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holyschmitz's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
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
4.75
In this thrilling sequel to The Jasmine Throne, three main characters must reckon with the high cost of power. Dark secrets wait at the root of a strange and powerful magic; brutal war and waning faith surround the figure of a prophesied rule; new threats arise to challenge a newly freed country. With mysteries that draw readers further into the story and twists that keep them on their toes, The Oleander Sword takes the series in exciting directions. I'm rooting so hard for Priya, Malini, and Bhumika, even as their motives differ and their paths diverge, and I'm so exciting to see where Tasha Suri takes them next.
Themes: the impact of imperialism and war, religion, challenging misogyny and xenophobia within the context of the world, the cost of power and secrets, sapphic romance, complicated characters
Themes: the impact of imperialism and war, religion, challenging misogyny and xenophobia within the context of the world, the cost of power and secrets, sapphic romance, complicated characters
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Blood, Classism, Colonisation, Violence, War, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, and Medical content
Moderate: Blood, Chronic illness, Classism, Colonisation, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Alcohol, Body horror, Addiction, Racism, Misogyny, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Medical content, Gore, Terminal illness, Violence, and War
Minor: Classism, Vomit, Religious bigotry, Mental illness, Injury/Injury detail, Sexism, Panic attacks/disorders, Addiction, Emotional abuse, Drug abuse, Animal death, Suicide, Self harm, and Homophobia
izzy_reads's review against another edition
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: War and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Body horror
lolajh's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I wanted so incredibly to enjoy this, to fall in love with Priya, Malini, and Bhumika all over again, the casual lesbian and South Asian rep, the wonderful magic system, but I really didn’t, and am so heartbroken that that is so.
For the same page length as the first book in the series, this book was just so much more slow-paced, from start to finish. Throughout reading the book I was continuously waiting for the pacing to change, for the dramatic scenes and tension and plot points to all come together perfectly in the end, but nothing like that really happened at all.
Far too much of this book was Parijatdvipan politics, where Malini “cleverly schemes and manipulates” her subjects, when really what Malini does takes hardly any skill at all. Her character in general throughout this book fell so far down from her development in book 1. She’s just turned into this emotionless, manipulative, one-dimensional and flat character that I can hardly connect to, especially when she still acts so calculating with Priya, who acts like a practical loyal servant to Malini. Their relationship seems so incredibly unbalanced, with Malini blatantly using Priya for her gifts, which is intended, but I still disliked, and Priya is a submissive slave toward Malini, who forgives every bad thing she does and is just absolutely so blind to the darkness of her character. Both Priya and Malini in this book made me like Bhumika SO much more than the both of them; her arc and plot being so much more interesting than the main characters’ definitely says something. If this book was all Bhumika I might have actually enjoyed it more!
It is also implied that Parijatdvipa colonised Ahiranya in the first book, and that was handled so poorly in this book. The colonised (Ahiranya) are blamed and demonised by the majority of Parijatdvipa, calling “Priya’s kind” unnatural, witches, and this kind of stuff is just accepted and not classified as discriminatory and something that needs to be reversed. So adding that plot point and making the main relationship in the book between the colonised and the coloniser as some sort of “enemies to lovers” I am only now understanding after reading this book is just so weird, because, when writing a fantasy novel, you have the very obvious option to not include discrimination, yet this world has so much racism and misogyny that did not need to be added.
And the povs 😫 There were so many unnecessary character perspective chapters, like Malini’s once-mentioned maid, and Chandra, who is obviously an asshole and I didn’t need his chapters to know that. This book just seemed like such a chore to get through, and for it to not even end up being worth it in the end I am just disappointed.
For the same page length as the first book in the series, this book was just so much more slow-paced, from start to finish. Throughout reading the book I was continuously waiting for the pacing to change, for the dramatic scenes and tension and plot points to all come together perfectly in the end, but nothing like that really happened at all.
Far too much of this book was Parijatdvipan politics, where Malini “cleverly schemes and manipulates” her subjects, when really what Malini does takes hardly any skill at all. Her character in general throughout this book fell so far down from her development in book 1. She’s just turned into this emotionless, manipulative, one-dimensional and flat character that I can hardly connect to, especially when she still acts so calculating with Priya, who acts like a practical loyal servant to Malini. Their relationship seems so incredibly unbalanced, with Malini blatantly using Priya for her gifts, which is intended, but I still disliked, and Priya is a submissive slave toward Malini, who forgives every bad thing she does and is just absolutely so blind to the darkness of her character. Both Priya and Malini in this book made me like Bhumika SO much more than the both of them; her arc and plot being so much more interesting than the main characters’ definitely says something. If this book was all Bhumika I might have actually enjoyed it more!
It is also implied that Parijatdvipa colonised Ahiranya in the first book, and that was handled so poorly in this book. The colonised (Ahiranya) are blamed and demonised by the majority of Parijatdvipa, calling “Priya’s kind” unnatural, witches, and this kind of stuff is just accepted and not classified as discriminatory and something that needs to be reversed. So adding that plot point and making the main relationship in the book between the colonised and the coloniser as some sort of “enemies to lovers” I am only now understanding after reading this book is just so weird, because, when writing a fantasy novel, you have the very obvious option to not include discrimination, yet this world has so much racism and misogyny that did not need to be added.
And the povs 😫 There were so many unnecessary character perspective chapters, like Malini’s once-mentioned maid, and Chandra, who is obviously an asshole and I didn’t need his chapters to know that. This book just seemed like such a chore to get through, and for it to not even end up being worth it in the end I am just disappointed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, War, Colonisation, Misogyny, Racism, Religious bigotry, Sexism, Death, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Torture, and Suicidal thoughts
mandkips'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
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, War, and Violence
Moderate: Death, Misogyny, and Sexism
Minor: Animal death, Torture, and Suicide
nefariousbee's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Vomit, Murder, Death, Injury/Injury detail, and War
Moderate: Blood, Child abuse, Religious bigotry, Sexual content, Misogyny, Alcohol, Cursing, Gore, and Pregnancy
Minor: Suicide and Torture
rubyhosh's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Suicide, Religious bigotry, and Colonisation
vrkinase0411's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
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
4.25
Utterly gut wrenching and fascinating. Now I have to wait a while year for the finale!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide
qace90's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
5.0
I received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley for review purposes; this in no way influences my review.
Oleander Sword is even better than Jasmine Throne and has me utterly adrift in feelings. Full review closer to release, but trust me - you need this book in your life!!
Full review:
I finished Oleander Sword and now I don’t know what to do with myself. How dare it end there?! Where’s the next book?! I need to know what’s going to happen next!!
Oleander Sword picks up a year after the events of Jasmine Throne. Bhumika and Priya are Elders of Ahiranya and trying to lead their country into a prosperous future, but are having to deal with the politics of the highborn and also trying to stop the spread of the rot, if they can’t reverse it’s effects. Malini is empress but she’s still having to fight to hold that title, especially as her brother Chandra has found a weapon that makes people question the veracity of the prophecies claiming she is the true and rightful leader of Parijatdvipa. Her claims to the throne are also hindered by men who would rather see her brother Aditya as emperor, as he is the eldest and was once the crown prince, but he has no interest in ruling; he sees his place as a priest for the nameless.
This book had me immediately in my feelings and needing someone to scream with because the way Tasha Suri executes emotional complexity alongside political machinations and ripple effect manipulations is nothing short of masterful. The prose is absolutely gorgeous, but for me this book is all about the emotions. Everyone is trying to do what they believe to be the right thing and so many are working towards their goals for love - of someone, of country, of faith. I love the complexity of these characters and how hard it sometimes is to sus out who is in the right and who is in the wrong - especially as so many of these characters are doing bad or harmful things for the right reasons.
Oleander Sword is absolutely gorgeous on so many levels and really delves into complexities of motivations and goals while also giving space for softness and love. But even the soft, loving elements have thorns and hurt. Priya, Malini, Bhumika, and all the other characters are trying their best in a world and time when sometimes the best you can do is offer your enemy a quick death. But who is the true enemy when ancient powers are coming back into the world?
I just, I am utterly in awe of the writing and the story Tasha Suri is telling with this series and cannot wait for the third book’s release. If you’re a fan of epic fantasy with complicated motivations, nuanced interpersonal dynamics, and messy, messy feelings you absolutely need to read this book!
Oleander Sword is even better than Jasmine Throne and has me utterly adrift in feelings. Full review closer to release, but trust me - you need this book in your life!!
Full review:
I finished Oleander Sword and now I don’t know what to do with myself. How dare it end there?! Where’s the next book?! I need to know what’s going to happen next!!
Oleander Sword picks up a year after the events of Jasmine Throne. Bhumika and Priya are Elders of Ahiranya and trying to lead their country into a prosperous future, but are having to deal with the politics of the highborn and also trying to stop the spread of the rot, if they can’t reverse it’s effects. Malini is empress but she’s still having to fight to hold that title, especially as her brother Chandra has found a weapon that makes people question the veracity of the prophecies claiming she is the true and rightful leader of Parijatdvipa. Her claims to the throne are also hindered by men who would rather see her brother Aditya as emperor, as he is the eldest and was once the crown prince, but he has no interest in ruling; he sees his place as a priest for the nameless.
This book had me immediately in my feelings and needing someone to scream with because the way Tasha Suri executes emotional complexity alongside political machinations and ripple effect manipulations is nothing short of masterful. The prose is absolutely gorgeous, but for me this book is all about the emotions. Everyone is trying to do what they believe to be the right thing and so many are working towards their goals for love - of someone, of country, of faith. I love the complexity of these characters and how hard it sometimes is to sus out who is in the right and who is in the wrong - especially as so many of these characters are doing bad or harmful things for the right reasons.
Oleander Sword is absolutely gorgeous on so many levels and really delves into complexities of motivations and goals while also giving space for softness and love. But even the soft, loving elements have thorns and hurt. Priya, Malini, Bhumika, and all the other characters are trying their best in a world and time when sometimes the best you can do is offer your enemy a quick death. But who is the true enemy when ancient powers are coming back into the world?
I just, I am utterly in awe of the writing and the story Tasha Suri is telling with this series and cannot wait for the third book’s release. If you’re a fan of epic fantasy with complicated motivations, nuanced interpersonal dynamics, and messy, messy feelings you absolutely need to read this book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Violence, and War
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Animal death, Suicide, and Torture
- Grief - Immolation - Battle - Drowning - Threats toward a child’s safety - Alcohol consumption - Sensual/sexual content - Reference to torture (off page) - Poisonlaurareads87's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
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 what I want in epic fantasy: a compelling setting, political intrigue, amazing world-building, meaningful diverse representation, and a plot I’m consistently excited about. It’s also what I want in a middle book of a trilogy: self-contained enough to not feel like it ended too abruptly while still leaving me on the edge of my seat for the third book. The ending — I won’t say much about it but suffice to say that I’m waiting extraordinarily impatiently for book three and am a little bit stressed about it! The multiple perspectives — and there are a *lot* of them — feel distinctive and are used to great effect in developing the characters and their motivations, and the religious and magical elements that were intriguing in the first book are further elaborated here beautifully. One of the absolute best fantasy series happening right now — highly, highly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for providing an ARC in exchange for this review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for providing an ARC in exchange for this review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, War, Injury/Injury detail, Religious bigotry, Blood, Death, Murder, and Gore
Moderate: Xenophobia, Sexism, Misogyny, Grief, Suicide, and Torture
Minor: Animal death
mxkanteven's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-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? No
3.75
I… I lack the words to express how I’m feeling because I just finished the books.
The Oleander Sword doesn’t have the dramatic conclusion of the The Jasmine, it’s much more of a steady build towards the final boss battle. Which isn’t here yet by the way.
It holds your attention well, but the addition of new formation does make it a more a complex read because you’re already following an existing narrative.
All that said, I cannot wait for the next book to come out!
The Oleander Sword doesn’t have the dramatic conclusion of the The Jasmine, it’s much more of a steady build towards the final boss battle. Which isn’t here yet by the way.
It holds your attention well, but the addition of new formation does make it a more a complex read because you’re already following an existing narrative.
All that said, I cannot wait for the next book to come out!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: War and Death
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