The Bloodprint by Ausma Zehanat Khan Series: The Khorasan Archives #1
Published by Harper Voyager on October 3, 2017
Genres: Fantasy
Goodreads
A dark power called the Talisman has risen in the land, born of ignorance and persecution. Led by a man known only known as the One-eyed Preacher, it is a cruel and terrifying movement bent on world domination—a superstitious patriarchy that suppresses knowledge and subjugates women. And it is growing.
But there are those who fight the Talisman's spread, including the Companions of Hira, a diverse group of influential women whose power derives from the Claim—the magic inherent in the words of a sacred scripture. Foremost among them is Arian and her apprentice, Sinnia, skilled warriors who are knowledgeable in the Claim. This daring pair have long stalked Talisman slave-chains, searching for clues and weapons to help them battle their enemy’s oppressive ways. Now, they may have discovered a miraculous symbol of hope that can destroy the One-eyed Preacher and his fervid followers: The Bloodprint, a dangerous text the Talisman has tried to erase from the world.
Finding a copy of The Bloodprint promises to be their most dangerous undertaking yet, an arduous journey that will lead them deep into Talisman territory. Though they will be helped by allies—a loyal ex-slave and Arian’s former confidante and sword master—both Arian and Sinnia know that this mission may well be their last.
I’m not gonna sugar coat it, The Bloodprint was a huge disappointment. Starting the novel was like walking into a movie halfway in progress, you’re thrown into the action without any idea what is happening or why it’s happening, and it pretty much continues that way throughout the entire length of the novel. Literally every chapter left me with more questions about the world and the plot with zero answers coming from the rest of the novel.
There are a lot of characters to keep track of, which is fine, except only a very few get any kind of development at all and even then it’s only surface. There was so much potential for great female friendships but the mediocre characterization ruined it. Often the author tried to pull emotion for the characters out of the reader, but it was heavy handed (especially in the final chapter) and there wasn’t enough character development to make me care about what was happening to them.
It also bothered me that only one character in a story with a middle eastern setting and touting diversity was actually black and her skin color was constantly mentioned and exoticized as if it was her only defining characteristic. The romance was also problematic. They have no chemistry and a past history that is anything but romantic. Plus all the main character can ever seem to say about the love interest is how attractive he is which is really not a great basis for the epic and tortured love story they author seemed to think she was creating.
The plot was…chaotic is the best (okay, nicest) word I can think of. Most of the plot of this book just happens and you’re never quite sure why because very little explanation is given about the catalysts and motivation for the events. You know there is a group of men determined to enslave women, and a group of women with magic who are the only chance of stopping them, but the magic system doesn’t get a lot of attention, nor really does this group of women. I did enjoy most of the action sequences but it also felt like a lot of those fights were too easily won.
The writing style was pleasant enough, although often repetitive and unnecessarily descriptive in parts. And honestly, I probably could have forgiven most of the issues I had with the book, bumped it up a star and given the sequel a shot if not for the rage inducing ending of the novel. I don’t care who you are, YOU DO NOT END A BOOK LIKE THAT.
