Khorasan Archives, Book 3: The Blue Eye

by Ausma Zehanat Khan

Other authorsMicaela Alcaino (Cover artist)
Hardcover, 2019

Status

Available

Call number

813.6

Publication

HarperVoyager (2019), 400 pages

Description

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 being 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.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member DGRachel
I've been trying to figure out what to put in this review. It's difficult because (a) I love Ausma Zehanat Khan, so writing a thoughtful review that is more than just fan-girling is hard, and (b) there's so much going on in this book and this series that I want to both avoid spoilers, but still
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convince people to read the books. It is a series that among people I know is underrated and under-read.
The Blue Eye is book three in The Khorasan Archives, a Fantasy series that features a unique magical structure, strong female protagonists, and a Middle Eastern setting that I can't get enough of in the genre. Many characters are morally gray, with often selfish motives, but the truly evil villains, like The One Eyed Preacher and his followers known as the Talisman, call to mind the horrors of modern religious zealots, which lends an eerie realism to the series.
The Blue Eye is dark. There's still no happy ending, at least not yet, and nearly everyone's motives are suspect. Our heroines suffer greatly. Previously concealed identities are revealed and the answers are shocking. It's action packed, and there were many moments when I read on with my heart in my throat, fearing for my favorite characters.
I think the thing I love most about this series, though, is something that has become even clearer in this third installment. The system of magic and power is tied to The Claim, the sacred religious text of all Khorasan. As a reader, the idea of words and stories, whether fables or histories, being the center of strength and power, is beautiful and relatable. I am both looking forward to the final installment of The Khorasan Archives, which *should* be out later this year, and dreading it. I am sure there will be more loss, more heartbreak, but I am hopeful that Khan will end the series on a high note and that Good will triumph over Evil. I'm willing to send her chocolate and all the cat pictures she could possible want, if she'll take bribes
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Language

Original language

English

Original publication date

2019-10-22

Physical description

400 p.

ISBN

000817167X / 9780008171674

Local notes

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.

Signed, stamped & numbered, limited edition of 150 copies, signed by the author.
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