Reviews

The Oleander Sword by Tasha Suri

daniella84's review against another edition

dark tense medium-paced

4.0

I've been pleasantly surprised by this series, and I'm glad to say this was a solid follow up to book 1!

I don't feel like I'm super invested in everything going on, and there were some moments that were meant to pack a punch but didn't for me, but I think this is just a really well put together series. It's been a while since I read the first book, which meant it took me a bit to get back into it and work out what was going on, which probably didn't help. But Malini's politicking in particular I enjoyed, and the continuation of both Malini and Priya being baddies determined to do anything for their people.

I could see maybe people being disappointed by Malini and Priya not really having any romantic moments in this instalment, but I liked that the romance took a back seat especially since they are fighting a war! I do think though this contributed to those big emotional moments not packing as much of a punch. There were also a couple of times where I think we were trying to lighten the mood with like arm wrestling which felt a little jarring, but I could see what Suri was going for.

Would definitely recommend this series - it has definitely surprised me especially since I haven't been able to get past book 1 in a lot of fantasy series lately. Hoping book 3 does it justice!

lunatyck's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional inspiring sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A slowwww start but excellent climax, worth the read

hoeziersleaf's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

beautyblob's review against another edition

4.0

The Oleander Sword is the sequel to The Jasmine Throne, the second in The Burning Kingdoms Trilogy. I was surprised to find that I enjoyed this book much more than the first - I don't believe it suffered from second book syndrome at all. The first book was very political and heavy on world building. In comparison, this sequel was all action, filled with magical battles and a a triumphant fight for a throne. And boy, what an ending... I normally get frustrated at cliffhangers when you have to wait so long for the next book but this was executed really well and instead of frustrated I'm merely impatient and excited to continue the story.

I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest unedited feedback.
Thank you to Netgalley, Little, Brown Book Group UK and the author.

tanishadesai's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

i do believe that my taste in fantasy can be boiled down to “lesbians amidst a war to win the throne” 

no but jokes aside, this book and this series in general is just fantastic because it has everything a great high fantasy book needs: ancient magic, prophecies, powerful deities, political scheming, morally grey characters, a bit of queer romance, a wonderful cast of characters, beautiful writing with so many heart wrenching quotes and so much more. 

and i would very much like an apology from tasha suri for that ending because what the actual fuck how do you expect me to just move on with my life and wait for who knows how long to read the third book after reading this.

a_l_deleon's review against another edition

5.0

Tasha Suri is one of my favorite authors because she crafts such great stories that make you feel immersed in the worlds she creates. The Oleander Sword is proof of this, and it continues the momentum of The Jasmine Throne. Through every twist and turn of the story, you can't help but be invested in turning the pages to find out the outcome for each character.  Cannot wait to read the next book! 

jess_canada's review against another edition

5.0

This sequel was such a ride!! I screamed, I laughed, I cried. My jaw was on the floor multiple times and the intrigue left me sometimes so confused I couldn't help but turn the pages even quicker. 

The romance was just 😍😍😍 The perfect amount of pure longing for each other... Aaaah I loved it!!

I highly recommend this sequel. This world is so amazing, I cannot wait for the third book!

kcdferguson's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.75

e_guerrero's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.5

aoibheann28's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0