The Archer at Dawn (Tiger at Midnight Series #2)

by Swati Teerdhala, Sneha Mathan (Read by), TBD (Read by)

Overview

Romantic intrigue and electric action fill the gripping sequel to The Tiger at Midnight, a world inspired by ancient Indian history and Hindu mythology. Perfect for fans of Sabaa Tahir and Victoria Aveyard.

A stolen throne. A lost princess. A rescue mission to take back what’s theirs.

For Kunal and Esha, finally working together as rebels, the upcoming Sun Mela provides the perfect guise for infiltrating King Vardaan’s vicious court. Kunal returns to his role as dedicated soldier, while Esha uses her new role as adviser to Prince Harun to seek allies for their rebel cause. A radical plan is underfoot to rescue Jansa’s long-lost Princess Reha—the key to the throne.

But amidst the Mela games and glittering festivities, much more dangerous forces lie in wait. With the rebel’s entry into Vardaan’s court, a match has been lit, and long-held secrets will force Kunal and Esha to reconsider their loyalties—to their countries and to each other.

Getting into the palace was the easy task; coming out together will be a battle for their lives. In book two of Swati Teerdhala’s epic fantasy trilogy, a kingdom will fall, a new ruler will rise, and all will burn.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781094159447
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	05/26/2020
Series:	Tiger at Midnight Series , #2
Product dimensions:	5.20(w) x 5.70(h) x (d)
Age Range:	12 - 17 Years

About the Author

Swati Teerdhala is a storyteller at heart. After graduating from the University of Virginia with a BS in finance and BA in history, she tumbled into the marketing side of the technology industry. She’s passionate about many things, including how to make a proper cup of tea, the right ratio of curd to crust in a lemon tart, and diverse representation in the stories we tell. The Tiger at Midnight is her debut novel. She currently lives in New York City.

Sneha Mathan spent a peripatetic childhood in India, punctuated by a short spell in the Seychelles. Now fixedly based in Seattle, she works as a voice actor and audiobook narrator. Her audiobook work has received four Earphones Awards, and she is a two-time finalist for the Audie Award.

Editorial Reviews

Teerdhala’s debut, immersed in Indian fantasy, features two compelling protagonists who must question their loyalties and decide what they’re willing to sacrifice for the chance at a new future. Fast-paced action and a budding romance between emotionally layered characters make this a promising start to a gripping new series.

ALA Booklist

Cat-and-mouse maneuvering between assassin Esha and reluctant soldier Kunal will hold you in tantalizing suspense in this searing debut exploring love, loss, and destiny. The Tiger at Midnight is as alluring and fearless as its characters.

Stacey Lee

Praise for The Tiger at Midnight: “Thrilling, entertaining, and beautifully written, this is one adventure YA fans won’t want to miss.

Buzzfeed

Follow Esha and Kunal on a dangerous journey through lush jungles and bustling cities, where the stakes are life and death, and victory comes at a terrible price. Teerdhala has written a masterful debut full of breathless twists and turns and a romance to ignite the senses.

Axie Oh

A deliciously twisty cat-and-mouse story that had me racing through the pages. I love stories that challenge their protagonists’ beliefs, and both Esha and Kunal face complex, heart-breaking decisions in their journey to discover both themselves and each other.

Natasha Ngan

"If you crave Indian-inspired stories or yearn for unconventional South Asian protagonists, this is the book for you. Teerdhala’s ability to control pacing is exceptional, and her fantastic world-building coupled with her page-turning tension will keep you captivated."

Brown Girl Magazine

2020-05-02
When rebel Esha and soldier Kunal join forces to fight for the land they love, they risk their lives—and their budding relationship.

In this sequel to The Tiger at Midnight (2019), Esha and Kunal travel to the royal city of Gwali for the annual Sun Mela alongside the Crescent Blades, the rebel group that Esha leads. This time, their mission is to save deposed Dharkan prince Harun’s sister, princess Reha, from Vardaan, the usurper king of Jansa, who is also Harun and Reha’s uncle. Harun’s interest in his sister goes beyond family ties: Reha’s magical blood is necessary to seal the ancient janma bond with the gods that protects the lands of both Dharka and Jansa. Before performing the ceremony, Harun plans to use his sister to restore his family to the throne. As Esha and Kunal work together with the Crescent Blades, loyalties are tested, trusts are betrayed, and promises are broken—especially after Esha discovers that the soldiers who killed her parents are attending the Mela, providing her with a chance to avenge her family’s deaths, but only at the cost of the mission. Teerdhala’s Hindu-mythology–inspired world is richly drawn, and the book’s fight scenes are detailed and action packed. At times, however, her prose is confusing, making the plot difficult to follow, especially for readers unfamiliar with the first book.

A South Asian–inspired fantasy with a strong female lead. (map) (Fantasy. 14-18)

Kirkus Reviews