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A review by zepeng
The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi
5.0
4.5 stars
It's been a long time since I've read a book, nonetheless in one single sitting. I think the main factor is that it has been quite some time since I have read a fantasy book, and so I was quickly absorbed into the whole plot of Naraska, Otherworlds, and realm that exists within the ink of the pages. Or, it might have been the fact that I'm procrastinating because I am in no mood to study.
Anyways, I do not quite understand the hate and low rating of this book. I personally found it absolutely fascinating and enthralling. Some did say it feels like a Hades and Persephone retelling, which I have yet to see the connection until I read the review. However, as I had some Hindu mythology and folktales at the back of my head, I can piece some similarities here and there. It is interesting and refreshing to read a retelling that is not based on Greek mythology, nor Persian folktales, and hence it quickly captured my attention. I did have some A Court of Thorns and Roses vibes while I was reading, which is another book that I greatly adored, so it might not come as surprising that I grew fond of this book as well.
I do adore the main characters. Some might say there's no real character description and development by Maya, the main protagonist. I personally find her fine. She was tough yet insecure, smart and rational, yet she still trusts her instinct strongly, which in some circumstances might not be the best thing to do. However, it just shows us that she is human and she has flaws. I do kind of understand her decision which leads towards the climax of the story, the part where she is stripped off her powers and her lover. It's just like in Avengers: Infinity War, whereby Star Lord just cannot pull Thanos's glove because he was distracted and very emotionally distraught. Nevertheless, in a certain sense, I do agree with the other readers that there should be more character development by Maya. Akaran, on the other hand, was just so swoon-worthy. I immediately have a liking towards him for so unknown reason. Similarly, I wished there were more scenes of his personality growth or backstory. Not much of his backstory is revealed in this story which is a shame because I think it would be very lovely to read on his childhood, how he had become the Dharma Raja and his days where he guarded over Maya while he was waiting for her.
The setting of this story is very lovely, which is helped by the author's very descriptive and amazing story-telling. However, it would be much appreciated if there will be more explanation given. Sometimes, I would be a bit confused about the exotic terms and names.
All in all, I enjoy this story thoroughly and would be looking forward to more stories by the author in the future.
It's been a long time since I've read a book, nonetheless in one single sitting. I think the main factor is that it has been quite some time since I have read a fantasy book, and so I was quickly absorbed into the whole plot of Naraska, Otherworlds, and realm that exists within the ink of the pages. Or, it might have been the fact that I'm procrastinating because I am in no mood to study.
Anyways, I do not quite understand the hate and low rating of this book. I personally found it absolutely fascinating and enthralling. Some did say it feels like a Hades and Persephone retelling, which I have yet to see the connection until I read the review. However, as I had some Hindu mythology and folktales at the back of my head, I can piece some similarities here and there. It is interesting and refreshing to read a retelling that is not based on Greek mythology, nor Persian folktales, and hence it quickly captured my attention. I did have some A Court of Thorns and Roses vibes while I was reading, which is another book that I greatly adored, so it might not come as surprising that I grew fond of this book as well.
I do adore the main characters. Some might say there's no real character description and development by Maya, the main protagonist. I personally find her fine. She was tough yet insecure, smart and rational, yet she still trusts her instinct strongly, which in some circumstances might not be the best thing to do. However, it just shows us that she is human and she has flaws. I do kind of understand her decision which leads towards the climax of the story, the part where she is stripped off her powers and her lover. It's just like in Avengers: Infinity War, whereby Star Lord just cannot pull Thanos's glove because he was distracted and very emotionally distraught. Nevertheless, in a certain sense, I do agree with the other readers that there should be more character development by Maya. Akaran, on the other hand, was just so swoon-worthy. I immediately have a liking towards him for so unknown reason. Similarly, I wished there were more scenes of his personality growth or backstory. Not much of his backstory is revealed in this story which is a shame because I think it would be very lovely to read on his childhood, how he had become the Dharma Raja and his days where he guarded over Maya while he was waiting for her.
The setting of this story is very lovely, which is helped by the author's very descriptive and amazing story-telling. However, it would be much appreciated if there will be more explanation given. Sometimes, I would be a bit confused about the exotic terms and names.
All in all, I enjoy this story thoroughly and would be looking forward to more stories by the author in the future.