Final Rating:
Date of Completion: 08/08/2025
Published by: HarperVoyager
ISBN: 9780008517687
At the heart of ‘The Tainted Khan’ lies a fascinating political landscape and an epic character journey, but the descriptive writing style makes the pacing uneven.
Cover:
Writing:
Storyline:
Main character(s):
Secondary characters:
Romance:
This sequel dives straight into the elaborate worldbuilding as Jai becomes immersed in the culture and politics of his people. While this gives the story a slow start, the character-driven storyline gradually gains momentum through intensifying political intrigue and bursts of action. The use of short chapters and cliffhanger endings also effectively keeps the story engaging throughout. What’s more, themes of identity, war, greed, and loss add depth that enriches the storyline.
words are wind. Actions are the currency of trust.
Despite the odds stacked against him, Jai actively shapes his journey in this book. His emotions and motives are clearly detailed and relatable, although parts of his character growth felt rushed. Like Jai, the waves of supporting characters also have some complexity, which makes them realistic. However, the characters drift in and out of the story, so they failed to make a lasting impression.
She was his constant, her love the beacon that guided him in the darkest of hours.
The main drawback for me was Taran Matharu’s overly descriptive writing style. While it smoothly brings Jai’s rough ascent and the harsh tribal landscape of the Steppe to life, it tends to tell more than it shows, resulting in an uneven pace. A few awkward innuendos also threw me off, but the subtle romance subplot that emerges is adorable and well-developed.
Discussion Questions (Contains spoilers!):
Q: Do you have any similar book recommendations?
The rewarding risks Jai takes remind me of Vis in The Will of the Many by James Islington, who excels at everything. Fans of the political intrigue and escalating action in this sequel will also appreciate Evie’s journey in Kill the Queen by Jennifer Estep. Definitely check out those two books if you enjoyed this one.
Q: Which aspect of the Steppe culture stood out most to you, or grossed you out the most?
While I generally found the Steppe culture fascinating and creative, I was disgusted by the drink made from the blood and milk of their khiroi animals. The description of the clotted mixture almost made me gag.
Q: Have you ever broken a bone?
Thankfully, I haven’t broken any bones, and I hope to keep it that way. I am not great with pain, so just reading about Jai’s constant beatings and injuries made me wince!
Q: Are you a fan of descriptive writing? Did you enjoy it in this book?
Q: Have you ever felt torn between two identities, communities or expectations?
Q: Did your impression of Zayn change throughout the book?
Q: Have you had to deal with a bully as an adult?
Q: What did you think of the politics in the Steppe?
Q: Have you ever been to a public bath?
Q: Were you surprised by how Jai’s uncle responded to his return?
Q: Is there an accent you struggle to understand?
Q: Do you know multiple languages? Were they difficult to learn?
Q: Are you good at bargaining or haggling?
Q: What did you think of the risks Jai takes to achieve his goals?
Q: Which of the combat strategies in this book impressed you the most?
Q: Have you ever ridden an animal? Were you scared?
Q: Which creature from this book would you want to ride most?
Q: Have you been mountain or cliff climbing?
Do you agree or disagree with anything mentioned above? Let us know in the comments below.
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