Goodreads Monday is a weekly meme where we randomly select a book from our Goodreads To Be Read list and share it with the world. It’s hosted by Lauren’s Page Turners, so be sure to link back to her site so that we can all see what everyone plans to read!

The Bloodprint (The Khorasan Archives #1)
by Ausma Zehanat Khan
Fantasy
448 pages
Published in October 2017, by Harper Voyager

From 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 sure where I first came across The Bloodprint, but it sounded interesting and when I saw them on sale at Book Outlet, I decided to take a risk and buy the first two books in paperback. They were only about $4.50 each, so if I end up not liking the series I’m not out much. But Khan’s perspective as a Muslim writer intrigues me as it relates to fantasy writing, which often has a Western Christian perspective embedded in it, whether the author is religious or not. I placed my order over a week ago and I’m still waiting for it, so on that far off day when I receive and am able to read this book, I will report back.