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A review by ghulsona
The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-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
5.0
I have been impatiently waiting to read this book ever since I read the description earlier this year, and I was not disappointed when I was finally able to get my hands on a copy! First thing's first, the world-building was epic and so impressive! If I were able to create a world half as rich and intricate as the one Tasha Suri builds for us in this book, I would be so satisfied with myself. The histories, magics, and different faiths and peoples introduced in this book were really fleshed out and I'm excited to learn more about them in the following books, specifically the sacrifice of the mothers, and the Alorans and the Dwarali *insert eye emoji*.
The writing was so good! The prose wasn't overly flowery, but was still vivid and beautiful. A particular favorite of mine were the descriptions of the yaksas! Emotions were conveyed so well - I teared up many times while reading this in the middle of night. The book never felt like it was moving too slowly or too fastly, and I never felt bored with the plot. Sometimes, I feel like some authors have rely too much on twists and surprising their readers to keep them hooked, but even with knowing how most things would go, I was still very hooked. Every character has a good motivation and purpose, and when POVs were switched, it flowed very naturally.
Speaking of characters!!! Malini was an instant favorite - I love me some scheming and morally gray women, especially when they're princesses. Her rage and thirst for vengeance against her brother, her many masks, her desire to be monstrous and vicious - I loved her so much, truly. Bhumika and Rao were also favorites, and I'm very glad that POVs weren't confined to the two main characters and that we were able to get into the minds of such fantastic characters. And Priya!!! I liked how she can be terrifying and angry and vengeful at times, but in the end, she just has such a good heart. And I know they weren't really characters, but I am dying to read more about Malini's heart sisters, Narina and Alora. The glimpses of them we viewed in Malini's visions absolutely gutted me. I really did appreciate all the characters that were introduced, no matter how big their role - they all felt very tangible and human, and someone that you could empathize with, just a little.
I want to gush more about this book, but I have homework to do, so I will just end this here. Go read "The Jasmine Throne", you won't regret it!!!
The writing was so good! The prose wasn't overly flowery, but was still vivid and beautiful. A particular favorite of mine were the descriptions of the yaksas! Emotions were conveyed so well - I teared up many times while reading this in the middle of night. The book never felt like it was moving too slowly or too fastly, and I never felt bored with the plot. Sometimes, I feel like some authors have rely too much on twists and surprising their readers to keep them hooked, but even with knowing how most things would go, I was still very hooked. Every character has a good motivation and purpose, and when POVs were switched, it flowed very naturally.
Speaking of characters!!! Malini was an instant favorite - I love me some scheming and morally gray women, especially when they're princesses. Her rage and thirst for vengeance against her brother, her many masks, her desire to be monstrous and vicious - I loved her so much, truly. Bhumika and Rao were also favorites, and I'm very glad that POVs weren't confined to the two main characters and that we were able to get into the minds of such fantastic characters. And Priya!!! I liked how she can be terrifying and angry and vengeful at times, but in the end, she just has such a good heart. And I know they weren't really characters, but I am dying to read more about Malini's heart sisters, Narina and Alora. The glimpses of them we viewed in Malini's visions absolutely gutted me. I really did appreciate all the characters that were introduced, no matter how big their role - they all felt very tangible and human, and someone that you could empathize with, just a little.
I want to gush more about this book, but I have homework to do, so I will just end this here. Go read "The Jasmine Throne", you won't regret it!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Death, Fire/Fire injury, and Violence
Moderate: Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, and Misogyny