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laurenfro22's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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
Moderate: Abandonment, Colonisation, Drug abuse, Genocide, Misogyny, Religious bigotry, Violence, and War
millennia's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Child death, Fire/Fire injury, Child abuse, Violence, Torture, Body horror, Toxic relationship, and Drug abuse
ghulsona's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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? Yes
5.0
I have been impatiently waiting to read this book ever since I read the description earlier this year, and I was not disappointed when I was finally able to get my hands on a copy! First thing's first, the world-building was epic and so impressive! If I were able to create a world half as rich and intricate as the one Tasha Suri builds for us in this book, I would be so satisfied with myself. The histories, magics, and different faiths and peoples introduced in this book were really fleshed out and I'm excited to learn more about them in the following books, specifically the sacrifice of the mothers, and the Alorans and the Dwarali *insert eye emoji*.
The writing was so good! The prose wasn't overly flowery, but was still vivid and beautiful. A particular favorite of mine were the descriptions of the yaksas! Emotions were conveyed so well - I teared up many times while reading this in the middle of night. The book never felt like it was moving too slowly or too fastly, and I never felt bored with the plot. Sometimes, I feel like some authors have rely too much on twists and surprising their readers to keep them hooked, but even with knowing how most things would go, I was still very hooked. Every character has a good motivation and purpose, and when POVs were switched, it flowed very naturally.
Speaking of characters!!! Malini was an instant favorite - I love me some scheming and morally gray women, especially when they're princesses. Her rage and thirst for vengeance against her brother, her many masks, her desire to be monstrous and vicious - I loved her so much, truly. Bhumika and Rao were also favorites, and I'm very glad that POVs weren't confined to the two main characters and that we were able to get into the minds of such fantastic characters. And Priya!!! I liked how she can be terrifying and angry and vengeful at times, but in the end, she just has such a good heart. And I know they weren't really characters, but I am dying to read more about Malini's heart sisters, Narina and Alora. The glimpses of them we viewed in Malini's visions absolutely gutted me. I really did appreciate all the characters that were introduced, no matter how big their role - they all felt very tangible and human, and someone that you could empathize with, just a little.
I want to gush more about this book, but I have homework to do, so I will just end this here. Go read "The Jasmine Throne", you won't regret it!!!
The writing was so good! The prose wasn't overly flowery, but was still vivid and beautiful. A particular favorite of mine were the descriptions of the yaksas! Emotions were conveyed so well - I teared up many times while reading this in the middle of night. The book never felt like it was moving too slowly or too fastly, and I never felt bored with the plot. Sometimes, I feel like some authors have rely too much on twists and surprising their readers to keep them hooked, but even with knowing how most things would go, I was still very hooked. Every character has a good motivation and purpose, and when POVs were switched, it flowed very naturally.
Speaking of characters!!! Malini was an instant favorite - I love me some scheming and morally gray women, especially when they're princesses. Her rage and thirst for vengeance against her brother, her many masks, her desire to be monstrous and vicious - I loved her so much, truly. Bhumika and Rao were also favorites, and I'm very glad that POVs weren't confined to the two main characters and that we were able to get into the minds of such fantastic characters. And Priya!!! I liked how she can be terrifying and angry and vengeful at times, but in the end, she just has such a good heart. And I know they weren't really characters, but I am dying to read more about Malini's heart sisters, Narina and Alora. The glimpses of them we viewed in Malini's visions absolutely gutted me. I really did appreciate all the characters that were introduced, no matter how big their role - they all felt very tangible and human, and someone that you could empathize with, just a little.
I want to gush more about this book, but I have homework to do, so I will just end this here. Go read "The Jasmine Throne", you won't regret it!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Death, Fire/Fire injury, and Violence
Moderate: Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, and Misogyny
annettewolf's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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
4.75
At one point I was maybe halfway through the book and saw a *new* character name at the front of a chapter and literally said out loud, "How many POV characters are there, really??"
Yes, there are a lot of POV characters. But there's also a lot of chapters that are from the eyes of a very minor (or inconsequential) character, but which serve a very specific narrative focus from being told in that perspective. This is a story of colonizers and the colonized, rebellion and war, magic and religion. And even with all of those big themes, we spend so much time with our primary characters that it's so easy to fall in love with them.
Some of the characters snuck up on me, tugging at my heart in ways I didn't expect. Others I liked from the start, like Priya and Malini. Everyone has such amazing depth. I'm really impressed by how well-rounded they all are, how real their choices and emotions felt.
The disparate cultures, histories, and religions come together to create a truly complex world. We get a healthy taste of the mythology of the Ahiranya, the colonized people, some of whom are bent on rebellion. And in the middle of all of this are Priya and Malini. Priya is the unwilling center upon which everything else turns. And Malini works on stage and behind the scenes, orchestrating as much as she can. I love that they are both so central in such different ways.
The ending felt a little bit anti-climactic, in some ways. It's more about character growth than it is about more life-or-death situations. But there's important plot stuff happening, getting our characters situated for the next stretches of their complicated, often dangerous lives. I am eager for the next book, so I can spend more time with these characters, and find out what happens next.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fully-fleshed out, magical fantasy with themes of rebellion, politics, and warring religions. But also, anyone who loves a strong, complex main character. You've got two excellent choices, in Priya and Malini. And let's face it--the fact that it's all sapphic is just the perfect icing on the cake.
Yes, there are a lot of POV characters. But there's also a lot of chapters that are from the eyes of a very minor (or inconsequential) character, but which serve a very specific narrative focus from being told in that perspective. This is a story of colonizers and the colonized, rebellion and war, magic and religion. And even with all of those big themes, we spend so much time with our primary characters that it's so easy to fall in love with them.
Some of the characters snuck up on me, tugging at my heart in ways I didn't expect. Others I liked from the start, like Priya and Malini. Everyone has such amazing depth. I'm really impressed by how well-rounded they all are, how real their choices and emotions felt.
The disparate cultures, histories, and religions come together to create a truly complex world. We get a healthy taste of the mythology of the Ahiranya, the colonized people, some of whom are bent on rebellion. And in the middle of all of this are Priya and Malini. Priya is the unwilling center upon which everything else turns. And Malini works on stage and behind the scenes, orchestrating as much as she can. I love that they are both so central in such different ways.
The ending felt a little bit anti-climactic, in some ways. It's more about character growth than it is about more life-or-death situations. But there's important plot stuff happening, getting our characters situated for the next stretches of their complicated, often dangerous lives. I am eager for the next book, so I can spend more time with these characters, and find out what happens next.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fully-fleshed out, magical fantasy with themes of rebellion, politics, and warring religions. But also, anyone who loves a strong, complex main character. You've got two excellent choices, in Priya and Malini. And let's face it--the fact that it's all sapphic is just the perfect icing on the cake.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Drug abuse, Violence, and Misogyny
Minor: War, Religious bigotry, Pregnancy, and Homophobia
idlereader's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug abuse
soundlysmitten's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The Jasmine Throne takes place in a lush fantasy world inspired by India. It tells an utterly feminist story complete with intriguing magic, masterful scheming, unlikely allies, and a sliver of sapphic romance.
It took me about a month to get through this book. To be a fair, I’m a hopelessly slow reader. The pace is also admittedly slow to start, but I don’t actually see that as a flaw. There’s a lot to learn about this new world, its intricate culture and magic, its history and politics. As the first installment in a trilogy, The Jasmine Throne lays its framework down thoroughly. But more than that, beautifully. You just have to be patient—take time to absorb it all—in order to fully appreciate the story and the eloquent language used to tell it.
Told in third-person past tense with multiple narrators, The Jasmine Throne is an impressively woven tale. The main POVs belong to our hidden priestess, Priya, and captive princess, Malini. But there are a number of other secondary POVs that contribute to the full scope of the political landscape. I appreciated being given a glimpse into the minds of other players in the conflict/seeing how they interpret the world and their role in it. All of the characters are authentically complex and the author provides interesting insight regarding their motives, revealing their different faces as the story unfolds. As for the romance, it takes a backseat to Priya’s personal development and the action of the overall plot. But I found that realistic considering the circumstances.
The theme that struck me most deeply is the pursuit of liberation for an oppressed people. Parijat’s aim to obliterate Ahiranya—in livelihood and identity—is heavy, and I feel emotionally invested in seeing things made right. Another theme that struck a chord with me is the untangling of the twisted way those in power warp religion to support flawed and wicked agendas. And I absolutely loved the hopeful way the book ends.With three formidable women stepping up to replace their evil, misguided, inept male counterparts.
Who runs the world? ;)
It took me about a month to get through this book. To be a fair, I’m a hopelessly slow reader. The pace is also admittedly slow to start, but I don’t actually see that as a flaw. There’s a lot to learn about this new world, its intricate culture and magic, its history and politics. As the first installment in a trilogy, The Jasmine Throne lays its framework down thoroughly. But more than that, beautifully. You just have to be patient—take time to absorb it all—in order to fully appreciate the story and the eloquent language used to tell it.
Told in third-person past tense with multiple narrators, The Jasmine Throne is an impressively woven tale. The main POVs belong to our hidden priestess, Priya, and captive princess, Malini. But there are a number of other secondary POVs that contribute to the full scope of the political landscape. I appreciated being given a glimpse into the minds of other players in the conflict/seeing how they interpret the world and their role in it. All of the characters are authentically complex and the author provides interesting insight regarding their motives, revealing their different faces as the story unfolds. As for the romance, it takes a backseat to Priya’s personal development and the action of the overall plot. But I found that realistic considering the circumstances.
The theme that struck me most deeply is the pursuit of liberation for an oppressed people. Parijat’s aim to obliterate Ahiranya—in livelihood and identity—is heavy, and I feel emotionally invested in seeing things made right. Another theme that struck a chord with me is the untangling of the twisted way those in power warp religion to support flawed and wicked agendas. And I absolutely loved the hopeful way the book ends.
Who runs the world? ;)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Misogyny, Murder, Physical abuse, Religious bigotry, Sexism, Terminal illness, Torture, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Moderate: Blood, Drug use, Genocide, Grief, Homophobia, Kidnapping, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Xenophobia
kkulhannie's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia, Violence, Toxic relationship, Torture, Sexism, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Pregnancy, Physical abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Murder, Kidnapping, Grief, Gaslighting, Forced institutionalization, Emotional abuse, Drug use, Drug abuse, Death, Confinement, Colonisation, and Blood
Moderate: Misogyny, Fire/Fire injury, Domestic abuse, Body shaming, Addiction, and Vomit
liteartha's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
this is the sapphic, morally ambiguous, politically complex epic fantasy of my dreams. hands down my favourite read of the year so far. wow wow wow
the world suri has crafted, drawing on indian histories and epics, is incredibly rich and sure of itself. throughout the novel, the world and magic system within it unfurl so naturally, never feeling particularly info-dumpy despite a somewhat slow beginning.
this book is thrilling, full of tension, and explores everything from its politics to its belief systems to interpersonal relationships with such care and nuance. and the women! three women are at the centre of this book, each of them dramatically different in their strengths and personalities. i love them all, just as I love this book, and i can't wait to see where the series goes next!
thank you to orbit and netgalley for providing this digital review copy in exchange for an honest review
the world suri has crafted, drawing on indian histories and epics, is incredibly rich and sure of itself. throughout the novel, the world and magic system within it unfurl so naturally, never feeling particularly info-dumpy despite a somewhat slow beginning.
this book is thrilling, full of tension, and explores everything from its politics to its belief systems to interpersonal relationships with such care and nuance. and the women! three women are at the centre of this book, each of them dramatically different in their strengths and personalities. i love them all, just as I love this book, and i can't wait to see where the series goes next!
thank you to orbit and netgalley for providing this digital review copy in exchange for an honest review
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Homophobia, Misogyny, and Violence
Moderate: Body horror, Child death, and Drug abuse
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Vomit
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