The first book in a series is like that taste test of a new ice cream flavour. Sequels are the big bucket of that same flavour you instantly place an order for. This post is all about highlighting worlds and characters that readers are excitedly waiting to return to. Surprisingly, and sadly, four of these titles are the last in a series so consider this list a friendly reminder to catch up or start if you haven’t already.
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The Chariot At Dusk by Swati Teerdhala
The third and final book in The Tiger at Midnight trilogy, this YA fantasy inspired by Indian history and Hindu mythology raises romantic stakes by driving down a path of enemies-to-lovers-to-enemies. With a louder projection of the author’s aim to tackle the “tension between duty and self”, this conclusion also promises plot twists, ruling women, power imbalances, and a steamy chemistry.
Buy the book: Amazon US | Bookshop | Amazon IN
We Free The Stars by Hafsah Faizal
The conclusion to the Sands of Arawiya duology, this YA fantasy set in an ancient Arabian world will return with the kingdom’s darkest threat that the zumra is plotting to overthrow, but Zafira and Nasir’s darkness within is humming too and they’re falling in love. In addition to the lush world, unleashed chaos, found companionship, and drastic sacrifices, this sequel to the New York Times bestselling We Hunt the Flame is sure to be beautifully written.
Buy the book: Amazon US | Bookshop | Amazon IN
Aru Shah and the City of Gold by Roshani Chokshi
The fourth in the Pandava Quintent, this middle-grade fantasy inspired by Hindu mythology is raising the stakes with the world on the brink of a war between asuras and devas. Being the penultimate instalment in a widely loved series, it’s filled with wondrous magic, manipulative gods, and an adventure made better with friendship. A New York Times bestselling series, nothing less than fun, flaws, and girl power is being expected.
Buy the book: Amazon US | Bookshop | Amazon IN
Rising Like A Storm by Tanaz Bhathena
A conclusion to The Wrath of Ambar duology, this YA fantasy resurges from the cliffhanger at the end of Hunted by the Sky to show a connection deeper than just some romantic sparks between Gul, the chosen girl with a prophesied birthmark, and Cavas, the boy who holds her soul. Bringing their magical forces together, a usurper queen must be overthrown in this sequel to “an epic adventure” — as praised by Tasha Suri, author of Empire of Sand.
Buy the book: Amazon US | Bookshop | Amazon IN
A War of Swallowed Stars by Sangu Mandanna
Final book in The Celestial Trilogy, this perfect fusion of science fiction and fantasy immersed in political power play, family dynamics, and an impending war is bound to bring the gods and myths inspired by the epic Mahabharata to a gripping conclusion. An exiled prince, a vanished princess, and a ravenous beast will unleash the ultimate chaos in this space fiction conclusion even S. A. Chakraborty, author of The City of Brass, ‘can’t wait for’.
Buy the book: Amazon US | Bookshop | Amazon IN
N O T E
This list is primarily curated on the basis of the author identifying as a south asian, which means the occurrence and inspiration of the culture + identity, or quality of the south asian representation isn’t taken into account.
Fanna for Books 
Not to be that person (but also, definitely being that person), may I know when will you be reading The Archer at Dawn 😂
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Omg four of these are on my list as well!! I am most excited for The Chariot at Dusk and Rising Like a Storm. I love the cover of Rising Like A Storm because my facial features are kind of similar to Gul’s and therefore, I feel good about how I look. Also, I am not ready for Esha and Kunal’s story to end. It’s one of my all time favorite series.
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Hello queen Fanna with all the 2021 releases!! Welp I haven’t read any of these ones’ first books, I am super excited to read Aru Shah and also We Hunt The Flame heheh
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omg 2021 has been such an amazing year for indian, and south-asian rep!! i can’t wait to read all the books on this list, thanks for sharing!! 💕
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