surma: A black cosmetic, used to line the eyes
*swarna: A gold coin
talwar: A long sword with a curved blade
thanedar: A police officer
thhor: A multistemmed, cactus-like succulent found in the desert
tulsi: Holy basil
*vaid: A magical healer
*Vani: The language of the kingdom of Ambar
*Yudhnatam: A martial art
yuvraj: Heir apparent
zamindar: An aristocratic landowner
Author’s Note
The setting described in this book is, as the name suggests, a svapnalok or a “dream world”—a brief journey through my twisted imagination.
Having said that, fantasy is usually inspired by reality, and I drew inspiration from two different periods of Indian history while writing this story: the intellectual brilliance of Vedic India and the splendor of the medieval courts. Mythology also plays a role in this series, and I have drawn on both parts of my heritage—Indian and Persian—to conceive my own myths.
I’ve further been inspired by Indian women—from my mother, grandmothers, aunts, and friends, to historical figures such as Rani Lakshmibai, Nur Jahan, and Razia Sultana, and welfare organizations such as the Gulabi Gang.
That we are capable of magic and wielding weapons should surprise no one.
Acknowledgments
My heartfelt gratitude to:
The Canada Council for the Arts and the Ontario Arts Council for funding this project.
Mom for your endless love and the cups of tea, and Dad for our brainstorming power walks and always asking me: “What happens next?”
Janine O’Malley and Melissa Warten—for your editorial brilliance and patiently talking things through with me as both Gul and I traveled unfamiliar paths in this book.
Eleanor Jackson—for always having my back no matter how much time passes between our conversations. I couldn’t have asked for a better agent.
Beth Clark and Shreya Gupta—for your cover designing and map-making excellence.
Tracy Koontz and Mandy Veloso—for keeping me on track with your pertinent copyediting questions.
Kelsey Marrujo, Allegra Green, Katie Halata, Kristen Luby, Gaby Salpeter, and everyone at Macmillan Children’s publicity and school and library marketing teams—for your tireless work and support behind the scenes.
Erika David, Bridget Hodder, Laith Khalil, and Carlie Sorosiak—for being amazing early readers. Your advice on this book’s prior iterations was invaluable.
Kristen Ciccarelli—for your generosity, kindness, and heart. I’m so glad I know you.
Megan Bannen—fellow Nizami and Ranveer Singh fan, all your “Megan-specific comments” were the very best ones.
Shveta Thakrar—tara prem ane protsahan mate khub khub aabhaar. Your honest feedback helped me tons.
Lynne Missen, Sam Devotta, and Team Penguin Canada—for championing this book on home ground.
Tarini Uppal and Team Penguin India—for your excitement and enthusiasm for all my books, including this kalpanik katha.
Praise for
HUNTED BY THE SKY
“As deeply enthralling as a dream, the world of Ambar lures you in with its rich mythology and fiercely tender romance. A story exquisitely told, with magic on every page.”
—AUSMA ZEHANAT KHAN,
author of The Bloodprint
“A thrilling start to an exciting new series set in a fresh, magical new world … I couldn’t put it down!”
—S. A. CHAKRABORTY,
author of The City of Brass and The Kingdom of Copper
“Hunted by the Sky plunges readers into an original and imaginative world that is both beautifully brutal and brutally beautiful. Tanaz Bhathena’s writing crackles with visceral detail and pointed metaphor, creating an immersive reading experience. Readers are certain to fall for Gul and Cavas as they find their own value in a world that tries hard
to devalue them. A fresh and intelligent fantasy.”
—MEGAN BANNEN,
author of The Bird and the Blade
“With Hunted by the Sky, Tanaz Bhathena pens a story that is as fierce as it is tender.
Her girls are beautifully complicated. Her world is lush, intricate, and unique. This
book not only left me breathless, it made my heart soar.”
—KRISTEN CICCARELLI,
internationally bestselling author of The Last Namsara
“A mythical tale of love, sisterhood, vengeance, and hope, Hunted by the Sky is an epic adventure you don’t want to miss.”
—TASHA SURI,
author of Empire of Sand
“Filled with magic, prophecy, and ancient goddesses, Hunted by the Sky is an
engrossing novel that will keep the reader up long past bedtime. Tanaz Bhathena’s
fantasy is perfect for fans of thoughtful world-building and fantastical mirrors to
our own reality. A whirlwind of heartfelt storytelling.”
—JODI MEADOWS,
New York Times–bestselling coauthor of My Plain Jane and author of the Fallen Isles Trilogy
“Captivating … Steeped in medieval Indian magic, Hunted by the Sky is a breathtaking adventure of a book that draws you in from page one.”
—SUKANYA VENKATRAGHAVAN,
editor of Magical Women and author of Dark Things
“Hunted by the Sky offers YA fantasy readers something deliciously fresh while
giving us everything we love: a richly imagined landscape, fascinating magic, and a tenacious young heroine pitted against impossible odds.”
—ELLY BLAKE,
New York Times–bestselling author of the Frostblood Saga
“A dazzling, rich story with a complex heroine, intricate magic, and bone-sharp prose, Hunted by the Sky is the fantasy novel I’ve been waiting for all year.”
—SWATI TEERDHALA,
author of the Tiger at Midnight series
About the Author
TANAZ BHATHENA is the author of the critically acclaimed A Girl Like That, which received two starred reviews. It was also shortlisted for the Ontario Library Association White Pine Award, a Globe and Mail Top 100 Book, a Quill & Quire Book of the Year, a Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book for Teens, and a New York Public Library Notable Best Book for Teens. Tanaz lives in Mississauga, Ontario, with her family. You can sign up for email updates here.
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Contents
Title Page
Copyright Notice
Dedication
Map
The Star
1. Gul
2. Gul
3. Gul
A Two-Moon Night
4. Cavas
5. Gul
6. Cavas
7. Cavas
8. Gul
9. Gul
10. Gul
Death Magic
11. Gul
12. Cavas
13. Cavas
14. Gul
15. Gul
16. Gul
17. Cavas
18. Gul
Splendor and Blood
19. Gul
20. Gul
21. Cavas
22. Cavas
23. Gul
24. Gul
A King and A Cage
25. Gul
26. Gul
27. Cavas
28. Cavas
29. Gul
30. Gul
31. Gul
32. Cavas
The Star Warrior
33. Gul
34. Cavas
35. Gul
36. Gul
37. Cavas
38. Gul
A City of Shadows
39. Cavas
40. Gul
A Queen and A Hound
41. Shayla
Glossary
Author’s Note
Acknowledgments
Praise for Hunted by the Sky
About the Author
Copyright
Farrar Straus Giroux Books for Young Readers
120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271
Text copyright ©
