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dummehure's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
(this is literally just me rambling this review is so uncoordinated I'm so sorry) This book is genuinely so enticing and it somehow never fails to entertain you. I don't usually read books this long, I'm just not very good at keeping my interests up for that ling but by god this book is making it so easy to just sit there and spend a little time everyday being wrapped up in this beautiful and brutal world Suri created. The tension between the two main characters is almost unbearable and it makes me feel like I didn't just spend almost the whole book without even a kiss. Talk about a slow burn this was done so amazingly and I adore Priya and Malini together they are so unbelievably different and fit so naturally, their chemistry is insane. One of my favorites things about this book is the fact that we are exclusively dealing with morally grey characters and we basically have to choose the lesser evil. Also the way religion is handled in this book feels so respectful and truthful. Depending on the POV that we have atm the character is either atheist or of one or the other religion and none is considered the one correct option, every single one has truth in it and there's something so beautiful about that.
And the plot had me in a chokehold, absolutely captivating!!
I cannot wait to read the sequel as soon as possible!!
And the plot had me in a chokehold, absolutely captivating!!
I cannot wait to read the sequel as soon as possible!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury and Violence
Moderate: Blood, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Genocide, Death, Domestic abuse, Forced institutionalization, Kidnapping, Child abuse, Terminal illness, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Sexism, and Drug abuse
Minor: War and Pregnancy
5aru's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
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? No
3.5
A strong beginning for the trilogy, with a fascinating — though rather vague — worldbuilding and complex female characters to drive the narrative forward. I wasn't extremely sold on Priya and Malini's chemistry, but their relationship is well developed given their circumstances, and it looks like it will get even more complicated going forward. Shit's about to get messy and I can't wait to watch.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture and Death
Moderate: Abandonment and Child abuse
Minor: Homophobia
Malini spends a large part of the book forcibly imprisoned while being slowly poisoned.karcitis'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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Violence, Murder, Toxic relationship, Chronic illness, Terminal illness, Fire/Fire injury, Gore, Confinement, and Death
Moderate: Drug use, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, Religious bigotry, Sexism, Pregnancy, Domestic abuse, Addiction, Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Grief, Torture, Blood, Body horror, Emotional abuse, and Misogyny
Minor: Death of parent, Child abuse, Classism, Kidnapping, Vomit, and Alcohol
vivavia's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Grief, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Toxic relationship, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Religious bigotry, War, Blood, Classism, Suicide attempt, Abandonment, Body horror, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Toxic friendship, Violence, Addiction, Bullying, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Vomit, and Alcohol
Moderate: Sexism, Gaslighting, Colonisation, Drug use, and Hate crime
Minor: Pregnancy
12amiridescence's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
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? It's complicated
5.0
This book was excellent. At first, I was quite confused due to the different stories, characters, and the logistics of the belief systems and positions. As I continued and things began to make more sense, this book was quite enjoyable.
It begins with a princess named Malini, required to sacrifice herself at a pyre with her two attendants in respect to the "Mothers of Flame", and when she refuses, she is outcast by her brother, Emperor Chandra, and sentenced to life in prison. Then, there is also a servant girl named Priya who, in her down time, wishes to help village children that have become sick with "the rot" which is a disease that caused a lot of the body to be changed into nature--roots, bark, leaves, buds--and it is believed to be a curse given to this part of the empire by the temple children, who burned along with their elders. As the story advances Priya becomes Malini's maidservant and they try to devise a plan to save themselves--Malini wishing to overthrow her brother, and Priya wishing to understand herself, her past, and her meaning. We eventually learn many things about the temple children, the corrupt empire, the rot, and why so many wish to stick to their beliefs.
The story does a great job combining elements of fate, self-discovery, and family all while providing us with powerful, feminist main characters that happen to fall in love and strive to take down patriarchal roles in society.
I completely loved the wlw representation in the story and was mesmerized by the way the author described many scenes. The hair washing and the waterfall moments were beautifully written and will forever be some of my favorite book-tension moments.
"'I am your loyal servant, my lady," she said hurriedly, filling the silence. 'You can tell me whatever you wish.'
Malini was silent for a time, as Priya untangled her hair, as the water dripped to the floor." (Page 151).
My favorite thing about this book, though, is the strong female leads and how they overturn the patriarchal systems and misogyny they face. Most important to note is Bhumika. Besides feeling so connected to her, and relating to many characteristics, her journey in the story is amazing. She always knew who she was and stayed true to herself, even when many things around her allowed her to be the opposite. She was able to harness this understanding of herself, and eventually step into her power. Slay queen. Feminism was such a major role in this book and I think the author portrayed it perfectly.
"In her years of marriage, Bhumika had made sure of one thing, at least: Vikram was the master of his mahal, but the first loyalty of the majority of maids and children, the soldiers and serving men, those who cooked the food and set the fires, and held arrows and swords against the dark, was to her.
She--the regent's kindly wife, his vapid dove--had saved them. She had given them work and a home. And she demanded nothing in return." (Page 171).
Besides those two things which set the book to be amazing for me was simply the plot and the storyline. The way the romance began and the two main characters developed their trust. The crossover of characters and their journeys. The morally grey elements and how characters discovered themselves. The way the story eventually all fit together. The way certain scenes were detailed and described. The medium pace and the perfect amount of information given. All of it came together to create a great story.
"Pramila snorted. 'And what tales can she tell you, princess? She's likely not even literate. Are you, girl?'
'I am an Ahirani maid,' Priya said, which was not exactly an agreement. 'And no more.'
Malini smiled at her, the barest lift of the corners of her lips, and saw the maidservant's eyes widen a little.
Surely, they both knew that was a lie." (Page 140).
The only thing, though, is that although I rated this 4.5 stars and loved the book, I will probably not read the second due to the fact that I don't feel completely emotionally attached to the characters or plot to continue reading and wanting to know what happens. The book ended in a way where many questions and loose ends were answered and there is not an immediate need to read the second.
Regardless, I LOVED this story and I would 10/10 recommend.
It begins with a princess named Malini, required to sacrifice herself at a pyre with her two attendants in respect to the "Mothers of Flame", and when she refuses, she is outcast by her brother, Emperor Chandra, and sentenced to life in prison. Then, there is also a servant girl named Priya who, in her down time, wishes to help village children that have become sick with "the rot" which is a disease that caused a lot of the body to be changed into nature--roots, bark, leaves, buds--and it is believed to be a curse given to this part of the empire by the temple children, who burned along with their elders. As the story advances Priya becomes Malini's maidservant and they try to devise a plan to save themselves--Malini wishing to overthrow her brother, and Priya wishing to understand herself, her past, and her meaning. We eventually learn many things about the temple children, the corrupt empire, the rot, and why so many wish to stick to their beliefs.
The story does a great job combining elements of fate, self-discovery, and family all while providing us with powerful, feminist main characters that happen to fall in love and strive to take down patriarchal roles in society.
I completely loved the wlw representation in the story and was mesmerized by the way the author described many scenes. The hair washing and the waterfall moments were beautifully written and will forever be some of my favorite book-tension moments.
"'I am your loyal servant, my lady," she said hurriedly, filling the silence. 'You can tell me whatever you wish.'
Malini was silent for a time, as Priya untangled her hair, as the water dripped to the floor." (Page 151).
My favorite thing about this book, though, is the strong female leads and how they overturn the patriarchal systems and misogyny they face. Most important to note is Bhumika. Besides feeling so connected to her, and relating to many characteristics, her journey in the story is amazing. She always knew who she was and stayed true to herself, even when many things around her allowed her to be the opposite. She was able to harness this understanding of herself, and eventually step into her power. Slay queen. Feminism was such a major role in this book and I think the author portrayed it perfectly.
"In her years of marriage, Bhumika had made sure of one thing, at least: Vikram was the master of his mahal, but the first loyalty of the majority of maids and children, the soldiers and serving men, those who cooked the food and set the fires, and held arrows and swords against the dark, was to her.
She--the regent's kindly wife, his vapid dove--had saved them. She had given them work and a home. And she demanded nothing in return." (Page 171).
Besides those two things which set the book to be amazing for me was simply the plot and the storyline. The way the romance began and the two main characters developed their trust. The crossover of characters and their journeys. The morally grey elements and how characters discovered themselves. The way the story eventually all fit together. The way certain scenes were detailed and described. The medium pace and the perfect amount of information given. All of it came together to create a great story.
"Pramila snorted. 'And what tales can she tell you, princess? She's likely not even literate. Are you, girl?'
'I am an Ahirani maid,' Priya said, which was not exactly an agreement. 'And no more.'
Malini smiled at her, the barest lift of the corners of her lips, and saw the maidservant's eyes widen a little.
Surely, they both knew that was a lie." (Page 140).
The only thing, though, is that although I rated this 4.5 stars and loved the book, I will probably not read the second due to the fact that I don't feel completely emotionally attached to the characters or plot to continue reading and wanting to know what happens. The book ended in a way where many questions and loose ends were answered and there is not an immediate need to read the second.
Regardless, I LOVED this story and I would 10/10 recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Violence, Death, Fire/Fire injury, and Misogyny
Moderate: Body horror, Child death, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Genocide, Gore, Grief, Murder, Pregnancy, Blood, Child abuse, and Drug abuse
Minor: Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Lesbophobia, and Physical abuse
lqvekanej's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Violence, Religious bigotry, Sexism, War, Fire/Fire injury, Misogyny, Child death, Confinement, Murder, and Genocide
Moderate: Classism, Xenophobia, Abandonment, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Homophobia
cpratreads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0
I LOVED THIS BOOK. One of my favourite reads of 2022. I loved the characters, the story, and the writing style of the mixed POVs. I can't wait to read the sequal.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, and Chronic illness
Moderate: Child death and Child abuse
serenedancer's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
Well written sapphic fantasy book with a lot of political intrigue.
I really liked the characters and their relationships, how they played off each other. It also explored the politics of revolutions and how different people can want the same goal but won't take the same path.
There are many morally grey characters so if that's an issue, I would suggest against the book. Also, there are many moving parts so make sure to be aware of that.
Overall, I'd recommend both the written and the audiobook. Especially for pronunciations. But overall it's a very well done audiobook.
I really liked the characters and their relationships, how they played off each other. It also explored the politics of revolutions and how different people can want the same goal but won't take the same path.
There are many morally grey characters so if that's an issue, I would suggest against the book. Also, there are many moving parts so make sure to be aware of that.
Overall, I'd recommend both the written and the audiobook. Especially for pronunciations. But overall it's a very well done audiobook.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy, Racism, Violence, Child abuse, Colonisation, and Sexism
Minor: Abandonment
maybelles's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
A combination of magic, sacrifice, and overcoming the past. Plus some wlw.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Child abuse
miaaa_lenaaa's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
lighthearted
sad
tense
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? Yes
4.0
SPOILER SUMMARY
Main 2 characters priya and malini
Proya ex Temple child but they burned. Malini Princess exiled by brother. Priya maid servant to malini, they fall in love, while malini keeps is poisoning her, temple children used to be magic from the deathless waters, only priya knows how to find. Priya breaks malini put to go help her good brother defeat her bad brother, but good brother doesnt want to be king, prince rao has a prophecy that malini will be empress, meanwhile priyas brother ashok is leading a questionable rebellion in which theyre all dying and her sister bhumika leaves her husband to die and has a baby, priya , bhumika and ashok make a truce and go to deathless waters together to save their country ashoke dies, priya can now cure the rot while bhumika rules the country.
Main 2 characters priya and malini
Proya ex Temple child but they burned. Malini Princess exiled by brother. Priya maid servant to malini, they fall in love, while malini keeps is poisoning her, temple children used to be magic from the deathless waters, only priya knows how to find. Priya breaks malini put to go help her good brother defeat her bad brother, but good brother doesnt want to be king, prince rao has a prophecy that malini will be empress, meanwhile priyas brother ashok is leading a questionable rebellion in which theyre all dying and her sister bhumika leaves her husband to die and has a baby, priya , bhumika and ashok make a truce and go to deathless waters together to save their country ashoke dies, priya can now cure the rot while bhumika rules the country.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Murder, War, Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, and Genocide