BOOK 1:

Pros: brown people in a non-western based culture, decent writing

Cons: Jandu tbh (but he's a HUGE one), sex scenes I wanted to skip over

I wanted to give this book a two because it upset me, but the writing and storytelling were pretty good for the most part so it goes one star up.

Why did this book upset me. Well, I have a chronic issue with the main couples of books and this is kind of at the top of my list right now. I literally hated Jandu and I hated his romance with Keshan. Like, I loved Keshan and I wish more of the book had been in his point of view, to be honest.

The construction of a caste system was kind of interesting. Not necessarily innovative, but it was nice to see brown people which always fills me with happiness. It was nice to have the point of view of Tarek sometimes because I actually love him and I would totally be into reading Tarek/Keshan fanfiction. I'm assuming Jandu with magically come to care for all classes after living in exile or something but I'm not sure I'm into it enough to find out. I feel like I'll still hate him. Which is weird because I'm often into self-centred assholes. *shrug*

Honestly the book wasn't too bad but Jandu ruined the book for me and so did the sex, which probably isn't too much for some people but it was annoying for me. Go ahead and read it, if you'd like.

BOOK 2:

Better than the first, I guess. Jandu's changing from a complete asshile to less of an asshole, but this doesn't need to be called a book by itself though.

I can see why this was released as 1-3 in one book because nothing happens in book two that is really significant. We get character growth from Jandu but that really just makes it a ton of filler. It could be attached to book 3 with no problem probably.

I'm not exactly glad I read this one after the 1st was awful because I'm terrified 3 with be as bad as 1 and I will have waste a few hours of my life.

I still want more of Tarek though and Keshan as well. I still don't really like Jandu but I'm glad he's a better person now?

BOOK 3:

I actually ended up not completely hating Jandu. He grew so much as a person and learned so much about not being a sexist idiot that I actually kinda liked him at the end???

This book was thus infinitely better than the first two. I understand that we had to watch his growth in order to get it but I disliked him so much throughout the series that I can't even go back and let go of the fact that he caused me so much pain through his horridness.

The writing of these stories is good though and the plot is interesting enough that I continued reading even through I wanted to burn Jandu. I would recommend them only read all three together and only with a heads up that Jandu actually literally does grow in a good way even if you have to wait until almost the end. ( )

Pretty good book actually. I wasn't expecting that much of an actual plot. The characters are relatively well written and the plot is well thought out.

What I liked most was that there isn't a sole focus. The politics, relationships and action, and even the religion was remarkably balanced throughout the entire book.

I had two problems with the book. The pacing and the presentation. It's difficult to figure out how much time passes between events until it's explicitly stated. The pace doesn't change much so events seem as though they are simply presented as is and expected to be taken at face-value. There seems to be little depth. ( )

Astrid Amara has created as beautifully written, engaging fantasy with detailed world-building and a plot-driven romance at the heart. I was torn between classifying this as a romance in a fantasy setting, or a fantasy with a romantic subplot, because the two genres are so well balanced and fully developed. The fantasy world draws heavily from Indian influences, such as the caste system, the physical descriptions of the characters and even the fashion. Into this, she has introduced a unique, and appropriately limited magical system. Sometimes authors get carried away with magic, as though it is the end-all and be-all of fantasy. Here, the human kingdom is mirrored by a Yashva (demon) kingdom. Special "spells" can call the demons from their realm into the human one to be used as magical energy weapons, or for healing. The ruling Triya caste believes only they can invoke these shartas - when the fact is the lower castes are not even permitted to try to learn.

The caste system plays a crucial role in the plot, but I was also relieved the author didn't go the cliché route of having lovers from two different castes falling into a Romeo and Juliet parody. Jandu and Keshan are both of the highest caste. Keshan wants to improve the lot of the lower castes; Jandu cannot see past his own reality until it is forcefully changed. I was shocked, and then delighted when the author brought in a plot twist where Jandu is transformed by a curse to give him an entirely new perspective. It was both funny, and also inherently sad. The romance between Jandu and Keshan, kept secret because same sex relationships are forbidden, builds slowly and believably - as does Jandu's enlightenment. He doesn't fall in love and suddenly alter his worldview. There is explicit sex, but it naturally occurs and does not dominate the story.

Overall, I was enthralled by this novel. And it is a novel, with a lot of depth to the main plot and subplots. No large fonts or big margins to pad the page count. There is a large cast of players, each with substantial character development. Conspiracies, politics, battles and relationships all play out. The descriptions are detailed and vivid, pulling a reader into the world. The dialog is sharp and realistic. My only minor critique is I would have liked to see more of the fallout from the final battle. In this instance, I think an epilogue would have been very welcome. Highly recommended. ( )

I have the most difficult time to review this book. Not because of the story or the writing but because it is not what I expected. When I bought it I had no notion it was inspired by the ancient indian epic The Mahabharata. Nothing appeared in the book about it nor in the reviews I had read. Unfortunately I was unabled to put myself in the right frame of mind and kept waiting for the epic mode - the Mahabharata was a GREAT discovery for me.
Epic and psychology don't agree with each other : they are two contrary ways of viewing the world. For me, the psychological causes that drive the protagonists feel weak compared to epic scope of the model which include the gods and the whole world.
And so I was disappointed til the end because I could not accept the book for what it is. The irony is that I would have bought the book at once if I had known its roots but I would have been prepared . I guess I 'll have to read it again later. However I think it would be more honest to mention the Mahabharata at some point.
So what did I learn from reading this book ? That U. Eco is right to emphasize the part of the reader in the fabula ! ( )

Reading The Archers Heart was truly a pleasure. This beautiful fantasy novel draws on elements from the Mahābhārata and is set in a land, not dissimilar to India, called Marhavad. It is a tale of caste, magic, betrayal, adventure, war and love. I spent a week sloping off to bed early just so I could read more!

I think the first thing that appealed was the setting. The Indian influence that saturated Marhavad was delightful and with most of what I’ve read in fantasy set in more European influenced worlds, an enjoyable change. It made me remember reading The Far Pavilions (incredible, beautiful story) and sneaking out to watch The Jewel in the Crown when I was younger. I cannot express how nice it is to read about somewhere a little different and loose some of the Anglo-European centric feel that many fantasy novels have. No LOTR template here and no singing hobbits either!

The world building was tight with magical elements blending seamlessly within the historical feel of the novel. It was also well paced with nothing glossed over or rushed despite the book covering a period of several years. There were the odd bits that lagged, but for the most part I was kept well entertained.

I liked the character of Keshan Adaru, who is a man with change at the forefront of everything he does. He is determined to see a society where all men and women are treated equally and the caste system removed. He is charismatic and beautiful. The romance that blossoms between him and Prince Jandu Paran kept me up way past my bedtime. I think, of the two characters, the depth and growth of Jandu was what really captured my interest. He begins the story a brash young boy and grows into a man worthy of his title. And yeah, all serious waffle aside it was kinda hot. heh.

The inclusion of Tarek Amia, whose story runs along side that of Keshan and Jandu, was very poignant at times. I enjoyed his stoic, soldier like nature and unrequited love for his Prince. Such an honorable man, I wanted someone to ruffle his hair occasionally.

If I have any whinges it’s that I did find Jandu’s curse a little odd in the scheme of things. While it did move the story along it was a little different and unexpected. I also felt a bit uncomfortable at the unsympathetic portrayal of Keshan’s wife and wondered if this could have been handled a little differently.

I think the most charming thing about this book is its uniqueness. I don’t think I’ve really read anything quite like it before and this was probably its most appealing quality. Beautifully presented and a distinctively different read that is well worth reading. Liked it lots!

Paperback from Blind Eye Books and from Amazon.
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