Realm of Ash by Tasha Suri

Series: The Books of Ambha (#2)

Format: 457 pages, Paperback

Published: November 12, 2019 by Orbit

Fantasy /own

I could not remember everything from book 1, but you do not need to. It happened 10 years ago, and Arwa thinks her sister was dead. And I was all, is she? Not sure. But hey that works for the story.

Indian inspired. An empire in decline. A young widow, Arwa, goes to a place for widows. Cos yeah widows are useless. But instead she becomes embroiled in the search for a solution for what is happening, together with Zahir, the emperor´s bastard.

I liked the setting and story. There is so much history and mythology. Like how her people are part Daiva (like Jinn.) And obvi she will end up with Zahir in the end, though no romance here. Just a tiny sliver

I´d say the negative part was the end. All worked out well. Except everything is still shit...then what????

I think this duology could do with another one, or maybe this is life. They are good for now while the world burns.

The Ambhan Empire is crumbling. A terrible war of succession hovers on the horizon. The only hope for peace lies in the mysterious realm of ash, where mortals can find what they seek in the echoes of their ancestors' dreams. But to walk there requires a steep price.

Arwa is determined to make the journey. Widowed by a brutal massacre, she's pledged service to the royal family and will see that pledge through to the end. She never expected to be joined by Zahir, the disgraced, illegitimate prince who has turned to forbidden magic in a desperate bid to save those he loves.

Together, they'll walk the bloody path of their shared past. And it will call into question everything they've ever believed...including whether the Empire is worth saving at all.