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A review by emilynied
The Oleander Sword by Tasha Suri
adventurous
dark
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
4.25
This book is everything and more. The writing is still stunning, the characters are still stunning, the world is still stunning (see my first review and me raving about how much I love Tasha Suri). This book delves so much deeper into the world and its politics. Malini is determined to claim the throne she thinks is rightfully hers after the prophecy of the nameless god is revealed - but despite the support she's garnered, the fight to the Empire's capital is brutal and rough. Priya now has the powers of the dathless waters flowing through her once more and she's now an Elder of Ahiranya (along with Bhumika).
The ending of the last book left our two main characters on separate paths, but the unwinding plot here of course pulled them back together (and thank goodness because I couldn't wait for them to be together again). The action ramps up x10 and the pacing of this book works so well (especially compared to a bit of a slow start in the first book). The fantasy elements of the book also became much more apparent after the ending of the last book and it was so exciting to explore that here and the limits of Priya's new and emerging powers.
The romance is so beautiful and the tension in this book was top tier, considering their relationship (ore whatever it is) is supposed to be kept a secret. The silent yearning was SO GOOD and I loved reading about their interactions and the complexities of again, not only being powerful women in a man's world, but also being queer in an empire taught to reject you. The themes in this book ring true and I am so excited to see how this trilogy concludes in the final book.
The ending of the last book left our two main characters on separate paths, but the unwinding plot here of course pulled them back together (and thank goodness because I couldn't wait for them to be together again). The action ramps up x10 and the pacing of this book works so well (especially compared to a bit of a slow start in the first book). The fantasy elements of the book also became much more apparent after the ending of the last book and it was so exciting to explore that here and the limits of Priya's new and emerging powers.
The romance is so beautiful and the tension in this book was top tier, considering their relationship (ore whatever it is) is supposed to be kept a secret. The silent yearning was SO GOOD and I loved reading about their interactions and the complexities of again, not only being powerful women in a man's world, but also being queer in an empire taught to reject you. The themes in this book ring true and I am so excited to see how this trilogy concludes in the final book.