The Blue Eye

The Khorasan Archives #3

by Ausma Zehanat Khan

The Companions of Hira have used their cunning and their magic in the battle against the patriarchal Talisman, an organization whose virulently conservative agenda restricts free thought. One of the most accomplished Companions, Arian, continues to lead a disparate group in pursuit of the one artifact that could end the Talisman's authoritarian rule: The Bloodprint.

But after a vicious battle, the arcane tome has slipped once more beyond her reach. Despite being separated and nearly losing their lives, Arian's band of allies has remained united. Yet now, the group seems to be fracturing. To continue the fight, Arian must make a dangerous journey to a distant city to recruit new allies. But instead of her trusted friends, she is accompanied by associates she may no longer be able to trust.

Building on the brilliance of The Bloodprint and The Black Khan, this third volume in the Khorasan Archive series ratchets up the danger, taking the conflict to a darker, deadlier place, and setting the stage for the thrilling conclusion to this acclaimed #ownvoices fantasy.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, High Fantasy, Audiobook

418 pages, Paperback

First published October 17, 2019

About the author

Ausma Zehanat Khan is a British-born Canadian living in the United States, whose own parents are heirs to a complex story of migration to and from three different continents. A former adjunct professor at American and Canadian universities, she holds a Ph.D. in International Human Rights Law, with the 1995 Srebrenica massacre as the main subject of her dissertation. Previously the Editor in Chief of Muslim Girl Magazine, Ausma Zehanat Khan has moved frequently, traveled extensively, and written compulsively. Her new crime series debuted with 'Blackwater Falls' in November 2022. She is also the author of 5 books and 1 novella in the Esa Khattak/Rachel Getty mystery series, including the award-winning 'The Unquiet Dead'. And she is the author of The Khorasan Archives fantasy series, beginning with 'The Bloodprint'. She has also written a middle grade non-fiction book called 'Ramadan'.

Reviews

[Judith Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted at Chain Interaction

I should probably start with a little bit of context, which I always find helpful when thinking about later books in a series.

I actually purchased both The Bloodprint and The Black Khan for myself, but I ended up getting rid of them in a series of book purges over the last two years. If you’ve followed my booktube channel you’ll know that my criteria for keeping a book on my shelf is that I have to be able to see myself re-reading it. In the case of the first two books in this series, I just wasn’t sure I was invested enough in either the story or the characters to feel like I might want to re-read.

In a fun twist, it was this, the third book in the series, that finally toppled me into the ‘oh no this might be worth reading’…bucket? So, while I can’t now get the other two books back, I’ll maybe think about grabbing them from the library if the fancy takes me.

But let’s talk about The Blue Eye, why was it that this book hit home in a way that the other books did not? As with most books, it could be circumstantial, maybe I’m just in a better place than I was when I read the first two, maybe I’m more accustomed to adult fantasy than I was a couple of years ago? But I think an element of it is that Ausma Zehanat Khan’s writing has so evidently developed across this series. I found it so much easier to get into this book and to keep my focus, where I really struggled to keep track of the characters and plot in the first book. I genuinely think that’s because the writing is better, it still feels so rich in detail and lore and you get that sense that the story is just scratching the surface of events in this world, but it doesn’t feel like work to read – which I appreciated.

I thought that the plot was good, I don’t think I could summarise the plot of the first two books with any kind of confidence, but this one felt clear and memorable. In this case I thought that the multiple points of view gave the book a lot more scope, I suppose because everything was coming to a climax. It really felt like that good epic fantasy ending where you have the people caught up in the enormous world-ending moments alongside the much ‘quieter’ plot that is nonetheless important. I’m annoyed that the only comparison I can draw here is the end to the Lord of the Rings because I should have better examples – but there we are. One day when I am more well-read.

I had one big qualm, which has stuck with me since finishing the book, and it’s one of those ‘I can’t go into this because it’s a spoiler’ kind of critiques which are frustrating but quite common. Let it be enough to say that I don’t think the queer representation was handled well within this story. If you’ve read this and you want to talk about it feel free to message me! But that’s as much as I can say without spoiling anything.

There is romance in this series and it does continue into this book. I feel like I should touch on it even though it isn’t the main thrust of this book because it is quite significant within the story. All I’ll say is that I am not the kind of person who responds well to people forcing themselves to make a choice between their ‘vows’ (of whatever) and the person with whom they have openly admitted they are in love. I think that comes from knowing too many religious people who make their lives more difficult without necessarily having a good reason. But maybe that’s your favourite romance trope – who am I to judge?

Overall, I thought this book was really strong, definitely my favourite out of the series so far and certainly something I would recommend to people who enjoyed the originals and to people who, like me, may have had more of a problem getting into books one and two.

My rating: 3.5 stars

I received a free digital review copy of this book from the publisher, all opinions are my own.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been trying to figure out what to put in this review. It's difficult because (a) I love Ausma Zehanat Khan, so writing a thoughtful review that is more than just fan-girling is hard, and (b) there's so much going on in this book and this series that I want to both avoid spoilers, but still convince people to read the books. It is a series that among people I know is underrated and under-read.

The Blue Eye is book three in The Khorasan Archives, a Fantasy series that features a unique magical structure, strong female protagonists, and a Middle Eastern setting that I can't get enough of in the genre. Many characters are morally gray, with often selfish motives, but the truly evil villains, like The One Eyed Preacher and his followers known as the Talisman, call to mind the horrors of modern religious zealots, which lends an eerie realism to the series.

The Blue Eye is dark. There's still no happy ending, at least not yet, and nearly everyone's motives are suspect. Our heroines suffer greatly. Previously concealed identities are revealed and the answers are shocking. It's action packed, and there were many moments when I read on with my heart in my throat, fearing for my favorite characters.

I think the thing I love most about this series, though, is something that has become even clearer in this third installment. The system of magic and power is tied to The Claim, the sacred religious text of all Khorasan. As a reader, the idea of words and stories, whether fables or histories, being the center of strength and power, is beautiful and relatable. I am both looking forward to the final installment of The Khorasan Archives, which *should* be out later this year, and dreading it. I am sure there will be more loss, more heartbreak, but I am hopeful that Khan will end the series on a high note and that Good will triumph over Evil. I'm willing to send her chocolate and all the cat pictures she could possible want, if she'll take bribes

[Hana · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

Still just bewildered by the difference in quality between this book and the last one?!

CW: violence; blood; war; brief references to anti-Blackness

[Sifa Poulton · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

The Khorasan Archives is certainly a series I find myself getting more engaged with the further I read. This was a much easier, faster read than the other two.

The book is split between Arian's quest and the battle for Ashfall. The battle is pretty desperate, with a lot of moving pieces and bad decisions that made it feel like a house of cards waiting to fall. It was a pretty compelling situation, and I was often eager to return to that half and see how they were going to stay alive a little longer. However, it didn't feel like it came to any conclusion or climax - the final chapter of that story line felt like it needed another chapter to have a thematic finale piece. Instead, it sort of... ends by just focusing on Arian.

Arian's quest was not as compelling, because it's journeying after another manuscript, so felt very similar to the first book. Particularly as the structure and events were pretty similar too.

I did find it somewhat odd that two of the POVs from the last book, the ones who were in Black Aura, are completely missing from this book. It's not like they felt as if they'd finished their story lines in THE BLACK KHAN.

I am also so glad that Sinnia finally called Arian out on how she treats Daniyar. That man has put up from a lot from his beloved, and how she demands so much from him and refuses to give anything back. There had been something off about the romance for me before - full of chemistry, for sure, but uncomfortable - and Sinnia finally put it in words. Once that was out and Arian was forced to confront it, I got much more on board with the romance because it was growing to a healthier place.

Likewise, the One Eyed Preacher - aka the Talisman's arch-ruler and thus technically the ultimate villain - was strangely absent. He hadn't been in the first book, except by reference, but then blazed in at the end of second book. Only to not be in this one. It did feel like a bit of a stake reduction, and so a new antagonist threat was introduced - and I'll be honest, I did not understand how he was quite so dangerous.

I will read the finale, THE BLADEBONE, when it comes out in paperback next year, because I cannot bear leaving series unfinished and I've gotten this far that I am rather curious to see how they defeat the One-Eyed Preacher. Plus that was a cliff-hanger and I want to know that Wafa is OK.

[Hafsa · Rating 3 out of 5]

To any unknowing reader this book makes for an excellent fantasy, and the premise of it is good even though it’s still a bit dense, there is a lot happening in this series that takes away from the main plot, and alot of things are introduced that haven’t been given enough context. But it does irk me that it’s taking inspiration from Islam and the Quran, but to the point where Arian is supposedly a descendant of the Messenger of the One. Idk how I feel when I read some parts of it, like I like the plotline of a sacred text being used to sow evil in the lands but to take such similarities to the Quran that you literally just translate words to English and now you’re saying she’s going to take Israa e Miraaj but saying it wasn’t an actual journey and it’s a fable like isnt that taking a bit too much liberty? And also jn thinking of it one of their signs of strength or protest against the women slave chains is to uncover their hair, small gesture but isn’t this feeding into the narrative that women covering their hair are oppressed? The more I read it the more uncomfortable I feel bc I’m literally learning about the Seerah at the same time and I’m not sure if I like it being turned into a fantasy plot that someone can look back and compare to my religion. I think I get what it’s trying to achieve in the way something so sacred can be exploited and used unjustly to bring people to power but in its purest form it can be defeated but it feels like it’s distorting something that already exists, I do wish if it was a bit further from the truth.

Also, some plot points that are supposedly really emotional for the characters do not come off that way at all bc it’s all just rushed through since there is so much going on, like the house of the one and them finding the cornerstone and literally doing tawaaf like why did that even need to be there and there was no context to its importance so if you don’t get it you’re just like ok. The writing is better though, less waffly.

[Barbara Senteney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This saga continues with Arian and Sinnia trying desperately to retrieve the Bloodprint for the Companions of the Claim. While they were captive the Black Khan made off with the Bloodprint hoping to tap into it's power and awaken the magic held dormant inside him. He has locked away his brother Darius who's own magic shines. His sister Darya begs him to release their brother but her pleas fall on deaf ears.

Darya is in love with Arsalan but Arsalan is in love with The Black Khan her brother, Prince and ruler of Ashfall. Still Arsalan becomes betrothed to Darya as a favor to the Khan.

This story is very dark, maybe the darkest fantasy I have ever read, but it is intricate, and has many dark elements. Including, necromancy. There is an assassin who works for the Black Khan who's identity will be revealed and is shocking. There are 4 mages alive and 3 are trying to defend Ashfall against The One Eyed Preacher and his Talismen. There is a great war going on, and betrayal at every turn. The Silver Mage is as always trying to protect his beloved Arian The First Companion of Hira. The child Wafa continually faithful at her side, Arian and The Silver Mage ( Daniyar ) have adopted him as their own. Sinnia the ebony skinned warrior woman also a follower of the claim is ever faithful to Arian. I love this series and can't wait for the next and final installment due ut in Sept, or Oct.

I was given this book in exchange for a fair but honest review, all opinions are my own and reflect only the contents of this story, with no ill intent toward the author, publisher, or promoters of this book.

[Steph De Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I continue to enjoy this series, but this latest instalment falls short of the quality of the first two books, for two main reasons. First, Arian's new quest is very similar, in both nature and trajectory, to the one she undertakes in "The Bloodprint". Consequently, her narrative strand feels a little dull and derivative. In tone and length, it recalls for me Frodo and Sam's journey to Mordor; "The Lord of the Rings" is my favourite book of all time, and even I find those sections difficult to get through. Second, the Ashfall cast (particularly Rukh, Arsalan, and Ilea) are probably this series' most interesting characters, and they receive far too little attention in "The Blue Eye". Had Khan allotted less page-time to Arian's wanderings in the desert, and more to the unpredictable interplay among this trio, this would be a much more interesting novel.

On a more positive note, I'm pleased that Sinnia finally calls Arian out on her rather deplorable treatment of the faithful Daniyar. An additional point of merit is Daniyar himself. Khan clearly is enamoured of him; there's barely a page in "The Blue Eye" that mentions him without reference to his astonishing beauty or his devotion to Arian. Some readers will find this lack of subtlety irritating, but I love Daniyar, and I'm happy to have Khan sing his praises whenever he features in a scene.

Thus, while this isn't the best instalment in the quartet, I enjoyed spending time with characters I've developed a fondness for, and I'm very excited to pick up the final instalment soon.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trigger and content warnings are spoiler tags.

Trigger/Content Warnings: This book features racism, violence against women, and male rape.

Having adored the first two books in The Khorasan Archives series by Ausma Zehanat Khan, I eagerly dove into the third and penultimate book, The Blue Eye, and bloody loved it!

Interestingly, despite the previous book in the series, The Black Khan, being quite action-packed with a lot happening, The Blue Eye felt like it suffered similarly as some middle books in trilogies. The pace was slower, it wasn't quite as action-packed, and it felt a lot like a story to get characters from one place to another, ready for the events of the final book. Saying that, that's just in comparison to the previous book; there's still enough going on to keep the reader gripped, and there are a lot of revelations in The Blue Eye, and some questions.

It's quite an emotional one. Darya, The sister of Prince Ruhk, was killed towards the end of The Black Khan, and Rukh is really mourning her death, despite how he treated her. Rukh is trying to deal with his grief while keeping on top of the siege on his city, and the meeting of the Council of Mages, to try and awaken his powers as the Black Khan. But the Assassin has his own plans, and using the knowledge he gained from the Bloodprint in the single hour Rukh allowed him to have with it, he reanimates the Black Khan's sister. But Darya is changed through being brought back from the dead. It's not just her spirit occupying her body; she doesn't have complete control, and sometimes her thoughts and feelings are confused with that of the ghul she shares her body with. Rukh is happy to see she is alive, but Arsalan feels the opposite, knowing it could only be dark magic that brought her back. It's soon apparent that Darya is now dangerous, and until they can subdue her, the only way to stay safe is to placate her. This brings about terrible, devastating consequences that completely broke my heart. It's absolutely terrible. And still the battle rages on, and with Arsalan busy trying to deal with the situation with Darya, there are consequences.

Meanwhile, Arian, along with Sinnia and Wafa are heading for the city of Timeback. Now the Bloodprint has been stolen by the One-Eyed Preacher, the only hope against the Talisman is a second book, the Sana Codex, known to be in the keeping of the Blue Mage. Their journey is fraught with danger and delays as they cross the Rising Nineteen, a cult-like warrior force who have their own interpretations of the Claim. It's an encounter that has destruction on their tail - Najran, a man of magic unlike anything Arian has ever seen before they are unable to shake. Crossing the lands of the Negus, Sinnia's people, they stop to pay their respects and ask for access to their library, the ark. But they get caught up in celebrations culminating in a race in which the king, Negus, declares the prize will be Sinnia's hand in marriage - despite her having made vows as a Companion of Hira.

There are so many other things that happen, with twists and revelations I didn't see coming at all. I was completely gripped, and I have so many questions! I'm not completely certain of everything that happened at the end, but I'm pretty certain the fourth and final book, The Bloodblade, will start right where The Blue Eye left off, and we'll get some answers. But what I do know has blown my mind, and I am so damn eager to get to read The Bloodblade! But only a few more days to wait until it's published in paperback on 10th June, and I can see the result of that cliffhanger ending, and what will happen when Arian finally confronts One-Eyed Preacher. I've been completely blown away by this incredible series, and I can't recommend it enough!

[Brooke Wrasse · Rating 3 out of 5]

I accidentally stumbled upon this series at a half priced books and got it because the hardcover of The Bloodprint was gorgeous. Now I’m 3 books in and dedicated apparently. I think we’ve definitely crossed the line into WAY too much lore. We also still have way too many “villains” I don’t know who to care about. I always love having multiple storylines happening at the same time but I’m so uninterested in one of them that it kind of ruined the book for me. Khan, you can’t get me to care about Ashfall, sorry girl. There also was an extremely weird plot point where a character is resurrected from the dead and basically possessed by a ghoul — I’m lost.

I’m obviously reading the last one but if we don’t wrap these thousands of plot points up soon I might lose it.

[Floor Visser · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,0 stars

I like the build up of the story, I feel we're really getting somewhere. Even though I don't know where that is yet, except for a confrontation with the One Eyed Preacher.
Darya as a ghul was frightening and I really felt for Arsalan. Torn between the siblings.
As expected Sinnia was absolutely awesome, again.
Arian and Daniyar keep getting on my irritation now and again, especially when he keeps popping up out of nowhere. I don't know how he and the Assassin got to her location so fast, its not explained at all but I think its quite unrealistic given the effort Arian, Sinnia and Wafa took to get there.. so yeah, points off for timing

[Suraiya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best fantasy series I have ever read. The third installment is just as great as the previous two. I can’t wait for be last one in the series! The writing is intense and grabs you from the first sentence. The perfect balance of strong female characters, romance, action and an interwoven historic and spiritual backdrop. It comments on the state of the world today while also showing the hope that needs to be awoken in each of us. Once again, like the other books in this series, the female characters are so real and relatable. And yet again the ladies are saving the day!

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The adventure continues, deepening the history and characters, exposing us to new cultures, upping the ante, and ratcheting up the tension toward the conclusion coming in Bladebone. Part city under siege and part journey across the desert, Blue Eye keeps the action and intrigue moving along at a good pace. Looking forward to the next and final book!

[Sandra Hooke · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel bad only giving this two stars but it’s down to the fact that I really don’t get fantasy fiction it’s slow, more complex than necessary and the characters are very stereotypical. That said the writing is good and even though I had not read any of the other books the plot was easy to follow. I am sure that if this is your thing then the book deserves more stars.

[Nozhat Choudry-Rao · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping fantasy novel which is the third book in the Khorasan Archive series taking the conflict to a darker, deadlier place, and setting the stage for the reader that leads to a great ending - a must read !!!

[Fern · Rating 3 out of 5]

Getting a bit annoyed by the chasing after assorted manuscripts and the starcrossed love affair. And i get that Arian and the Silver Mage and Sinnia are all beautiful people. Stop with the superlative adjectives already.

[Misha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book better than the second... but I’m not sure it’s a conclusion! The author could just leave it there but it certainly sounds to me like there is at least another book. I want another book to tie things together and because I’m not done with the characters.

[BC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Khan hits a perfect note of descriptiveness, action, and world building. Her characters are distinct with unique traits that evolve with each book. With strong undertones of Arabic culture and humam right defending, this is a must read series for fantasy lovers looking for stong female characters.

[Gabrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I LOVED this one. Well all of Asuma's!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better and better. Gimme more!!!!!

[Jamie Painter]

I won this book and never received it..

[Madlyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was an okay read. I give it a 2.50

[Kelly Dombroski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ausma Zehanat Khan is my new favourite author.

[Missi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Trigger Warning Database]

Trigger & Content Warnings:

Racism
Rape

[William Bentrim · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third book in a possible four book series, The Blue Eye, again features Arian a strong female protagonist who is facing implacable misogynist foes. Arian’s has a manipulative vocal power she uses to escape a series of problems.

Arian seems to find herself on one quest after another. The Silver Mage finds himself betrayed by the Black Khan.

As I said upon reading the second book, the problem with reading series one book at a time is continuity. The first fifty pages of this book were taxing my memory as to who these people were and what were they trying to do. There are a lot of characters and subplots. After I got into the book, I was able to sort them out but with some difficulty.

The book was interesting but not captivating. Some of the deprivations and behavior could have been pulled from headlines regarding religious zealots across the world. That sadly provided some gritty reality to the story.

The book never grabbed me and I had difficulty finishing it.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful fantasy novel with a gripping and entertaining plot and a cast of fantastic characters.
This is a great instalment in a great series, it made wish the last novel was already there.
I love the style of writing, the well crafted plot, the amazing world building and the well thought and interesting cast of characters.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was better than the last one, but the magic/ religion in this book series is still weird and poorly explained. But like, I’m already here at the end of book three, might as well read four?