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Absolution #2
Absolution
If cursed is the hand that kills, then it wouldn’t matter if that same hand stole, would it?
Tulen feels doubly cursed, forced to serve the bratty princess of Impian as punishment for her crimes. When said princess embarks on a pilgrimage, Tulen grabs her only chance to offer a sacrifice at the holy city of Suci—and maybe, finally, feel clean again.
Sultan Mikal has set his face towards Suci—and certain death. Nothing about his Penance is clear, except the fact that if he fails, Terang will fall along with him.
When Tulen’s pilgrimage intersects with Sultan Mikal’s quest to fulfil the Covenant of Salt, Tulen faces a difficult dilemma: What is her absolution worth in the face of the sultanate’s very existence?
Tulen feels doubly cursed, forced to serve the bratty princess of Impian as punishment for her crimes. When said princess embarks on a pilgrimage, Tulen grabs her only chance to offer a sacrifice at the holy city of Suci—and maybe, finally, feel clean again.
Sultan Mikal has set his face towards Suci—and certain death. Nothing about his Penance is clear, except the fact that if he fails, Terang will fall along with him.
When Tulen’s pilgrimage intersects with Sultan Mikal’s quest to fulfil the Covenant of Salt, Tulen faces a difficult dilemma: What is her absolution worth in the face of the sultanate’s very existence?
- GenresFantasy
414 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 24, 2022
1 person is currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Anna Tan
32 books177 followersAnna Tan grew up in Malaysia, the country that is not Singapore. She writes fantastical stories and fairy tales, and has short stories included in various anthologies. She helps people publish books at Teaspoon Publishing, which includes yelling at HTML for epub reasons. She is also the editor of NutMag, an annual zine published for and by MYWriters Penang.
Anna has an MA in Creative Writing: The Novel under a Chevening scholarship and is the current President of the Malaysian Writers Society. She is interested in Malay/Nusantara and Chinese legends and folklore in exploring the intersection of language, culture, and faith. She can be found tweeting as @natzers and forgetting to update annatsp.com.
Anna has an MA in Creative Writing: The Novel under a Chevening scholarship and is the current President of the Malaysian Writers Society. She is interested in Malay/Nusantara and Chinese legends and folklore in exploring the intersection of language, culture, and faith. She can be found tweeting as @natzers and forgetting to update annatsp.com.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 24, 2022
"Kudus, why do you hate me so much? What did I do? Why am I cursed?"
(Please note, this is my first book by this author so I had nothing to pull from in other books. Also note that I am retired clergy so my views, which are my own may in some ways differ from others)
So begins this tale that concludes a trilogy set in a fantastical version of southeast Asia. Tulen is an orphan with a certain "gift" that since she has had little to no training on how to handle it has and continues to get her into more trouble than she may understand. She has this "guilt cloud"over her after she thinks she caused her brother's death and attributed that death to the suffen death of her Mak (mother). Did she really cause this? And if she didn't why does she feel so guilty?
Sentanced after picking the pocket of Justice Indah, she is "sentenced" to a 2 year working in the home of the accussor. In reality it is a much better place than she was living. Working with Magda the head of household help, Sabit (the name Tulen has chosen to use in hopes to lessen the world knowing her "burdensome past", in a world of mind readers-herself included). Whule working, se is reintroduced to an old friend, Mikal, who is on a secret journey to restore a covenent his father broke. Tulen has no clue that he is her friend.
What made this book interesting to me was how spiritual it is. Forgiveness, of others and herself is what is hardest for Tulen/Sabit. She and Mikal work on "Tasks" to fulfill the "Mandate of Kudus" to "Walk humbly, show mercy, and do justice in the land" which when clarified means good deeds and miracles performed in the city. A promise to Kudus cannot be broken.
When all the purifications are over, the last is Confession, where a "secretkeeper" delves into the mind and sees what might be hiding. When her mother's best friend turns out to be one of the justices an interesting reunion of sorts comes around as Forgiveness is granted and it seems as if life will return to "normal". Or will it? Recommended 4/5
[disclaimer: I recieved this book from NetGalley. In no way did it afect my review which I voluntarily wrote]
(Please note, this is my first book by this author so I had nothing to pull from in other books. Also note that I am retired clergy so my views, which are my own may in some ways differ from others)
So begins this tale that concludes a trilogy set in a fantastical version of southeast Asia. Tulen is an orphan with a certain "gift" that since she has had little to no training on how to handle it has and continues to get her into more trouble than she may understand. She has this "guilt cloud"over her after she thinks she caused her brother's death and attributed that death to the suffen death of her Mak (mother). Did she really cause this? And if she didn't why does she feel so guilty?
Sentanced after picking the pocket of Justice Indah, she is "sentenced" to a 2 year working in the home of the accussor. In reality it is a much better place than she was living. Working with Magda the head of household help, Sabit (the name Tulen has chosen to use in hopes to lessen the world knowing her "burdensome past", in a world of mind readers-herself included). Whule working, se is reintroduced to an old friend, Mikal, who is on a secret journey to restore a covenent his father broke. Tulen has no clue that he is her friend.
What made this book interesting to me was how spiritual it is. Forgiveness, of others and herself is what is hardest for Tulen/Sabit. She and Mikal work on "Tasks" to fulfill the "Mandate of Kudus" to "Walk humbly, show mercy, and do justice in the land" which when clarified means good deeds and miracles performed in the city. A promise to Kudus cannot be broken.
When all the purifications are over, the last is Confession, where a "secretkeeper" delves into the mind and sees what might be hiding. When her mother's best friend turns out to be one of the justices an interesting reunion of sorts comes around as Forgiveness is granted and it seems as if life will return to "normal". Or will it? Recommended 4/5
[disclaimer: I recieved this book from NetGalley. In no way did it afect my review which I voluntarily wrote]
November 22, 2022
Absolution the book concludes Absolution the series, a trilogy of stories set in a fictional and fantastical version of southeast Asia. The stories and setting feel like they could be historical in some long forgotten part of our world.
Absolution follows Tulen, a young woman who has a special gift, which she uses in all the wrong ways. I really felt for Tulen. She is so relatable in her guilt. Tulen is sure she has committed an unforgivable crime, but the problem is, she's the only one who believes she's guilty. She dwells on it constantly always regretting her actions, never willing to forgive herself.
Since Absolution is a direct sequel to Amok, Mikal is back though not the POV character. He is on a mission to restore the covenant that was broken by his father. He is journeying in secret and it's really fun knowing who he is while Tulen has no clue. I really like the way these two interact with each other. They are extremely shippable.
This book is the most spiritual of the three books in the Absolution series. Amok was mostly about having faith through adversity. The Tale of the Hostage Prince was about the importance to stay firm in your beliefs even when it might cost you everything. But Absolution takes it to the next level. It's got so many themes, such as listening for the voice of God, forgiveness—even of oneself, and the most important lesson of all—Leave the goat behind. (You'll get it when you read it.)
*the author gave me an ARC of this book for the purposes of review. My review here is my own honest opinion of the provided work*
Absolution follows Tulen, a young woman who has a special gift, which she uses in all the wrong ways. I really felt for Tulen. She is so relatable in her guilt. Tulen is sure she has committed an unforgivable crime, but the problem is, she's the only one who believes she's guilty. She dwells on it constantly always regretting her actions, never willing to forgive herself.
Since Absolution is a direct sequel to Amok, Mikal is back though not the POV character. He is on a mission to restore the covenant that was broken by his father. He is journeying in secret and it's really fun knowing who he is while Tulen has no clue. I really like the way these two interact with each other. They are extremely shippable.
This book is the most spiritual of the three books in the Absolution series. Amok was mostly about having faith through adversity. The Tale of the Hostage Prince was about the importance to stay firm in your beliefs even when it might cost you everything. But Absolution takes it to the next level. It's got so many themes, such as listening for the voice of God, forgiveness—even of oneself, and the most important lesson of all—Leave the goat behind. (You'll get it when you read it.)
*the author gave me an ARC of this book for the purposes of review. My review here is my own honest opinion of the provided work*
January 6, 2023
A humble thank you to the author and Teaspoon Publishing for this e-ARC in return for my honest review. I am so happy to read the remainder of this lovable series! I finally have closure now...
Absolution trails after Amok where the first was from Mikal's POV and this second one is from Tulen's POV. Tulen is a gifted girl who can read minds and is living on the rough trying to make ends meet whilst hiding from the Justice. She has been evading the laws trying to look for her Aunt Rahsia and hoping to go on a pilgrimage to Suci in hopes of absolution, to be clean of the crime she thinks she has committed. In the end, she was caught red handed stealing a purse and to avoid going to jail, she has agreed to work at a palace. Things began to change for the better and she finally gets to go on a pilgrimage, thanks to the princess under her care. Her road to absolution entails with many trials and tribulations including meeting a mysterious guy named Penebus.
I am amazed with the story, the journey Tulen had taken, the adventure both Tulen and Penebus endured to finally reach Suci and fulfill their pilgrimage! It was filled with lots of uncertainty, turbulent thoughts and hindrance but also with lots of faith; totally keeping me on the edge. I couldn't wait to finish it, to know how it ends. I definitely felt relieved and glad that it was a HEA ending!
The author has managed to pace the story, filled it with the right amount of suspense and details in this wonderful imaginary world! It does feel relevant especially since it's taken from the Nusantara vibe and emulate it nicely in this world of hers! This is by far the best amongst her other novels in my opinion! I could imagine the story easily whilst reading it! Upon reaching the end, I did wish for more though LOL!
Absolution trails after Amok where the first was from Mikal's POV and this second one is from Tulen's POV. Tulen is a gifted girl who can read minds and is living on the rough trying to make ends meet whilst hiding from the Justice. She has been evading the laws trying to look for her Aunt Rahsia and hoping to go on a pilgrimage to Suci in hopes of absolution, to be clean of the crime she thinks she has committed. In the end, she was caught red handed stealing a purse and to avoid going to jail, she has agreed to work at a palace. Things began to change for the better and she finally gets to go on a pilgrimage, thanks to the princess under her care. Her road to absolution entails with many trials and tribulations including meeting a mysterious guy named Penebus.
I am amazed with the story, the journey Tulen had taken, the adventure both Tulen and Penebus endured to finally reach Suci and fulfill their pilgrimage! It was filled with lots of uncertainty, turbulent thoughts and hindrance but also with lots of faith; totally keeping me on the edge. I couldn't wait to finish it, to know how it ends. I definitely felt relieved and glad that it was a HEA ending!
The author has managed to pace the story, filled it with the right amount of suspense and details in this wonderful imaginary world! It does feel relevant especially since it's taken from the Nusantara vibe and emulate it nicely in this world of hers! This is by far the best amongst her other novels in my opinion! I could imagine the story easily whilst reading it! Upon reaching the end, I did wish for more though LOL!
April 27, 2023
“Trust Kudus. Trust in Him with all your heart and follow where He leads. Then you will find what you seek. Loosen your hands. Your grip is too tight and you must learn to let go. He wants to lead you through unknown paths where you cannot see the way.”
— ★★★☆☆ (3/5) —
Even though I rated this 3★, I really love the series as a whole. I love the world, the devotional quotes, the characters, and the connection between them.
If the first book, Amok, told the story about Mikal from Maha, and the novella (book 1.5), The Tale of the Hostage Prince told the story about Yosua from Bayangan, this finale told the story about Tulen from Impian. Although it has diverse main characters, the timeline continues in each book. Likewise with the main characters, each of them has connections/relationships with the other.
This book is much slower than the first book. I knew it mainly because this book is more about the journey, the pilgrimage, and the personal devotion. I literally perked up when I saw the romance potential, but unfortunately, I ended up feeling dubious about their relationship in the end.
Overall, Absolution is a book about a journey to forgive yourself, to let go of every guilt burden we have and surrender it to God. Only Him who can heal us and lift every burden we have.
November 30, 2022
My full review is on my blog ♡
This book easily made its way to the deepest parts of my heart simply because of Tulen and Mikal’s existence 🥹💗 If you’ve known of my love for Amok by Anna Tan, you’ll know how much I loved Mikal. To finally have him again, although not from his pov this time, still felt wondrous 💖 And Tulen is lovely and relatable; she’s just so easy to love.
A huge part of Absolution focuses on the characters’ faith in Kudus, and I like that there are no villain in this story, not really, apart from their own conscious self. This story is milder compared to the first two books in the series, but I still teared up at the guilt and fear that consumed both Tulen and Mikal. I was not expecting any romance in this book, but I found myself building a ship for these two characters in no time 🥹🫶🏻 I manifested a Permaisuri and I got it 😌✨✨
Although Tulen and Mikal are definitely one of my favourite soft pairs, I would still say that the mvp of this story is Sang Kambing 😂🐑 Survival skills? Check. Clingy? Check. Stole everyone’s hearts? Definitely check.
Many thanks to Anna Tan and Teaspoon Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
"Mikal, I'm scared."
"Of what? We're here. Almost safe."
"For you."
He laughs. "Don't be. I've accepted my fate."
"Have you?"
He doesn't reply.
This book easily made its way to the deepest parts of my heart simply because of Tulen and Mikal’s existence 🥹💗 If you’ve known of my love for Amok by Anna Tan, you’ll know how much I loved Mikal. To finally have him again, although not from his pov this time, still felt wondrous 💖 And Tulen is lovely and relatable; she’s just so easy to love.
A huge part of Absolution focuses on the characters’ faith in Kudus, and I like that there are no villain in this story, not really, apart from their own conscious self. This story is milder compared to the first two books in the series, but I still teared up at the guilt and fear that consumed both Tulen and Mikal. I was not expecting any romance in this book, but I found myself building a ship for these two characters in no time 🥹🫶🏻 I manifested a Permaisuri and I got it 😌✨✨
Although Tulen and Mikal are definitely one of my favourite soft pairs, I would still say that the mvp of this story is Sang Kambing 😂🐑 Survival skills? Check. Clingy? Check. Stole everyone’s hearts? Definitely check.
Many thanks to Anna Tan and Teaspoon Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 14, 2024
I was definitely hooked and invested in Tulen. Though I really enjoyed all the three books thoroughly, I felt like this book, towards the end, is too biblically based.
Spoiler:
There is one part where Kudus appears before Tulen and Mikal and I was left wondering what Kudus looked like.
I hope there are more books on Terang in the future. Really liked the world building.
Spoiler:
There is one part where Kudus appears before Tulen and Mikal and I was left wondering what Kudus looked like.
I hope there are more books on Terang in the future. Really liked the world building.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews