Author: Swati Teerdhala
Series: The Tiger at Midnight #2
Age: Young Adult
Genres: Fantasy
Publication Date: May 26, 2020
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Source: ARC
Purchase: Hardcover | Kindle | Audible | B&N | Book Depository | Play Store | iTunes
Synopsis:
Rescue the Princess. Avenge the dead.
Infiltrate the palace. Reclaim the throne.
Don't get caught.
The Sun Mela is many things: a call for peace, a cause for celebration, and, above all, a deadly competition. For Kunal and Esha, finally working together as rebel spies, it provides the perfect guise to infiltrate King Vardaan’s vicious court.
Kunal will return to his role as dedicated Senap soldier, at the Sun Mela to provide extra security for the palace during the peace summit for the divided nations of Jansa and Dharka. Meanwhile, Esha will use her new role as adviser to Prince Harun to keep a pulse on shifting political parties and seek out allies for their rebel cause. A radical plan is underfoot to rescue Jansa’s long-lost Princess Reha—the key to the stolen throne.
But amid the Mela games and glittering festivities, much more dangerous forces lie in wait. With the rebel Blades’ entry into Vardaan’s court, a match has been lit, and long-held secrets will force Kunal and Esha to reconsider their loyalties—to their country and to each other. Getting into the palace was the easy task; coming out together will be a battle for their lives.
My Rating:
Excerpt
Want to read an excerpt?! Check it out here!
Quote(s) I Like:
"Our innocence left us both earlier than most. The gods decreed this was our path."
"And she knew the one thing she’d never forgive herself for would be endangering her team. They were the family she had found, ones she had cherished and who had cherished her back."
My Thoughts:
This was amazing! No middle-book syndrome here! The action, the characters, the plot twists continues to build up on top of the first book and doesn't slow down! I was so excited reading this for the final book to arrive. The Archer at Dawn picks up right where The Tiger at Midnight ends with Kunal and Esha entering the Sun Mela during the competition and time of festivities that gives them both an opportunity to infiltrate the court.
This book is steeped in Indian history and Hindu mythology. It's rich in culture, has a beautiful balance of a romance and plot. You never get bored of the romance that's taking place and it neither the romance or plot overshadow one another. They balance and add so much depth to the story.
Esha isn't as snippy as usual because she is now playing the role of a noblewoman. It was interesting to see her have to curb her ways in order to pretend. I loved learning more of her story and what happened with her parents. Kunal is also doing a balancing act with being an undercover spy and coming to terms with his new reality and powers. Kunal is an interesting guy for sure.
There are times when the story did feel a bit much with everything going on, but it all made sense towards the end. The characters are well written and the pace is great. I'm excited to see what happens next in the conclusion.
About the Author
After graduating from the University of Virginia with a BS in finance and BA in history, she tumbled into the marketing side of the technology industry. She’s passionate about many things, including how the right ratio of curd-to-crust in a lemon tart. She currently lives in New York City.
Swati is represented by Kristin Nelson of Nelson Literary Agency.
Giveaway
Prize: Win a copy of THE TIGER AT MIDNIGHT and THE ARCHER AT DAWN by Swati Teerdhala (US Only)
Starts: 26th May 2020
Ends: 9th June 2020
Check out the others on the tour by going to Fantastic Flying Book Club's blog!!
Thank you to them for having me on board this tour!
Thank you to them for having me on board this tour!