A review by yourbookishbff
The Oleander Sword by Tasha Suri

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective 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

5.0

Loved this follow-up to The Jasmine Throne! This deepened our existing conflicts so deliciously - internally for both Malini and Priya as they navigate their individual gifts and callings and externally for their nations as they grapple with the cost of Empire and the possibility of not-so-mortal interference. I loved the slow-boiling tension, rapidly rotating POVs (one of my favorite elements of this series so far) and the light horror elements woven in (I was disappointed to get less time in the Hirana but we make up for it with the Yaksa!). The romantic longing is so well done (the epistolary moments at the start were a perfect way to bring their angst on page) and I cannot wait to see how these two navigate all that will come next. And Bhumika!!!! [internally screaming] 
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