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The Peacock Throne
Not yet published
Expected 24 Nov 26In this lush, South Asian-inspired epic fantasy a young woman must uncover her secret past to free her kingdom from terrible colonial forces—if the Throne doesn’t kill her first.
She was the last Damadi princess.
She had to be.
Seventeen-year-old Eshaal Bibi is just another orphan. At least, that’s the story her family has always told her—that her parents were among the many killed during the fall of the Azzamin empire. But what if that isn’t entirely true? What if the dreams Eshaal had while struck by a magical malady—the ones where she is a princess, the last heir to the Peacock Throne, and the would-be savior of Azzamin—are real?
Eshaal becomes possessed by the idea, but her pursuit of the truth quickly draws the attention of colonial authorities. To save herself, Eshaal is forced to flee and marry the heir of a secret loyalist family, the handsome and infuriating Imran Mirza. But with a possible princess in his sights and revolution on the horizon, Eshaal’s new husband will let nothing stop him from taking back their country—not even the simmering tension between them.
With her enemies circling, Eshaal will be put to the test, the fate of Azzamin itself in the balance. And whether she’s a princess or just a pretender, Eshaal knows one thing to be Nothing is more powerful—or deadlier—than belief.
She was the last Damadi princess.
She had to be.
Seventeen-year-old Eshaal Bibi is just another orphan. At least, that’s the story her family has always told her—that her parents were among the many killed during the fall of the Azzamin empire. But what if that isn’t entirely true? What if the dreams Eshaal had while struck by a magical malady—the ones where she is a princess, the last heir to the Peacock Throne, and the would-be savior of Azzamin—are real?
Eshaal becomes possessed by the idea, but her pursuit of the truth quickly draws the attention of colonial authorities. To save herself, Eshaal is forced to flee and marry the heir of a secret loyalist family, the handsome and infuriating Imran Mirza. But with a possible princess in his sights and revolution on the horizon, Eshaal’s new husband will let nothing stop him from taking back their country—not even the simmering tension between them.
With her enemies circling, Eshaal will be put to the test, the fate of Azzamin itself in the balance. And whether she’s a princess or just a pretender, Eshaal knows one thing to be Nothing is more powerful—or deadlier—than belief.
Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2026
About the author
Zeba Shahnaz
4 books140 followersZeba Shahnaz writes fantasy full of political intrigue, twisted romance, and a healthy dose of existential angst. She is the author of MIDNIGHT STRIKES and the upcoming THE PEACOCK THRONE. A proud Pakistani-American, she translated her love of storytelling into a graduate degree analyzing national identity, culture, and cinema in South Asia. She grew up in New Jersey and lives in Washington, D.C.
You can find Zeba on Twitter @zaybashah and on Instagram @zaybashahwrites.
You can find Zeba on Twitter @zaybashah and on Instagram @zaybashahwrites.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 - The Peacock Throne perfectly encapsulated the British-India/subcontinent era. It reminded me of the famous Pakistani drama Dastaan, which is an all-time-favorite. I highly recommend everyone to watch it (and get a glimpse of Fawad Khan uh-hmm). The added effect of cool magic, chosen one, and good tension? It had everything to be spectacular and it only missed by a small mark. I may be partial to it as I am Pakistani myself and a liker of nostalgic YA fantasy. Those reasons also mean I was a harsh critic.
The start was slow. The beginning felt like a really long prologue. I almost dnfed. If the first chapter fails to grip the reader, all is lost. Especially when it could've easily been cut in half and still give the dramatic effect the writer was going for. Fortunately, it picked up pace and I didn't face that problem again.
There were so many Urdu words incorporated. I was loving it but all I could think of while reading was 'how in the world are non-Urdu speakers going to understand this?' The context wasn't enough to get it and in my copy, there was no glossary or key. I hope the final book has one. It would still be a hassle switching back and forth though? I don't know. Good luck y'all. I'm safe.
The characters were fleshed out. Eshal, the girl main character, was annoying as hell and I don't mind that trait in YA heroines personally. I will take annoying over demure and naive any day. Though she was naive too, she was also a liar, schemer, and still learning how to go about after waking up from a coma and finding that everyone hates her. Some of her decisions were idiotic, but she was a funny person. I forgave her easily.
The love triangle was surprisingly done well. I liked both of them but you know I'm leaning towards the Imran direction. He was giving Cyrus from The Woven Kingdom, with the I've-been-waiting-for-you-my-queen and fake marriage element (better than TWK imo). I do think the tension could've been amped up and the fake relationship aspect wasn't utilised to the fullest potential. They resolved too quickly. This may be me being greedy lol. I want more imraneshal in the sequel, thanks.
The more I let it marinate, the more I like it. The idea was class one, the execution could've been better. I am still glad this book exists.
The start was slow. The beginning felt like a really long prologue. I almost dnfed. If the first chapter fails to grip the reader, all is lost. Especially when it could've easily been cut in half and still give the dramatic effect the writer was going for. Fortunately, it picked up pace and I didn't face that problem again.
There were so many Urdu words incorporated. I was loving it but all I could think of while reading was 'how in the world are non-Urdu speakers going to understand this?' The context wasn't enough to get it and in my copy, there was no glossary or key. I hope the final book has one. It would still be a hassle switching back and forth though? I don't know. Good luck y'all. I'm safe.
The characters were fleshed out. Eshal, the girl main character, was annoying as hell and I don't mind that trait in YA heroines personally. I will take annoying over demure and naive any day. Though she was naive too, she was also a liar, schemer, and still learning how to go about after waking up from a coma and finding that everyone hates her. Some of her decisions were idiotic, but she was a funny person. I forgave her easily.
The love triangle was surprisingly done well. I liked both of them but you know I'm leaning towards the Imran direction. He was giving Cyrus from The Woven Kingdom, with the I've-been-waiting-for-you-my-queen and fake marriage element (better than TWK imo). I do think the tension could've been amped up and the fake relationship aspect wasn't utilised to the fullest potential. They resolved too quickly. This may be me being greedy lol. I want more imraneshal in the sequel, thanks.
The more I let it marinate, the more I like it. The idea was class one, the execution could've been better. I am still glad this book exists.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a copy via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I give The Peacock Throne 4 stars, and I didn't like it quite as much as Midnight Strikes, unfortunately.
I did really enjoy the world - Azzamin is clearly based on real-world India, and is equally as vibrant and complex as that origin. I do wish there had been a glossary of some kind, as some of the language was explained, but many of the descriptions relied entirely on words I was unfamiliar with. It is easy enough to look things up, but I also didn't want to stop to do that in the middle of a book that was moving at a reasonably quick pace, as I felt like that would throw off my immersion.
I really enjoyed the two main male characters, and I wish I had gotten some of the book from their point of view, as they were really interesting to me, and I thought would have given an interesting perspective on events. Farid and Imran are delightful contrasts to each other in the ways that they fight against the foreign empire and in the ways they interact with Eshaal. Imran particularly has some Darcy-ness to him that had my attention, though Eshaal seemed to judge him quite harshly. Farid is much more of a quiet but passionate dreamer, and I look forward to seeing more of both men in a future book.
Unfortunately I didn't enjoy the leading lady as much, as she's quite impulsive in ways that cause problems rather than solve them, and I couldn't quite get a handle on what she wanted, as she seemed to flip-flop as the potential of her being a long-lost princess became more and more likely to be true. Her desire to make her own choices seemed contradictory to her tendency to run away from the problems she caused, which was a little frustrating. It could set up a lot of growth in a second book though, so I'm willing to see where it goes, especially for an author who I have seen pull off a great set up and delivery before.
All in all I had mixed feelings about The Peacock Throne, but it was a good book that I think could be setting up something even better. I enjoyed the vibrant world and how distinctly Indian it was portrayed (though I cannot speak to authenticity on that aspect). I think those with more familiarity with Indian fashion and culture may get even more out of it than I did because of that base knowledge. The plot was good, the pacing excellent, and the MMCs certainly had my attention.
Looking forward to Book 2, and more in general from Zeba Shahnaz in the future!
I give The Peacock Throne 4 stars, and I didn't like it quite as much as Midnight Strikes, unfortunately.
I did really enjoy the world - Azzamin is clearly based on real-world India, and is equally as vibrant and complex as that origin. I do wish there had been a glossary of some kind, as some of the language was explained, but many of the descriptions relied entirely on words I was unfamiliar with. It is easy enough to look things up, but I also didn't want to stop to do that in the middle of a book that was moving at a reasonably quick pace, as I felt like that would throw off my immersion.
I really enjoyed the two main male characters, and I wish I had gotten some of the book from their point of view, as they were really interesting to me, and I thought would have given an interesting perspective on events. Farid and Imran are delightful contrasts to each other in the ways that they fight against the foreign empire and in the ways they interact with Eshaal. Imran particularly has some Darcy-ness to him that had my attention, though Eshaal seemed to judge him quite harshly. Farid is much more of a quiet but passionate dreamer, and I look forward to seeing more of both men in a future book.
Unfortunately I didn't enjoy the leading lady as much, as she's quite impulsive in ways that cause problems rather than solve them, and I couldn't quite get a handle on what she wanted, as she seemed to flip-flop as the potential of her being a long-lost princess became more and more likely to be true. Her desire to make her own choices seemed contradictory to her tendency to run away from the problems she caused, which was a little frustrating. It could set up a lot of growth in a second book though, so I'm willing to see where it goes, especially for an author who I have seen pull off a great set up and delivery before.
All in all I had mixed feelings about The Peacock Throne, but it was a good book that I think could be setting up something even better. I enjoyed the vibrant world and how distinctly Indian it was portrayed (though I cannot speak to authenticity on that aspect). I think those with more familiarity with Indian fashion and culture may get even more out of it than I did because of that base knowledge. The plot was good, the pacing excellent, and the MMCs certainly had my attention.
Looking forward to Book 2, and more in general from Zeba Shahnaz in the future!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you, dear publisher for letting me read this book.
( I had an arc, and these are my honest thoughts and feelings)
I LOVED IT!
This story is about a girl who dreams a lot that she is a princess; One day she realises she wants; needs that to come true.
That should be every girl's thinking. That's all that I am going to say.
I loved it, because i actually did find out i was related to a sultan through his brother, 2 years ago and the a character actually shares the same name as my grandma ( for spoilers im not gonna say who and what)
I wont be spoiling a book that has not even realeased.
- It has no smut (Yay, for me)
- it has fantastic imagery
- Could really feel the emotions
- characters were believable for their age
- didnt beat around the bush
- characters actually had a mind and backbone
- you can tell this was actually written with love
- so many plot, twists, stakes, secrets, action, adventure and complexity
Who does Imran think he is ? cause hes not all that.
( It took me half a day to read this book)
- Asians just do it better. my relief of reading a good book after the book that was released yesterday.
I love Asian authors ( Im Asian too)
( I had an arc, and these are my honest thoughts and feelings)
I LOVED IT!
This story is about a girl who dreams a lot that she is a princess; One day she realises she wants; needs that to come true.
That should be every girl's thinking. That's all that I am going to say.
I loved it, because i actually did find out i was related to a sultan through his brother, 2 years ago and the a character actually shares the same name as my grandma ( for spoilers im not gonna say who and what)
I wont be spoiling a book that has not even realeased.
- It has no smut (Yay, for me)
- it has fantastic imagery
- Could really feel the emotions
- characters were believable for their age
- didnt beat around the bush
- characters actually had a mind and backbone
- you can tell this was actually written with love
- so many plot, twists, stakes, secrets, action, adventure and complexity
Who does Imran think he is ? cause hes not all that.
( It took me half a day to read this book)
- Asians just do it better. my relief of reading a good book after the book that was released yesterday.
I love Asian authors ( Im Asian too)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Loved, loved, loved this. It had everything I wanted in a book, and starting with Mirza Ghalib? Hell yes.
Being familiar with so many of the terms, cultural elements, and the history made the reading experience even better. There was something so satisfying about recognising things and feeling acquainted with the world rather than having everything feel completely foreign.
And the characters. I loved each and every one of them. Eshaal and Imran especially had me hooked, but the whole cast felt so memorable. The politics, the history, the magic, the revolution, the romance, all of it just worked for me.
And oh the yearning- it was YEARNING. I need more now, thank you very much.
Absolutely adored this one and I already want more.
Being familiar with so many of the terms, cultural elements, and the history made the reading experience even better. There was something so satisfying about recognising things and feeling acquainted with the world rather than having everything feel completely foreign.
And the characters. I loved each and every one of them. Eshaal and Imran especially had me hooked, but the whole cast felt so memorable. The politics, the history, the magic, the revolution, the romance, all of it just worked for me.
And oh the yearning- it was YEARNING. I need more now, thank you very much.
Absolutely adored this one and I already want more.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received this as an eARC from NetGalley
The world building felt slow at times and the story in the synopsis didn't begin until 30% of the way through the book. However, I enjoyed the premise of the story, the magic system is unique as is the world. I would like to see a map and glossary in the published version. There are a lot of terms used that western readers would not be familiar with, they enrich the culture presented in this story. I'm looking forward to book two and to see where Eshaal's heart goes.
The world building felt slow at times and the story in the synopsis didn't begin until 30% of the way through the book. However, I enjoyed the premise of the story, the magic system is unique as is the world. I would like to see a map and glossary in the published version. There are a lot of terms used that western readers would not be familiar with, they enrich the culture presented in this story. I'm looking forward to book two and to see where Eshaal's heart goes.
July 26, 2026
✰ ✰ ✰ .𝟩𝟧
This book was so atmospheric!
I really loved all the cultural aspects of this book, they were so beautifully written and i felt myself connecting to the characters.
The magic in this was so fun, i loved learning about it and all the things that came with it!!
However, this pacing was so incredibly weird, sometimes it felt like it was moving very slow, and sometimes it felt very rushed, i feel like if the pacing were a bit more steady i would’ve enjoyed the story a lot more. I think this book would have benefited greatly by having two or more povs.
The romance was confusing but i did like a lot of the parts, i really loved Imran he was so cutie.
I know this review seems kind of confusing but i really did enjoy this book, it was a silly good time!
Thank you to RHCP, Delacorte and Netgalley for this arc!!
This book was so atmospheric!
I really loved all the cultural aspects of this book, they were so beautifully written and i felt myself connecting to the characters.
The magic in this was so fun, i loved learning about it and all the things that came with it!!
However, this pacing was so incredibly weird, sometimes it felt like it was moving very slow, and sometimes it felt very rushed, i feel like if the pacing were a bit more steady i would’ve enjoyed the story a lot more. I think this book would have benefited greatly by having two or more povs.
The romance was confusing but i did like a lot of the parts, i really loved Imran he was so cutie.
I know this review seems kind of confusing but i really did enjoy this book, it was a silly good time!
Thank you to RHCP, Delacorte and Netgalley for this arc!!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews