Review copy was received from Edelweiss. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Mahimata by Rati Mehrotra Series: Asiana #2
Published by Harper Voyager on March 5, 2019
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
Pages: 371
Format: eARC
Source: Edelweiss
Goodreads
Amazon, 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.
I read the first book, Markswoman, getting it on audio from the library. I really enjoyed it and was excited to see what would happen now. I knew there would be challenges for Kyra and a big battle against Kai Tau. I wanted to know about Nineth and Rustan. The character development in both books was well done. (The publisher told me there won’t be an audio of Mahimati at this time)
It’s my understanding Mahimata is the sequel and end of the Asiana series. While we learned more about this world and the different clans, there is much yet to understand. Kyra barely took the role as Mahimata. She spent much time recovering and preparing to fight Kai Tau. The further developments with the wyr-wolves were great. I loved knowing more about them, just as I loved learning about the Marksmen in the first book.
There is a huge battle where so many lives are lost. I enjoyed this story but I still have so many questions. How do the clans get along now? Who will make the kataris? Will the Orders allow marriage or relationships to bring new children with talents to life? The ending for Rustan and Kyra was too vague for me.
Giveaway:
I got a print Advance Reader Copy in a Goodreads giveaway. Since I also was able to get an eARC from the publisher, I’m giving away the print ARC.
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.
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.
Friend or follow me at Goodreads.
- Sunday Post – 8 December 2024 @kimbacaffeinate @readingreality - December 8, 2024
- Read A Series in a Month Challenge November 2024 Results @AndrewMayne @OhSusannahJones #BrillianceAudio @Limabean74 #BerlsS #SeriesinaMonth #LoveAudiobooks #KindleUnlimited🎧 - December 7, 2024
- Love You A Latke by Amanda Elliot @AmandaPanitch @BerkleyPub @BerkleyRomance #HoHoHoRAT2024 - December 5, 2024
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2019 Releases
Hmm. I’m glad you enjoyed this Anne but it’s rather frustrating to think you still have so many unanswered questions. I understand open-ended endings but it seems like there’s more to this story. Too bad this may be the end of the series.
It’s possible I am not grasping some things. I can’t help thinking if I read the ending again or talk it over with other readers maybe I’ll “get” it. *shrugs* I enjoyed the book; I just wanted more.
ah it’s too bad about the ending, it’s frustrating when it’s like that
Well it’s possible I didn’t understand or my own head had a different ending in mind it doesn’t want to let go of it. Still, it is a good book.
Sounds like a good fantasy worldbuilding and action plot, but being left with questions at the end would drive me nuts even if it was just me not getting it. 🙂
Yes that is part of the rating. Who knows, maybe the author will write a book or novella in this world at some point.
Some book endings still haunt me. I just finished a series and got the perfect ending. Now I’m afraid to finish the next one I’m into. LOL I sure like the story line for this one.
Well every author has to write their story and make their choices. I may have different ideas which mess me up or I may not like their choices. I think it might be more the first or just wanting to know more, as I loved the world and the characters here.
Yes, it is their story and we are lucky to be a part of it for a brief amount of time:) I don’t know what I would do without books!
I hate it when a story doesn’t answer all of my questions by the end. I haven’t read the first book in the series yet and am not entirely sure that it is for me.
I did love the first book and this one, and sadly I don’t think another book is planned. I hate feeling like I’m stupid, like I didn’t get it at the end. But I’ll take some of the blame for having ideas about what I wanted to see happen.
The books are unique and I did really enjoy them.
Oh, no… i hate unanswered questions. I hope they decide for a third book.
I don’t think so. But I feel stupid like I didn’t understand the ending. I loved the books though.
Sounds like you are set up for the next book in the series. 🙂
I am but I think this is the end. Perhaps she will do a short story in this world with some of the other characters or a spinoff series someday.
Im a HUGE fan of assassin books and this series is new to me and added to my TBR !
I was surprised how many assassin series I know when I thought about it. Check out the SoS which is assassin series including this one.