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A review by tazisbooked
The Oleander Sword by Tasha Suri
5.0
08/01/2022 - You know when you read the first book in a trilogy and it's lush with world-building, characters and their development, political machinations and a magic system that reminds you of earthbending from ATLA? A book that's filled with so much aching yearning, the slow build of two people who cannot be more different and yet are so irrecoverably in love anyway?
And you worry that book 2 will go the way of many other promising fantasy trilogies - plagued by middle book syndrome and encumbered by dragging plots, wearied characters and story arcs so lulling they threaten to put you to sleep.
Tasha Suri - I'm so sorry I ever (even slightly) doubted you.
THE OLEANDER SWORD was a class-act, the perfect second book to the BURNING KINGDOMS trilogy. No middle book syndrome anywhere to be found folks, not one little unfurling leaf or tiny, reaching root. From the get-go, you are treated to so many pay-offs that you waited so eagerly for in THE JASMINE THRONE.
Priya and Malini didn't kiss until 70-80% of Book One. But in THE OLEANDER SWORD? You get tantalizing flashbacks and internal dialogue to that kiss within the first few pages.
Parijatdvipa is at war and so everything we got in THE JASMINE THRONE is elevated and urgent. We read about the rising political tensions, the inherent prejudices between nations, monsters wearing the faces of gods, class privilege, an erratic despot backed by religious influence, and the choices and sacrifices we make - how this all interacts to create a perfect breeding ground for war, betrayal and the inevitable loss.
I love how there is a cause and effect with each decision our characters make. I need to shout out Bhumika in particular because I have adored her since her introduction and she always seems to get dealt the worst hands. Her influence is not flashy or showy, but she loves her people and she is always trying so hard to ensure their survival. I'm so interested to see where her story arc goes.
The prose is flowery while being efficient; Suri waxes poetic, yes but the prose isn't overly loquacious.
I could continue to rave about this book until the end of time, but I'll end this review with two things: first, my love for this quote in particular -
"I barely understand it, the way I would willingly kneel for you, anywhere, for anything. The way I would fight for you. The way I want to be by your side. Is that what love is, Malini? Is that how awful love is? Because if it is, then I love you, the way that roots love the deep and leaves love the light. It's - the way I am. And no matter how much I try to be good, to do right - I'm all flowers in your arms for your war, for you."
and secondly, with a warning. The is ending is pain. It rips your heart out of your chest and leaves you with a melancholic ache in its absence.
I cannot wait for the final installment of this series.
Special thanks to Orbit Books and Netgalley for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions!
07/31/2022 - frtc but ahhhhhhhhhh brain rot is so real I only live, breathe, THINK of Priya and Malini!!!
And you worry that book 2 will go the way of many other promising fantasy trilogies - plagued by middle book syndrome and encumbered by dragging plots, wearied characters and story arcs so lulling they threaten to put you to sleep.
Tasha Suri - I'm so sorry I ever (even slightly) doubted you.
THE OLEANDER SWORD was a class-act, the perfect second book to the BURNING KINGDOMS trilogy. No middle book syndrome anywhere to be found folks, not one little unfurling leaf or tiny, reaching root. From the get-go, you are treated to so many pay-offs that you waited so eagerly for in THE JASMINE THRONE.
Priya and Malini didn't kiss until 70-80% of Book One. But in THE OLEANDER SWORD? You get tantalizing flashbacks and internal dialogue to that kiss within the first few pages.
Parijatdvipa is at war and so everything we got in THE JASMINE THRONE is elevated and urgent. We read about the rising political tensions, the inherent prejudices between nations, monsters wearing the faces of gods, class privilege, an erratic despot backed by religious influence, and the choices and sacrifices we make - how this all interacts to create a perfect breeding ground for war, betrayal and the inevitable loss.
I love how there is a cause and effect with each decision our characters make. I need to shout out Bhumika in particular because I have adored her since her introduction and she always seems to get dealt the worst hands. Her influence is not flashy or showy, but she loves her people and she is always trying so hard to ensure their survival. I'm so interested to see where her story arc goes.
The prose is flowery while being efficient; Suri waxes poetic, yes but the prose isn't overly loquacious.
I could continue to rave about this book until the end of time, but I'll end this review with two things: first, my love for this quote in particular -
"I barely understand it, the way I would willingly kneel for you, anywhere, for anything. The way I would fight for you. The way I want to be by your side. Is that what love is, Malini? Is that how awful love is? Because if it is, then I love you, the way that roots love the deep and leaves love the light. It's - the way I am. And no matter how much I try to be good, to do right - I'm all flowers in your arms for your war, for you."
and secondly, with a warning. The is ending is pain. It rips your heart out of your chest and leaves you with a melancholic ache in its absence.
I cannot wait for the final installment of this series.
Special thanks to Orbit Books and Netgalley for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions!
07/31/2022 - frtc but ahhhhhhhhhh brain rot is so real I only live, breathe, THINK of Priya and Malini!!!