Markswoman by Rati Mehrotra Narrator: Emily Woo Zeller
Series: Asiana #1
Published by Highbridge on January 23, 2018
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
Length: 11 hours, 5 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Library
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble
Kyra is the youngest Markswoman in the Order of Kali, one of a handful of sisterhoods of highly trained elite warriors. Armed with blades whose metal is imbued with magic and guided by a strict code of conduct, the Orders are sworn to keep the peace and protect the people of Asiana. Kyra has pledged to do so—yet she secretly harbors a fierce desire to avenge her murdered family.
When Tamsyn, the powerful and dangerous Mistress of Mental Arts, assumes control of the Order, Kyra is forced on the run. She is certain that Tamsyn committed murder in a twisted bid for power, but she has no proof.
Kyra escapes through one of the strange Transport Hubs that are the remnants of Asiana’s long-lost past and finds herself in the unforgiving wilderness of a desert that is home to the Order of Khur, the only Order composed of men. Among them is Rustan, a disillusioned Marksman whose skill with a blade is unmatched. He understands the desperation of Kyra’s quest to prove Tamsyn’s guilt, and as the two grow closer, training daily on the windswept dunes of Khur, both begin to question their commitment to their Orders. But what they don’t yet realize is that the line between justice and vengeance is thin . . . as thin as the blade of a knife.
One of my friends reviewed Markswoman, earlier in the year, and I couldn’t resist it. But I was lucky enough to get it on audio from the library. So I don’t know what the deal is, but I’m finding historical fantasy is full of stories about assassins. I have read them from Robin Hobb, Mark Lawrence, and Sarah J. Maas. Those were all excellent stories and so it is here.
Kyra’s entire family was killed and she is raised by the Markswoman. The world-building is complex and even now I don’t feel I understand it all. There are various clans with differing skills. They provide protection for the civilian population from criminals. The clans are all women, except one.
Kyra ends up running when the head of her clan is murdered. She learns many new skills, meets new people and learns more about her past. The traveling and learning help with the development of her character and for us to learn this world. This ends in a furious blast of action. I don’t know what it means and I can’t wait to have more. Mahimata is the next book, scheduled for March 2019.
Narration:
I listened at my usual 1.25 speed. I really enjoyed the voices and tones imparted for Markswoman. The performance enhanced my experience. I was able to listen and let my emotions flow with the story.
Listen to a clip:
About Emily Woo Zeller
Audie award-winning actor, voiceover artist, dancer, and singer Emily Woo Zeller (member SAG-AFTRA) is based in Los Angeles, though her work has been seen and heard internationally. Her wide range of work has included theater and extensive dubbing for film and television in Southeast Asia. Emily’s lifelong theater and dance work includes performance with Ellis Wood Dance, Dutch Kills Theater, FACT/SF, Facing East Dance and Music, Oracle Theater, and physical theater collective Lampazo Group.
Audiofile Magazine named Emily as one of the “Best Voices of 2015” in Nonfiction and Culture for her work on THE LIFE-CHANGING MAGIC OF TIDYING UP by Marie Kondo and “Best Voices of 2013” in Nonfiction and Culture for her work on GULP by Mary Roach. Awards include 2018 Audie for FIRE ROAD by Kim Phuc Phan Thi, Ashley Wiersma; 2015 SOVAS VOICE ARTS AWARD for THE LIFE-CHANGING MAGIC OF TIDYING UP by Marie Kondo; 2015 Audie Nomination for her work on THE BEAM: SEASON 1 by Sean Platt and Johnny B. Truant; Audiofile Magazine Earphones Awards for narrations of THE POPPY WAR by R. F. Kuang; FIRE ROAD by Kim Phuc Phan Thi, Ashley Wiersma, AFTER THE ECLIPSE by Sarah Perry, KITCHEN CHINESE by Ann Mah, UNDER A PAINTED SKY by Stacey Lee, THE LIFE-CHANGING MAGIC OF TIDYING UP by Marie Kondo, GULP by Mary Roach, and TIES THAT BIND, TIES THAT BREAK by Leslie Namioka; the 2009 Tristen Award for Best Actress as Sally Bowles in CABARET; and the 2006 Roselyn E. Schneider Prize for Creative Achievement.
Emily holds a degree from the University of California, Berkeley in Dance and Performance Studies, with a minor in Nutritional Sciences. She is a certified yoga teacher.
About Rati Mehrotra
Born and raised in India, I now make my home in Toronto. I’m represented by the wonderful Mary. C. Moore of Kimberley Cameron & Associates and published by Harper Voyager US. My first book Markswoman was published in January 2018 and the sequel is scheduled for March 2019. I also enjoy reading and writing short stories.
I’m a bookworm – always have been. A few of my favorite writers are Ursula Le Guin, Margaret Atwood, Octavia Butler, Sofia Samatar, N. K. Jemisin, Jack Vance, Neil Gaimam, Gene Wolfe, Patricia A. McKillip, Stephen King, JRR Tolkien, JK Rowling (who can’t love Harry Potter?) and – yes – Jane Austen.
But I actually trained as an Economist. I dreamed in equations for several years before realizing I was wasting my time (both asleep and awake – who wants to dream in equations?). I branched into Environmental Policy, did a stint at the World Conservation Union in Switzerland, and worked in several countries before deciding to make my home in Canada.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2018 Audiobook Challenge
- 2018 Library-Love Challenge
- 2018 New Release Challenge
- COYER BSBB
Haha! Sometimes you just get on a certain kick like that. Last fall, I picked up four in a row that were highly emotional tear jerker types. I’m good for a while on that stuff now. LOL
Historical fantasy can be fun. I have The Falconer on my TBR pile to read at some point. Hope its good like this one.
Well I picked them because they are great books or recommended to me. I didn’t realize until this point it was assassins all the time.
I love Mark Lawrence so you have me curious about this.
It’s really good. You could try it. The narration is great. I’m looking forward to the next one. They had this on audio at one of m y libraries I just had to wait a few months before they got the audio. I was waiting for the ebook and then saw they got the audio and switched to wait for it.
I love a good assassin story. I am going to have to see if my library has a copy of this one. Glad you enjoyed it!
Apparently I do too! I’ve certainly read many of them over the past year or so. But they were all 4-5 hearts.