Maya didn’t want to be married off, and she had hoped that she was special. She had hoped that her dark horoscope would leave her without suitors. When her father plans a swayamvara and tells her to drink poison to stop a war, she reluctantly agrees. In a lucky turn of events, a mysterious stranger named Amar stops her, marries her, and takes her to Akaran, where she has power beyond her wildest dreams. Maya senses something is off about the place, and when she meets Nritti, everything changes. Unsure of who to trust, she makes choices that lead to revelations she never saw coming. Along the way, she attempts a monumental journey with a horse named Kamala that once again changes everything.
This book had worlds described in great detail, believable characters with intriguing personalities, and just the right amount of adventure. I felt like I could live in the Night Bazaar and walk through the mirrorless hallways of Amar’s home. Sometimes, if I imagined enough, I felt like I was in rafters with Maya, spying on her father’s inner sanctum and listening to the announcements. I can’t wait until the sequel arrives in March 2017 so I can dive back into this incredible world.
The Night Bazaar was beautiful and enchanting. I can still remember the vibrantly described setting and venders of the Night Bazaar, with its split sky, music, and unique products. I feel like Gauri when Maya was telling her about the Night Bazaar.
Reviewed by Ashley, Grade 8, Libbie Mill Library
HCPL TeenScene's Read + Review 