A review by jessread_s
Of Light and Shadow by Tanaz Bhathena

adventurous challenging emotional tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Thanks to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Review: “Of Light and Shadow” is an epic Indian fantasy romance! 

 

Bhathena draws inspiration for her novel from Indian bandits throughout history—specifically from the famous female bandit Phoolan Devi. As someone who was not familiar with Phoolan’s historical impact before reading the book, I enjoyed learning about her through Bhathena’s fictional protagonist Roshan Chaya. Roshan closely resembles Phoolan in that she, too, was wanted for robbery and kidnapping after capturing Prince Navin during a raid. Despite her crimes, Roshan is beloved by Jwalian villagers—just like Phoolan was greatly admired by the people of India— because she does what she can to fight for their rights. 

 

Bhathena successfully weaves magic into her narrative to add intrigue. In the world of “Of Light and Shadow” there is life magic, death magic, and soul magic. The reader learns more about life magic and death magic through Roshan’s perspective. As a life magus, Roshan uses her energy to heal rather than harm. Though she saves many lives, the papers villainize her for being an outlaw. I for one found her character to be very admirable. She is a strong warrior who only wants the best for her clan. She does not shy away from a fight and knows how to hold her own, which is refreshing to see in a female protagonist. 

 

Prince Navin’s perspective offers readers insight on soul magic and palace life. In addition to using his voice to manipulate emotions, Navin’s soul magic allow him to see the aura of those who are bonded to him. But his powerful magic does not come without cost. As a soul magus, Navin is subject to painful mouth blisters when he overexerts himself. Up until he was held hostage by the Shadow Clan, palace hakims, healers, were at his beck and call whenever he used copious amounts of magic to avoid his responsibilities as the spare prince. 

 

At the beginning of the novel, the pair consider each other enemies. However, the longer Navin spends time with his captives while they wait for the queen to meet the clan’s demands, the more he begins to realize that his people are suffering under his grandmother’s rule. I loved watching Roshan and Navin butt heads while they worked together to enact change and struggle to deny their romantic connection before ultimately acknowledging their feelings.