My book club (hey Moody Readers) read both books in The Wrath of Ambar duology - and we loved them! Tanaz is such a skilled writer!

I love a story where the main characters must help rebuild a kingdom or country, restoring it to power. Gul and Cavas’ have to reunite in book two, and their developing relationship was great. I also really liked the queer rep, and how Tanaz used real world India history to influence her storytelling. She asked "What If?" and incorporated it into the story, with a magical twist.

4.5 Stars. Highly recommend this duology, and I will be reading everything Tanaz writes!

*Gifted by Netgalley & Farrar, Straus and Giroux - thank you! All opinions are my own.

This book was just sadly not for me! I was hoping for something different but it turned out to be something I was not expecting, which is okay and I'm sure someone else would love it!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a free advanced copy of this book to read and review.

Rejoice in the glory that is Rising Like a Storm, the epic sequel to Hunted by the Sky.
I loved the first book, and the second one is even better, and Tanaz Bhathena is an excellent writer. She writes vivid characters and scenery, each scene detailed that I felt completely immersed. She brings the feel of India to life in the book. And she makes sure that the medieval India setting is historically accurate, which I like when authors do that. There is lots of action and adventure, and she doesn’t hold back in the more graphic descriptions.
Gul and Cavas and the other characters go through a lot, but there are happy parts and the ending is happy and satisfying and what they deserve.

It’s an excellent book, and I loved reading it.

Thanks to Netgalley and FSG for sending an ARC to review - all opinions are my own.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4065720866

this duology is one of the best South Asian-inspired fantasies out there and this was a fantastic conclusion to the duology. Rising Like a Storm was much more fast-paced than the first book and i loved it through and through!

What a amazing book! I feel in love with this one. The story is spectacular, all the characters are super vivid. I recommend with my heart.

"The sky has fallen, a star will rise
Ambar changed by a king’s demise
A girl with a mark, a boy with her soul
Their fates intertwined, two halves of a whole
Usurpers have come, usurpers will go
The true king waits for justice to flow."

In the final installment of the Wrath of Ambar duology, a new prophecy has appeared forcing Gul and Cavas to work together, whether they want to or not.

I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure, and this duology has solidified itself as one of my new favorite series.

I love Gul and Cavas, with their "I'm attracted to you but I don't wanna be" relationship. They both have to learn to appreciate each other and work together to save the world and I am here for it!

I hope to see more people reading this series soon!

*Free copy of this book was provided by publisher for honest review. All thoughts are my own*

let me start off by saying I don’t have a kindle so I avoid e-books. that’s mostly because I stare at screens all day so I don’t want to stare at my phone on my off time from work. I swear i’m not trying to be a snob. RISING LIKE A STORM is one of the few books i’ll make an exception for.

it is one of my most anticipated releases this year. ever since I read the first book, HUNTED BY THE SKY, i’ve wondered at least once a week what happens to Gul and Cavas (dramatic? yes I am). I cant really reveal anything without spoiling the first book so bare with me. thank you @macmillanusa for the ARC!

the stakes were high in this book. I felt stressed reading it, especially towards the end. Gul and Cavas are who I wish I was when I was a teenager. I was rooting for them the whole time. the magical descriptions made me with I had pictures to accompany the book so I could see everything!

I loved the different POVs for each chapter so I could really get into each of the character’s heads. the women in this book are so badass. maybe even more than the first book?! I even love the history woven throughout the story. the themes of classism and racism were so thoughtfully done.

the only real issue I had was that there were lots of newer characters in the beginning that was a little to keep track of. it was also a little slow but I might’ve felt that way because I was eager to know what happens 😂

overall, the ending is so satisfying. it’s hard to give a worthy conclusion to a series but it was done. I want a tv, spin-off series, everything!! I don’t want to leave Ambar yet! I am a little sad!

side note: I mentioned this a lot in my review for HUNTED BY THE SKY, but it was really nice to feel represented and seen. I saw my actual name in a book. that never happens. representation is important. learning about other cultures is important. read this book. I promise it is a great one and a special one. thank you @bhathenatanaz for this gift 💛

This book was an amazing conclusion to this duology. It was such a rollercoaster but in the best of ways! I absolutely loved the cast and would love to see some novellas and/or companion series to this book because Tanaz created such a rich world that could be further explored!

I thought that RISING LIKE A STORM was a fitting and exciting conclusion to the story that began in HUNTED BY THE SKY. Bhathena has such great talent and is I think wayy too underated. There should be more buzz about this YA Fantasy duology with magic, romance and intrigue based on Medieval India. I really enjoyed seeing Gul step into her power and into her role as a leader being the prophesied Star Warrior. Watching her confidence grow was really gratifying and empowering. I also enjoyed seeing the romance between Gul and Kavas bloom and deepen as they learn to be complements to each other both emotionally and magically. I loved the depth of all the side characters and their relationships to our heroes. I also thought that having the usurper Queen's POVs was also a really fun element of this story. Worldbuilding wise, it was just as fantastic as the first book was. It wasn't hard to lose myself in the author's writing. This book and the plot got better and better with every page and the ending was really thrilling and bittersweet, leaving me completely satisfied with how this duology ended. I thought it was neat how open ended the final chapter was and it makes me wonder and hope that we will see more books set in this world in the future.

Though the writing in these books is beautiful, the story is incredibly slow and difficult to invest in. I constantly found my mind wandering.

Rising like a Storm is the second half of The Wrath of Ambar duology by Tanaz Bhathena. I loved Hunted By the Sky and the Wrath of Ambar duology as whole. This is a breathtaking adventure filled with magic, romance, and wonderfully complex characters. I think the Wrath of Ambar Duology will appeal to longtime fans of fantasies, as well as fantasy readers that are feeling a bit of fantasy burn out, and feeling like all the books they read are the same. Hunted by the Sky and Rising Like a Storm are NOT the same as all other fantasies. The world feels fresh and nuanced in a really wonderful way. I loved the world building just as much as I loved the characters, which is saying a lot coming from a character driven reader.

Rising Like a Storm follows Gul and Canvas from book book one as they continue to learn more about themselves and their abilities. In case you need a quick refresher- Gul witnessed the murder of her parents, which was seemingly linked to the king trying to disposing of any and all girls who have birthmarks because of a prophecy he heard. Gul and her family have been on the run for most of her life. Because of this, Gul is determined to get revenge. Next we have Canvas who is caring for his sickly father. Then we add in the magical abilities of the world. In this world we have magic wielders (magi) and non-magical (non-magi) and they are treated very differently.

Gul and Canvas are still very much in the thick of things because in Rising Like A Storm we have a new government and rulers in place (read book one to find out why!). I loved getting swept back up into this story. I was so invested in Gul and Canvas and I just wanted them to get a happily ever after because of everything they have both been through. Rising Like a Storm was such a satisfying read! I loved it so much! There are a few slow bits early on in the book because of the situation our characters found themselves in, but I quickly fell back into the groove and became as enchanted with this world and Tanaz’s writing as I was with the first book.

Overall, whether you are a die-hard fan of classic fantasy, or if you have been a bit bummed out that all fantasy seems the same lately, Rising Like a Storm and the Wrath of Ambar series as a whole is a fantastic duology that is sure to engage and thrill you. I think you will fall in love with the magic, characters and world. I know I did.

Side note: I fall into the die hard fan category, but I do know many people have told me that they are put off of fantasy at the moment because everything feels the same or “been-done-before”.

*This review has NO spoilers, except for what is included in the summary I copied from Goodreads.*

This sequel had the character and story arcs the first book needed, but I’m still not sure it reached its potential.

Goodreads synopsis
With King Lohar dead and a usurper queen in power, Gul and Cavas face a new tyrannical government that is bent on killing them both. Their roles in King Lohar's death have not gone unnoticed, and the new queen is out for blood. What she doesn't know is that Gul and Cavas have a connection that runs deeper than romance, and together, they just might have the strength and magic to end her for good.

Then a grave mistake ends with Cavas taken prisoner by the government. Gul must train an army of warriors alone. With alliances shifting and the thirst for vengeance growing, the fate of Ambar seems ever more uncertain. It will take every ounce of strength, love, and sacrifice for Gul and Cavas to reach their final goal―and build a more just world than they've ever known.


So in my review of the first book, Hunted by the Sky, I thought I had pinpointed the issue I had with the book: I thought I didn’t quite click with the book because the plot didn’t reach its potential, because the plot didn’t go anywhere. And while I still think that’s true, Rising Like a Storm made me realize the root of the issue runs deeper, with the characters.

This book has all the mythology, rebellion, romance, and action of the first book but multiplied. The stakes are even higher as the main characters finally must reconcile their differences and embrace their deepening relationship in order to harness the magical connection they share and save their kingdom from its new tyrant. This sequel has all the elements it needs to rise to the top of the young adult fantasy charts, yet it couldn’t quite overcome the duology’s rocky start.

As I said, I realized the problem is the characters. I want to like them. SO bad. There are so many reasons to like them, and I can tell Bhathena tried to make the two main characters, Gul and Cavas, three-dimensional by making them kind of selfish… but I don’t think that works when there is no character development for the entire first book. And as a result, there is no actual development in the romance, hence why I thought there was no development in the plot – the romance is practically the foundation of the entire plot, especially for Rising Like a Storm, so it didn’t matter that this sequel was marginally better executed than its predecessor because the foundation wasn’t there.

So while I was hoping this sequel would redeem the duology, I just couldn’t get past the lack of true development in the first book that made everything in the sequel ring false. I think if you want an energetic and interesting fantasy duology to binge and these plot points sound interesting, give it a try! But my relationship with this duology is… very complicated, and I think there are better-executed fantasy books and series to try out instead 😊

Thank you so much, Fierce Reads, for providing me a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review; all opinions are my own. Rising Like a Storm released June 22nd.






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I LOVED THIS BOOK! I actually think it's even better than the first one. I was so excited when Hunted By The Sky came out last year because oh my gosh, a book about what India would’ve been like if it wasn’t colonized? A book about a sisterhood that found and protected each other from a tyrannical empire? A girl, young, alone, and afraid, who decided she would be the one of create change? YES PLEASE!
I thought the first book had really interesting concepts, beautiful worldbuilding, and fascinating allusions to previous South Asian empires. I thought Hunted by the Sky was pretty good, but Rising Like a Storm was GREAT! The sequel is so fast paced and action packed, unlike the first book that takes 200 pages for the main character to put a plan in action.
I’m going to be honest, I thought the sequel might’ve been boring and might just draw out the end of the first book, so I put off reading the ARC until this past weekend. I finished Rising Like a Storm in TWO DAYS! I wouldn’t know peace until I finished it snd knew what happened to the fates of Gul and Cavas. This series is absolutely amazing, and most definitely stronger together. If you want to read Hunted by the Sky, trust me, you’ve got to pick up Rising Like A Storm right after!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ebook!

This is the second to The Wrath of Ambar Duology. I was looking for following the adventures of Gul and Cavas. I thought it was well worth a read. Readers are transported to a magical setting with interesting characters. I enjoyed the buildup to the adventures. I noticed that Tanaz Bhathena as a writer enjoys setting the story before exploring the main conflicts. There's also a lot of angst between the two characters and I really enjoy reading it even if it is painful. Overall, a fun and worthwhile read.

I do love historical fiction and I enjoy dystopian YA, so this was a very pleasant read for me. Unfortunately, I have not read the first book in the series. I felt a little bit like I was solving a puzzle as I read, but it was not at all impossible to enjoy this book. I really like the reimagining of India's history as it was portrayed here, but there were some very violent aspects to it that might be troubling for some readers. Overall, though, it was masterfully told!

A very strong conclusion to a compelling and diverse fantasy duology. The worldbuilding specifically stood out throughout, and the characters continue to be easy to root for and connect with!

This book was an incredible end to a perfect duology. I loved the characters, the development of the villain, the romance, and expansion of the magical world. I just wish there were more books!

After the events of Hunted by the Sky, Gul and Cavas must reckon with King Lohar's death, and the wrath of those who seek to avenge him. With the entire nation seemingly bent on finding them, Cavas is soon taken prisoner, and Gul is left alone. Unwilling to accept this separation, and determined to save Cavas from certain pain, Gul marshals a fighting force to fight for Cavas's freedom, and also for the freedom of their country's people. Just like the old government, the new government is willing to rule with an iron fist. As Cavas trains troops, the real battle is fought within, for Cavas must embrace the magic inside, and remember the bond with Gul, in order to emerge victorious.

I enjoyed the second half of this duology, and I really like that it's inspired by Indian culture and history! Gul and Cavas have already been through a lot, so it's really tough on both of them when they are separated from each other, and have to rely on their own abilities, instincts, and resourcefulness to survive without each other. The descriptions of the setting, food, and characters are immersive, and though there are a few spots with extended monologues, the exposition pays off when it's time to go to war for the sake of the people.

I really felt like the story hit its stride once Gul and Cavas were reunited, but it wouldn't have felt so satisfying if they hadn't been ripped apart in the first place. Their individual struggles helped amplify and emphasize their combined power. Just as their magical abilities complement each other, Rising Like a Storm complements Hunted by the Sky admirably, and is a magical conclusion to the Wrath of Ambar duology. Recommended for fans of the first story, for readers interested in fantasy steeped in Indian culture, and those who appreciate stories that provide characters the chance for independent growth, while also utilizing their combined strength to accomplish great and amazing feats.

4.5 ⭐ rounded to 5 ⭐

This was an action-packed, entertaining, and satisfying conclusion to The Wrath of Ambar duology. I found some parts a bit predictable, but Tanaz Bhathena's execution of the plot made it still enjoyable to read. I was curious to see how Gul and Cavas's stories and their relationship with each other would evolve as the romance was pretty much established in book one, with conflict coming in at the very end, and I appreciated how Bhathena didn't pull any punches and dove right into all the ways in which their individual motivations had changed since Hunted by the Sky and how that affected their relationship to this new world and to each other. I was also very happy to see some of the secondary characters who were only mentioned in book one come to life in this one.