Book details
The Lady or the Lion (1) (The Marghazar Trials)
Description
"He sunk his teeth into her heart and she let him."As crown princess of Marghazar, Durkhanai Miangul will do anything to protect her people and her land. When her grandfather, the Badshah, is blamed for a deadly assault on the summit of neighboring leaders, the tribes call for his head. To assuage cries for war, the Badshah opens Marghazar's gates to foreigners for the first time in centuries, in a sign of good faith. His family has three months to prove their innocence, or they will all have war.As Durkhanai races to solve who really orchestrated the attack, ambassadors from the neighboring tribal districts arrive at court, each with their own intentions for negotiations, each with their own plans for advantage. When a mysterious illness spreads through the villages and the imperialists push hard on her borders, Durkhanai must dig deep to become more than just a beloved princess-she must become a queen.To distract Durkhanai from it all is Asfandyar Afridi, the wry ambassador who tells her outright he is a spy, yet acts as though he is her friend-or maybe even something more.
Age
13-18
Text complexity
beginner
Length
400 pages
Book in series
#1
Why to read
- Engaging Retelling: 'The Lady or the Tiger?' by Frank R. Stockton is a classic short story that has intrigued readers for over a century. Aamna Qureshi's 'The Lady or the Lion' offers a fresh and engaging retelling of this story, providing a new perspective and depth to the tale, making it a must-read for fans of reimagined classics.
- Cultural Richness: The book is set in the fictional kingdom of Marghazar, which is inspired by the author's Pakistani heritage. Readers will be immersed in a world filled with rich cultural details, from the clothing and food to the social customs and political intrigue, offering a unique reading experience that celebrates South Asian culture.
- Strong Female Protagonist: The story features a strong and determined female protagonist, Durkhanai, who challenges the traditional roles and expectations placed upon her. Her journey of self-discovery and empowerment is inspiring and resonates with readers who appreciate seeing female characters take charge of their own destinies.
- Themes of Love and Justice: 'The Lady or the Lion' explores deep and thought-provoking themes such as love, honor, and justice. The moral dilemmas and emotional conflicts faced by the characters will keep readers engaged and prompt them to consider their own values and beliefs, making it a thought-provoking read.