scenes that really touch a chord - like when Gul recalls her mother's words to crack a skill she wasn't able to master and honestly, Gul is a great protagonist! She's a very realistic teenager and her emotions are put across very well through the author's writing. All the older ladies in the book were also great and just badass.
One thing that the author excels at is planting hints of the truer picture - sprinkling little moments that don't seem obvious until you get to the reveal, making it totally uncliche and pulling off surprises like
However, the protagonist's sudden increase in power is something I've never liked in a story and Cavas' father's death was totally unnecessary - Cavas' entire goal in this book was to get his father out and so, allowing his father to come along goes against his character.
Amar is also a WASTE of a character. The romantic subplot was completely unnecessary. Also, Rajkumari Malti is probably my favourite character.
Cavas, our male lead, was such an interesting character - but, on his own. His forced romance with Gul is very yawn-inducing. I don't remember being generally invested in the story arcs of male leads in YA books and so, he was a breath of fresh air.
I'd say that another issue with the book is the pacing - the first 60% is pretty slow after which, it picks up a little too fast and then, that last 10% has the perfect pacing. With the world that the author hints at with that ending, it opens the book to a whole new world and has me kind of excited for the sequel.
Essentially, it's a very formulaic YA book but the different setting is what makes it interesting.
The opening line is FANTASTIC.
As someone who kind of knows Hindi, reading some of the names is really awkward.
For eg: the General's horse's name is Raat (which means night in Hindi) and one of the sentences reads, "Will he be riding Raat tonight?"
Another name - Neel - which translates into Blue in Hindi - and one line says, "the blue of Neel's eyes."
Yeah, it's like when Americans call a drink Chai Tea Latte.
Still, it's super fun to read a YA Fantasy set in India. It's interesting to see the difference between what YA used to be like, with primarily white protagonists, and now where POC characters are coming into the limelight.
There were some scenes that really touch a chord - like when Gul recalls her mother's words to crack a skill she wasn't able to master and honestly, Gul is a great protagonist! She's a very realistic teenager and her emotions are put across very well through the author's writing. All the older ladies in the book were also great and just badass.
One thing that the author excels at is planting hints of the truer picture - sprinkling little moments that don't seem obvious until you get to the reveal, making it totally uncliche and pulling off surprises like
Spoiler
the reveal of Cavas' heritage, Major Shayla's betrayal, and a couple of things that I really appreciated.However, the protagonist's sudden increase in power is something I've never liked in a story and Cavas' father's death was totally unnecessary - Cavas' entire goal in this book was to get his father out and so, allowing his father to come along goes against his character.
Amar is also a WASTE of a character. The romantic subplot was completely unnecessary. Also, Rajkumari Malti is probably my favourite character.
Cavas, our male lead, was such an interesting character - but, on his own. His forced romance with Gul is very yawn-inducing. I don't remember being generally invested in the story arcs of male leads in YA books and so, he was a breath of fresh air.
I'd say that another issue with the book is the pacing - the first 60% is pretty slow after which, it picks up a little too fast and then, that last 10% has the perfect pacing. With the world that the author hints at with that ending, it opens the book to a whole new world and has me kind of excited for the sequel.
Essentially, it's a very formulaic YA book but the different setting is what makes it interesting.