Goodreads rating: 4.67/5
Published: November 24th, 2022
Author: Anna Tan
Genre: Fantasy fiction, historical, Asian literature
If cursed is the hand that kills, then it wouldn’t matter if that same hand stole, would it?Tulen feels doubly cursed, forced to serve the bratty princess of Impian as punishment for her crimes. When said princess embarks on a pilgrimage, Tulen grabs her only chance to offer a sacrifice at the holy city of Suci—and maybe, finally, feel clean again.Sultan Mikal has set his face towards Suci—and certain death. Nothing about his Penance is clear, except the fact that if he fails, Terang will fall along with him.When Tulen’s pilgrimage intersects with Sultan Mikal’s quest to fulfil the Covenant of Salt, Tulen faces a difficult dilemma: What is her absolution worth in the face of the sultanate’s very existence?
A humble thank you to the author and Teaspoon Publishing for this e-ARC in return for my honest review. I am so happy to read the remainder of this lovable series! I finally have closure now...
Absolution trails after Amok where the first was from Mikal's POV and this second one is from Tulen's POV. Tulen is a gifted girl who can read minds and is living on the rough trying to make ends meet whilst hiding from the Justice. She has been evading the laws trying to look for her Aunt Rahsia and hoping to go on a pilgrimage to Suci in hopes of absolution, to be clean of the crime she thinks she has committed. In the end, she was caught red handed stealing a purse and to avoid going to jail, she has agreed to work at a palace. Things began to change for the better and she finally gets to go on a pilgrimage, thanks to the princess under her care. Her road to absolution entails with many trials and tribulations including meeting a mysterious guy named Penebus.
I am amazed with the story, the journey Tulen had taken, the adventure both Tulen and Penebus endured to finally reach Suci and fulfill their pilgrimage! It was filled with lots of uncertainty, turbulent thoughts and hindrance but also with lots of faith; totally keeping me on the edge. I couldn't wait to finish it, to know how it ends. I definitely felt relieved and glad that it was a HEA ending!
The author has managed to pace the story, filled it with the right amount of suspense and details in this wonderful imaginary world! It does feel relevant especially since it's taken from the Nusantara vibe and emulate it nicely in this world of hers! This is by far the best amongst her other novels in my opinion! I could imagine the story easily whilst reading it! Upon reaching the end, I did wish for more though LOL!
If you would like to read any of Anna Tan's books, you can purchase it directly from here:
No comments:
Post a Comment