In the land of Ahiranyi, things are not going terribly well. The Parijati Empire has taken power. Their people are oppressed, their songs, stories, and very language are being lost. Their gods are gone. The very land itself is dying as a sickness spreads throughout, killing crops and livestock, and infecting people with the incurable Rot.
Priya is an Ahiranyi maid servant. Malini is the sister of the Parijati Emperor. Both women have secrets that will change everything.


Based on the epic legends of India, Tasha Suri’s The Jasmine Throne is a complex tale of oppression and subjugation, politics and power, rebellion, and magic. The world building is top notch, but what The Jasmine Throne really wins at is twofold. The main characters are morally grey and self-described as monstrous. The do murder, mayhem, manipulation, and even high treason and own it all. These are NOT shrinking violets. On the other hand, their romance is just so tender. For all the aforementioned mayhem, these are young women with all the hesitancy that inexperience brings. Who knew that washing someone’s hair could be that poignant or passionate!

I am glad that there will be further adventures in the Burning Lands. There is still much to explore, and I’m especially interested in seeing how the religions of the conqueror, and the conquered, both with their magic and monstrosity can impact the story going forward.

For anyone who loved The Priory of the Orange Tree (sadly no dragons though) or The City of Brass

With Thanks to Little Brown Books (Orbit) and Tasha Suri for an advanced readers copy of this book

4.5* rounded up.

This one really took me by surprise, I'm not sure what I thought it was going to be about but I was not expecting themes of Colonialism, oppression, misogyny and homophobia all addressed in an appropriate way by wonderfully developed characters, epic world building and a fast flowing plot!

Suri has never previously been on my radar as an author before, however I am going to change that as soon as possible. This as all the markers of a writing style that will become an automatic buy for me.

This was a fantastic read, and a good start to what I hope will be a great series! It covered so many hard-hitting themes that were discussed in a very good way, and doesn’t shy away from those tricky issues. There were a few parts that I felt just dragged on a slight bit, but it was still the story and the great ending still make it a solid 4 stars!!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

I haven't read any of Suri's previous work and I'll be rectifying that asap because I thought this book was great. Suri carefully balances issues such as colonialism, oppression, misogyny and homophobia inside a fast-moving plot, and doesn't shy away from some hard questions about how far it's acceptable to go in the name of freedom. Malini and Priya were engaging protagonists and I'm looking forward to the next part of the series.

4.5 rounded up - Loved this book and cannot pick a fault with it, but not a 5 just because 5 stars usually make me feel a certain way.

At this point I'm convinced Orbit can't publish a book that isn't just perfect. Full RTC but thanks to Orbit and Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was already one of my most anticipated reads of the year and it blew all my expectations away. The story, the imagery, the prose, the way Priya and Malini are so in need of eachother but also ready to tear eachother apart. This is a story about fire, about family and about women who have been turned monstrous by men and what happens when they fall in love.

- Full review here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CPqhUekLazK/?utm_medium=copy_link

The Jasmine Throne was a very good read! I will literally die for Malini. Honestly for a while I wasn't sure if this would be a 3 or 4 star book because it felt interminable, dragging on and on for what felt like forever - plus the exposure to the world was done on my least favorite way, dumping names and terms and slowly explaining them to the reader as the story goes on. The writing did not entirely work for me, either. But! It's still a great story. And that ending blew me away, cementing the 4 star rating for me. It's really nice to see Sapphic fantasy thriving and I think The Jasmine Throne is a fantastic addition to the list!

There is so much to love about this book, and I'll start with the world. It's inspired by India and it is beautiful and dark and fascinating. The more books I read with fantasy worlds that don't borrow from Europe, the more I realize how bored I tend to be with fantasy worlds based on Europe. Even though we spend the entirety of the story in Ahiranya, there are minor characters from different lands and I think the potential for expansion in the next two books is clear. Honestly can't wait to see what else it has in store for us.

The pacing of the book feels spot on. I wouldn't say the story is fast-paced, but it never drags either. Every event feels very purposefully planted to develop the mysteries at the heart of the book. My heart was pounding towards the end, I was so eager to finally find the answer to one of the questions I had. The book earned that kind of investment from me and I loved it.

The chapters are from different points of view, the main ones being Malini, our captive princess, and Priya, the maidservant with a special connection to the temple where Malini is kept. But even though we meet a lot of people, it never feels overwhelming. There's a character list at the end of the book, but I never felt the need to go looking for it. Everyone is introduced with ease, and they're all memorable with their own complexities, personalities, goals, flaws and motivations.

This was my first book by the author but I know Empire of Sand is described as a fantasy romance. I think the romantic element in this book wasn't huge, but seeing the way Malini and Priya slowly grew closer was satisfying, and I look forward to the relationship growing in the next book.

Where to start? I’m all strangled vowels and twisted feelings and a deep-burning satisfaction that yes, actually, THIS is how you do fantasy right.

What to expect:

A masterclass in character development and narrative pacing, set in a fascinating Indian-inspired world of city-states and eerie magic

A tale of overlapping personal and political conflicts in which you always believe that each one of its compelling characters would cheerfully knife any of the others to achieve their goals

A slowburn f/f romance veiled in misconceptions and conscious of its power imbalances, where questions of consent are central – and equality is central to consent

Brilliant. Devastating. Inspired. I'm --- look, give me a minute, I'm in awe, okay?

More like this, please.

The story took a little while to draw me in, but once the two main characters met and the plot truly started, it was a great read!

The relationship between the two main characters was well-developed, and all the viewpoints were distinct from each other. It was also so nice to read a sapphic fantasy novel - it’s something I’ve been waiting for far too long.

However I think my favourite aspect of this novel was the setting. From the magic, to the world-building, the world was richly described and very creative.

My only complaint is that I found some of the twists a little easy to guess, but other than that, I would definitely recommend this book to someone look for a nuanced and fresh fantasy read.

(Full Goodreads review to come later)

The Jasmine Throne is without a doubt, the best book I've read this year. The story of two morally gray women who fight to smash the patriarchy and fall in love while doing so, it's an homage to love, family, honour, and duty.

Equipped with an ensemble of profound and layered characters, The Jasmine Throne takes you into a whole new world that is beautiful and rich and vast. The prose is absolutely gorgeous.

There is never a moment that you feel like you need to take a break or step away from the story. It's an immersive experience that keeps you engaged till the last word.

A definite must read. I will be recommending this book to everyone from now till the end of time.

This is a fantasy novel inspired by the history and cultures of India – a first for me and, I felt, a refreshing change from the quasi-medieval worlds more common to the genre. The pace of the book is steady but well paced, and all of the many POVs that comprise the story (Malini and Priya are assisted by an array of supporting characters in telling their tale) are of equal interest – I didn’t find myself skipping ahead. This is also an admirably nuanced book, ably exploring themes such as feminism, mysogeny, religion, empire and family.

I did feel that the central Sapphic romance between Malini and Priya felt a little clunky and forced, which was a shame, but there will of course be ample opportunity for their relationship to be developed in the books that follow.

All things considered, whilst I enjoyed The Jasmine Throne, it didn’t quite engage me as much as I was expecting it to, possibly because it felt like the first part of a trilogy to me, rather than a strong book in its own right. It’s an intriguing read though and I would recommend it to those looking for a fantasy novel that is a little different from the norm.

My thanks to NetGalley and Little Brown Book Group UK for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was phenomenal.

The Jasmine Throne follows Malini, a princess who is sent to the Hirana by her emperor-brother to die, and Priya, whose past is tied to the Hirana, the abandoned temple where the Elders used to worship until they all burned for their faith.
To achieve their goals, they'll need each other - and they'll need to figure out whether they are only using the other for personal gain.

There is a LOT happening - in terms of world-building, characters, relationships between friends, family, lovers, politics, religion - and yet it's introduced in a way that never feels overwhelming.

The world-building is especially rich, and I am in awe of how well Suri managed to explain it without info-dumping. It took me a while to let everything fully sink in, but I enjoyed every bit of history, folklore, religion and politics that was revealed. It truly felt like I was reading about existing nations.

Partly why I loved this book so much is because its intricate plot is filled to the brim with political intrigue and struggles. The current emperor is a radical who wishes to purify the world by burning sacrifices to achieve divinity. Malini finds herself under his ire when she refuses to step on her pyre and tries to replace him with her gentler brother. With Malini being imprisoned, her allies are without a purpose, one of them being Rhao, whose true name holds a prophecy that carries the weight of a future bigger than his own. Meanwhile, the rebels are independently trying to overthrow the emperor, for which they need the secrets the Hirani Elders took with them when they burned.
The emperor and the rival factions aren't the only threat, though - a mysterious, magical disease is spreading through the land, and no one knows how to stop it.

The main POV characters are Priya and Malini. Each of them is strong, vibrant and full of their own desires.
My favourite was Malini, I loved how morally grey she was and how admirable her never-flinching determination, but I also really enjoyed Priya. She has a lot of strength and heart, and I’m looking forward to see more of her in the sequels.
Besides the two of them, there are also a few other POV’s, and though I usually get confused by having so many, that didn’t happen here. Every POV is properly tied to one of the main POV’s and each of these character had proper depth and their own motivations, while also giving new perspectives on the world.

The writing is lyrical and beautiful, with an attention to detail that makes the world come alive. The sensory descriptions made it feel like I was walking alongside the characters in the market, smelling roses in the garden, or feeling the rope burn my fingers while climbing the Hirana.

The Jasmine Throne is a story of reclaiming power, survival, filled with flawed, enthralling characters. With its kinetic energy it’s a great set-up for an epic fantasy series, and it has all the sapphic pining you can wish for.

Overall, this book was fantastic and one of the best books I've read this year. Go pick it up.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this e-arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Even before venturing into The Jasmine Throne, the hype around these two morally grey lesbians left me wondering how much I would like the story. Glad to report that I’m not disappointed. In fact, The Jasmine Throne lived up to my expectations and even surpassed them.

Banished to Ahiranya by her emperor brother, Princess Malini of Parijatdvipa will spend the rest of her days atoning for her treachery in a ruined temple. Hirana itself holds a great history of the Age of Flowers when the temple children and elders were conduits of the yaksa. Years ago, under the command of Malini’s father, the temple and everyone within were burned alive and the power of the yaksa disappeared with them.

However, the legacy and the magic continued to live on with a few survivors, and Priya is one of them. As a maidservant, all Priya wanted to do is keep her head low and help those who were suffering from rot, a disease that will overwhelm the infected with plants and leaves breaking out of the skin. With an uncanny connection to Hirana, Priya inevitably felt the magic that courses throughout the temple and within herself. Finding the deathless waters would be simple. Surviving it to be once, twice or thrice-born is a whole other question.

The alliance between Malini and Priya started out shaky and unstable. Each has their own motives and goals to achieve. Gradually, as they discover more about one another, romance blossomed. Regardless of their feelings, this duo understands perfectly what they would need to do to achieve greater things.

While Malini schemes to overthrow her ruthless brother, the rebels lead by a surviving temple child are seeking the deathless water. To wrestle back control from the empire, they’ve drunk from vials instead of the actual waters, consequences be damned. Another player, Bhumika, the wife of the regent in Ahiranya, is often overlooked and people underestimated the power that lies underneath her patience. Instead of the brutality and bloodshed that Ashok seeks to do, Bhumika’s method is quieter and more subdued.

Within this vast empire, the Ahiranyi worshiped the yaksa while the Parajati’s faith lies with the mother of flames which Chandra twisted into something that he could wield against his own people. For the Alorians, their religion surrounds the nameless god. From birth, their names kept secret, reflect the prophecy into which they’re born. I liked how the different faiths were explored in The Jasmine Throne and the extent to which the characters believed in their own religion.

Tasha Suri’s writing is incredibly intricate. Since this is a huge world with multiple players having their own plans either to free Ahriyana from imperialism or to remove a heartless emperor, Tasha Suri flawlessly plotted out their actions and gradually interwoven the story to include more than just Malini and Priya’s collaboration.

Ultimately, The Jasmine Throne is about the women who were denied things they should have been able to obtain. Pushing back against the rules, odds, and expectations, be it Malini, Priya, or Bhumika, these fearless and independent women will carve out a path that is solely theirs to walk.

I have great hopes for the rest of the Burning Kingdoms series!

The Jasmine Throne is inspired by Indian history and folktale. The world Suri creates within The Jasmine Throne is vivid and lush and vibrant.

Malini is a traitor to her kingdom and is banished into isolation for her crimes by her brother the Emperor. Kept under strict lock and key, Malini knows she about to die. That's until Priya a maidservant is tasked with the job of caring for the jailed princess. However, as the maid and princess spend more and more time together secrets are revealed. The secrets which they both share bounds the two and sets them on a journey to transform an ancient oppressive empire.

Not going to lie, this book was wholeheartedly mind-blowingly good! What in particular made me love this book was much was the intricate and detailed lore of the story. With the multiple POVs (which is used brilliantly Suri) to examine and showcase the political intrigue along with the opposing perspectives within Ahiranyi and what they see as the future for a kingdom at the edge of a revolution.

You can't help but fall in love with Malini and Priya characters'. Both of their POVs are beautifully fleshed out. Seeing both Malini and Priya stepping into their own unique powers is so empowering. You will be cheering for them all the way throughout the book. Oh and their romance and relationship are so sweet and tender. Slow-burn but is totally worth it!

It is easy within high fantasy stories for character driven storylines to buried by lore and world-building but Suir does a wonderful job in finding the perfect balance. Which is why the multiple POVs work so well. It really allowed Suri to evenly spread out world construction and plot development without it feeling bulky or dense.

My only critique is that it might take a moment to immerse yourself into the world (but that's probably me because it takes me a hot minute to understand anything I read in fantasy fiction anyways) but what really helps in the immersion is Suri's prose - beautifully sophisticated and elegant. Which makes you want to take the time and attention to appreciate the wonderful work Suri has put into this book. It's a story that you're meant to be read with every ounce of attention invested. So well done Suri!

I thoroughly enjoyed The Jasmine Throne. I can't wait to see what book 2 has in store. By the time I closed backcover of the book I was left wanting more. Suri has me hooked! I definitely have book 2 on my tbr and will be counting down the days until the sequel.

Thanks to Little, Brown Book Group UK Orbit for providing an e-arc (via NetGallery) for an honest review. The review above is that of my own thoughts and opinions

View Tasha Suri’s website for trigger warnings prior to reading .

The Jasmine Throne was one of my most anticipated books of the year and Tasha Suri is one of my favourite authors. So it was no doubt I was going to love this book but I loved it so much more than I expected!! Here are 5 reasons why you MUST read this book too:

A story that’ll keep you hooked
The Jasmine Throne follows the story of Malini and Priya. Malini is the princess of Parijat who was exiled by her brother for refusing to die by a purification ceremony. Priya is a maidservant who survived a fire which destroyed her temple family. Both of their paths cross in the most intriguing way. Malini and Priya are both vying for a chance to embrace their true power in some way and are cunning in their ways. I loved reading about their conflicts within themselves and with each other. Their trust and loyalty with each other and towards themselves was really well explored. Malini was a fave by a little more because her character was manipulative and secretive and you’re left wondering more about her.

Morally grey lesbians conflicted whether to fight or kiss each other
If you like the bodyguard romance trope, I raise you the cunning princess and her maidservant who is actually really powerful trope. Priya and Malini as I mentioned are both vengeful and manipulative in ways and especially with each other. There is an undeniable pull but also trust doesn’t come easy for them both. Their dynamic and chemistry doesn’t always take centre stage but the development is good and you get invested. A lot of the book is them dancing around each other while telling themselves they’re just using each other (lol). I truly adored this dynamic of fierce romance mixed with soft moments.

Atmospheric writing which will draw you in
Tasha Suri is known for her beautiful and lush writing. One of the reasons I loved the Books of Ambha duology was this and The Jasmine Throne is even better. The writing is gorgeous and really complements the tone and pace of the book well. It keeps you intrigued and draws you in. The world building was stunning and the build up and tension was done absolutely well. The various kingdoms and the descriptions were so good and it was atmospheric.

I also really loved the Indian influences and references right from the food to the saris and outfits to the weapons. I love reading books with these small things which I can relate to and understand fully and I love how beautifully Tasha incorporates all this into the story.

Intriguing politics and family drama
The politics between the kingdoms was really interesting to read. Since this is just part one, there was setting up in this book and I really liked it and can’t wait to read the direction the story moves towards. Both the protagonists are wronged by their brother in some way and we get to see two different perspectives in their stories and journeys. I especially loved Bhumika’s character and I truly can’t wait to read more of her. The themes of family, friendship and sisterhood is complex in this book and made for a really good read.

We also get multiple POVs in this book and I love how well Tasha does it because it does not feel too much at any point but actually maintains balanced narratives. The multiple narratives make the complex dynamics of the characters even more interesting to read.

Themes of imperialism and misogyny
This book discussed imperialism and oppression, religious extremities and the way they’re used to justify wrongdoings and misogyny. Women are always thought of less than or easily disposable and this book focuses not just on this but the anger of these women. Whether its Malini, Priya or Bhumika, we see them fight everyday for things small and big. They’re shown as less than or monstrous but what makes them that? The act of living on their own terms and not bowing to the men or is it that they dare to question. All this is explored really well in the book.

Overall, The Jasmine Throne is a stunning start to what I know will be a stunning series. If you like morally grey lesbians, expansive world building, gorgeous writing and intriguing politics, then this feminist fantasy is a MUST READ.

Thank you to Caffeine Tours and Orbit Books UK for making me part of the tour and providing me with a physical copy of the book. All opinions are my own.

The Jasmine Throne is a wonderfully written, beautifully intricate fantasy that I adored. The slow pace allowed Tasha Suri to build this deep, rich world without ever overwhelming the reader. It examines colonisation, rebellion, and power in a thoughtful, nuanced manner. This book is pure brilliance. If you love adult fantasy, you need to pick this one up immediately.

Emperor Chandra is looking to spread his misogynistic, oppressive beliefs across his empire. Malini, his sister, is made captive in a temple with a terrible past and faces extreme cruelty for not fitting neatly into his plans. Priya is a maidservant, one chosen to clean and bring supplies to Malini's prison. She's holding onto a secret past that begins to unravel as rebellion blooms in the city of Arihanya, chafing against the empire's rule. When Malini uncovers Priya's secret, she discovers an opportunity, and the two women's destinies combine, for better or for worse.

One of the major themes in this book involves colonisation. The Emperor of Parijatdvipa rules over city-states, such as the one where the events of the book take place, Arihanya. Arihanya did not fall willingly into this empire, and their cultures and traditions are facing marginalisation. The people of Arihanya long to be free, and some are willing to fight for it. This links strongly to the religion of the area too. The city used to host members of a religious order that had strange, plant-based magic provided to them by the deathless waters. The empire sees Arihanya as a strange, backward place, and the small amount of power it retains is at threat of being squashed. The city is so vibrant and full of life that you immediately feel a connection to it and the fight towards its freedom.

Rebellion is handled in an interesting, nuanced way within The Jasmine Throne. There are a group of people fighting for the ability to return to their religion and plant-based magic. They are fighting for Arihanya to be free once again. Tasha Suri spends time analysing if their tactics are justified, if their goals will truly help the people, or if they're merely vying for power. All of the characters agree that rebellion and change are necessary, but they aren't unified in their understanding of how best to achieve that goal. I especially enjoyed this as rebellion is often described as a unified force rather than people who work together but don't necessarily agree. From burning everything down to political manoeuvring, the character's have to figure out how much they're willing to pay for freedom.

This links to another reason I loved the book so much. Power always comes with a price. I'm a huge fan of books that delve into the consequences of actions, and The Jasmine Throne does this so well. Characters are constantly developing and changing regarding what they will do for power; who they will become to reach their goals. How much destruction can be justified for the goals of the rebellion? What parts of a person need to be sacrificed to become strong enough to do what is necessary? How much violence can you enact and still claim to be following the right course of action? Who needs to be killed? What love needs to be pushed aside? This book is packed full of these difficult decisions, and you can feel your heart breaking for characters who push onwards in their desperation.

How could I talk about this book without mentioning the sapphic romance! Malini and Priya are amazing and complex and I love them. There's this tension where they're both aware that they're using each other, but they can't ignore their attraction. This is especially true of Malini, who Priya never knows if she can trust. Is Malini only manipulating her to free her from her imprisonment; does she actually care? This book is so nuanced and brilliant in every way. I know it's going to be a difficult path for this pair, but I can't help but root for them and hope that, despite everything, they'll make it through.

Overall, I think you can tell that I loved this book a lot. This book is the type of fantasy that I am constantly craving; it was brilliant. Nuanced, complex, intricate, vibrant, heartbreaking; The Jasmine Throne is everything I love and more.

“The world only has meaning when we give it meaning.”
•
I really wanted to give this book 5 🌟 because the story is really interesting and well developed but there are far too many points of view, not all of them necessary in my opinion. Priya and Malini are two amazing girls, not boring at all. Especially Malini has a sort of dark side that makes her deadly but also very smart. She is ready to do anything to save herself and her country from her cruel brother and she finds in Priya the only chance she has to escape her prison. At first, Priya is only a mean to an end, but knowing her and spending time with her makes Malini realize she really wants this amazing girl. Priya is obliged to diminish herself everyday, she pretends to be a maidservant and conceals her great power. Her story is full of loss and tragedies and she struggles to find her true self, but she is both so powerful and so sweet that I really fell in love with her. This is the perfect book for pride month, full of love and political intrigues. I must admit that the very last part of the book is a bit slow but I am still very excited for the sequel. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the early copy.

The Jasmine Throne is a clear first in series novel that promises a saga of questionable loyalties, broken promises, grappling for power and intense political manoeuvring.

Its been one the strongest and best opening of any fantasy I’ve read this year. The world building felt as magical as the tale being told, with multiple character perspectives contributing to its illustration from all angles, to provide a setting that felt thoroughly enriched and real. The Empire is at the mercy of an Emperor who burns women in the name of the Gods, all the while a magical rot decimates provinces of the Empire and there’s growing rebellion against the Empire’s colonisation, and at the heart of the story is the princess who refused to burn and a maidservant determined to bury her past and her powers. The story is packed with political sentiment and nuanced plot developments for an overall slow burn read, which reminded me of Chakraborty’s Daevabad trilogy.

The magic system is intricate and left me wanting more. There’s powerful entities that empower water and grant abilities, and a mysterious namesake that prophesies destiny. There’s also the lethal magical disease “the rot” that deforms and kills the land and people who fall prey to it. These magical elements are blended well with the religious and political dimensions to not only rouse intrigue but horror too, I’m eager to see the sequel elaborate and expand all of it.

The best part for me was the characterisation. It’s clear as day Tasha Suri has put major TLC into these characters. The Jasmine Throne has such a strong female tone with kickass women, namely Princess Malini and Priya.

Malini is a powerful character. There’s no mistaking her cunning from the offset which made any potential moves on her part exciting to anticipate and sheer pleasure to see Malini realise her own potential beyond gender constraints. Then there’s Priya, who’s compassionate, loyal and equally powerful as Malini, just in a different way. Both women unlock parts of themselves across the story that made their development enjoyable, essentially embracing themselves to forge a path to more power.

The relationship between Priya and Malini is complex and a war of emotions. It would be easier for both of them not to care about each other as they come from opposite enemy sides, with different aspirations. They feel doomed before they begin. Repeat after me *clears throat*: I WILL GO DOWN WITH THIS SHIP.

There are a few side characters, but the one I enjoyed the most was Bhumika, the lady of the household Priya serves, and also Priya’s only connection to her past life. In short, I was fascinated with Bhumika, she was my favourite character and I’m desperate to know more about her.

However, personally, I would have preferred a narration with fewer characters. Naturally more voices broaden the story’s horizon, but I felt the story lost momentum and I was spread thin at certain points, and felt my developing connection to Priya and Malini was disrupted when taken away from them by voices that, at its worst, felt inconsequential.

Whilst the novel doesn’t leave too bad a cliffhanger, it certainly provides questions I’d very much like the answers to. Can the rot be stopped? Will love triumph over loyalty or vice versa? Will certain characters turn out to be evil? Will Ahiryana get freedom? The Jasmine Throne is a brilliant opening to a series that is easy to get swept up in, be it through the magic, the politics, the illustrious prose or the potentially disastrous romance, it’s definitely not to be missed. I can’t wait to read the sequel.


Thank you kindly to Orbit Books UK and Netgalley for an e-ARC in exchange for this honest review.

THE JASMINE THRONE is the start of a richly written fantasy trilogy inspired by the Hindu epics.

It's a slow burn book, both in terms of romance and plot. It's not a fast-paced book that dashes from scene to scene, but rather one that lets the events unfurl like a flower. It allows for such a rich world to spring up, steeped in the mythology of the different cultures within the empire.

The cast is very large, and Tasha Suri is not afraid to make you like a character - or be intrigued by what they might become - before killing them. There was one death I was most upset about, which was very impressive considering how little time the non-POV character had been given. But I wanted to see more of him, see what he could have achieved.

There are a lot of POV characters, but they can be broken into 2 main POVs (Priya and Malini, with Priya having the most page time overall), 3 secondary POVs (Ashok, Rao, and Bhumika), and then a few one-scene POVs to show what's happening elsewhere. The returning 5 POVs are well linked from their introductions, which is my personal criteria for investing in multi-POVs (a very personal quirk, but it meant I wasn't bored with unrelated POVs waiting to get back to the ones I considered "the main story.")

The large array of POVs helps the plot keep moving as Bhumika and Rao scheme, Ashok generally causes problems thanks to his driving conviction, and Priya and Malini are trapped in the temple. The secondary POVs contain more action initially, keeping the pacing up and giving Priya and Malini's story of fear, attraction, and confinement the space it needs. Their story does pick up on the action scene count as the book progresses.

I'm excited for the next book, particularly after Malini's decisions in the final section. It's going to be fun seeing her reach for that goal, and deal with obstacles in her way.

I kindly received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.

A fantastic first book in the series, The Jasmine Throne is set in a rich, exotic land filled with war and magic. If you want a tale full of magic, strong POV's (with some secret lesbian vibes), Indian folklore and a twist on religion, then this is the book for you.

In this story women are treated like objects in society, to be burned alive in order to be made pure. It is a mans world and women have no place in politics. The 3 female POV's are really varied from a magical woman who hides her past, a princess who was born the wrong gender for her ambition, and a mother-to-be who is a fierce leader. There are some other POV's weaved in too which shows the alternative views of different events. The story shows how powerful religion can be (particularly when magic is involved), and how it can be twisted by opposing political sides.

I look forward to the next in the series.