The Blue Eye - (Khorasan Archives) by Ausma Zehanat Khan (Paperback)

About the Book

"The Companions of Hira have used their cunning and their magic in the battle against the patriarchal Talisman, an organization whose virulently conservative agenda restricts free thought. One of the most accomplished Companions, Arian, continues to lead a disparate group in pursuit of the one artifact that could end the Talisman's authoritarian rule: The Bloodprint. But after a vicious battle, the arcane tome has slipped once more beyond her reach. Despite being separated and nearly losing their lives, Arian's band of allies has remained united. Yet now, the group seems to be fracturing. To continue the fight, Arian must make a dangerous journey to a distant city to recruit new allies. But instead of her trusted friends, she is accompanied by associates she may no longer be able to trust."--

Book Synopsis

"Ultimately, it is the feminist themes that shine throughout that make this not only a worthwhile read for any fantasy fan, but a series that will stand the test of time. Khan has proved herself a master of the genre by telling a timely, necessary story." -- Booklist (starred)

A band of powerful warrior women continues its resistance against an oppressive dark regime in this penultimate installment in the Khorasan Archives fantasy quartet--a series that lies "somewhere between N. K. Jemisin and George R. R. Martin" (Saladin Ahmed).

The Companions of Hira have used their cunning and their magic in the battle against the patriarchal Talisman, an organization whose virulently conservative agenda restricts free thought. One of the most accomplished Companions, Arian, continues to lead a disparate group in pursuit of the one artifact that could end the Talisman's authoritarian rule: The Bloodprint.

But after a vicious battle, the arcane tome has slipped once more beyond her reach. Despite being separated and nearly losing their lives, Arian's band of allies has remained united. Yet now, the group seems to be fracturing. To continue the fight, Arian must make a dangerous journey to a distant city to recruit new allies. But instead of her trusted friends, she is accompanied by associates she may no longer be able to trust.

Building on the brilliance of The Bloodprint and The Black Khan, this third volume in the Khorasan Archive series ratchets up the danger, taking the conflict to a darker, deadlier place, and setting the stage for the thrilling conclusion to this acclaimed #ownvoices fantasy.

Review Quotes

"Khan has created a rich, well-crafted world that will appeal to readers of S.A. Chakraborty's The City of Brass or Erika Johansen's The Queen of the Tearling." - Booklist on The Black Khan
"Khan draws on her Muslim heritage and Middle Eastern history to root her dark fantasy in distressingly believable realities, and avoids the middle book slump by ramping up complex plot twists, character betrayals, and other surprises with a crime-writer's aplomb." - B&N Sci-fi and Fantasy Blog (Best of October 2018) on The Black Khan
"Definitely a FANGRRLS-esque read." - SyFy Wire on The Black Khan
"The Bloodprint is extraordinary. The book is wonderfully written; its poetic prose and mix of history, faith, and adventure reminiscent of a post-apocalyptic Odyssey . . . this time with a pair of women warriors at the helm.'' - S.A. Chakraborty, author of The City of Brass, on The Bloodprint
Khan's latest is a tale that will grip readers from the start. With beautiful, vibrant storytelling. . . . Khan's first installment in her new fantasy series is truly remarkable." - RT Book Reviews on The Bloodprint
"For fans of complex fantasy series with a girl-power theme." - Booklist on The Bloodprint
"Ultimately, it is the feminist themes that shine throughout that make this not only a worthwhile read for any fantasy fan, but a series that will stand the test of time. Khan has proved herself a master of the genre by telling a timely, necessary story." - Booklist (starred review)
"Fans of Saladin Ahmed's Middle Eastern fantasy worlds will appreciate this series for its non-European flavor; those who enjoy Katherine Kurtz's “Deryni” books will savor its detailed worldbuilding and shifting alliances." - Library Journal
"Her lush descriptive passages, echoes of Mideastern lore, and alluring glimpses of idyllic love ring true, and readers will linger on her central message of defiance against destructive book-burning purges and other violence meant to preserve the status quo. With strong writing and vigorous pacing, this is a satisfying addition to the series." - Publishers Weekly