Second books in a trilogy are always a risk, because most of the time, the book functions as a setup for the epic conclusion, and suffers as a result. Not so with this book, which did do a fair amount of setup, but never at the expense of the story. There was so much happening throughout, and all of it was gripping and interesting. I found myself constantly gravitating towards this book over other books I was reading, because I wanted to know how the characters were doing and what they would end up having to deal with next.

Our main perspectives in this book are Priya, Malini, and Bhumika, and in a surprising twist, I think Bhumika's chapters fascinated me the most. She is left behind in Ahiranya while Priya goes to help Malini win her war, and shit almost immediately hits the fan. Bhumika is a subtler character than the other women, but no less strong, and I really liked seeing the way she dealt with everything that was being thrown at her. Also, the romance between her and Jeevan is so freaking sweet.

Rather than giving us an entire book where Priya and Malini barely engage with each other, the first dose of romance comes pretty soon, in the form of a couple of letters the two sneakily exchange. There is a lot of longing and pining, and even though they have feelings for each other, this is no less a slow burn than the first book was. The power dynamics between them are really interesting; Malini wields traditional power as empress, and Priya adores her enough to go along with everything, but Priya is really the more powerful of the two, and I loved seeing the way they navigated that.

I don't want to say too much about the plot, but you can expect some interesting reveals about the yaksa, Priya's powers, and the rot.

The Oleander Sword is one of my anticipated releases of the year and I was quite excited to get back into the world and the characters. Overall, this sequel is a solid follow-up to the series, and has many aspects that I enjoyed.

First however, I noticed how there seems to be some difficulty in pacing. Personally, I didn't think this was the biggest problem — Tasha Suri's writing is lovely and it makes going through this book a breeze, but I've noticed that by forty percent, only a few things have happened. Granted, it's not halfway, but I was expecting the set-up to everything to have been a bit faster and the plot a little clearer. It got a bit better after that, but it fluctuates again. This was the same problem I noticed in Jasmine Throne and in the next book I hope it gets a little bit better.

Malini and Priya's relationship was one of the things I loved in Jasmine Throne, but I felt like the spark and chemistry they had weren't as huge or felt here compared to the first book, except in some scenes. Malini's characterization and growth however, really shined in this book and it made me more interested in her. I wish there were more Bhumika chapters, as she's one of my favorite characters and her chapters in this book were just so full of tension that had me on the edge of my seat. On the other side, some characters and their actions were quite frustrating to me.

The book follows two plotlines, one being a set-up for the third book, and I enjoyed both. They were intriguing, but the way some chapters were set up switching between them made it a bit of a drag. The last few chapters were truly something and I'm eagerly awaiting to see what's coming in the third book.

A beautiful and empowering tale, one that I just couldn't put down! The author's writing is so pretty and descriptive, and kept me engaged from the first page to the last. One hundred percent recommend this book!

This is shaping up to be a very impressive trilogy. The author pulled no punches in this book and there were several plot developments that I had not expected at all. The world created is so believable, so culturally rich, the characters developing in unexpected ways. It reminds me somewhat of the Jade Legacy trilogy, though obviously of a different culture and time. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book

I was delighted not only to have the opportunity to read and review The Oleander Sword but also to have the perfect excuse to re-read The Jasmine Throne. It was a sheer delight to get to slip back into this world and into Tasha Suri's exquisite prose. I would recommend a reread of book one if it isn't fresh in your memory but I think if you are in a hurry you would be ok to leap straight into book two.
But how did I find the sequel to one of 2021's biggest releases?
I thought it was fantastic. I would actually go so far as to say I think book two is slightly stronger than book one!
I think, for me, that is because by the second book there is a better sense of who the main characters are, thus making it easier to tell when you have a chapter put in with a new POV that this is some additional context and not a totally new character you need to follow. I really like this writing structure particularly since I was more used to it after The Jasmine Throne.
This book also has FAR more sapphic yearning than The Jasmine Throne had (and there was a fair amount in there) which definitely ticked a box for me - I loved seeing the development of Malini and Priya's relationship in this new context with a slightly new power dynamic between them. The world is broader the stakes are higher but I still just want to see how my ambitious ladies turn out.
I do think the plot of this book is another great selling point. I loved how the stakes are raised in this book and how different threats are introduced in various places (I do not want to spoil anything for you, forgive me for being vague). Tasha Suri manages to write a book that feels like a continuation from The Jasmine Throne but somehow feels totally different at the same time, punchier and more action-packed and even with some elements I would put adjacent to horror - though the truly squeamish will not need to worry!
I am kicking myself in some ways for reading this early as I now have to begin the long wait for book three...but I can see the silver lining which is that some time in the future I will get to reread both The Jasmine Throne and The Oleander Sword and to have just the best time.
My rating: 5/5 stars
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.

Okay book one was amazing, this book was epic! The book characters have amazing growth and the story keeps getting better and better.

This author has away of writing which drags you with hardly any effort, I mean I would have thanked it if it had dragged me in to it pages.

Thank you for writing an amazing book

3.75 stars

The Oleander Sword is the sequel to The Jasmine Throne and continues to follow Malini and Priya as they are caught up in a war that threatens everything they love. Told through Tasha Suri's signature lyrical and lush prose, along with a hefty dose of sapphic yearning and religious fanaticism, this series continues to be an excellent addition to the fantasy genre. Tackling themes of oppression, colonialism and complicated family politics this is a very ambitious series that most of the time hits the mark, but with a few disappointments.

I had very similar feelings for this book as I did for book 1 in that I enjoy the reading experience, it's very relaxing to read and I adore the magic however I keep being disappointed by the main relationship between Malini and Priya. You feel the immediate connection and desire however it feels like there is no deeper connection and reason why they like each other. Something very dramatic happens at the end of the book but it didn't have any emotional impact on me that I thought it should have, instead I was actually cheering a certain character on just for the drama lol. I felt more invested in the very minor side romance between Bhumika and Jeevan because you could see why they liked each other.

My favourite part of the plot in this book was the Yaska at the temple, who we mainly saw through Bhumika (who I love and she is probably my favourite), Ashok and sometimes Priya's POV. I love powerful *evil* immortal beings that come to mess about in human affairs and I'm very curious where the set up of this will go in book 3, and to find out more about some of the Yaska. I think I missed some of the temple stuff in this book, as compared to book 1 it wasn't such a big part of the plot. The majority of the book is focused on the war between Malini and her brother Chandra, which I thought explored some interesting politics and changing alliances but ultimately all the military and battle stuff wasn't my fave.

The thing that I really love about this series and keeps me invested is the nature magic and the concept of the rot, which I find so interesting. Tasha Suri's writing style is so suited to the lush, botanical magic and it just creates such a beautiful atmosphere.

Overall I enjoyed reading this, and while it is maybe not my favourite book ever I'm very excited to continue with book 3 because I felt like this book had some really good set up. It definitely felt a little second book syndromy at times but I do think if Malini is your favourite character and/or you love the relationship you will really love this instalment.

This is how you write a sequel !
The balance between continuing the story of the first volume while strating to plant seeds throuhout the entire book for the next volume is absolutely bang on. I loved the Jasmine Throne, and wasn't whether Tasha Suri could top it, and she did ! My only regret is that we didn't see Malini and Priya together enough, even the reasons whjy made perfect sense plot wise and were perfectly handled. I once again find myself with the need to have the next volume now....
Absolutely loved it !

The Oleander Sword by Tasha Suri continues the stories of three amazingly complex and morally greyish women after the events of The Jasmine Throne.
Malini, Priya and Bhumika continue to remain, women who will do anything to achieve their goals and I love the fact they have no guilt. Malini and Priya continue to have a complex relationship and while I am not a fan of romance in general- I did find their forbidden love sweet. I thought there wasn’t much character development with Priya and Malini but Bhumika has developed into a selfless leader and is definitely the most interesting of the three women.

The world-building is vivid and the descriptions of food just made me hungry every time the author described another delicacy.
The mythology of the Yaksha is explored in more detail and it is definitely more intriguing than the ongoing political battles between Malini and her brother Chandra but just by a bit.
The book has plenty of magic, battles, romance and drama and an explosive ending.
I can’t wait to read book three.
Content warning
Child abduction, immolation.

I loved The Jasmine Throne and this didn't disappoint. Well written, an enchanting storyine with a multiple point of view and fantastic world building. A great read that I couldn't put down

What a follow up to The Jasmine Throne. I loved the first instalment for its luscious writing, the exciting use of multiple POV to provide a more rounded version of events, and the gradual building of drama and tension. In The Oleander Sword, all of these elements get ramped up by 110%. Suri writes in such a way that has me hanging onto every single word and the events and characters in this book crept their way under my skin and occupied my thoughts (and still do). The complexity of the portrayal of power and faith make The Oleander Sword ideal for multiple re-readings, and I look forward to returning to this world again in anticipation of The Burning Kingdoms.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, Orbit, for providing me with an e-arc of this book. My opinions are my own.

Ah, where to begin describing this book? It is wonderful and heartwrenching, magnificent and cruel. I have so many emotions about this story and I don't know whether to cry or light a fire. I might be staying away from flowers for a while though...

Ok, let's start at the beginning. The books starts off a little while after the first book ended. Malini has amassed an army of allies, all willing to accept her as the rightful heir to the throne. As long as it is clear the Mothers have indeed chosen her, of course. Bhumika en Priya are temple elders in Ahiranya. They are trying to build their country back up and heal it from the rot. When Malini needs Priya's help and Bhumika stays behind, she discovers something is very, very wrong. The fight between Malini and her brother Chandra might not be the only war on the horizon.

Throughout reading this book I have felt pretty much every emotion there is. But most of all there is a sense of urgency within this book. Something is brewing in the background, a fear that can not yet be explained but becomes clearer, step by step. It is never safe and in the end, no one can be trusted. Not the full 100%. You need to take the power before it is taken from you. Even if you have to sacrifice all that you love and all that you are. And yet... Despite everything, this book is about love. There is hope, however short-lived it might be.

This book series is so, so good. I had to get used to the writing, the setting, the cruelty and relentlessness of the first book, but now everything comes together to weave a terrifyingly beautiful story.
I'm already frightened to learn what happens next, and how this story will find its ending. It can only be with more sacrifice, more fire and more rot. It will probably hollow me out like a thrice born temple daughter, but I will take that step willingly.

I'm usually reluctant when it comes to second books, mostly because they're supposed to act as a bridge between book one and three. But this one, this one was incredible.

Priya's character was more developed and I loved her determination and empathy. Malini was more bitter but that's only because she's the ruler of a whole kingdom depending on her so that's understandable. The worldbuilding was magnificent and I felt transported and the magic system was *chef's kiss*

Apologies for the generic and short review, I'm still reeling from the ending and the fact that I have to wait a whole year for the next book.

A fantastic sequel to a great series. I need book 3 immediately to see how it all ends. So glad I took the chance as this series is so unique.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an early copy for an honest review.

This was an even better follow-up to The Jasmine Throne than I imagined. It starts over a year after the first book's events where Malini and Priya are on separate paths to reclaim what is theirs. But things are not as easy as they seem. Though Malini has gained allies, their allyship is tenuous at best and already showing cracks. Meanwhile, Priya is not yet aware of the truth of her magic and dreams to rid Ahiranya of the rot that plagues it and the oppressive empire that has ruined her country. I loved Malini in the first book but in this, we get to see her many facets which I swiftly grew to admire. Her will to defy the world hellbent on oppressing her and would love to see her burn was admirable. Priya's conflict between her love and duty for her people and her passion for Malini was so heart-wrenching. I was neutral towards Aditya in the beginning, but he was someone who possesses a gentle but commanding presence. Getting a glimpse into Chandra's mind and his 'faithfulness' was eye-opening and filled me with fury. One of the things that I completely loved in this is how Tasha portrays the complexities of relationships, especially in families. The history of the Yaksa and the Mothers of the Flame is slowly unravelled and was so interesting. This book was slow, but it is meant to be savoured and you would appreciate how each detail is tied to reveal the bigger picture. I assure you, you would be filled with many emotions by the end, both joyous and heartbreaking. I hope I successfully convinced you to pick up this series because this is one such series that I would go back to multiple times.

I was utterly riveted by The Oleander Sword. I re-read The Jasmine Throne immediately before reading it, and I'm glad I did - both because I enjoyed it even more the second time around, and because the two instalments of the trilogy flowed so well together. The Oleander Sword expands and grows upon The Jasmine Throne really effectively. I thought the use of multiple POVs worked a lot more smoothly in this book - the choice of which character to go to and when was wisely chosen, and kept the plot moving.
I felt such a connection to the characters, and was thunderstruck by the ending - I'm very eagerly anticipating the final instalment.

Review: Goodreads

Date of review to publish: 18th August 2022

To Net Galley, Orbit Books and Tasha Suri, thank you for giving me another reason for happiness in life. Just as how Malini and Priya will always want each other and more; I will always be filled with want for more of the Burning Kingdom.

The Oleander Sword has exceeded my already high expectations in its delivery. Woven with beautiful words; this book has immersed me in the moments of anticipation, yearning, love and above all, loss.

POV
There are multiple point of views in this book. Many more in relative to the Jasmine Throne. Some reviewers may have felt that some of it were unnecessary but I loved it. I thought it wonderful to be able to view a scene in a perspective of an uninvolved party. Like any real life event, one scenario can have multiple interpretations from multiple bystanders based on their standing, pre-existing knowledge and belief. I also thought that it is a neat way of delivering information.

CHARACTERS
Well, of course this book wouldn’t be what it is without our characters. We have our main ladies, Priya and Malini who were as lovely as they are brutal. If the first book had placed them in a tough spot, the second was a whole different level of ouchies and yikes moments. After all, if power is gained through pain then these ladies are powerful, all right. As much as I like seeing my favorites kicking ass, I love it even more when they are in love and pining for each other. Sigh, this book is jammed packed with it. It is so much more compared to the first book. All kinds of flavors ranging from sweet, spicy and bitter from our ladies (also, thirsty but that ain’t a flavor). The romance is intense but not without sacrifices.

There is also our sweethearts: Bhumika, Rao and Aditya (not you Chandra). We get more of them in this book with new challenges thrown at them. Perhaps it is the struggles and love for each other that endeared Rao and Aditya to me better in this book but one thing certain is that this book certainly gave readers better understanding of them. Bhumika, continues to kick ass in this book per usual.

PLOT
The world building for this universe has always been strong and it is not stopping anytime soon in this book. We learn so much more about the lore which drives the plot along with an ongoing war. While Parijatdvipa is burning, not all is well in Ahiranya too. There were some foreshadowing that gave me very satisfying “Ahah” moments. The two storylines of Parijatdvipa and Ahiranya will eventually converge by the end of this book and I can’t help but both anticipate eagerly and dread what is to come.

ENDING
The epilogue of this book was the perfect set up for the end of this trilogy. By that, it ended on a heartbreak and cliffhanger. This sort of ending is a smart move which certainly builds anticipation, but damn it the way it ended makes the wait for the third book all the more painful.

Overall, I love the book. I which I could express on how much I love this series but my words would fail me because no words could describe the extent of my feelings for this series.

The Oleander Sword took a bit of warming up, but after that it built on its predecessor's strengths to make an exceptional epic fantasy middle book. Although there were still a few unnecessary POVs that broke the pacing, particularly early on, the vast majority of the book centred on our main cast of characters, all of whom have riveting stories - it meant that I was never sad to see the narrative switch from Priya to Malini to Bhumika, etc. (Although I still need some convincing with Rao). This is a dark and complex book, a little less about empire, and more about what conflict in general does to humans, but it works really well. I think there is a particularly deft balance of politics and the creeping supernatural threat, without ever feeling like it gets bogged down. I think if book 3 can hit the ground running with all this momentum (every character is placed in a fascinating position at the end of this one), it will be the best of the lot. In any case, that spark of connection I was missing in book 1 absolutely has a hold of me now, and I cannot wait for the finale.

Review to be posted to Goodreads closer to publication

4.5/5
Thank you Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for providing this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
OH. MY. GOD. What the hell just happened? That was incredible. Sequels are notoriously hard to give spoiler-free reviews, but I’ll do my best.
First of all, I want to start with a fact I’d forgotten in my time apart from this world, but one that holds true throughout the entirety of Tasha Suri’s novels–her writing is phenomenal. It is so intricately woven and beautiful and every time I thought there couldn’t possibly be a passage more poetic there was. Every sentence, every word, was filled with such emotion. Every single line of this story gripped me.
I had so much fun returning to this world again and rediscovering my love for all the characters was amazing. The characters and their hugely varying histories, personalities and motivations were so intriguing and built great suspense as we watched it all play out. The characters themselves are strong and unyielding ones, ones that show jutting scars and open wounds, but ones that never give up.
Priya and Malini are–as they have always been–show-stopping characters. Their resilience and complex personalities make for interesting characters alone, however when you put the two together they become something even greater. Together these two characters become jagged, with awful truths and twisted secrets pointed like a blade beneath the ribs, they become their own secret with only the familiarity of that same pointed blade to keep them from breaking. They know they must use each other, they know that they’re playing a very dangerous game, but even so they rely on each other, they love each other. This complicated portrayal of their love was riveting and every one of their scenes had me hooked.
Tasha Suri is the absolute reigning champion of slow-burn romances, she proved this in The Jasmine Throne and goes on to prove herself even further in The Oleander Sword. Besides Priya and Malini, there are two other main relationships that begin to blossom and show their roots. I won’t spell out who these ships involve, but just know that they all matched each other in their intricacy and every last one of them had me on the edge of my seat, willing for more. There’s an incredible ‘everyone-else-knows-but-them’ ship that breaks my heart for so many different reasons and I can guarantee that you will love it too.
This book was such a detailed web of stories and they were all told in such a spell-binding way. The plot is full of twists and turns and some real shockers at the end. It dives into the story head-first after the events of the last book and does not look back, our characters push onwards to great things, hoping beyond hope that they will not break along the way. Well, I can tell you one thing for certain (without any other context) this story did indeed break me.
I loved it for the same reasons a person loves anything; it was beautiful and it changed my heart. Every detail of this story is created with such care and intensity; there are rampaging stakes for every character; daunting relationships and emerging dynamics; brilliant protagonists, each with their own unique weapons to wield; and a slither of hope intent on sputtering out all throughout. You will pick up this book and never want to put it down. I genuinely cannot believe how long we will have to wait for the last book, I’m not a patient person even normally so this will torture me.
I am the broken shell of the person I was before reading this book! (Dramatic? Good. I am hollow!)
I am so grateful this story exists in the world. This book also included some of my absolute favourite tropes and I’m honoured to be able to discover them early. I am in awe, to put it simply. The lyrical writing grasped me by my heart and pulled and I happily let it. Reading a story like this is nothing less than inspiring (for a multitude of reasons) and I’m going to cry and stare at the wall and try to make sense of the emotions overflowing inside me because…the ending… No one’s ready for this!
My review on other platforms will be coming at a later date as requested by Little, Brown Book Group UK.

I don't know if I can give this book the kind of review it deserves but I can certainly try. Because, damn, this book was an absolute masterpiece! The Jasmine Throne was one of my absolute favourite reads of the year so far and this was one of my most anticipated releases (so thank you to Orbit Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read it before the release!). I am in absolute awe of Tasha Suri's skill as a writer - there were so many moments reading this book that just made me feel as though there is no point trying to write anything else, because this exists and the chances of anything better coming along is slim.

One of my favourite parts of The Burning Kingdoms trilogy (so far) is the narration. In most books multiple narrators/POVs can be exhausting and, at times, boring. Yet, despite having more narrators than any other book I've read, Tasha Suri makes them all interesting, integral to the plot and engaging. Each chapter offered something new to the story that deepened and built upon everything that came before it - each character had their own distinct storyline and arc that just weaved in with the wider story so beautifully. It's an utterly coherent masterpiece and that makes the world feel all the more real.

I also loved how much the religions of this world were given more depth in this one. The gods became something far more tangible, potent and plot-relevant in a way that had me feeling a lot of things. The way the gods drove so many of the characters was just heartbreaking - Bhumika, Priya and Malini deserve better.

Also the relationships!! For me, personally, characters and relationships are the driving force of any good story. As much as I'm an absolute sucker for in depth worldbuilding and amazing plots, they're nothing without compelling characters and character dynamics. And this book absolutely gave everything in terms of characters and relationships. I could list almost every dynamic in this book as something remarkable.

Of course, my absolute fave was Malini and Priya's relationship - somehow they managed to feel like a slowburn again but, just like in The Jasmine Throne, it was so worth it. Chapter 41 was a gift, especially because of everything that came after it.

I also have to say that I still absolutely adore Sima and Priya's friendship. There's such a strong bond between them and so much love there and I just love it so much, especially because it is so distinctly platonic. It's so nice to see platonic love be given the weight it deserves.

There were, as I've said, a lot of other relationships that I adored. Some in particular were Bhumika & Jeevan, Rao & Aditya and Romesh & Priya. They were all interesting (and, in two case, devastating) in their own ways.

Just, all in all, this book was incredible. Tasha Suri is an incredible writer in every way and The Oleander Sword is such a shining example of that fact. The plot, world-building, characters and relationships were all absolutely perfect. I cannot wait for the third book in The Burning Kingdoms trilogy (especially because that ending! I need to know what happens next because right now I am just not okay, this book made me cry a few times and I need my faves to get happy endings).