Book Review: The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri

 

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Content Warning: death (including that of children), violence, murder, misogyny, homophobia. familial abuse, forced drugging, immolation.

The Emperor of Parijatdvipa is cruel. His sister, Malini, once a well-respected princess, is now a prisoner of his reign. Isolated on the Hirana, an ancient temple now in ruins, Malini is slowly wasting away, desperate to escape. Priya is a maidservant, one of the choice few who ascends the dangerous Hirana at night in order to clean and perform other duties. But when Malini discovers something about Priya, an element of her hidden nature, they are reluctantly forced to work together. Both deemed monsters, both with her own set of motivations, Malini and Priya must free themselves -- or die trying.

Once I closed this book, I knew immediately that it was going on my favorites list. I'd had a suspicion about halfway through that that would be the case, but I don't think I was fully prepared for just how amazing and beautiful this epic fantasy story would be. Told through both Malini and Priya's POVs, as well as supplemented by a few others, this outstandingly crafted tale of hardship, war, and love is just astonishingly good. Doing it justice in a simple review is difficult.

The first thing that truly captivated me was the intensely rich worldbuilding. Based off of the rich cultures of India, and full of myths, religions, and tales reminiscent of India's epic literature, it's rich with history and teeming with a morally gray cast. How refreshing it was to read about these fascinating, complicated, layered female characters! They are allowed their anger, their vengeance, their righteous fury, and Suri does not shy away from embracing the darker side of their natures. I truly cannot emphasize enough that Malini and Priya are some of the best, most complex characters I've had the privilege of encountering in a long time.

The magic system is unique, unlike anything I've ever read before. It's expertly interwoven into the narrative, slowly revealed by increments as you explore its limits with the characters who wield it. Books like these make me so happy that I've gotten into fantasy stories in the last year -- now, I can't even fathom missing out on something like The Jasmine Throne!

I must also praise the romance. A true slow-burn, the burgeoning affection and intimacy between Priya and Malini was a pleasure to read, like taking your time to open up a Christmas present. Not only are they strong, fascinating women in their own right, but their relationship felt authentic, borne out of forced trust and closeness, by turns wary of one another and then enchanted with the other's power and secrets. 

Highly, highly recommended. You won't regret picking this one up.