I’ve been a fan of Rati Mehrotra’s work for a while, and 'Markswoman' stood out to me the moment it hit shelves in January 2018. The book is the first in the 'Asiana' series, and it’s set in a post-apocalyptic world where markswomen wield psychic blades called 'kalaris.' The concept alone was enough to hook me, but the execution—rich world-building, intricate politics, and a protagonist who’s both fierce and vulnerable—made it unforgettable.
What I love most about 'Markswoman' is how it balances action with deeper themes like loyalty and identity. Kyra, the main character, isn’t just a skilled warrior; she’s grappling with her place in a society that’s as brutal as it is beautiful. The book’s release was a big deal in the speculative fiction community, and it’s easy to see why. If you haven’t picked it up yet, you’re missing out on one of the most original fantasy novels of the past decade.
'Markswoman' was a breath of fresh air when it debuted in January 2018. Rati Mehrotra’s debut novel introduced me to a world where markswomen are the elite enforcers of justice, armed with psychic blades and bound by a strict code. The blend of post-apocalyptic settings and martial arts reminded me of 'Dune' meets 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,' but with a uniquely feminine perspective.
The pacing is relentless, and Kyra’s journey from a novice to a formidable markswoman is both thrilling and emotionally resonant. I’ve recommended this book to friends who usually shy away from fantasy because it’s so accessible yet deeply layered. The 2018 publication date feels recent, but the story has already cemented its place in my personal hall of fame. If you’re looking for something that’s equal parts action and heart, this is it.
I remember stumbling upon 'Markswoman' when I was deep into my fantasy phase a few years back. The book was first published in January 2018, and it quickly became one of my favorites because of its unique blend of sci-fi and fantasy elements. The author, Rati Mehrotra, created this mesmerizing world where markswomen are elite warriors with psychic blades. The story's setting and the strong female lead immediately drew me in. I’ve reread it a couple of times since then, and it still holds up as a fresh take on the genre. If you’re into action-packed stories with a touch of mysticism, this one’s a gem.
2025-08-22 14:24:47
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"This is what you wanted, isn’t it, little hunter?” he growled, flipping me onto my back like I weighed nothing. His hand fisted in my hair, dragging a broken moan from my throat. “Next time you put a blade to my throat… use it.”
All my life, I’ve been trained as a hunter—my father’s perfect weapon. Born into a bloodline sworn to protect the human world from the monsters they can't even recognize.
I thought I knew what monsters were… until the ancient, ruthless, obsessive Lycan King marked me as his mate — to break the witches’ curse that chained him to centuries of torment.
One bite ruined everything — binding my body, mind, and soul to him. My touch quiets his endless agony — and he’d burn the world to keep it.
Now I’ll play his wicked game — and turn his greatest weapon against him: me. I’ll remind him who’s really hunting who.
But what happens when vengeance tastes like hunger? When I crave the monster I was born to hunt? When every lie my father hammered into me becomes just another chain — binding me to the beast I can’t let go?
Now every step into his world drags me deeper — into secrets I was never meant to see, a darkness I was trained to destroy, and a forbidden life I crave more than my own salvation.
The Huntress is the continuation of the story Hunter's Revenge. The Huntress is the third installment of the Hunted Trilogy. Hunter's Revenge is the story of how Hunter and Sienna met and the trials their relationship goes through. It's also a transformative story in which Sienna goes from being the innocent Stone Princess to a suspected killer. After the death of her best friend, Sienna's life is never the same. Sienna blames herself for her part in Rylee's death and begins a journey to fulfill Rylee's dreams, giving up on her previous aspirations.
Hunter's Revenge ends when Sienna is placed in a pivotal moment. She can either decide to go back to living her Princess lifestyle, or she can choose to fight for what she believes in.
The Huntress is the story of the birth of the new Sienna. The powerful assassin that doesn't let anything get in her way. How far will Sienna go in the name of justice, and will she get the love she so desperately craves from Hunter? Or will she be forced to move on?
They say if you love something, you should set it free. But what if that very act is what denies you of your true happiness?
The Hunters.
The legendary Archers of Alestari were known world wide. Many trained for years, from youth to adulthood, to be good enough to qualify to be an apprentice to the Hunters.
Every year, the Hunters would travel all across the land of Alestari, searching for a single apprentice. Many hearts were crushed in this process. Because there were many years, that none were selected to train under the legendary Archers.
They would travel to every kingdom, city, town, village and tribe, searching. Royalty and common folk alike revered and worshiped the Hunters, for they were the true protectors of the land. A single Hunter was as good as 20 regular Archers. But they were also known to be excellent spies, as well as swordsmen. Any weapon in the world, they knew how to use properly. Thus they were highly sought after for military purposes and occasionally mercenaries.
To have a family member who was a Hunter, was the highest honor. They were treated like royalty, even by royals themselves.
Whatever a Hunter said, whoever they chose as an apprentice, no one ever argued. To fight with a Hunters choice, was to eliminate any chances you had of your family becoming one.
And for years, no one fought their decision. Until this year.
In the kingdom of Alestari, anyone was eligible to try and become an apprentice. Anyone, but a woman. Women were forbidden to learn any kind of weaponry, especially archery.
So when the King of the Hunters, chooses a woman to be an apprentice, many were angry. And they were out, to make her pay.
Princess Vivienne Aurelie Eloise managed to escape after their kingdom fell into the hands of Felix, the sly King of Weacomor. The young princess was left with nothing but her mother's last words and that is to find Archer, the dragonslayer. Life has always been an arrow of death for Vivienne until she met the huntsman she was tasked to find which was unknown to her, she was mated to him since she was in her mother's womb. When she found Archer, she thought life would be easier but she got it wrong because her life is destined to be an ocean of threats and chaos. She's perfectly weak but has to draw a sword and fight. She's vulnerable and fragile but needs to slit her enemies' throats to live. Her journey of restoring the throne of Grilux is never easy but with her mate alongside her, all odds and evils shall vanquish. In the middle of the endless journey of bloodshed, Vivienne and Archer found themselves drawn to each other, sharing love and affection.
Jaiyana Chakravarti has spent her life buried in research, chasing ancient stories whispered through her family line—legends of a forgotten goddess-warrior whose blood still runs in her veins. Now, as a doctoral student conducting fieldwork for her dissertation, Jaiyana’s awakening to her true power with the help of the secretive Obscura Directorate—an organization that protects dangerous relics, forbidden knowledge, and the supernatural threats the world no longer remembers—comes just in time as her true enemy reveals himself.
When a long-dormant Demon King rises to reclaim the world he once nearly destroyed, Jaiyana discovers the legends were never just stories. Her lineage holds the power to stop this ancient evil… but only if she learns to wield the celestial weapons crafted for her ancestor. And those weapons are locked within the Directorate’s vaults, requiring trials she never trained for and strength she isn’t sure she possesses.
Kaplan, a white tiger shifter and the last heir of a warrior line once sworn to protect Jaiyana’s goddess-blooded ancestor, is sent to fulfill an ancient promise: he is her fated mate, battle partner, and equal. But the bond between them is not forced, it is a choice of love. And Jaiyana, who built her life on logic and independence, is not prepared for a destiny wrapped in prophecy, claws, and a breathtakingly gentle heart.
As Jaiyana and Kaplan train under the Directorate’s watchful eye, their partnership deepens into a powerful love—one that strengthens the magic awakening inside her. But with the enemy growing bolder, and the Directorate divided on whether she can be trusted with the weapons she was born to wield, Jaiyana faces an impossible path: master her emerging power, earn the Directorate’s approval, and embrace a bond that could save—or shatter—both their worlds.
Orennox is a wizard who has been around since the world was made. As technology progresses, magic tends to wane and Orennox adapts to the trends. Now called Oren Knox, he is mostly known as a gunfighter, a notoriously cheap gunfighter who will use magic to make one bullet do the work of many so he doesn't have to keep buying ammunition. His quest is to locate the last Earth Nodes, the last strongholds of magic, and harness their power with the goal of bringing back his trapped wife. In order to find these Earth Nodes, he must use the services of the female Diabolists (night witches) who can sense the magic from long distances. Only, Diabolists are extremely rare and there is a psychopathic killer out there who wants them all dead. After losing one Diabolist to fate, Oren must protect his new asset from those who would hunt her down and kill her so he can find enough magic to complete his quest. However, he is not the only wizard left looking for Diabolists, Diabolists have minds of their own, and, according to him, everyone Oren comes in contact with is a sidewinding, low down, scoundrel.
I remember picking up 'Markswoman' on a whim because the cover looked so cool—turned out to be one of my favorite fantasy reads! The series is published by Harper Voyager, an imprint under HarperCollins. They’ve got a knack for picking up bold, unique stories, especially in the sci-fi and fantasy realm. Harper Voyager also publishes other gems like 'The Poppy War' and 'The City of Brass,' so if you’re into rich world-building and fierce female leads, their catalog is worth exploring. 'Markswoman' stood out to me because of its blend of psychic warriors and post-apocalyptic vibes—definitely a fresh take in the genre.
I’ve been diving deep into fantasy series lately, and 'Markswoman' by Rati Mehrotra caught my attention. The series is a duology, meaning it has two books: the first is 'Markswoman' and the sequel is 'Mahimata.' The story follows Kyra, a skilled assassin in a post-apocalyptic world, and the mystical Order of Kali. The world-building is rich, blending sci-fi and fantasy elements seamlessly. If you’re into strong female leads and intricate plots, this series is a gem. The second book wraps up Kyra’s journey beautifully, making it a satisfying read without dragging on unnecessarily.