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troisha's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Fire/Fire injury, Murder, Violence, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Alcohol, Blood, Body horror, Child death, Chronic illness, Colonisation, Confinement, Grief, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Terminal illness, and Gore
Minor: Drug use, Homophobia, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Vomit, and War
soundlysmitten's review against another edition
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
ninamanon's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
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
4.0
Beautiful prose that flows well; a rich world, described in detailed images. Interesting plot. Lovable, flawed, and morally grey characters, with three strong, very different women at its heart. I loved it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use
Moderate: Blood, Confinement, Death, Fire/Fire injury, and Violence
Minor: Lesbophobia and Vomit
herfleurs's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
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? It's complicated
5.0
"We'll always be angry if we remain chained to your empire."
Priya é simplesmente a personagem feminina de fantasia que eu sempre quis ler. Ela é tão bem escrita, o arco dela é maravilhoso. Tudo sobre ela é mostrado e faz total sentindo com tudo que foi sendo desenvolvido. Ela é extremamente empática, todas as conexões que ela forma durante o livro você pode sentir o quão ela se importa. Ela também é orgulhosa, forte, inteligente e poderosa. Nada disso foi derramado como um monte de informação, ou descrito por outro personagem.
A autora construiu um romance sem nenhum momento resumir para aparência física de ambas personagens.
Malini que é uma princesa da linhagem imperial, sendo assim extremamente privilegiada mas ainda diminuída por causa da sociedade patriarcal, conseguiu coisas enormes, juntar tropas etc e nenhuma parte disso a autora reduziu a aquela ambiguidade onde muitas autoras não conseguem criar personagens femininas manipuladoras sem se apoiar completamente na aparência delas. Eu não sei colocar isso muito bem em palavras mas pra quem isso também incomoda em outros livros vai me entender aqui.
Todas as narrações são importantes, eu fiquei receosa de que o príncipe sem nome (Rao) não fosse ter um arco bom, e confesso que queria mais dele, mas pelo menos na segunda metade do livro vemos mais profundidade.
As relações foram tão bem mostradas aqui, de sangue, de família, de conveniência. Bhumika também é uma das personagens mais bem aprofundadas que já li, ela literalmente tem várias camadas e todas são exploradas.
O romance meio slow burn é maravilhoso! O fato delas serem moralmente cinzas é perfeito. Malini é manipuladora e 100% disposta a conseguir o que quer, e ver ela usando Priya, mais de uma vez, é *chef kiss*
Uma das melhores leituras do ano, extremamente ansiosa para os próximos!
Priya é simplesmente a personagem feminina de fantasia que eu sempre quis ler. Ela é tão bem escrita, o arco dela é maravilhoso. Tudo sobre ela é mostrado e faz total sentindo com tudo que foi sendo desenvolvido. Ela é extremamente empática, todas as conexões que ela forma durante o livro você pode sentir o quão ela se importa. Ela também é orgulhosa, forte, inteligente e poderosa. Nada disso foi derramado como um monte de informação, ou descrito por outro personagem.
A autora construiu um romance sem nenhum momento resumir para aparência física de ambas personagens.
Malini que é uma princesa da linhagem imperial, sendo assim extremamente privilegiada mas ainda diminuída por causa da sociedade patriarcal, conseguiu coisas enormes, juntar tropas etc e nenhuma parte disso a autora reduziu a aquela ambiguidade onde muitas autoras não conseguem criar personagens femininas manipuladoras sem se apoiar completamente na aparência delas. Eu não sei colocar isso muito bem em palavras mas pra quem isso também incomoda em outros livros vai me entender aqui.
Todas as narrações são importantes, eu fiquei receosa de que o príncipe sem nome (Rao) não fosse ter um arco bom, e confesso que queria mais dele, mas pelo menos na segunda metade do livro vemos mais profundidade.
As relações foram tão bem mostradas aqui, de sangue, de família, de conveniência. Bhumika também é uma das personagens mais bem aprofundadas que já li, ela literalmente tem várias camadas e todas são exploradas.
O romance meio slow burn é maravilhoso! O fato delas serem moralmente cinzas é perfeito. Malini é manipuladora e 100% disposta a conseguir o que quer, e ver ela usando Priya, mais de uma vez, é *chef kiss*
Uma das melhores leituras do ano, extremamente ansiosa para os próximos!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Violence, Pregnancy, Colonisation, Drug use, Vomit, Terminal illness, Confinement, and Child death
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
aardwyrm's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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? Yes
5.0
Lovely and brutal, an examination of empire, power, and loyalties with more twists in its road than anyone could predict (and does a nice job balancing the hints and foreshadowing without beating you over the head). Scads of viewpoint characters used to good effect and strong worldbuilding.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Gore, Violence, Sexism, Misogyny, Grief, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, Death, Child death, and Colonisation
Moderate: Homophobia and Pregnancy
azrah786's review against another edition
4.25
[This review can also be found on my BLOG]
**I received a proof copy from Orbit Books UK in exchange for an honest review**
CW: Explicit violence including immolation and self-immolation, gender-based violence (this does not include sexual assault), homophobia and internalised homophobia, suicidal ideation, self-mutilation, abusive family dynamics, child murder, death, xenophobia, body horror (plant-based, cosmic), forced drug use and depictions of addiction/withdrawal
Tasha Suri is back with her entrancing storytelling, badass leading ladies and all the desi vibes.
The Jasmine Throne introduces us to nation colonised by an empire heavily swathed in patriarchal ideals. It is a land where religion has been twisted into a tool of subjugation, where a magical plant malady is plaguing the population and where murmurs of rebellion against those in power add to the unrest. We primarily follow a princess who is condemned to imprisonment in the Hirana, the ruin of an ancient temple, after she refused to submit herself to a sacrificial burning, and a maidservant with secrets of her own and a past that is linked to the Hirana who is tasked with serving her.
**I received a proof copy from Orbit Books UK in exchange for an honest review**
CW: Explicit violence including immolation and self-immolation, gender-based violence (this does not include sexual assault), homophobia and internalised homophobia, suicidal ideation, self-mutilation, abusive family dynamics, child murder, death, xenophobia, body horror (plant-based, cosmic), forced drug use and depictions of addiction/withdrawal
Tasha Suri is back with her entrancing storytelling, badass leading ladies and all the desi vibes.
The Jasmine Throne introduces us to nation colonised by an empire heavily swathed in patriarchal ideals. It is a land where religion has been twisted into a tool of subjugation, where a magical plant malady is plaguing the population and where murmurs of rebellion against those in power add to the unrest. We primarily follow a princess who is condemned to imprisonment in the Hirana, the ruin of an ancient temple, after she refused to submit herself to a sacrificial burning, and a maidservant with secrets of her own and a past that is linked to the Hirana who is tasked with serving her.
“…some men dream of times long dead, and times that never existed, and they’re willing to tear the present apart entirely to get them.”
Having read Empire of Sand I was already familiar with the author’s slow burn style of writing and the subtle influences from Indian cultures and mythology that she vividly weaves through her world-building. The pacing and whispers of magic seamlessly absorb you into the atmosphere of the tale and I was honestly in awe of how masterfully all the layers of the story came together. There is an equal balance of character driven storylines and a complex overarching plot. A comprehensive magic system and history that is gradually revealed, as well as compelling politics entwined with family drama that will keep you hooked.
“There is power that is showy and fierce. And there is power grown slowly, and stronger for the time spent braiding its ancient strength.”
As expected from a Tasha Suri book there is a fascinating cast of characters and all the women are totally badass!
Princess Malini and the maidservant Priya, are both such well written, multi-faceted individuals and the story delves deep into their pasts and inner conflicts, unfolding their somewhat noble yet quite often astute motivations. Their relationship, one of reluctant allies to something more, is also beautifully developed.
Bhumika, a noblewoman of the province where the princess is being held, is another character whose story I really loved following. All three of these women show inspiring perseverance against the prejudices constantly thrown at them and incredible strength in fighting for what they believe in.
“I don’t believe that is the way things are… That we have no choices. And if fate must be star-burned into us, then I don’t believe we can’t bend to the needs of our times and turn from our prescribed path.”
There are also perspectives from Rao, a prince of a neighbouring nation determined to secure the princess’ freedom and Ashok, a rebel leader who is also the brother of Priya, as well as the odd chapter from minor side characters. The use of multiple points of view really helped to enhance the narrative by giving us further glimpses of the patchwork of cultures, lifestyles and hierarchies that form this extensive world.
Along with the themes of power, misogyny and the effects of imperialism there is also a big focus on familial relationships, both related and found family, and how they shape us which was brilliantly explored.
Where this first instalment rounds off has me super excited for where this story will take us and its characters, I can’t wait for the sequel!
Final Rating – 4.25/5 Stars
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Misogyny, and Death
Moderate: Xenophobia, Homophobia, Fire/Fire injury, Body horror, Child death, Emotional abuse, Suicidal thoughts, and Drug use
2treads's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
The premise for this tale is familiar: a divided empire with a leader bent on erasing another sect that could challenge his, the heroes that will seek to see him defeated; one of royal blood, the other of ancestry that is now reviled. But what made it interesting, is the presence of an unknown affliction that is sweeping the lands and adherents of a faith steeped in magic who seek a return to their old ways of worship and existence; by any means necessary.
What was lacking was fiery and witty dialogue; the interactions all felt muffled, lackluster, and the writing fell flat for me and I could not get behind or invested in the arcs of any of the main characters; neither did I buy the 'chemistry' or attraction that was attempted between our 'heroines'.
There are however elements of this story that I appreciated: the use of an unknown flora as the cause of this disease, the queer representation, the power dynamics that are at play, political maneuverings to remove a despotic and cruel ruler, the mysterious beings that once had walked the world, and the inevitable betrayal that is most decidedly coming.
I just wish the writing style was as engaging and immersive as the plotlines.
What was lacking was fiery and witty dialogue; the interactions all felt muffled, lackluster, and the writing fell flat for me and I could not get behind or invested in the arcs of any of the main characters; neither did I buy the 'chemistry' or attraction that was attempted between our 'heroines'.
There are however elements of this story that I appreciated: the use of an unknown flora as the cause of this disease, the queer representation, the power dynamics that are at play, political maneuverings to remove a despotic and cruel ruler, the mysterious beings that once had walked the world, and the inevitable betrayal that is most decidedly coming.
I just wish the writing style was as engaging and immersive as the plotlines.
Content Warnings
Minor: Confinement, Homophobia, Religious bigotry, and Drug use
jamesflint's review against another edition
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny and Violence
Moderate: Gore and Drug use
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