• Age: 12 to 18
• Grade: 7 to 12

A standalone novel of magic, mayhem, love, and betrayal set in the Wrath of Ambar universe, this is the story of a bandit and a prince who change each other in unexpected ways. For readers of Sabaa Tahir and Marie Lu.

When they don’t give us our birthright, we steal it.

Roshan Chaya is out for justice. Abandoned by her parents at birth and adopted by the kingdom of Jwala's most notorious bandit before his brutal murder, she is now leader of the Shadow Clan, a gang of farmers-turned-bandits impoverished by the provincial governor’s atrocities and corruption. Roshan’s goal: to avenge her adoptive father and earn back rights and dignity for her people.

Prince Navin has always felt like an outcast. Second in line for the throne, he has never been close to his grandmother, Queen Bhairavi of Jwala. When a night out drinking with friends leads to his capture by the infamous Shadow Clan, Navin schemes to befriend Roshan and use her as a means to escape. His ploy, however, brings Navin closer to the corruption and poverty at the heart of Roshan’s province, raising questions about its governor and Navin’s own family.

To further complicate things, the closer Roshan and Navin get, the harder it becomes to fight their growing attraction. But how can they trust each other when the world as they know it starts to fall apart?

Set in a magical world inspired by the badlands of 17th century India, this standalone epic fantasy novel by Tanaz Bhathena is packed with political tensions, dangerous schemes, and swoon-worthy romance that asks the age old question: can love conquer all?

Tanaz Bhathena's profile page

• Nominated, White Pine Award

TANAZ BHATHENA is a three-time nominee of the Ontario Library Association's White Pine Award, an award her novel Hunted by the Sky won in 2021. That novel was also named a Best Book of the Year by the CBC, the Canadian Children's Book Centre and the USSBY. Her novel The Beauty of the Moment won the Nautilus Gold Award. Her acclaimed debut, A Girl Like That, was named a Best Book of the Year by numerous outlets including the Globe and Mail, Seventeen, and The Times of India. Find her at tanazbhathena.com.

"An absolute page-turner. Perfect for fans of swoon-worthy romance against a backdrop of rich epic fantasy." —Susan Dennard, New York Times–bestselling author of the Witchlands series

"A story that will keep you helplessly turning the page." —C. S. Pacat, New York Times–bestselling author of Dark Rise and The Captive Prince trilogy

"With its deep-dive world-building, complex characters, and energetic storyline, Of Light and Shadow delivers a ragingly good read. Come for the luscious, historically inspired setting and stay for the pitch-perfect emotional journey of Roshan and Navin." —Megan Bannen, author of The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy and Soulswift

“Evocative writing and layered world building bring the glittering cities and brutal badlands of Jwala to life.” —Nicki Pau Preto, author of The Crown of Feathers trilogy

"Bhathena once again showcases her lush writing and tremendous world-building skills; this is a satisfyingly suspenseful, romantic, and adventurous tale." —Teen Vogue

"With this standalone romantic fantasy, Tanaz Bhathena delivers." —Jodi Meadows, New York Times–bestselling author of My Plain Jane and the Fallen Isles Trilogy
"A spoiled prince and an infamous outlaw forge an unlikely alliance in this dazzling adventure." —Publishers Weekly

"An enchanting romantic fantasy weaving together history, magic, and inspired resistance." —Kirkus Reviews

"A worthwhile fantasy with a sobering reminder that those who write history don't always tell the truth." —Booklist

"A relevant and refreshing fantasy that will inspire readers to consider their own agency in agitating for social change.” —Quill and Quire