samwisepotatogamgee 's review for:

The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri

4.25

adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious 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

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The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri is a beautifully written fantasy that captivated me with its rich characters and immersive world. I especially enjoyed the complex, layered protagonists—Priya and Malini—who each grapple with power, faith, and identity in ways that felt both personal and epic. Their evolving relationship added depth and emotional weight to the narrative, keeping me fully engaged. 

The world-building is one of the book’s strongest elements. Suri masterfully weaves Indian culture, mythology, and history into her fantasy realm, giving it a unique texture that sets it apart from more typical fantasy settings. From sacred rituals to the political intrigue of an empire on the brink, the cultural grounding gave the story an authenticity I really appreciated. 

That said, I did find myself wishing for more vivid descriptions of certain places, especially the Hirana. As a key setting, it felt a bit abstract at times—I had trouble visualizing it and connecting with its importance. A little more sensory detail would have made it feel more alive. 

Despite that, Suri’s writing is lyrical and emotionally resonant, and the plot kept a steady pace without sacrificing character development. The themes of resistance, colonization, and devotion are handled with nuance and weight. Overall, this is a powerful, feminist fantasy that stands out in the genre. I’m definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the trilogy.