DECEMBER 2020 - AudioFile
Jenny Bryce narrates the epic conclusion to the Khorasan Archives fantasy quartet. Arian and the rest of the Companions must overcome their greatest challenges yet in order to finally defeat the One-Eyed Preacher and liberate Khorasan from the forces of the Talisman. While the cast is large and the plot somewhat convoluted, Bryce does an excellent job keeping everything clear through her use of accent and inflection for each character. There are four narrative threads to follow as the Companions battle a multitude of enemies, but Bryce never falters as she guides listeners. While the ending is somewhat drawn out, it will be deeply satisfying to those loyal to the series. K.M.P. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine
Publishers Weekly
★ 07/13/2020
The grand finale to Zehanet Khan’s Khorasan Archives series (after The Blue Eye) resoundingly rounds out the series’ fierce feminist themes. After completing the mysterious ritual of Ascension, heroine Arian, the First Oralist of Hira, swears herself in service of justice, equity, and peace. She sets to work with others in Hira, the Citadel of female Companions, to fend off the Talisman, repressive male invaders, once and for all. Meanwhile Daniyar, the noble Silver Mage Arian loves, leaves her to help cleanse the lands of Khorasan of evil as enemy hordes besiege the walls of Ashfall, the Black Khan’s capital. Sophisticated political intrigue within both Hira and Ashfall complicate their separate missions, which are both liberally sprinkled with thoughtful musings on religion and philosophy. Fantasy fans will savor the luxurious prose and insights into the profundities of love and sacrifice. Bringing such a complex series to a satisfying end is no small feat, and Zehanat Khan pulls it off with grace. Agent: Danielle Burby, Hannigan Getzler Literary. (Oct.)
From the Publisher
"The grand finale to Zehanat Khan’s Khorasan Archives series (after The Blue Eye) resoundingly rounds out the series’ fierce feminist themes...Fantasy fans will savor the luxurious prose and insights into the profundities of love and sacrifice. Bringing such a complex series to a satisfying end is no small feat, and Zehanat Khan pulls it off with grace." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"The development of this world and the subsequent changes it undergoes are truly masterful and fascinating to watch play out through Khan's Khorasan Archives series." — Booklist
Booklist
"The development of this world and the subsequent changes it undergoes are truly masterful and fascinating to watch play out through Khan's Khorasan Archives series."
Booklist
"The development of this world and the subsequent changes it undergoes are truly masterful and fascinating to watch play out through Khan's Khorasan Archives series."
Library Journal
10/02/2020
The One-Eyed Preacher continues his reign of terror, conquering more of the land of Khorasan with his Talisman forces. Arian, her friend and fighting partner Sinnia, and the Council of Hira, along with their allies, are all that stand in his way. In order to protect the community of Hira and Ashfall, the capital of west Khorasan, Arian and her allies must find Bladebone, an ancient weapon, if they have any hope of defeating their enemy. Rich with mythology and detailed, descriptive language, Khan's "Khorasan Archives" series concludes with this fourth epic feminist fantasy tale that seals the fate of many favorite characters. While the glossary and list of characters are helpful, readers new to the series should start with Book 1 (The Bloodprint), as the mythology is complex and the characters numerous. VERDICT Recommended for fans of quality worldbuilding, and for libraries where Khan's other books are popular.—Lynnanne Pearson, Skokie P.L., IL
DECEMBER 2020 - AudioFile
Jenny Bryce narrates the epic conclusion to the Khorasan Archives fantasy quartet. Arian and the rest of the Companions must overcome their greatest challenges yet in order to finally defeat the One-Eyed Preacher and liberate Khorasan from the forces of the Talisman. While the cast is large and the plot somewhat convoluted, Bryce does an excellent job keeping everything clear through her use of accent and inflection for each character. There are four narrative threads to follow as the Companions battle a multitude of enemies, but Bryce never falters as she guides listeners. While the ending is somewhat drawn out, it will be deeply satisfying to those loyal to the series. K.M.P. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine
