A solid next installation in this series. Matharu keeps improving as a writer which is a delight to see.

Thank you NetGalleyUk and HarperCollins Uk, Harper Fiction, for an eARC of The Tainted Khan in return for an honest review.

The Tainted Khan is the second book in The Soulbound Saga series, following the first book Dragon Rider. In this story we pick up with Jai separating from the rest of the characters in the Steppe, the land from where he originated, ready to regain the title of Khan, his birthright. This is an epic adventure from him learning the basics about life within the tribe to all of the obstacles he must cross, both to gain the trust of the people, and to wage war against their enemies.

What drew my attention to the first book was the storyline of the dragons. I felt like this was a little slow over the first 100 pages of this second book, as there was very little of Winter (Jai's dragon) in it; the book definitely picked up more as it progressed and I was very happy with how much page time we then got with Winter. This is a longer book than I would normally read, but I think the length of this (over 500pages) was perfect. The author spent the time to show us more depth to Jai, and even though he read a little young, I was rooting for him and pleased with the character progress that we got with him. I look forward to spending more time with Jai, in this world, in the next one.

I recommend this is If you like epic political fantasies, with dragons, gorgeous descriptions of the natural scenery, and well written fight scenes.

This is a slow burn sequel to Dragon Rider. The pace is slow, but it's a very good read as we immerse ourselves in the world of the Sithia, Jai's people.

The Tainted Khan focuses on Jai's journey through the levels of the soulbound as he comes to grips with becoming one of the Sithia. The book is about Jai's development as a character.

That said, there is still plenty of action, especially in the latter half of the book that keeps the plot moving forward nicely. The cliffhanger at the end sets up a nice ending for the series.

This is a very solid read and I'm looking forward to the next.

Just an absolutely beautiful series. Brings such beautiful imagery and world building.
Super exciting read, I loved it!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book. A gorgeous 3 star read book from me. What an exciting plot, vivid storytelling and relatable, rich characters. I couldn't put this book down – absolutely loved it.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the eARC.
This book has great worldbuilding, characters development and political intrigue. Jai navigated his role as a hostage to the Valor (yes, he became a hostage again) then he was thrust into a world of politics and his role as a ruler all of a sudden, but he used his wisdom, the knowledge that he gained from the Valor as well as Leonid's and what he knew of his father's past to navigate all of it skillfully. I hated how he sometimes 'lost himself for a moment' while looking at/ being forcefully kissed by another woman and having to remind himself of Erica.
The worldbuilding is extensive, the author created an entire culture, their traditions (fair warning, I found some of them a bit grotesque like when they drank khiroi blood or mixed it with milk) and way of living from scratch. While this was amazing, it took about the first 100 pages to achieve this which made me almost DNF the book at the beginning, but I stuck through and it was worth it. The pacing completely changes after that and you find yourself thrust from one event into the other.
The focus in this book is mainly on Jai's getting to know his people's way, settling into his role as a khan and ruling his people while getting ready to face the sabines which is normal for a second book (as it acts as a bridge in the series), so Winter didn't have a main role here , it was all up to Jai. you will meet lots of new characters. I loved some of them and hated others, I want to elaborate, but can't do so without spoiling. I found some of the decisions made by the characters in this book to be not in line with their personality or it was as if they suddenly changed.
All in all, it was an enjoyable read and I really liked it.

I rated this book 5 stars because I couldn't put it down for a second. It was so good and the author is a genious! I totally recommend everyone to read this book as fast as they can because it's really good and the characters are fantastic.