Hunted by the Sky

Hunted by the Sky takes place in a medieval India-inspired fantasy kingdom called Ambar, where magic users with star-shaped birthmarks face persecution. The story centers on Gul, a young woman marked by destiny who seeks revenge against the King's army for killing her parents. In this world of court politics and forbidden magic, Gul trains with a rebel group while crossing paths with Cavas, a stable boy at the palace who harbors his own dangerous secrets. Their lives intersect as prophecies, ancient powers, and royal plots threaten to reshape their world. The novel merges Indian mythology and fantasy elements to explore themes of fate versus free will, the cost of revenge, and the complex dynamics of power. Through its magic system and world-building, the story examines questions of identity and resistance in a society divided by class and magical ability.

Readers describe this YA fantasy as action-packed but slow to start. The Indian-inspired world building and magic system drew praise, with many highlighting the detailed descriptions of food, clothing, and customs. The romance subplot received positive mentions for avoiding common YA tropes. Liked: - Complex female characters - Cultural representation - Magic system based on star signs - LGBTQ+ representation - Historical inspiration from medieval India Disliked: - Pacing issues in first third - Predictable plot twists - Some found the protagonist passive - Romance felt rushed to some readers Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (3,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (180+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.3/5 (30+ ratings) Common reader comment: "Beautiful world-building but takes time to get invested in the story" Several reviewers compared it favorably to An Ember in the Ashes and Girls of Paper and Fire for its similar themes and setting.

The Tiger at Midnight by Swati Teerdhala Features an assassin training with rebels to infiltrate a palace in a fantasy world inspired by ancient Indian mythology and politics.

Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan Depicts a persecuted class of people in an Asian-inspired fantasy realm where a young woman plots against a corrupt monarchy.

We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal Follows a female hunter disguising her identity in an Arabian-inspired fantasy kingdom while navigating court intrigue and forbidden magic.

Empire of Sand by Tasha Suri Centers on a woman with magical abilities linked to ancient gods who must survive in a fantasy world based on Mughal India.

Star Daughter by Shveta Thakrar Builds a fantasy narrative around Hindu mythology where a half-star protagonist discovers her celestial powers while navigating between two worlds.

⭐ The novel's magical system draws from Vedic astrology, where celestial bodies and star patterns are believed to influence human destiny 🌟 Tanaz Bhathena grew up in Saudi Arabia, Mumbai, and Toronto, bringing a diverse cultural perspective to her storytelling 🏰 The Kingdom of Ambar's architecture and social structure were inspired by the Rajput kingdoms of medieval Rajasthan 📚 Though primarily known for contemporary YA fiction, Hunted by the Sky marked Bhathena's first venture into fantasy writing 🎯 Star-shaped birthmarks hold significant meaning in various South Asian cultures, often believed to indicate divine blessing or cosmic connection