Tara Trilogy

For Tara and her brother, Suraj, the year their mother and grandfather fled the village of Morni in the middle of the night has been a nightmare. Their new stepmother is cruel and deceptive, and the village itself is lacking a healer. What's more, men of the village have been disappearing, often returning in a strange, altered form. When a new healer, Zarku, a mysterious man with a third eye possessing strange power, suddenly appears in Morni, all are mesmerized by his magic – all except Tara, who sees through his evil disguise. With nothing but her own courage and wit, Tara tries to find her missing mother and grandfather, the true healer, in time to save her village. But along the way she must enlist the help of the god Ganesh and the lord of death, Yama, or she, like others before her, will fall victim to Zarku's third eye.

What if the only way to get rid of your worst enemy was to sacrifice your brother?When hyenas snatch Taras brother, Suraj, and two other children from the local fair in Morni, Tara and her newfound companions decide to rescue them on their own. Tara soon discovers that Zarku, her nemesis with the third eye, is back and intent on revenge. A deadly game of hide and seek ensues, and Tara and her companions must work together to survive. But it is soon clear that Zarku is only after Tara; the others are dispensable. Should Tara risk the lives of her friends? Or can she once again defeat Zarku and save her brother, armed only with belief in herself and a silver anklet?

After the conclusion of The Silver Anklet, Taras triumphant return to Morni is short-lived. Taras deceased former stepmother, Kali, seeks revenge through her daughter, Layla. And so begins a series of carefully orchestrated events to cast suspicion on Tara: a dead dog in the village temple, contaminated well water, and whispers that Tara is still possessed. Layla fuels the villagers blind superstitions and fears. Soon all of Morni is against Tara, even her own family. Death seems to be the only way to stop her evil stepsister. Tara turns to Lord Yama and his deadly conch for help. He takes her to the Underworld to seek advice, but when she returns, she has only 24 hours to prove her innocence and to save the village before she must go back to the World of the Dead. Forever. Can Tara believe in herself once more to defeat Layla, or will Lord Yama and his deadly conch claim their next victim? The harrowing conclusion to the thrilling Tara Trilogy answers these questions and more.

This special three-book bundle collects all the books in the acclaimed Tara Trilogy, winner of the Silver Birch Award. Based in Indian mythology and culture, these novels follow Tara and her brother Suraj as she encounters such figures as the gods Ganesh and Yama, as well as a host of dangers. Mahtab Narshimhan expertly weaves mythology together with real life into a thrilling, lyrical odyssey. Includes: • The Third Eye • The Silver Anklet • The Deadly Conch

When hyenas abduct her brother Suraj, Tara plunges into a deadly game of cat and mouse with her vengeful enemy, Zarku. As the clock ticks, she must choose: sacrifice her friends to save her brother or harness the power of a mysterious anklet to confront Zarkus dark magic. In a race against time, will Tara find the strength to outwit her nemesis, or will her choices lead to their doom?

Dive into the enchanting world of The Tara Trilogy, where ancient Indian mythology collides with thrilling adventure! Join Tara, a brave young girl armed with unwavering courage and a fierce spirit, as she battles the sinister healer Zarku, who seeks to obliterate everything she holds dear. Journey through vibrant landscapes, face mythical creatures, and unravel age-old secrets as Tara fights to reclaim her destiny. Will she rise to the challenge and save her loved ones from darkness? Get ready for an epic saga filled with magic, friendship, and the power of belief! Perfect for middle-grade readers hungry for adventure and rich cultural tales. Praise for the Trilogy: "HIGHLY ORIGINAL AND ENTERTAINING." A gripping novel, filled with tension, intriguing characters and fascinating cultural detail.~ Marsha Skrypuch A wonderful fantasy with a Hindu Flavour. This is a fairy tale, a myth, and a quest fantasy, set in an Indian village, all rolled into one.~ Nicola Mansfield "BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN AND LYRICAL." "This beautifully written and lyrical book brings various figures in Indian mythology to life in a compelling story about family, love, courage and determination. Tara is a wonderful heroine exemplifying the strength of the human spirit to overcome adversity."~Resource Links "THRILLING CONCLUSION." The final entry in an atmospheric and twisty fantasy trilogy goes hard with a mythic trip to the underworld and bigger, badder stakes than ever. Dark, epic, and satisfying. ~K. A. Wiggins

After a triumphant return, Tara finds herself accused of witchcraft by her vengeful stepsister Layla, igniting the village's darkest superstitions. With time running out and the specter of Lord Yama looming, Tara must fight to clear her name and save her soul from the depths of the Underworld.Can she turn the tide against Layla's relentless fury? Get ready for the epic finale of an unforgettable trilogy as Tara faces her ultimate challenge yet!

How will Tara escape the malevolent gaze of the Third Eye? In a village haunted by disappearances, Tara alone sees the truth behind the healer Zarku's sinister magic. With her family missing and danger lurking, she must summon her courage and enlist divine help to uncover the mysteries of the Third Eye before it claims her too. Winner of the Silver Birch Fiction Award