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The Wrath of Ambar #2
Rising Like a Storm
In the concluding installment to the Wrath of Ambar duology from masterful author Tanaz Bhathena, Gul and Cavas must unite their magical forces―and hold onto their growing romance―to save their kingdom from tyranny.
With King Lohar dead and a usurper queen in power, Gul and Cavas face a new tyrannical government that is bent on killing them both. Their roles in King Lohar's death have not gone unnoticed, and the new queen is out for blood. What she doesn't know is that Gul and Cavas have a connection that runs deeper than romance, and together, they just might have the strength and magic to end her for good.
Then a grave mistake ends with Cavas taken prisoner by the government. Gul must train an army of warriors alone. With alliances shifting and the thirst for vengeance growing, the fate of Ambar seems ever more uncertain. It will take every ounce of strength, love, and sacrifice for Gul and Cavas to reach their final goal―and build a more just world than they've ever known.
With King Lohar dead and a usurper queen in power, Gul and Cavas face a new tyrannical government that is bent on killing them both. Their roles in King Lohar's death have not gone unnoticed, and the new queen is out for blood. What she doesn't know is that Gul and Cavas have a connection that runs deeper than romance, and together, they just might have the strength and magic to end her for good.
Then a grave mistake ends with Cavas taken prisoner by the government. Gul must train an army of warriors alone. With alliances shifting and the thirst for vengeance growing, the fate of Ambar seems ever more uncertain. It will take every ounce of strength, love, and sacrifice for Gul and Cavas to reach their final goal―and build a more just world than they've ever known.
432 pages, Hardcover
First published June 22, 2021
31 people are currently reading
3438 people want to read
About the author
Tanaz Bhathena
7 books659 followersTanaz Bhathena is an award-winning Zoroastrian author of contemporary and fantasy fiction. Her young adult books include Hunted by the Sky, which won the White Pine Award and the Bapsi Sidhwa Literary Prize, and The Beauty of the Moment, which won the Nautilus Gold Award for Young Adult Fiction. Her acclaimed debut, A Girl Like That, was named a Best Book of the Year by numerous outlets including The Globe and Mail, Seventeen, and The Times of India. Her debut adult fantasy, Witch Daughter, will be published in fall 2026 by Grand Central.
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April 8, 2021April 2021: Hello friends! The preorder campaign for this book is now live! This year, along with receiving gorgeous swag, you also have the opportunity to purchase signed copies of the book from two great independent bookstores, Towne Book Center (USA) or The Book Wardrobe (Canada). If interested, please visit the following link for details: https://tanazbhathena.com/summerstorm/
May 2020: This book is officially written. 😈
May 2020: This book is officially written. 😈
will-get-back-to-asap
September 15, 2022January 29, 2021: Who just got an early copy of this? Me! 😭 I'm SO READY to read one of my most anticipated sequels of this year AHHH.
October 02, 2020: THE COVER IS HERE OMG! If I don't get to read this asap, I swear I'll show the wrath of Fanna.
August 17, 2020: I mean, after I loved Hunted By The Sky so much, you can only expect me to sit here and do nothing except WAIT FOR THIS SEQUEL.
October 02, 2020: THE COVER IS HERE OMG! If I don't get to read this asap, I swear I'll show the wrath of Fanna.
August 17, 2020: I mean, after I loved Hunted By The Sky so much, you can only expect me to sit here and do nothing except WAIT FOR THIS SEQUEL.
July 4, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for an egalley in exchange for an honest review.
The second book in The Wrath of Ambar Duology (the first book is #huntedbythesky )and one of my highly anticipated reads of #erinrossreads2021 didn't disappoint. As Gul, Cavas and a group of warriors prepare to wage war against a usurper Queen, they will find themselves tested.
I do believe that I enjoyed this story even more than its predecessor and that was good too.
Publication Date 22/06/21
Goodreads review published 03/07/21
#netgalley #goodreads #teachersandbooks #readersofinstagram #summerreading
The second book in The Wrath of Ambar Duology (the first book is #huntedbythesky )and one of my highly anticipated reads of #erinrossreads2021 didn't disappoint. As Gul, Cavas and a group of warriors prepare to wage war against a usurper Queen, they will find themselves tested.
I do believe that I enjoyed this story even more than its predecessor and that was good too.
Publication Date 22/06/21
Goodreads review published 03/07/21
#netgalley #goodreads #teachersandbooks #readersofinstagram #summerreading
July 15, 2021
I really liked this ending to the Wrath of Ambar duology! I read Hunted by the Sky earlier this year in January and it quickly became one of my favorite South Asian-inspired fantasies. I really love how Tanaz Bhathena draws inspiration from the colonialism that makes up so much of India’s history and portrays them in her novel. As she states in her Author’s Note, this entire series explores what India might have looked like without the British in its helm. One of these features of a newly reconstructed India is the fact that many people were much more outward and open about their sexual orientations. The queer rep in The Wrath of Ambar duology is great, and a reminder of how freely marginalized people would live before colonial rule. I also love how Tanaz Bhathena highlights how multicultural India is with her world-building and characters. You can easily see how the characters in the duology would come from different corners of our real-life India. I’d give this book 4.5 stars--it’s definitely much more fast paced than Book 1!
I also liked how Gul and Cavas’ relationship developed in this book. In Hunted by the Sky, the two were still very unfamiliar with one another and definitely didn’t trust each other throughout the book. In Rising Like a Storm, Gul and Cavas grow closer through their powers and training and ultimately learn how to trust each other--which was super sweet to see. I loved the action sequences and seeing Gul and Cavas become a whole, connected, unit with their powers was really cool. The epilogue was really sweet too!
I also liked reading the chapters with Shayla’s POV in this book. She was a really unique villain and seeing her grow from a cunning, confident ruler to someone falling more and more into their insecurities because of previous failures was interesting to see. Her relationship with Alizeh was also so intriguing, especially since it seemed to be the root cause of her insecurities.
I’d definitely recommend this duology if you’re looking for an ancient Indian-inspired fantasy duology! Although this book is marketed as YA, I would probably recommend it for readers ages 15/16+, as there are some mature themes and graphic violence throughout both books.
I also liked how Gul and Cavas’ relationship developed in this book. In Hunted by the Sky, the two were still very unfamiliar with one another and definitely didn’t trust each other throughout the book. In Rising Like a Storm, Gul and Cavas grow closer through their powers and training and ultimately learn how to trust each other--which was super sweet to see. I loved the action sequences and seeing Gul and Cavas become a whole, connected, unit with their powers was really cool. The epilogue was really sweet too!
I also liked reading the chapters with Shayla’s POV in this book. She was a really unique villain and seeing her grow from a cunning, confident ruler to someone falling more and more into their insecurities because of previous failures was interesting to see. Her relationship with Alizeh was also so intriguing, especially since it seemed to be the root cause of her insecurities.
I’d definitely recommend this duology if you’re looking for an ancient Indian-inspired fantasy duology! Although this book is marketed as YA, I would probably recommend it for readers ages 15/16+, as there are some mature themes and graphic violence throughout both books.
May 22, 2021
Hunted by the Sky was one of my favorite fantasies of last year and I was very excited when I received the advance copy from the publisher. I’ve been in a bad slump for a few weeks now and trying to keep my mind off reality by binging cdramas, but finally decided that it was time to catch up with my arcs. And what better way to get out of my slump than a highly anticipated desi fantasy.
I will be honest, my memory is very bad these days and I couldn’t remember too much of what happened in the first book. So it took me a bit to get into the groove of the story, but I also got slightly bored in the first fifth of the story. There were quite a few training montages and lots of harsh internal monologuing, which made the pace a bit slow and not very engaging. But once the turning point comes (mentioned in the blurb), the story finally picked up the pace as well as intensity, finally engaging me deeply, with a drive to know more. The writing is otherwise wonderful as expected from the author, perfectly capturing the feelings of rage, despair, doubt and all other myriad of emotions in the various characters. However, I did expect that we would get to know more about the world beyond Ambar and maybe even meet other royals and people, but unfortunately the author sticks to one kingdom only. Not that it took away anything from the existing story, it just could have been more expansive and interesting.
It also took me a while to warm up to Gul and Cavas again. The story starts a few months after the end of the first one, and their relationship is already changed. They are both very mentally strong and loyal people, but it seemed like one would drown in his own desire for revenge and the other in her fear of killing innocents. I still believed in them individually as well as together, and their combined magic was fascinating to watch, but I still felt it wasn’t explored enough because they were separated for most of the book. However, the separation also enabled them to fight harder for their survival as well as start believing in each other more, which I really liked, so I guess that was perfect for the plot.
But their interactions with the side characters were my favorite part of the book. There are many of them, each with their own eccentric personality, their own flaws and motivations. It was fun to Juhi and Amira again, their imprisonment terrible to experience but it does nothing to dampen their fierceness. We also get to know new characters like Subhog, Esther, Sami and many other women as well as specters who are lively and fun. I also enjoyed seeing Amar in a completely new light, and just watching everyone experience his thoughts and his honor and hope for a bette future.
In the end, this was a good sequel/finale for this duology. I especially liked the ending because it neatly wrapped up the story, there was enough foreshadowing for the climax which made it more satisfying, and we also get to see a glimpse of the future which was interesting. There were some great action set pieces and wonderful character moments, making this a series I would definitely recommend - especially if you are looking for a new kind of chosen one story by a POC author.
I will be honest, my memory is very bad these days and I couldn’t remember too much of what happened in the first book. So it took me a bit to get into the groove of the story, but I also got slightly bored in the first fifth of the story. There were quite a few training montages and lots of harsh internal monologuing, which made the pace a bit slow and not very engaging. But once the turning point comes (mentioned in the blurb), the story finally picked up the pace as well as intensity, finally engaging me deeply, with a drive to know more. The writing is otherwise wonderful as expected from the author, perfectly capturing the feelings of rage, despair, doubt and all other myriad of emotions in the various characters. However, I did expect that we would get to know more about the world beyond Ambar and maybe even meet other royals and people, but unfortunately the author sticks to one kingdom only. Not that it took away anything from the existing story, it just could have been more expansive and interesting.
It also took me a while to warm up to Gul and Cavas again. The story starts a few months after the end of the first one, and their relationship is already changed. They are both very mentally strong and loyal people, but it seemed like one would drown in his own desire for revenge and the other in her fear of killing innocents. I still believed in them individually as well as together, and their combined magic was fascinating to watch, but I still felt it wasn’t explored enough because they were separated for most of the book. However, the separation also enabled them to fight harder for their survival as well as start believing in each other more, which I really liked, so I guess that was perfect for the plot.
But their interactions with the side characters were my favorite part of the book. There are many of them, each with their own eccentric personality, their own flaws and motivations. It was fun to Juhi and Amira again, their imprisonment terrible to experience but it does nothing to dampen their fierceness. We also get to know new characters like Subhog, Esther, Sami and many other women as well as specters who are lively and fun. I also enjoyed seeing Amar in a completely new light, and just watching everyone experience his thoughts and his honor and hope for a bette future.
In the end, this was a good sequel/finale for this duology. I especially liked the ending because it neatly wrapped up the story, there was enough foreshadowing for the climax which made it more satisfying, and we also get to see a glimpse of the future which was interesting. There were some great action set pieces and wonderful character moments, making this a series I would definitely recommend - especially if you are looking for a new kind of chosen one story by a POC author.
July 2, 2021
Rising like a storm, the second and final installment to the 'Wrath of Ambar' duology, as you might have guessed is just about perfect as the first book was if not more!
If Hunted by the Sky, made your desi hearts flutter with excitement, it's companion sequel leaves you craving for more💘
Set three months future, to the events of Hunted by the Sky in Rising like a Storm, we encounter Gul and Cavas on the run and simmering with revenge against the usurper queen. With so many new characters on tow, the sequel never for a moment berefts you of thrill and twists with every turn of the story.
Gul and Cavas, as protagonists already leaves an impression in the first book but their relationship and their level of mutual understanding just adds a different dimension to the story!
It gets really difficult for me to review the sequel with spoilers breezing your way so take my word for it and JUST READ MY FAVORITE DUOLOGY EVER 😩🥺💘
If Hunted by the Sky, made your desi hearts flutter with excitement, it's companion sequel leaves you craving for more💘
Set three months future, to the events of Hunted by the Sky in Rising like a Storm, we encounter Gul and Cavas on the run and simmering with revenge against the usurper queen. With so many new characters on tow, the sequel never for a moment berefts you of thrill and twists with every turn of the story.
Gul and Cavas, as protagonists already leaves an impression in the first book but their relationship and their level of mutual understanding just adds a different dimension to the story!
It gets really difficult for me to review the sequel with spoilers breezing your way so take my word for it and JUST READ MY FAVORITE DUOLOGY EVER 😩🥺💘
March 23, 2021
NOBODY COME NEAR ME, I AM EXPERIENCING SHRIMP FEELINGS!
June 22, 2021
The last and final book in Tanaz Bhathena’s The Wrath of Ambar series follows Gul and Cavas as they learn more about their magical connections and plan their fight against the new queen. The story starts about a month after the last one ended, and their relationship has already changed. I took some time to warm up to Gul and Cavas again.
I still believed in them individually as well as together, and their combined magic was fascinating to observe. They are both mentally strong and loyal people, but one seemed to drown in his own desire for revenge while the other was consumed by her fear of killing innocents.
Despite the fact that most of the time they are apart, I still felt they weren’t explored enough. However, the separation also enabled them to fight harder for their survival and to start believing in one another more, which I really liked, so I guess that was perfect for the plot.
Ultimately, I thought this was a satisfying conclusion to this duology, with nicely-tied up storylines and foreshadowing of the climax that made it feel more satisfying.
There were a lot of exciting set pieces and great character moments in this series, making it a duology I would recommend – especially if you’re looking for a POC-written chosen one story.
I still believed in them individually as well as together, and their combined magic was fascinating to observe. They are both mentally strong and loyal people, but one seemed to drown in his own desire for revenge while the other was consumed by her fear of killing innocents.
Despite the fact that most of the time they are apart, I still felt they weren’t explored enough. However, the separation also enabled them to fight harder for their survival and to start believing in one another more, which I really liked, so I guess that was perfect for the plot.
Ultimately, I thought this was a satisfying conclusion to this duology, with nicely-tied up storylines and foreshadowing of the climax that made it feel more satisfying.
There were a lot of exciting set pieces and great character moments in this series, making it a duology I would recommend – especially if you’re looking for a POC-written chosen one story.
September 5, 2022
Set three months after the end of the first book, the end of this duology follows our fav gal Gul and sweet boy Cavas as they continue to fight for freedom. So so so good!! WHAT AN ENDING! 👏👏👏🥹
Some of my favorite parts included reading Cavas’s POV, because it really just solidified what a good boy he is and how much he cares about Gul (even when mad at her 🥲) and how he’ll stop at nothing to help the oppressed people around them. Gul really comes into her own throughout the book, while more and more people recognize Cavas’s crucial role in their quest for revenge (among other things).
This book had a lot of world building and a longer training period for the protagonists, which might’ve made it read a little slower but I think it was really important to the character development I saw. It also made me care a whole lot more about the side characters!
Great magic system too!
Anyway, beautiful and impressive story and I hope more people find themselves a copy!
Some of my favorite parts included reading Cavas’s POV, because it really just solidified what a good boy he is and how much he cares about Gul (even when mad at her 🥲) and how he’ll stop at nothing to help the oppressed people around them. Gul really comes into her own throughout the book, while more and more people recognize Cavas’s crucial role in their quest for revenge (among other things).
This book had a lot of world building and a longer training period for the protagonists, which might’ve made it read a little slower but I think it was really important to the character development I saw. It also made me care a whole lot more about the side characters!
Great magic system too!
Anyway, beautiful and impressive story and I hope more people find themselves a copy!
November 4, 2021
CHILD SOLDIERS ARE ROLE MODELS, ACTUALLY?
This book made me feel old.
I’m used to feeling old when reading YA. Usually, though, the reason is that I cannot (nor could I ever) relate to your usual fun teen experiences like going to homecoming, trying to figure out what to major in college, trying to get adults to take you seriously, etc. etc. Rising Like a Storm isn’t a book that made me feel old because of how “juvenile” its conflict and themes were. Rather, this is a book that made me feel old because of how young the protagonists were—and how heavy were the burdens placed upon them.
At the outset, I feel it’s important to make it very clear that Rising Like a Storm is a very good book. It’s a worthy sequel to Hunted by the Sky (reviewed very briefly here), and it perfectly concludes the story of Gul, a Chosen One with goddess-given magical gifts, and Cavas, a non-magical boy from the slums. In the first book, Gul infiltrated the palace and attempted to avenge her parents’ murder; now in the second, Gul is tasked with leading an army, fulfilling a prophecy, and overthrowing a cruel tyrant (again). The stakes literally couldn’t be higher.
So…yeah. I have no complaints about the book. I really don’t! I’d recommend this duology to literally anyone. Bhathena has created an exciting fantasy story with nuanced, well-rounded characters, an interesting Indian-inspired setting, and a fast, super-absorbing pace. There is absolutely nothing I can point to in this book where I can say “yeah, that’s an issue.” Nada.
Instead, my problem with Rising Like a Storm—the question that kept pinging in the back of my brain, more and more insistent as the war over the fate of the empire waged—is this: “where the fuck were the adults in the situation?”
I get it. This is not a book meant for me. This is a book for teen readers about a teenaged Chosen One saving the world. I fit into Bhathena’s target demographic about as well as Steve Buscemi does. I truly, truly understand.
But folks, I simply couldn’t shut off my brain! At its core, this is a book about two 16-year-olds who are hunted, tortured, and persecuted by the state. They then become figureheads for a ragtag rebellion consisting of outcasts and exiles—and they then act as generals in the war against the same state that crushed any hope of a normal childhood for them. Meanwhile, the adults in the room are encouraging these literal children to “be brave and strong” and to “fulfill your destiny” etc., etc. (ONE OF THESE ADULTS IS THE 500+ YEAR OLD KING OF A RACE OF MAGICAL MYTHOLOGICAL BEINGS!!!)
And in the end? The protagonists sacrifice everything they have, up to and including their lives, magical abilities, and/or mental wellbeing, in defense of the entire kingdom. That “fifteen years later epilogue” showing Gul and Cavas (disabled, traumatized) muddling through life in the aftermath of the war alongside their young daughter? It wasn’t wholesome! It was horrific!
WE DO NOT ASK ACTUAL BABIES TO DIE FOR US. WE DON’T. THIS IS A SOCIETY.
(Funny, isn’t it, how child soldiers are always a bad thing…until you’re inside a YA novel?)
I think what made this issue so stark for me was the way Bhathena doesn’t shy away from the brutalities her characters were experiencing. She doesn’t put a shiny gloss on the cruelties of war or fade to black during moments of violence. And then, in one of the most memorable scenes, we see Cavas and Gul on the eve of the Final Battle (after having spent the entire day fighting in the streets and watching their loved ones get slaughtered), holding each other and weeping, absolutely overwhelmed by the responsibility of being both a literal child and a commanding general. It’s too much!
Like I said, I get it. I’m getting too old for this. It’s not the book’s fault. Tanaz Bhathena did a truly excellent job with every aspect of this novel. I enjoyed reading Rising Like a Storm 100%; I found the world-building to be superb; the plot to be exciting; and the prose to be on-point.
Just, please, spare me. I am a humble, impossibly ancient 26-year-old lady; my day job involves severe child abuse/neglect, including various situations where the adults in the room fail to…be adults. I simply couldn’t root for Gul and Cavas as much as I wanted, because I was too focused on how all the alleged grown-ups in their lives had failed them so utterly.
Maybe next time, the gods could pick a Chosen One who’s at least gone through puberty. Just an idea.
📌 . Blog | Review Database | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads
This book made me feel old.
I’m used to feeling old when reading YA. Usually, though, the reason is that I cannot (nor could I ever) relate to your usual fun teen experiences like going to homecoming, trying to figure out what to major in college, trying to get adults to take you seriously, etc. etc. Rising Like a Storm isn’t a book that made me feel old because of how “juvenile” its conflict and themes were. Rather, this is a book that made me feel old because of how young the protagonists were—and how heavy were the burdens placed upon them.
At the outset, I feel it’s important to make it very clear that Rising Like a Storm is a very good book. It’s a worthy sequel to Hunted by the Sky (reviewed very briefly here), and it perfectly concludes the story of Gul, a Chosen One with goddess-given magical gifts, and Cavas, a non-magical boy from the slums. In the first book, Gul infiltrated the palace and attempted to avenge her parents’ murder; now in the second, Gul is tasked with leading an army, fulfilling a prophecy, and overthrowing a cruel tyrant (again). The stakes literally couldn’t be higher.
So…yeah. I have no complaints about the book. I really don’t! I’d recommend this duology to literally anyone. Bhathena has created an exciting fantasy story with nuanced, well-rounded characters, an interesting Indian-inspired setting, and a fast, super-absorbing pace. There is absolutely nothing I can point to in this book where I can say “yeah, that’s an issue.” Nada.
Instead, my problem with Rising Like a Storm—the question that kept pinging in the back of my brain, more and more insistent as the war over the fate of the empire waged—is this: “where the fuck were the adults in the situation?”
I get it. This is not a book meant for me. This is a book for teen readers about a teenaged Chosen One saving the world. I fit into Bhathena’s target demographic about as well as Steve Buscemi does. I truly, truly understand.
But folks, I simply couldn’t shut off my brain! At its core, this is a book about two 16-year-olds who are hunted, tortured, and persecuted by the state. They then become figureheads for a ragtag rebellion consisting of outcasts and exiles—and they then act as generals in the war against the same state that crushed any hope of a normal childhood for them. Meanwhile, the adults in the room are encouraging these literal children to “be brave and strong” and to “fulfill your destiny” etc., etc. (ONE OF THESE ADULTS IS THE 500+ YEAR OLD KING OF A RACE OF MAGICAL MYTHOLOGICAL BEINGS!!!)
And in the end? The protagonists sacrifice everything they have, up to and including their lives, magical abilities, and/or mental wellbeing, in defense of the entire kingdom. That “fifteen years later epilogue” showing Gul and Cavas (disabled, traumatized) muddling through life in the aftermath of the war alongside their young daughter? It wasn’t wholesome! It was horrific!
WE DO NOT ASK ACTUAL BABIES TO DIE FOR US. WE DON’T. THIS IS A SOCIETY.
(Funny, isn’t it, how child soldiers are always a bad thing…until you’re inside a YA novel?)
I think what made this issue so stark for me was the way Bhathena doesn’t shy away from the brutalities her characters were experiencing. She doesn’t put a shiny gloss on the cruelties of war or fade to black during moments of violence. And then, in one of the most memorable scenes, we see Cavas and Gul on the eve of the Final Battle (after having spent the entire day fighting in the streets and watching their loved ones get slaughtered), holding each other and weeping, absolutely overwhelmed by the responsibility of being both a literal child and a commanding general. It’s too much!
Like I said, I get it. I’m getting too old for this. It’s not the book’s fault. Tanaz Bhathena did a truly excellent job with every aspect of this novel. I enjoyed reading Rising Like a Storm 100%; I found the world-building to be superb; the plot to be exciting; and the prose to be on-point.
Just, please, spare me. I am a humble, impossibly ancient 26-year-old lady; my day job involves severe child abuse/neglect, including various situations where the adults in the room fail to…be adults. I simply couldn’t root for Gul and Cavas as much as I wanted, because I was too focused on how all the alleged grown-ups in their lives had failed them so utterly.
Maybe next time, the gods could pick a Chosen One who’s at least gone through puberty. Just an idea.
📌 . Blog | Review Database | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads
July 11, 2021
Also Posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds Instagram
Disclaimer: A physical copy was provided by The Author via Penguin Indiain exchange for an honest review. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
The stunning conclusion the fantasy inspired by the medieval India; Rising Liek A Storm is action packed and full of mail biting adventure.
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A debut fantasy for the author, this conclusion to this Duology picks up about 3 months after the events of Hunted By The Sky. With Gul and Cavas now being hunted by the Usurper Queen, they living with the rebels.
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Rising Like a Storm starts off with the pace that I had gotten used to in Hunted By The Sky - even though there were parts during the middle where it did feel as if the plot was being dragged just for the sake of posterity.
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But Gul and Cavas’s connection and their obvious adoration and unconditional support took my breathe away and made sure that I stuck with this conclusion right till the end.
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The Wrath of Ambar Duology is a desi fantasy that I never even knew I wanted - the richness of Indian culture and traditions is shown not only brilliantly but also with the consideration it deserves!
If you haven’t picked up this Duology, this is the right time to do so; because it’s complete and you can absolutely binge read it! 😉
June 18, 2021
Diving back into the world of Hunted by the Sky was a delightful experience. While I did not completely remember the events that took place in the previous book, getting into Gul and Cavas' head again made the story enjoyable. I loved to see their relationship develop despite the stakes stacked against them. It was difficult to get into the story because of the slower pace and monologues but soon after the action makes up for it and the monologues become important in their character development.
Once again, I appreciate the simple yet wonderful world Tanaz Bhathena has crafted, the medieval setting brought to life with vivid imagination and easy to follow writing. Even the side characters had an important contribution to the story that I adored following. I love how epic the battle scenes were and the tenuous alliances. Also the heartfelt author's note in the end!!
Rising Like a Storm is a satisfying conclusion to The Wrath of Ambar trilogy. Great action, characters and ending chapter. Would definitely recommend this series!
Thanks to the publicist for the ARC!
Once again, I appreciate the simple yet wonderful world Tanaz Bhathena has crafted, the medieval setting brought to life with vivid imagination and easy to follow writing. Even the side characters had an important contribution to the story that I adored following. I love how epic the battle scenes were and the tenuous alliances. Also the heartfelt author's note in the end!!
Rising Like a Storm is a satisfying conclusion to The Wrath of Ambar trilogy. Great action, characters and ending chapter. Would definitely recommend this series!
Thanks to the publicist for the ARC!
November 11, 2022
Let me try to review my new favourite duology - The wrath of Ambar.
Ambar, one of the four kingdoms of Svapnalok is being ruled by a tyrant who is disturbed by the prophecy of a Star warrior with star shaped birthmark who will raise against him and save the kingdoms. Every girl child with any birthmark resembling a star is hunted & abused. When the soldiers came for Gul, a girl with a star shaped birthmark, her parents were killed while protecting her. She wants to avenge the death of her parents but her magic is not stable. Cavas, a non magi suffers a lot under the magi so that he would get money for his father's medicine. How their life gets intertwined and they save the kingdom along with amazing secondary characters is what this series is about.
✨ I've to mention the world building first. The landscape, the magic system, the diverse characters with different sexual identities and beliefs.
✨ Character arc - Gul, though appeared as a relentless teenager in the beginning of the story stood her ground and embraced magic and protected the good. Cavas, who was playing a safe game to protect his father emerged as a warrior himself and travelled along with Gul.
✨The sisterhood - especially Juhi, Kali and Amira are super amazing and I loved how strong they were throughout the book
✨ Special mention to part humans, living spectres and animal whispering.
✨Gul and Cavas romance - though an insta love, I loved how they started trusting each other and leaning on each other slowly and steadily and being the complements is just 💖 (spoilers🙊)
✨Amar, the youngest prince, though seems nice and was just seen using magic or flirting with Gul in the first book emerges well in the 2nd one with all his strategies and game plan
✨For some reason, I am thankful to the author for giving Shayla's pov. Though she is a super villain, it gave depth to her character.
✨I loved how I could easily pronounce the words, be it a salutation, food items or dresses. Only #ownvoices could give that feeling to their readers.
Ahhhh... Someone adapt this into a limited series. I'd love to watch it 😭😭Also go read this amazing Indian+Persian inspired duology.
TW: rape, death, abuse
Ambar, one of the four kingdoms of Svapnalok is being ruled by a tyrant who is disturbed by the prophecy of a Star warrior with star shaped birthmark who will raise against him and save the kingdoms. Every girl child with any birthmark resembling a star is hunted & abused. When the soldiers came for Gul, a girl with a star shaped birthmark, her parents were killed while protecting her. She wants to avenge the death of her parents but her magic is not stable. Cavas, a non magi suffers a lot under the magi so that he would get money for his father's medicine. How their life gets intertwined and they save the kingdom along with amazing secondary characters is what this series is about.
✨ I've to mention the world building first. The landscape, the magic system, the diverse characters with different sexual identities and beliefs.
✨ Character arc - Gul, though appeared as a relentless teenager in the beginning of the story stood her ground and embraced magic and protected the good. Cavas, who was playing a safe game to protect his father emerged as a warrior himself and travelled along with Gul.
✨The sisterhood - especially Juhi, Kali and Amira are super amazing and I loved how strong they were throughout the book
✨ Special mention to part humans, living spectres and animal whispering.
✨Gul and Cavas romance - though an insta love, I loved how they started trusting each other and leaning on each other slowly and steadily and being the complements is just 💖 (spoilers🙊)
✨Amar, the youngest prince, though seems nice and was just seen using magic or flirting with Gul in the first book emerges well in the 2nd one with all his strategies and game plan
✨For some reason, I am thankful to the author for giving Shayla's pov. Though she is a super villain, it gave depth to her character.
✨I loved how I could easily pronounce the words, be it a salutation, food items or dresses. Only #ownvoices could give that feeling to their readers.
Ahhhh... Someone adapt this into a limited series. I'd love to watch it 😭😭Also go read this amazing Indian+Persian inspired duology.
TW: rape, death, abuse
June 3, 2023
actual rating: 3.5 stars
gul finally realized that she needs to use her powers without fear of killing innocent bystanders. in the meantime, her relationship with cavas would develop more and deeper. there's a connection that runs within them that they didn't expect and that might just help them with the war. it was surprising getting shayla's chapters because it preempted me to a lot of inner workings of her mind and psyche when it comes to her rule. overall, it was an exciting conclusion to the duology. tanaz bhathena wrapped everything up nicely and i loved exploring this indian-inspired fantasy world.
gul finally realized that she needs to use her powers without fear of killing innocent bystanders. in the meantime, her relationship with cavas would develop more and deeper. there's a connection that runs within them that they didn't expect and that might just help them with the war. it was surprising getting shayla's chapters because it preempted me to a lot of inner workings of her mind and psyche when it comes to her rule. overall, it was an exciting conclusion to the duology. tanaz bhathena wrapped everything up nicely and i loved exploring this indian-inspired fantasy world.
August 19, 2021
The amount of time that I wasted reading this book I could have lived a thousand lives.
How can a book have so much happening and feels like you were stuck in the same place the whole time?
The romance was cringy af, the plot was VERY repetitive, the ending was confusing as hell...
So MANY PROBLEMS that I have a headache now 😑
How can a book have so much happening and feels like you were stuck in the same place the whole time?
The romance was cringy af, the plot was VERY repetitive, the ending was confusing as hell...
So MANY PROBLEMS that I have a headache now 😑
January 26, 2022
Okay, there was no emotional damage, after all.
Hunted by the Sky was a solid 5 stars for me, but unfortunately, this book was underwhelming. Even though it wasn't a second book in a trilogy, the better part of it suffered from middle book syndrome. Still, though, I consider this duology a favorite.
Things I liked:
- Queer normativity. Being gay in Ambar seemed normal, and wasn't ever a big deal even to rulers. Even the goddesses were gays.
- The chemistry Gul had with both Cavas and Amar. Obviously Cavas was the love interest, but the tension between Amar and Gul never really went away, and tbh I wouldn't be mad if they end up together. I just liked Cavas a bit more.
- The sisterhood bond. I love all-female friendships in books.
- The heart-warming ending!
Things I didn't like:
- Gul and Cavas spent the majority of their time apart. It made the romance lose its appeal that I enjoyed reading their individual parts more than their interactions.
- Gul and Cavas were complements, but their joint powers were barely used in the final battle. It was only Gul who saved the world while Cavas saved her. It was like Shadow and Bone. In fact, they were Mal and Alina, expect Cavas and Gul needed to each other to do magic, whereas Mal was just Alina's amplifier.
- The defeat of Shayla. Like, that was it?
- Captain/Major Emil. So much potential for his character development went unexplored.
- I guess the deaths were necessary considering they were in a war, but I felt like some deaths were just made for the feels. It didn't move the story or develop the main characters more.
- The lacking trigger warnings. This book has sexual assault, torture, and animal death scenes. They should've been noted before the first chapter.
- Rakjumari Malti's brief appearance. We've seen so much of her in the first book. She just makes a cameo here.
- Rushed ending. The battle scene was too long, and after that, a year has suddenly passed, then eleven years. Whut? It's like Supernova's ending.
The things I disliked made me wish this was a trilogy instead, but then the middle book syndrome would be severe in this one should that be the case. But that rushed ending left me underwhelmed and barely satisfied. Heart-warming and cute, definitely, but I wanted to see the kingdom rebuilding, and the relationships developing despite the traumas. Instead we just got "Okay Gul saved the day now let's do a time skip without showing what happened to most of the characters."
Hunted by the Sky was a solid 5 stars for me, but unfortunately, this book was underwhelming. Even though it wasn't a second book in a trilogy, the better part of it suffered from middle book syndrome. Still, though, I consider this duology a favorite.
Things I liked:
- Queer normativity. Being gay in Ambar seemed normal, and wasn't ever a big deal even to rulers. Even the goddesses were gays.
- The chemistry Gul had with both Cavas and Amar. Obviously Cavas was the love interest, but the tension between Amar and Gul never really went away, and tbh I wouldn't be mad if they end up together. I just liked Cavas a bit more.
- The sisterhood bond. I love all-female friendships in books.
- The heart-warming ending!
Things I didn't like:
- Gul and Cavas spent the majority of their time apart. It made the romance lose its appeal that I enjoyed reading their individual parts more than their interactions.
- Gul and Cavas were complements, but their joint powers were barely used in the final battle. It was only Gul who saved the world while Cavas saved her. It was like Shadow and Bone. In fact, they were Mal and Alina, expect Cavas and Gul needed to each other to do magic, whereas Mal was just Alina's amplifier.
- The defeat of Shayla. Like, that was it?
- Captain/Major Emil. So much potential for his character development went unexplored.
- I guess the deaths were necessary considering they were in a war, but I felt like some deaths were just made for the feels. It didn't move the story or develop the main characters more.
- The lacking trigger warnings. This book has sexual assault, torture, and animal death scenes. They should've been noted before the first chapter.
- Rakjumari Malti's brief appearance. We've seen so much of her in the first book. She just makes a cameo here.
- Rushed ending. The battle scene was too long, and after that, a year has suddenly passed, then eleven years. Whut? It's like Supernova's ending.
The things I disliked made me wish this was a trilogy instead, but then the middle book syndrome would be severe in this one should that be the case. But that rushed ending left me underwhelmed and barely satisfied. Heart-warming and cute, definitely, but I wanted to see the kingdom rebuilding, and the relationships developing despite the traumas. Instead we just got "Okay Gul saved the day now let's do a time skip without showing what happened to most of the characters."
December 9, 2021
3.75 stars but rounding up to 4 stars.
Thank you, Penguin Teen and NetGalley, for allowing me to read this book, sorry it is late, but it's here! Of course, all my thoughts and opinions are my own!
So I enjoyed this book a lot more than the first book; the characters were more likeable and relatable, the plot was more specific, the lore was more exciting and complex, and lastly, it just was an easier read.
The story was slower paced than I would like, and while the powers were a little fast to come into control, I think the peak into the scorpion was a benefit. And the good PTSD Rep helped show how fragile and robust both MC's had to be and were for the journey.
The lore and culture are significant as the last book and captured my interest!
Also, you may see I gave the last book 3.5 and wonder why if I liked this book more, I gave it only like 0.25 stars more; I always provide debut books more love.
Thank you, Penguin Teen and NetGalley, for allowing me to read this book, sorry it is late, but it's here! Of course, all my thoughts and opinions are my own!
So I enjoyed this book a lot more than the first book; the characters were more likeable and relatable, the plot was more specific, the lore was more exciting and complex, and lastly, it just was an easier read.
The story was slower paced than I would like, and while the powers were a little fast to come into control, I think the peak into the scorpion was a benefit. And the good PTSD Rep helped show how fragile and robust both MC's had to be and were for the journey.
The lore and culture are significant as the last book and captured my interest!
Also, you may see I gave the last book 3.5 and wonder why if I liked this book more, I gave it only like 0.25 stars more; I always provide debut books more love.
October 12, 2023
absolutely enthralling!!! don’t have enough south asian-based high fantasy novels and i loved the hindi and urdu words interspersed in the story and the details that really remind me of home <3 plus realistic emotions and a thrilling storyline!!!!
February 26, 2021
I love how TB used this duology as an exercise in rewriting Indian history and changing it's colonization through fantasy.
The main characters, Gul and Cava's, both appear to be straight, but TB has two supporting characters in a lesbian relationship to purposefully comment on the fact that homosexuality was against the law until recent history, which is a powerful statement, especially in this historical-type setting.
TB truly paints a beautiful picture of the land, the people, and the mythical creatures in this series.
The piece that made it 3.5 stars for me (between good versus great) was the way the conversations, and sometimes inner-dialogue, seemed to default to extremes. For me, dialogue is more powerful and profound when it has only a few exclamation marks throughout the book. And this felt like every conversation had multiple, even when it didn't seem necessary for the scene. As I have said in other reviews, this might just be my personal preference and the added exclamation marks might breathe more passion into the words for other readers:)
I do want to note possible trigger warnings, without spoilers, because the details were so vivid and incredible at times that it really engages you, but might be something certain readers need to know ahead of time:
This book, like the first, had so much action and adventure and TB does not shy away from graphic details in battle or torture scenes. The scenes where couples.become more.physocally intimate are written with more of a closed-door feel when things start to get extra heated. There is a scene during a battle where a female seems to be on the verge of being raped.
I received an ARC through Net galley in exchange for an honest and fair review and am grateful for this opportunity.
The main characters, Gul and Cava's, both appear to be straight, but TB has two supporting characters in a lesbian relationship to purposefully comment on the fact that homosexuality was against the law until recent history, which is a powerful statement, especially in this historical-type setting.
TB truly paints a beautiful picture of the land, the people, and the mythical creatures in this series.
The piece that made it 3.5 stars for me (between good versus great) was the way the conversations, and sometimes inner-dialogue, seemed to default to extremes. For me, dialogue is more powerful and profound when it has only a few exclamation marks throughout the book. And this felt like every conversation had multiple, even when it didn't seem necessary for the scene. As I have said in other reviews, this might just be my personal preference and the added exclamation marks might breathe more passion into the words for other readers:)
I do want to note possible trigger warnings, without spoilers, because the details were so vivid and incredible at times that it really engages you, but might be something certain readers need to know ahead of time:
This book, like the first, had so much action and adventure and TB does not shy away from graphic details in battle or torture scenes. The scenes where couples.become more.physocally intimate are written with more of a closed-door feel when things start to get extra heated. There is a scene during a battle where a female seems to be on the verge of being raped.
I received an ARC through Net galley in exchange for an honest and fair review and am grateful for this opportunity.
Want to read
October 28, 2021I thought that RISING LIKE A STORM was a fitting and exciting conclusion to the story that began in HUNTED BY THE SKY. Bhathena has such great talent and is I think wayy too underated. There should be more buzz about this YA Fantasy duology with magic, romance and intrigue based on Medieval India. I really enjoyed seeing Gul step into her power and into her role as a leader being the prophesied Star Warrior. Watching her confidence grow was really gratifying and empowering. I also enjoyed seeing the romance between Gul and Kavas bloom and deepen as they learn to be complements to each other both emotionally and magically. I loved the depth of all the side characters and their relationships to our heroes. I also thought that having the usurper Queen's POVs was also a really fun element of this story. Worldbuilding wise, it was just as fantastic as the first book was. It wasn't hard to lose myself in the author's writing. This book and the plot got better and better with every page and the ending was really thrilling and bittersweet, leaving me completely satisfied with how this duology ended. I thought it was neat how open ended the final chapter was and it makes me wonder and hope that we will see more books set in this world in the future.
July 10, 2021
After reading the first book I was so curious about the sequel and I must say I am extremely happy about how it turned out.
I loved reading this book. The journey of the characters, the strength they display is brilliant.
Bringing string characters can usually weaken the plot but not here ! The author has done a great job sewing the story together.
The ending is great, not new yet great. It reminds me of another book that I am not able to place my finger on ... But anyhoooo loved the experience and will definitely recommend this to everyone.
I loved reading this book. The journey of the characters, the strength they display is brilliant.
Bringing string characters can usually weaken the plot but not here ! The author has done a great job sewing the story together.
The ending is great, not new yet great. It reminds me of another book that I am not able to place my finger on ... But anyhoooo loved the experience and will definitely recommend this to everyone.
March 10, 2021
4.5/5 stars
This book was everything I wanted it to be <3
This book was everything I wanted it to be <3
July 16, 2021
I really loved this book! It was as the ending I needed! The battle scenes were amazing!
May 22, 2021
When my kid is one day a teenager, I will give him this YA duology to read - thoroughly enjoyed it.
June 21, 2021
(Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
TW: mention of rape of SC, torture
Rising Like a Storm manages to deliver a book that examines one's responsibility, rebellion, and leadership. What begins as Gul struggling to embrace her powers, ends with epic battle scenes and questions about how to fight for the future. The character, and plot, development throughout Rising Like a Storm is a journey. Gul has to figure out what embracing her power means not only for herself, but also her relationship with Cavas. All while the world, and larger plot, has to figure out how to fight for freedom. While Gul's journey took center stage for me, especially at the end, I loved how epic Rising Like a Storm got! If you were craving some battle scenes, Bhathena delivers action, loss, and sacrifice all in one. If you enjoyed the dynamic between Cavas and Gul in Hunted By the Sky, Rising Like a Storm deepens it further and I found myself becoming more invested as I read
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
TW: mention of rape of SC, torture
Rising Like a Storm manages to deliver a book that examines one's responsibility, rebellion, and leadership. What begins as Gul struggling to embrace her powers, ends with epic battle scenes and questions about how to fight for the future. The character, and plot, development throughout Rising Like a Storm is a journey. Gul has to figure out what embracing her power means not only for herself, but also her relationship with Cavas. All while the world, and larger plot, has to figure out how to fight for freedom. While Gul's journey took center stage for me, especially at the end, I loved how epic Rising Like a Storm got! If you were craving some battle scenes, Bhathena delivers action, loss, and sacrifice all in one. If you enjoyed the dynamic between Cavas and Gul in Hunted By the Sky, Rising Like a Storm deepens it further and I found myself becoming more invested as I read
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
September 2, 2021
The ending was just a little too cliche for me but this was a very fun conclusion!!!!
November 21, 2024
I finally got around to reading this one! I wanted to finish series I had already started and I started this a couple years ago and wanted to finish. The story was very fun to read and had compelling characters. The world is also brilliantly made and filled with lots of magic and political intrigue. Great book!!
3.5/5⭐️
3.5/5⭐️
July 30, 2021
This just felt like such lazy writing, which is such a huge shame because I enjoyed the first one. A force to get through this one though sadly :(
July 23, 2021
Rising like a storm (Book #2) exasperated me a little. The protagonists were drowning in imposter syndrome until the very end and I found that whiny and irritating. It also felt like the story was stretched just because. I honestly couldn’t wait to finish it. I didn’t feel like I got my payback with the ending of the book. It could have been something more.
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