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A review by e_flah
The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri
challenging
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
The Jasmine Throne was a mixed reading experience for me. I really enjoyed the themes of the novel, such as how power should be used and what form opposing imperialism should take. The implementation of these themes just didn't click. This is a slow read that never really hooked me. The plot particularly meanders for the first 50% or so and even once things started happening, I kept wishing for more action.
Malini, Priya, and Bhumika were fascinating as main characters. Each of them had layers and layers that kept me wondering how well the reader really knew them. The ties binding these characters -- family and love and obligation -- were wonderfully done. They made for a lot of internal and external conflict, which propelled the story forward in interesting ways. I'm surprised to say this but I wish some of the main male characters had been a bit more developed. Priya's brother, Ashok, felt a bit flat despite having his own POV and playing a large role in the story. Some additional character development, especially as many of these male characters had their own POVs, would've made parts of the story a bit more interesting as some big conflicts really boiled down to X character is just cruel, a jerk, etc.
Overall, I can appreciate a lot of elements of The Jasmine Throne even though I didn't personally enjoy it that much.
Malini, Priya, and Bhumika were fascinating as main characters. Each of them had layers and layers that kept me wondering how well the reader really knew them. The ties binding these characters -- family and love and obligation -- were wonderfully done. They made for a lot of internal and external conflict, which propelled the story forward in interesting ways. I'm surprised to say this but I wish some of the main male characters had been a bit more developed. Priya's brother, Ashok, felt a bit flat despite having his own POV and playing a large role in the story. Some additional character development, especially as many of these male characters had their own POVs, would've made parts of the story a bit more interesting as some big conflicts really boiled down to X character is just cruel, a jerk, etc.
Overall, I can appreciate a lot of elements of The Jasmine Throne even though I didn't personally enjoy it that much.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Body horror, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Child abuse