The Burning Kingdoms falls into that elusive category of trilogy's where the series get's better with each book. My love for these characters and the world they inhabit grew with each page, ensuring that they worm their way into your hearts like the rot that is eating it's way through the empire. It's brutal, brilliant and this last book brought at almost horror element to the story adding to the depth and tension of a story already wrought in it. I honestly don't think this series could have ended any better, it may have broken me into a thousand pieces but it was a fitting end to the story and one I loved.

Fair warning that this review will contain spoilers for the first two books in the series, because I can't talk about this book without mentioning what came before. The ending of The Oleander Sword broke me in so many ways, so in a way I thought I was prepared for what was to come, but oh, how wrong I was. I think I'd cried 4 times within the first quarter of the book, and it just ended up going downhill from there. I hated the maw that had opened up between Priya and Malini, a space so wide it seemed impossible to traverse. Priya's actions at the end of the second book shook, not just Malini, but the people around her and left Malini in a precarious position. One where she needs to bring down the Yaksa, needs to fight the Ahiranyi's, but also wants Priya to live, to protect her, even after what she did. Their relationship is woven so intricately through this series, but now it's turned brittle, something so fragile that a simple touch could bring it crumbling down, but these two women are strong, they have clawed their way to power, fought against those who would call them witch, who said they must burn, and they will not let themselves, or their people go down without a fight.

The ending of the last book also saw Bhumika give herself & her memories up for a chance to stop the Yaksa once and for all, and boy was I not prepared for how emotional her parts of the book would make me. I've loved her as a character since the first book, as complicated and brutal as she can come across, she is simply trying to do her best to protect her people. The knowledge she gains has such an important part to play in the story, but it was truly heartbreaking seeing her become this husk of the woman she was before. Someone who had no one to love, who didn't remember her sister of child, or even the love of Jeevan who had to travel with her knowing that she didn't know who he was to her. And then there is Rao, grieving the death of Aditya, the man he loved but could never admit it. He is lost, floating through life with no plan, no mission, hating the nameless for taking Aditya away from him, but then Malini sends him away. He see's it as a punishment until he gets there and realises that he might just have the one thing that can end this war for good.

These are our main POV's, but Suri makes sure we are aware of every little going on within the Empire, every deceit, every little whisper, thanks to the additional POV chapters she graces us with. It really adds an extra depth to the story, allowing us to almost predict events before they happen, but don't think that lessens the impact in any way because that couldn't be further from the truth. Instead these chapters build on the tension that already exists, building to these inevitable clashes that still knock the breath out of you when they happen. Suri's writing and the overall pacing of this book make it almost impossible to put down, there are so many twists, so many heightened moments that had me on the edge of my seat. Her writing may be beautiful and prosaic in parts, but this is a brutal story, one with hope and love woven through, but certainly not a happy one.

I mentioned the almost horror aspect that was woven through this book, something that Suri brings to the story through the Yaksa. These beings that claim to be there to help, to bring a new age where those who worship them will be looked after. But we know the truth of them, the danger, the clawing need they have to cleave this world into something new, something fit for them and not humanity. Their features are enough to claim horror, half human half... nature, claiming the faces of those thought dead, but it's their desperation that is the true horror. Their willingness to kill simply to claim a few more second and third born among their worshipers, their intention to bring more temple children into the Hirana re-starting the circle of worship and sacrifice that Priya and Bhumika had tried to hard to stop. They see humans as weak, seeing them as nothing more than a means to an end. But humanity is not something easily squashed, and the very thing they think a weakness is what gives people the strength to bring them down.

Suri writes her Women as complicated, unforgiving beings and I honestly can't get over how real they feel, but also how happy it makes me to see characters like this on the page. Not simply women in power, but women who have killed for it, who have lied for it, women who don't claim to be good, to be wholesome, rather those who wanted power and took it. She shows the strength in women, in the whispers that wives share when they think no one is listening, the power they have over their husbands, and how someone clever, someone who knows about that power can and does use it to their advantage. It's a story filled with feminine friendships, alliances, and sometimes betrayals, but Suri shows the true power and brutality that women can wield if they take the chance to claim it. And the icing on top of the cake, she makes the main romance queer, makes them long for each other with a yearning that lasts through betrayals and stabbings. Makes them dream of each other, and of a world where they could be together, be happy, without the burden of power weighing them down.

The ending of this book broke me in so many ways. I cried both happy and sad tears, but it was an ending worthy of all that had come before it. I liked how Suri didn't take the easy way out, she showed the sacrifices that needed to be made, and despite all the horror and destruction that was woven, it was an ending filled with hope, but one also heavily steeped in reality. This series was brutal and beautiful and everything in between. Suri has created a masterpiece of fiction, and a series that will undoubtedly become a modern classic.

I have been waiting for this book to release for far too long, but oh my god, it was so very easy to fall back into the world of the amazing Burning Kingdoms series. While it has been quite sometime since i read the previous books, it was quite nice to return to this world and see all the familiar characters again, including Priya and Malini. I know there’s a few plot threads that I may have missed, but this is a series that I intend to read again so I know I’ll pick up on those later. Like the previous books in the series, The Lotus Empire has multiple perspectives, each showing different plot points that come together beautifully. It is in this book that we get to see how the events of book 2 have affected everyone and how both Priya and Malini are now dealing with the pressures of being leaders, trying to maintain their power. The angst this book delivers is just impeccable and lowkey made me kind of emotional too.

Priya and Malini have come so far from when we first met them and the conclusion to their story is done perfectly, at least I feel so. Tasha Suri’s writing is absolutely stunning, keeping you very grounded in this story. She has created the perfect multi-perspective interwoven narrative that I am obsessed with. The Lotus Empire offers a heartstoppingly perfect conclusion to what has been an incredible series and I, for one, cannot wait to read it all over again!

Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC of my most of anticipated book of the year.

WHAT a series finale!! 🥺 I've waited 2 years for this book and I am not going to be over it any time soon. The trilogy as a whole has been so precious to me ever since reading the first book, and it will 100% keep its spot among my favourite series of all times ❤️ I just finished the book, as I'm writing this review, and I feel SO much - so bear with me here.

Tasha Suri built the most incredible, rich and tangible fantasy world, and took her reader onto such a rollercoaster of a journey! I don't know what I can even say without giving spoilers for the earlier books... but gosh, do I love these characters so much ❤️ They made me cry, smile and feel so intensely.

The Lotus Empire is a high fantasy tale of power, reborn divinities, faith in all its forms, strong women, powerful bonds and earth-shattering love. It's the story of two fate-defying women who have every reason to hate and kill each other, yet can't extinguish the incredible feelings between them. Of an empire fighting divine enemies returning after centuries asleep. Of a smaller nation fighting for its survival against all odds. Of people giving up everything of themselves to fight for what they believe in. Of sacrifices, heartbreak, loyalty and betrayals.

Priya, Malini, Bhumika, Rao - each of the main POV characters had me absolutely rooting for them, feeling alongside them, wanting to find out what was next around the corner for them. I never wanted to skip a chapter to return to someone else's POV, because all of them were so captivating! Even though the first half or so of the book was quite slow in terms of pacing, the author drew me in constantly 👏 The second half was then simply unputdownable, with the pace picking up and the plot roaring up towards its end.

So, in case it wasn't clear, I'd recommend you pick up this series if you love high fantasy with very high stakes! It is not a light read - it is in fact quite dark - but, I think, a rather unforgettable one.

🪷❤️

𝘈𝘣𝘳𝘶𝘱𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘱𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘸𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘱 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦. 𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘨𝘭𝘺, 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘔𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘪, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴.

In The Lotus Empire, the final book of Tasha Suri’s Burning Kingdoms trilogy, Malini and Priya find themselves in a final confrontation of sorts, though it feels more like an uneasy meeting than a true showdown. While the story has its strong points, particularly with Prince Rao’s journey of healing and growth, the book could have benefited from a tighter structure—perhaps even as a duology. Rao’s perspective was refreshing and purposeful, making him the most active character in this entry, while Malini, Priya, and Bhumika often seemed adrift, moving around without achieving much.

The plotline involving Varsha’s attempted betrayal felt tacked on and resolved too quickly to add real intrigue. The yaksa, who in previous installment promised menace, ultimately lacked a clear agenda (apart from Mani Ara), diminishing their impact. Similarly, the romance between Priya and Malini felt underdeveloped, with limited interaction to support their deep commitment by the end. Though The Lotus Empire effectively ties up loose ends, it didn’t capture the tension or depth of the earlier books, in my opinion. Overall, a satisfying conclusion, but it left me feeling less invested—3 stars.

First of all, I would like to say thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for approving me an ARC of this book!!! The Goddess of the River and The Lotus Empire are my two most anticipated reads of this year and both times I was approved to read the books a little earlier - so thank you so so much:".

However, how do you write a review to one of your favorite series' ending? I won't lie and say that reading this series had brought me joy and happiness because I'm pretty sure I spent 80% of it either screaming or crying for multiple reasons but that's part of the experience I guess LOL. However, this series was the first fantasy series I read that makes me feel represented in terms of seeing Hindu mythology being used and seeing all the familiar names and words not to mention it also having a sapphic romance on top of it?? I couldn't thank Tasha Suri enough for what she has given me.

To me, The Lotus Empire delivered such a satisfying conclusion to the series. We were left with quite big cliffhangers and questions at the end of the second book - Priya betraying Malini, Bhumika's memories being removed, the Yaksas taking over the temple. It was interesting to see the aftermath of everything that happened in the Oleander Sword for all the characters in the beginning of this one. One thing I loved about this series is how there's always something new to expect. Stakes became even higher for everyone with the presence of Yaksas and the rot spreading, but also we still get introduced to new characters and new world-building.

Like the other parts of this series, the characters have always been the strongest point for me (not to say that the other elements aren't because Tasha Suri is just brilliant at writing). I loved being back with Priya, Malini, Bhumika and Rao in this world even though it genuinely stressed me out seeing how much they had to suffer in this book. It's interesting to see the contrast between how both Priya and Malini had to step into leadership roles in this one. Priya and Bhumika have always been the most interesting one to me because despite their softness, there's so much strength and determination in them and how they both cared so much for their friends and family. Malini was more angry and vicious in this one but that's understandable given the amount of misogynistic priests and people trying to make her sacrifice herself and also her grief of losing Aditya. I've grown to love Rao as well throughout reading this series and I liked how we get to see more of him explored in this last book.

The Lotus Empire for me was more action and plot-heavy than the previous books and since the characters spent most of the book apart from each other, the romance was not as strong as the first or second to me. But that doesn't mean it was lacking - I think the fact that Priya and Malini were separated and after the betrayal made the build up to the romance even better especially with the angst and yearning from both sides</3. I also really loved seeing the development between Bhumika and Jeevan in this one too, and the new friendship dynamics that were explored between our main characters and our side ones.

Starting The Burning Throne 2 years ago truly was one of my best bookish decisions I've made. This series has constantly been a series I look forward to reading every single year and these characters have truly wormed their way close to my heart so finally finishing the series feel bittersweet to me. I'll never stop recommending this series to everyone looking for a new fantasy series to scream and cry to</3

After being disappointed by book 2 in this trilogy, I was curious to see if I would enjoy this one again. The pacing was definitely faster than in the second book which was a good thing, however I found the plot to be all over the place and not cohesive. There were some POVs I don't think we needed, I would've preferred it if we spent more time with the two mains. It was overall a good conclusion to the story though, the ending was very fitting and I was happy with how things ended.

A good ending to the amazing trilogy by Tasha Suri. This is such a vivid and creative world that she crafts with a unique magic system and a complex cast of characters. The cultures and communities were a joy to read and seeing how the world developed with really enjoyable too. Of course, Priya and Malini are central to this plot and their development was really interesting to read over the course of this book.
I will say - though that the pacing wasn't as great in this final novel as it was in the first two and it meant that some parts of the plot dragged and dawdled whereas other sections zipped past so quickly I had to reread it to make sense of it. However, this was a fun series and i'm so glad I read it. I will follow Suri's future work with keen interest!
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

The Lotus Empire has firmly cemented The Burning Kingdoms as one of my favourites series ever. Tasha Suri is an author I continue to be in absolute awe of, the way she handles such a strong and expansive cast of characters, dipping in and out of multiple POVs and balancing the creation of such a complex world is something to behold.

This book was the perfect conclusion to this trilogy. It was nothing I expected and everything I could have wanted. I was hooked throughout, constantly needing to know what happened next.

At the story's core is, of course, Malini and Priya. After The Oleander Sword I was desperate to see how their relationship would end of in this book. Their time apart and time together was handled perfectly. The hate they're meant to feel for each other and the love they have, the deep desperate connection between the two of them was just,,,, they are the couple of all time. They are the characters of all time. I love them and their dynamic so much. So many of their interactions were just beautiful and raw and perfect. And the ending,,, I don't want to spoil but it served both their characters so well. Malini didn't burn, she did what she wanted with power and now she and Priya get to be together and explore the world and just,, they deserve it.

And, as with the previous books, I loved Priya's other relationships. Her bond with Rukh (who I adore, he was so good with Padma and the temple children) really shone in this book, and though they weren't physically together as much her friendship with Sima and sisterhood with Bhumika continued to just be wonderfully crafted and developed.

Bhumika was just incredible in this one. It's incredible how a character who has lost her memories can still be written in such a recognisable way.

I also loved Rao so much in this one, they way he was caught and tied in grief for Aditya and loyalty to Malini/Parijatdvipa. He was so, so good at fostering connections in this one that allowed the heart's shell and mother's flame to be (re)discovered for the war against the Yaksa. He also killed Hemanth and he fucking deserved to die! I also loved his friendship with Sima (love a wlw/mlm friendship!) and their ending finding something new elsewhere in the world together.

I also loved getting the perspective of Arahli Ara, the Yaksa with Ashok's face. There was something to seeing the Yaksa's desperation for life and their revulsion towards the mortality and meat and emotions that taking the bodies of their worshippers was leading them to. Seeing their desperation to live alongside the desperation of all the human characters also wanting to live drove home the growing mortality of the Yaksa, yet it didn't make them sympathetic. A fine line was handled well and never crossed. At the end, when the Yaksa met their fate their was no sympathy for them, nothing that superceded the gladness that everyone else would live.

So many other characters were also just brilliantly written - Jeevan, Lata, Ganam, Sanvi, Shyam, Sahar. I hated some, I loved some, and for some it was both. Just incredible writing.

Just, this book was phenomenal. This trilogy was phenomenal. I love the world of Parijatdvipa and Ahiranya. I love the way the gods are written, they way they push into the mortal world from the void. The way the religious groups are kinda corrupted against a mortals own interests from that, how both the Mothers and Yaksa created a culture of sacrifice and death amongst the ranks of their worshippers. I just love, love, love this world. And if ever it was returned to with any beloved characters from this series on their travels, or any new characters, I would be glad to dive back into it. But this was a perfect conclusion; the story was wrapped up with no unsatisfying loose ends, no needless deaths or unearned victories. I will miss having read these books for the first time, but I am glad to have read them.

Burning Down the House

If you haven’t read the previous two books in Tasha Suri’s Indian-inspired sapphic fantasy series, “The Jasmine Throne” and “The Oleander Sword”, you should go and finish those right now, and not read any further. Just trust me that they are really that good. Two women torn between their love for their kingdoms and for each other. Old magic, old gods, epic battles, epic romance. Everything you could want from a series like this, all while setting the patriarchy on fire as an added bonus.

By this point, Malini is the Empress of Parijatdvipa, and Priya is the Thrice-Born Elder of Ahiranya. And they are quite distinctly at war. At the end of the last book, things were not looking particularly great for their relationship. What with the former having been stabbed by the latter, who was herself being gradually hollowed out by an ancient god in exchange for her powers. Not to mention that the Yaksa’s plans for the world increasingly seem like a bad deal for the humans.

I was a little worried if this book could possibly be a satisfying conclusion to the story, and more worried about just how emotionally devastating it would be in the process. Well, suffice to say, this book gradually hollowed me out too, then filled me up with something else entirely. It’s really well done, and feels like an appropriately epic end to the saga. The Burning Kingdoms is now one of my favourite fantasy series of all time, and I definitely recommend this.

Thanks to Little Brown Book Group for the review copy, and to Tasha for writing this.

I love this series so much, It's so rich in culture. So beautifully written, and a fantastic end to the story.
I can't wait to read more from this author!

The Lotus Empire didn't always feel as successful as its predecessors, and I found the pacing to be clunky at times - however, it was a very satisfying conclusion to the trilogy, and the ending gave me goosebumps. I found the multiple perspectives trickier to get my head round this time - despite it often being a feature of novels I love, I did find myself occassionally losing the thread of the plot. I would have liked more interaction between Priya and Malini - but also realise that the plot would be less engrossing if that were the case. I found this a slower read than the other books in the trilogy, but can see myself revisiting it and uncovering little details I'm sure I missed.