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A review by kassielovestoread
The Lotus Empire by Tasha Suri
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Phew, finally done! This series took me a really long time to get through. Partially because of how demanding my semesters are and the other half being that while this series was very good, I found my interest to wane in and out. I forced myself to get through this book because I really wanted to move on. I'm glad I did, it was a very good end to the series! I can't say that this will be one of my favorite series' nor can I say that this story will stick with me for time to come. It was enjoyable while it lasted and I'm also glad to move on.
My biggest issue was the romance. I'm sorry, I just didn't like it. The power dynamics and the constant I betray you (or so I thought) and you betray me (or so I thought) and the rushed forgiveness on each occasion. I think Priya and Malini were great characters apart from their romance. Two very strong willed individuals willing to do whatever it takes to save their people from separate sides of the war; how could anyone dislike characters like that? I just didn't like them together. The good thing is that the romance is not a huge portion of this book.
The best part of this series was definitely the magic system. The Yaksa were absolutely terrifying with their thinly veiled contempt of humanity and their cleverly disguised rot magic being of earth magic, lulling unsuspecting people, including their own supporters, into thinking it's God-like magic instead. Combined with the fact that they can reborn as previously dead humans...kudos to the author for creating something straight out of a nightmare! I think the Nameless God was also incredibly fascinating to read about. I don't know, I feel like following that God was truly the answer! It seemed to know ALL the answers! True enough it can be a burden having a one focus track on a prophecy given to you at birth, but it's still pretty cool nonetheless.
I think the epilogue was just right. It brought a little tear to my eyes! I think I will want to read more by this author in the future.
My biggest issue was the romance. I'm sorry, I just didn't like it. The power dynamics and the constant I betray you (or so I thought) and you betray me (or so I thought) and the rushed forgiveness on each occasion. I think Priya and Malini were great characters apart from their romance. Two very strong willed individuals willing to do whatever it takes to save their people from separate sides of the war; how could anyone dislike characters like that? I just didn't like them together. The good thing is that the romance is not a huge portion of this book.
The best part of this series was definitely the magic system. The Yaksa were absolutely terrifying with their thinly veiled contempt of humanity and their cleverly disguised rot magic being of earth magic, lulling unsuspecting people, including their own supporters, into thinking it's God-like magic instead. Combined with the fact that they can reborn as previously dead humans...kudos to the author for creating something straight out of a nightmare! I think the Nameless God was also incredibly fascinating to read about. I don't know, I feel like following that God was truly the answer! It seemed to know ALL the answers! True enough it can be a burden having a one focus track on a prophecy given to you at birth, but it's still pretty cool nonetheless.
I think the epilogue was just right. It brought a little tear to my eyes! I think I will want to read more by this author in the future.