4.26 AVERAGE


Tashan Mehta's book is a mind-bending journey through enchanting realms. It weaves a tapestry of cosmic secrets, shape-shifting wonders, and ancient mysteries. Prepare to be captivated and question the very nature of reality.
adventurous challenging emotional mysterious medium-paced

 The author uses a sentient creature like the ‘Whale of Babel’ as a metaphor for our universe or multi-universes. Let that sink in!

Unlike any other fantasy-fiction book, this one demands you to pay attention to the details of the vivid world that @tashanmehta has rendered (and that is why it may not be for everyone). The book follows the themes of identity, choice, how to find yourself in the world of chaos and sisterhood.
Read if: you want to take a break from normalcy and love lyrical writing. 
adventurous challenging emotional inspiring mysterious reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced
adventurous emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
adventurous emotional lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

This might be one of my favourite books ever. I need to write a much longer review because this book deserves a careful, considered review.

But, as a placeholder, I’m just going to say that The Mad Sisters of Esi is a beautiful work of art that reads like it should be a Studio Ghibli movie ♥️

Venturing into the fantastical realms of **Mad Sisters of Esi** by Tashan Mehta was a departure from my usual reading habits, which rarely include fantasy. The narrative revolves around Myung and Laleh, the keepers of Babel, a mysterious whale, and their journey through the islands of the Black Sea and the shapeshifting landscape of Ojda.

What caught my attention was the intricate storytelling involving Wisa and Magali, the 'mad sisters of Esi,' weaving fables, dreams, and myths into the narrative. The story unfolds across diverse landscapes, incorporating elements like a museum of collective memory and a festival of madness, creating a world that is both captivating and surreal.

What makes this fantasy work stand out is its enigmatic plot, skillful world-building, and the seamless integration of myth and folklore. Despite being a newcomer to the genre, I found the persistent unanswered questions to be an alluring aspect, keeping me engaged and intrigued. The profound philosophical undertones added depth, elevating the narrative beyond typical fantasy fare. Tashan Mehta's storytelling prowess managed to captivate even someone like me, not accustomed to the fantasy genre, making it a masterful exploration into the fantastical.

Two sisters. Wisa and Magali. Separated across time and space but desperate to find each other again.

Somewhere in this large universe are two more sisters. Myung and Laleh. Two girls who grow up within the Whale of the Babel, a universe that’s so big but still feels small to Myung.

There are talking animals and trees, lands that tests and then trusts you, people who are cursed to live on their island forever and then there’s this humongous purple whale in the Black Sea which sings when it’s angry or sad or loved.

Tashan Mehta creates a mesmerising world about sisterhood, love and sadness. But there’s also wonder and madness. A madness that makes people feel skittish and scared. This madness makes one want to build worlds and Wisa goes mad.

This story is layered, a never ending tale of everything beautiful. Dreams that takes you across islands and makes you meet your dead ancestors. Every island has a story of its own. But there’s a tale about the festival of madness that connects the dots together about why Wisa and Magali had to part all those years ago.

Mad Sisters of Esi is a captivating novel that exceeds one’s imagination. The descriptions are so vivid that it plays in front of your eyes like a technicolor movie. My only qualm was how complex the layered story was. At one point, it started to feel chaotic. A lot of things and characters were thrown in together to keep the story going.

But I do believe that this book will be a delicious treat for fantasy lovers. Brownie points for this gorgeous cover.

Quir, it’s hard to not fall in love with you and you’re the best bat
adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Mehta has written another stellar exploration of time, sibling-hood, and desire. Such a gorgeous novel