moodreadingmagic's reviews
916 reviews

The Lotus Empire by Tasha Suri

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense fast-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

5.0

When I originally requested this book via NetGalley I did not realize that it was the final book in the Burning Kingdoms trilogy. Thankfully I was able to find copies of Books 1 and 2 from my local library so I could catch up with the series before diving in to the final book. 

The Lotus Empire offers an action packed ending to the ongoing war between the magical kingdom of Ahiranya and the reigning empire of Parijatdvipa. One kingdom ruled by earth magic and gods and a religious empire emboldened by fire magic, empress vs. temple elder, an epic sapphic enemies to lovers for the ages. Both temple elder Priya and Empress Malini are fighting for their respective kingdoms while grappling with their feelings for each other, seemingly interconnected by their love and magic. 

The Burning Kingdoms  is a political warfare epic fantasy series that highlights the problematic impact of religious fanaticism, showing how religious entities can use human leaders as weapons in an ultimate game of power and dominance. 

This series is as beautiful as it is tragic and I found myself completely immersed in the gorgeous world building and entirely invested in the character development. For fans of high fantasy/romantasy series with sapphic representation,  heavy political warfare, and diverse magic/folklore. 

Thank you to Orbit Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book; all opinions are my own. The completed series is available now! 

The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective 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

4.0

The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty

adventurous challenging dark emotional inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-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

5.0

The Oleander Sword by Tasha Suri

adventurous challenging dark emotional sad tense fast-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

5.0

The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri

adventurous challenging dark emotional sad tense fast-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

5.0

An Academy for Liars by Alexis Henderson

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore

emotional funny lighthearted 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

4.0

The Cinnamon Bun Bookstore by Laurie Gilmore

emotional funny lighthearted mysterious 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

4.0

The Briar Club by Kate Quinn

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective 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

5.0