Of Light and Shadow: A Fantasy Romance Novel Inspired by Indian Mythology
By (Author) Tanaz Bhathena
Farrar, Straus & Giroux Inc
Farrar, Straus & Giroux Inc
10th October 2023
4th July 2023
United States
Young Adult
Fiction
Childrens / Teenage fiction: Relationship stories
813.6
Hardback
448
Width 162mm, Height 236mm, Spine 37mm
618g
Eighteen-year-old Roshan is out for justice. Abandoned by her parents at birth and taken in by Jwala's most notorious bandit, she is now leader of the Shadow Clan, a gang impoverished by the Jwalian government's atrocities. Her goal: expose the government's corruption to Queen Bhairavi of Jwala, and earn back rights for her people. Second in line for the throne, Prince Navin has always felt like an outcast. When a night out drinking with friends leads to his capture by the Shadow Clan, Navin plots to befriend Roshan and use her to buy back his freedom-and he has no intention of sympathizing with her cause. The closer Navin and Roshan get, the harder it becomes to fight against their growing attraction. But can love be enough to overpower injustice, deceit, and even death
"Gorgeous storytelling, electric chemistry, and masterful worldbuilding make Tanaz Bhathena's Of Light and Shadow an absolute page-turner. Perfect for fans of swoon-worthy romance against a backdrop of rich epic fantasy." - Susan Dennard, New York Times-bestselling author of the Witchlands series
"A spellbinding tale in a rich and detailed world, Of Light and Shadow is full of unforgettable characters in a story that will keep you helplessly turning the page. The magic system is unique and surprising, and the twists will make you gasp. Bhathena has done it again!"
- C. S. Pacat, New York Times-bestselling author of Dark Rise and The Captive Prince trilogy
"With its deep-dive world-building, complex characters, and energetic storyline, Of Light and Shadow delivers a ragingly good read. Come for the luscious, historically-inspired setting and stay for the pitch-perfect emotional journey of Roshan and Navin." - Megan Bannen, author of The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy and Soulswift
"Evocative writing and layered world building bring the glittering cities and brutal badlands of Jwala to life. Political intrigue, family drama, and deep-rooted corruption provide a compelling backdrop for a fascinating battle of wits and magic between a roguish prince being held for ransom and the rebel leader who kidnapped him. Lines are crossed and allegiances shift in this fast-paced and romantic epic fantasy." - Nicki Pau Preto, author of The Crown of Feathers trilogy
"Bhathena once again showcases her lush writing and tremendous world-building skills; this is a satisfyingly suspenseful, romantic, and adventurous tale." - Teen Vogue
"A radiant enemies-to-lovers romance, set in a magical world that glitters . . . and fractures. When a bandit queen captures a flirtatious prince and holds him for ransom, the two must question everything they thought they understood about the other. The bond they build could change everything. With this standalone romantic fantasy, Tanaz Bhathena delivers." - Jodi Meadows, New York Times-bestselling author of My Plain Jane and the Fallen Isles Trilogy
"A spoiled prince and an infamous outlaw forge an unlikely alliance in this dazzling adventure." - Publishers Weekly
"An enchanting romantic fantasy weaving together history, magic, and inspired resistance." - Kirkus
"A worthwhile fantasy with a sobering reminder that those who write history don't always tell the truth." - Booklist
Tanaz Bhathena writes books for young adults. Her fantasy novel Hunted by the Sky was named a Best Book of the Year by the CBC and USBBY, and is the first of a YA fantasy duology set in a world inspired by medieval India. Her novel The Beauty of the Moment won the Nautilus Gold Award for Young Adult Fiction and has also been nominated for the Ontario Library Association's White Pine Award. Her acclaimed debut, A Girl Like That, was named a Best Book of the Year by numerous outlets including The Globe and Mail, Seventeen, and The Times of India. She lives in Mississauga, Ontario, with her family. Visit her at tanazbhathena.com.