The Archer's Heart

Others have described the plot and the setting better than I could, so I won't repeat that. What I have to say, though, is that I loved this book. Loved it! And believe you me, that is a sentence I haven't said about a book in altogether too long a time. The world building is flawless, and it's similarities to pre-colonial India put the cultural conventions in a quite believable context. And what is more, those conventions serve beautifully to give the characters depth and motivation. Or show their shallowness, which is quite nice as well. I like an author who clearly loves and enjoys her characters very much but does not shrink from showing their not so lovable sides as well - or occasionally putting them through the wringer. Also, high points for a most dramatic coming out scene. The curse may seem a little contrived but then again, for me it contributed to the fairy-tale flavour of the book and it advanced the plot, so I'm okay with that. So, very solid writing (this is not! printed fan fiction but a real novel), good world building, interesting and believable character arcs, gripping plot: What more do you want? Read it.

Honesty from the outset~ Over the last few months I have reviewed several stories by Astrid Amara in the anthologies Hell Cop and Tangle: Edition XY. Each time I have come away more and more impressed by her storytelling. The Archer's Heart did not disappoint. This was the stuff of epics. First things first~ When The Archer's Heart arrived with a thunk on my doorstep I admit to being daunted about the task of reviewing such a large book that was sure to be filled with the rich prose I've come to expect from this author. Once I'd started reading I quickly forgot my earlier intimidation and over the next four to five hours completely lost myself in the world the author had created. Where to start... The Archer's Heart is beautifully written with the culture and landscape of the Marhavad kingdom being lushly crafted and reminiscent of India at its most beautiful and its most darkest. This is a story about power, oppression, societal expectations, personal belief systems, acceptance, hope, friendship, family, loyalty and love. The setting, especially with its rigid caste system, provides a perfect backdrop to the exploration of these themes. There were a few places where I did find the world building a little too descriptive. Having said that, it never overwhelmed as is sometimes the case in the fantasy genre, was always relevant to the plot and helped to paint the vivid picture that was the Marhavad kingdom. In places, you could almost smell the stink of the sewerage of the slums or the stench of the dying bodies on the battlefield. It was very evocative. The story focuses on Keshan and Jandu and their relationship and on the story of Tarek. Through them you meet a cast of characters, who both repel and engage your emotions. Some of you might be jumping to your own fantasies conclusions and thinking along the lines of m/m/m, but I assure you it is not. Tarek and the unrequited feelings he has for his Lord (Darvad) provides the contrast to the openness, love and commitment between Keshan and Jandu. From a low caste, Tarek worked his way up to his high status and as a result is obsessed with his oath and the man who helped him get there. He will do anything to serve his Lord, even compromise his own beliefs. Keshan and Jandu on the other hand are complete opposites; not only in ideals, but also in factions. Keshan is politically savvy with a radical vision (literally) for the future which he works to see implemented and Jandu is a spoilt young man who has never questioned his position as Prince. The two are fascinated with each other from the very beginning, despite Jandu's horror at being attracted to a man which is an act punishable by death in the kingdom. For all his apparent shallowness at the beginning of the book, Jandu was by far my favourite character. Don't get me wrong, all the protags are very well developed in The Archer's Heart. Yet, it was Jandu who captured MY heart. I think this was because of the incredible and challenging

"The Archer's Heart" by Astrid Amara is amazing and should not be missed! This is an epic tale of politics, family, betrayal, war, exile, Gods/Goddesses, curses, blessings, and love. I have to admit to initially being intimidated by the setting of this novel. Although it is never specifically stated, it appears the story is set in a land similar to India with its caste system and its mythology. Sometimes reading stories that take place in exotic lands and in different languages can overwhelm the reader with strange sounding names that get confusing. This fear was completely unfounded! I had no problem following the exotic names of characters and places, nor the rich mythology contained within this novel. I felt like I was immersed in an exquisite world of mystery and wonder. The place never felt false or imaginary; rather, it was immediate and alive. In fact, I would not refer to this story as paranormal so much as one filled with mythology. I was impressed with the skill the author showed in making the lush mythology so easily comprehensible and the dexterity of keeping a cast of thousands clear and recognizable. I cannot praise enough the nuanced characterizations that are to be found here. Many characters go from good to bad to somewhere in between and back again numerous times. I found myself switching allegiances to characters until the very end. People that I felt were so obviously wrong in their thoughts and political agendas I found myself not only sympathizing with but also rooting for and then cursing and then understanding ~ just like real life. The relationship between two of the main characters, Jandu and Keshan, is a beautiful and wondrous liaison to watch develop. When they first meet, there is intense chemistry. Keshan understands his attraction but it is completely new and foreign to Jandu. Jandu doesn't know how to interpret his passionate attraction to Keshan. So, he labels it as family affection, friendship, anything and everything but lust/love. It doesn't help that homosexuality is not only against the law but is punishable by execution and that Jandu's oldest brother is not only extremely religious, but he is also the Royal Judge invested with the obligation to uphold all religious and governmental laws. After their first kiss, Jandu is conflicted ~ he fears these new feelings, hates/blames Keshan for the kiss, and yet is also completely overcome with desire for Keshan. He fears he has been bewitched, yet, feels awakened to passion and life. Again, the author's skill must be praised. In an intensely moving and horrifying scene, Jandu is brought to court with his brother the Royal Judge to learn the family business. While Jandu is present, two men are brought before the court for homosexual activity. Jandu's brother is repulsed and outraged at the two men and orders their immediate execution. Jandu watches as the two men are forced to kneel down and are beheaded in front of him for the very feelings and actions he dream

Words cannot effectively describe how brilliantly crafted this epic tale is. It tells the story of two noble men, who in the beginning could not be more different in their views on life and society. However, throughout the book, Jandu the pampered Paran prince, begins to realize how horribly unfair the caste system is for the lower class and that his lover Keshan, had the right idea all along. The characters are beautifully crafted and engaging. The author pulls you along for a joyous ride in this fantastic fantasy world. A gripping page turner from start to finish. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading well-written, epic fantasy, with the added bonus of the two main characters being gay men. I sincerely wish there were more of these novels out there. When's the sequel???? :D

If you want to read a gay fantasy epic, "The Archer's Heart" is for you. Jandu Paran, a young prince who is very full of himself, unintentionally wins the hand of a beautiful young girl. With his slapdash daring, he draws the attention of the rebellious and talented Keshan Adaru. The two of them are deeply involved in opposite sides of the Marhavad succession and are put into a position where they are forced to compromise love or loyalty. What I find most remarkable about this epic is how the setting forms both plot and character. It takes place in a world that is more than reminiscent of pre-colonial India, but here, the Yashvas (somewhat like demons, somewhat like gods) take an important role. Not only magic but also cultural phenomena (such as polygamous marriage, family hierarchy, and the caste-system) shape the story. Unlike so many fantasy epics, I felt as if this story could only take place in this culture and at this precise time. It made the novel very believable, and there were hundreds of small details that gave "The Archer's Heart" a sexy, exotic feel. Besides, I loved how the relationship between Jandu Paran and Keshan Adaru progressed as their characters evolved. It was a real page-turner. Even though I was tired, I stayed up late so that I could finish it. Can't wait to read Astrid Amara's next book.