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wraithandmermaid's review
3.0
I'm stuck between giving this 3.5 or 4 stars (come on Goodreads, where's that half star rating that we've all been thinking about), so we'll just stick with this, and I'll give my thoughts on each actual novella and generalize at the bottom.
Death and Night:
This one is the reason why I almost did not finish the book. It put me in a slump and I felt like a snail with my reading progress. There's nothing wrong with it, and I do actually like the references to The Star Touched Queen in this one (which makes sense, given that it's pretty much a prequel to Amar and Maya's story). The writing is pretty, but since readers already know about Amar and Maya's ending, we can already guess that there will be quick love in this one. I also felt like the ending was pretty quick/ rushed.
Poison and Gold:
I actually enjoyed this one! It was nice to read a more fleshed out Aasha since she had a pretty big impact in A Crown of Wishes. I liked reading what happened to Aasha, Vikram, and Gauri after that story, and this just made Aasha more interesting. This story was clever, and like Aasha, my basic thoughts were twisted so I could look deeper into things. I liked Zahril (ignoring the fact that for some reason, despite reading what she looked like, I pictured an old lady??? It's probably bc I'm used to characters like Baghra in the Grishaverse lol) and she and Aasha were actually kinda cute and complex. I generally like relationship dynamics like theirs (positive x grumpy, putting it simply). It was more straightforward than Death and Night and not as centered on romance, which I appreciated.
Rose and Sword:
The beginning with Hira and her family had me confused for a bit, at least until Hira ran off to find her grandma (Gauri!). The framing of this story was interesting, but I found it amusing and I did like this one too. Again, this was more focused on romance, but it explored Gauri's mind and the way she saw relationships pretty well. Her passion and devotion make her a pretty straightforward character to understand, which is helpful in the case of a novella. The angst in the middle of this was actually written pretty well, but I'm not surprised, seeing how Roshani Chokshi is pretty good at dialogue and romantic tension, which is also why the ending made me go "aww." The only critique I'd have for this one is that it's never explained (to my knowledge) why Vikram suddenly fell so ill that he nearly died.
So generally, there's nothing horrible about this book, but there's nothing too special either. Its defining feature is the flowery language and romance, so if you want something light and easy to read, this is fine. I did enjoy two out of the three stories, but I almost didn't go through with my read because I just suddenly got so weary with this book universe. Chokshi's prose is beautiful as always, as is her ability to craft good and interesting romantic relationships. The last story actually elicited some physical reactions from me, so I guess I'll keep the star rating at this just for that. I do like seeing characters doing more beyond their original story in novellas, so that was perfect for Vikram and Gauri. I don't know if I'll reread this book universe, but these novellas were good closure.
Death and Night:
This one is the reason why I almost did not finish the book. It put me in a slump and I felt like a snail with my reading progress. There's nothing wrong with it, and I do actually like the references to The Star Touched Queen in this one (which makes sense, given that it's pretty much a prequel to Amar and Maya's story). The writing is pretty, but since readers already know about Amar and Maya's ending, we can already guess that there will be quick love in this one. I also felt like the ending was pretty quick/ rushed.
Poison and Gold:
I actually enjoyed this one! It was nice to read a more fleshed out Aasha since she had a pretty big impact in A Crown of Wishes. I liked reading what happened to Aasha, Vikram, and Gauri after that story, and this just made Aasha more interesting. This story was clever, and like Aasha, my basic thoughts were twisted so I could look deeper into things. I liked Zahril (ignoring the fact that for some reason, despite reading what she looked like, I pictured an old lady??? It's probably bc I'm used to characters like Baghra in the Grishaverse lol) and she and Aasha were actually kinda cute and complex. I generally like relationship dynamics like theirs (positive x grumpy, putting it simply). It was more straightforward than Death and Night and not as centered on romance, which I appreciated.
Rose and Sword:
The beginning with Hira and her family had me confused for a bit, at least until Hira ran off to find her grandma (Gauri!). The framing of this story was interesting, but I found it amusing and I did like this one too. Again, this was more focused on romance, but it explored Gauri's mind and the way she saw relationships pretty well. Her passion and devotion make her a pretty straightforward character to understand, which is helpful in the case of a novella. The angst in the middle of this was actually written pretty well, but I'm not surprised, seeing how Roshani Chokshi is pretty good at dialogue and romantic tension, which is also why the ending made me go "aww." The only critique I'd have for this one is that it's never explained (to my knowledge) why Vikram suddenly fell so ill that he nearly died.
So generally, there's nothing horrible about this book, but there's nothing too special either. Its defining feature is the flowery language and romance, so if you want something light and easy to read, this is fine. I did enjoy two out of the three stories, but I almost didn't go through with my read because I just suddenly got so weary with this book universe. Chokshi's prose is beautiful as always, as is her ability to craft good and interesting romantic relationships. The last story actually elicited some physical reactions from me, so I guess I'll keep the star rating at this just for that. I do like seeing characters doing more beyond their original story in novellas, so that was perfect for Vikram and Gauri. I don't know if I'll reread this book universe, but these novellas were good closure.
planetbeth91's review
5.0
Absolutely luscious in every way a beautiful additional to the Star-Touched universe
mrspenningalovesbooks's review
5.0
I loved the three stories and how they connect like stars in the sky- you think you see a constellation, but you aren’t always sure until it comes together. Chokshi writes beautifully - love her imagery and how she poetically creates sentences that meld together. Her imagination, characterization, and depth of themes are beautifully created. I want a Night Bazaar created somewhere- what a fantastical place to visit!
💫”fear is like a curse... like a curse, it lays down lines where none should exist. It squeezes your thoughts into a pattern until you become convinced that there is no other way to see.”
💫” the older you get, the more memories feel like old battle scars. They will ache for no reason until you ease them away.”
💫”They lived. Mostly happily. Sometimes furiously. But always gratefully. It is, I think, the best way to spend existence.”
💫”fear is like a curse... like a curse, it lays down lines where none should exist. It squeezes your thoughts into a pattern until you become convinced that there is no other way to see.”
💫” the older you get, the more memories feel like old battle scars. They will ache for no reason until you ease them away.”
💫”They lived. Mostly happily. Sometimes furiously. But always gratefully. It is, I think, the best way to spend existence.”
rainbow_reader's review against another edition
4.5
Roshani Chokshi is the type of author whose grocery lists I would gladly read. The magic this woman ingests in her words just has such an effect on me, and I am obsessed with this woman. These novellas were such an enjoyable experience to read and I really loved these "random" small stories set in the world of The Star-Touched Stories.
janaikam's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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
4.75
This collection of stories from the world of the star touched queen were all very cute and sweet. It was nice to see the original love story between Death and Maya as well as see what happens with the other characters after the events of a crown of wishes. Each story captured the beauty of the first two and really showcased how their story is not the end of their world.
missprint_'s review
4.0
Star-Touched Stories (2018) by Roshani Chokshi brings readers back to the world of the author's first two novels The Star-Touched Queen and A Crown of Wishes. This collection of three 100+ page novellas (one a previous preorder incentive for A Crown of Wishes and the other two previously unpublished) all contain spoilers for the novels in the series. Be sure you have read both if you want to avoid any ruined twists or surprises.
"Death and Night" follows the Dharma Raja throughout his unlikely courtship of Night incarnate. The story alternates between Death and Night's first person narration as they uneasily begin courting and contemplate how much they are willing to risk for a partnership and whether or not that includes their hearts. This novel stops short of the events of The Star-Touched Queen but many of the key players from that novel are present here along with an abundance of witty banter.
"Poison and Gold" is set shortly after the end of A Crown of Wishes. Aasha, a vishakanya whose very touch is deadly, earned her own wish in the Tournament of Wishes--the chance to choose to live as a human. But making a place for herself in the human world is harder than Aasha expected. As Gauri and Vikram prepare to unite their kingdoms, Aasha will have to embrace both her humanity and her vishakanya side while training under the fierce but fascinating Spy Mistress in an attempt to make a place for herself beside her friends in this new world.
Set after both novels in the series "Rose and Sword" recalls a well-known story in the Empire of Bharat-Jain where, long ago, a bride was poised to become a widow before her wedding henna had even dried. She will have to travel through Death and back to reclaim her husband's last breath. But can she make it in time and, more importantly, will she want to? This was my favorite novella of the collection and a bittersweet farewell to a favorite series. Chokshi is in top form with the lush world building and vivid language fans of this series have come to love. Each novella focuses on an ambitious heroine as she confronts not just her fears but also her desires. A must read for fans of the series and a charming introduction to both the author and her works.
*A more condensed version of this review was published the June 2018 issue of School Library Journal*
"Death and Night" follows the Dharma Raja throughout his unlikely courtship of Night incarnate. The story alternates between Death and Night's first person narration as they uneasily begin courting and contemplate how much they are willing to risk for a partnership and whether or not that includes their hearts. This novel stops short of the events of The Star-Touched Queen but many of the key players from that novel are present here along with an abundance of witty banter.
"Poison and Gold" is set shortly after the end of A Crown of Wishes. Aasha, a vishakanya whose very touch is deadly, earned her own wish in the Tournament of Wishes--the chance to choose to live as a human. But making a place for herself in the human world is harder than Aasha expected. As Gauri and Vikram prepare to unite their kingdoms, Aasha will have to embrace both her humanity and her vishakanya side while training under the fierce but fascinating Spy Mistress in an attempt to make a place for herself beside her friends in this new world.
Set after both novels in the series "Rose and Sword" recalls a well-known story in the Empire of Bharat-Jain where, long ago, a bride was poised to become a widow before her wedding henna had even dried. She will have to travel through Death and back to reclaim her husband's last breath. But can she make it in time and, more importantly, will she want to? This was my favorite novella of the collection and a bittersweet farewell to a favorite series. Chokshi is in top form with the lush world building and vivid language fans of this series have come to love. Each novella focuses on an ambitious heroine as she confronts not just her fears but also her desires. A must read for fans of the series and a charming introduction to both the author and her works.
*A more condensed version of this review was published the June 2018 issue of School Library Journal*
story_sanctuary's review
5.0
You know that feeling when you finish an amazing book, and you just wish for one more scene to revisit that favorite character or that awesome story world? That’s pretty much what Star-Touched Stories is. Every time I ran into a character I remembered from The Star-Touched Queen or A Crown of Wishes, I got so excited. There’s a story about Aasha! And Kamala appears in another one! Yay! And more Gauri and Vikram! I couldn’t have been happier.
The same rich-as-ripened-fruit, delicious writing fills every single page of all three stories. There’s plenty of peppery banter between characters and deep, heart-wrenching emotions. Grab a spoon and eat up every page. (I know... that’s a metaphor which would make Zahril scoff.)
While the stories would stand on their own as interesting tales, it’s hard for me to imagine reading them without first reading The Star-Touched Queen or A Crown of Wishes. I think you could. But I’m pretty sure it’ll make you want more of the story world.
The same rich-as-ripened-fruit, delicious writing fills every single page of all three stories. There’s plenty of peppery banter between characters and deep, heart-wrenching emotions. Grab a spoon and eat up every page. (I know... that’s a metaphor which would make Zahril scoff.)
While the stories would stand on their own as interesting tales, it’s hard for me to imagine reading them without first reading The Star-Touched Queen or A Crown of Wishes. I think you could. But I’m pretty sure it’ll make you want more of the story world.
sonaderon's review
5.0
HOORAY!!
More from the world of the Star-Touched Queen!
As I'm sure you want if you have read the first 2 books.
If you have not read the first two books, DO SO.
More from the world of the Star-Touched Queen!
As I'm sure you want if you have read the first 2 books.
If you have not read the first two books, DO SO.
not_asha01's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Grief
Minor: Sexism, Violence, and War