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Nominated for the 2024 OLA White Pine Award,
Nominated for the 2024 Snow Willow Award
When they don’t give us our birthright, we steal it.
Roshan Chaya is out for justice. Abandoned by her parents at birth and adopted by the kingdom of Jwala’s most notorious bandit before his brutal murder, she is now leader of the Shadow Clan, a gang of farmers-turned-bandits impoverished by the provincial governor’s atrocities and corruption. Roshan’s goal: to avenge her adoptive father and earn back rights and dignity for her people.
Prince Navin has always felt like an outcast. Second in line for the throne, he has never been close to his grandmother, Queen Bhairavi of Jwala. When a night out drinking with friends leads to his capture by the infamous Shadow Clan, Navin schemes to befriend Roshan and use her as a means to escape. His ploy, however, brings Navin closer to the corruption and poverty at the heart of Roshan’s province, raising questions about its governor and Navin’s own family.
To further complicate things, the closer Roshan and Navin get, the harder it becomes to fight their growing attraction. But how can they trust each other when the world as they know it starts to fall apart?
Set in a magical world inspired by the badlands of 17th century India, this standalone epic fantasy novel by Tanaz Bhathena is packed with political tensions, dangerous schemes, and swoon-worthy romance that asks the age old question: can love conquer all?
REVIEWS:
“Bhathena’s romantic fantasy competes with the best in the genre. A strong, stern female leader; a prince who needs to grow up; magical effects: the appeal of these is deepened by Bhathena’s restrained prose and refreshingly contemporary turns of plot.” – The Toronto Star
“Bhathena once again showcases her lush writing and tremendous world-building skills; this is a satisfyingly suspenseful, romantic, and adventurous tale.” – Teen Vogue
“The fantastical world in Of Light and Shadow is lush and textured, an immersive backdrop to a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance…The political plot is a relatively nuanced look at power and corruption, a gender-switched Robin-Hood plot that explores methods other than violence to achieve justice…[A]n enjoyable adventure-romance that crafts an original take on some favourite YA tropes. Highly Recommended.” – Canadian Review of Materials
“A spoiled prince and an infamous outlaw forge an unlikely alliance in this dazzling adventure by Bhathena…Enthralling action sequences, intricate magic systems, and steamy romance make for an urgent 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
“A vibrant new take on male-centric bandit myths like Robin Hood. Recommended for readers who enjoy strong heroines, romance, and political intrigue combined with fantastical worldbuilding.” — School Library Journal
“With an eclectic and endearing cast of characters…the novel is a relevant and refreshing fantasy that will inspire readers to consider their own agency in agitating for social change.” — Quill & Quire
“Of Light and Shadow is an interesting and unique take on what happens when love brings two people who should be fierce opponents and enemies together.” — The Escapist Magazine
“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, NYT bestselling author of Dark Rise and The Captive Prince trilogy
“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, NYT bestselling coauthor of My Lady Jane and author of the Nightrender duology
“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
SELECTED MEDIA:
Notable Young Adult Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror of 2023, Tor.com
The definitive 2023 book gift guide: 25 reads for the young, lovers of sweeping family sagas and history, The Toronto Star
Best Fantasy Books Coming out in May 2023, The Escapist Magazine
39 New Fantasy Books to Add to Your Magical Reading List, Pop Sugar
11 YA Books by South Asian Authors to Watch for in 2023, Teen Vogue
The Most Anticipated 2023 Book Releases, Nerd Daily
Tanaz Bhathena 