"Weaving another rich historical tapestry...Sundaresan colors the life of a
fascinating woman whose female wiles inspired the Taj Mahal."--Booklist

"The novel's scope and ambition are impressive, as are the numerous period details....
Readers who enjoyed the first volume will find similar pleasures tracking the fate of one
of history's most intriguing women."--Publishers Weekly

"Sundaresan [is] a bright addition to the new generation of women writers from India."
--Seattle Times

"There is no question that Sundaresan is a gifted storyteller with an obvious passion for
history."--USA Today

"Sundaresan's love of storytelling is apparent in this well researched historical romance.
She makes sure that the reader stays enthralled from chapter to chapter and, with this
sequel, will surely do the same in creating anticipation for her next book."
--Library Journal

In her critically praised debut novel, The Twentieth Wife, Indu Sundaresan
introduced the love story of Emperor Jahangir and Mehrunnisa. The story continues
in this lush sequel, when Mehrunnisa comes into Jahangir's harem as his twentieth
and final wife. This time Jahangir has married for love, and members of his court are
worried that Mehrunnisa could exert control over their futures. Their concerns are
well founded.

Despite the rivalry of the imperial harem, who has plotted against her from the beginning,
Mehrunnisa soon becomes the most powerful woman in the Mughal Empire. She rules
from behind the veil, securing her status by forming a junta of sorts with her father,
brother, and stepson and by risking all, even her daughter, to get what she wants.
But she never loses the love of the man who has bestowed this power upon her.