After reading The Bloodprint, the first book in the Khorasan Archives series by Ausma Zehanat Khan, I have to say I was completely captivated from start to finish. I’m always on the lookout for new and imaginative worlds to explore. Khan’s series introduces a richly developed setting and complex characters that had me hooked.
| Title | The Bloodprint |
| Author | Ausma Zehanat Khan |
| Genre | Fantasy, Fiction |
| Language | English |
| Publication Date | October 3, 2017 |
| Length | 448 pages |
Where to Purchase
An Epic Quest in a Desert World
The Bloodprint takes place in the fictional realm of Khorasan, which draws inspiration from Middle Eastern cultures and landscapes. The main character is Arian, a book reader trained in the arts of combat. She undertakes a dangerous quest across the deserts of Khorasan to find the legendary Bloodprint, an ancient book that contains the secrets to destroy the One-Eyed Preacher, a despotic ruler who persecutes minorities and women.
Arian joins forces with Sinnia, a fellow book reader, and other outlawed warriors and thieves as they evade the Preacher’s forces. Khan does an excellent job bringing the harsh beauty of the desert setting to life. The sandstorms, oasis havens, and nomadic communities all feel textured and real. Khorasan has its own unique mythology and history that provide a rich backdrop for the story.
Complex Characters You Root For
While the desert world-building is top-notch, the characters are what really elevate this book. Arian is a compelling heroine – strong-willed, principled, and skilled in combat, yet vulnerable at times when faced with the trauma of her past. Sinnia, a fiercely brave warrior, balances Arian with her boldness and zeal. Their unlikely friendship forged in battle creates moments of levity and emotion.
The supporting characters, like the gentle giant Wafa who protects the vulnerable, also have depth. Even the villains like the Preacher are complex, driven by ideology and human failings. I found myself invested in these characters’ fates, hoping they would achieve their purpose.
Thrilling Action and Adventure
For fantasy fans who love exciting action, The Bloodprint delivers several edge-of-your-seat sequences. Whether it’s high-speed chases on horseback through dusty bazaars, sword fights against raiders, or stealth missions into enemy compounds, Khan writes vivid and kinetic battle scenes. I had to stop myself from skimming ahead during some cliffhangers!
Yet the book also finds moments of quiet and reflection, as Arian examines ancient texts for clues and connections in her quest. These more cerebral scenes provide nice pacing between the thriller-like adventure chapters. The convergence of mysticism, history, and action make for an engaging mix.
Thoughtful Commentary on Gender and Tyranny
Beyond its adventure storyline, The Bloodprint also subtly examines deeper themes about the dangers of religious tyranny and female oppression. The One-Eyed Preacher echoes despotic leaders in our real world history who use religion to justify authoritarian control, especially over women. Arian and Sinnia have faced persecution, violence, and marginalization because of their gender.
Seeing them courageously fight against such injustice, while grappling with their own trauma, adds emotional weight. This book validated my feelings about the struggles women still face today while also keeping me engrossed in high fantasy drama. Khan struck a skillful tonal balance between escapism and social commentary.
An Immersive Page-Turner
The Bloodprint pulled me in with its rich world-building, memorable characters, and propulsive action. I found myself thinking about Arian’s quest in between reading sessions, always eager to return to Khan’s transportive desert fantasy realm. With its cliffhanger ending, I’m excited to continue this series and see where the next installments lead. For any fantasy fans seeking a transportive new saga, I highly recommend picking up The Bloodprint. Its intricately crafted setting and complex characters offer an unforgettable reading journey.
