Book Review of The Oleander Sword by Tasha Suri

 

Name of Book: The Oleander Sword 

Author: Tasha Suri

ISBN: 9780316538565

Publisher: Orbit 

Part of a Series: The Burning Kingdoms Trilogy (The Jasmine Throne is prequel)

Type of book: Fantasy, colony, plant disease, burning women, yaksa, politics, negotiation, status, sapphic/lesbian romance,  based on South Asia (India) 

Year it was published: 2022

Summary:

The prophecy of the nameless god—the words that declared Malini the rightful empress of Parijatdvipa—has proven a blessing and curse. She is determined to claim the throne that fate offered her. But even with the strength of the rage in her heart and the army of loyal men by her side, deposing her brother is going to be a brutal and bloody fight.

The power of the deathless waters flows through Priya’s blood. Thrice born priestess, Elder of Ahiranya, Priya’s dream is to see her country rid of the rot that plagues it: both Parijatdvipa's poisonous rule, and the blooming sickness that is slowly spreading through all living things. But she doesn’t yet understand the truth of the magic she carries.

Their chosen paths once pulled them apart. But Malini and Priya's souls remain as entwined as their destinies. And they soon realize that coming together is the only way to save their kingdom from those who would rather see it burn—even if it will cost them.

Characters:

There are a ton of characters in the novel, and here are ones I felt are highly important: Malini descends from a royal line that defeated the ancient yaksa by burning themselves on a pyre. She is a born politician and feels she cannot trust anyone. She also has deep feelings for Priya and intends to keep the promises she made to people for their support. She also has a heart and cares for others. Priya is a daughter of a temple who has recently become an elder. She is dedicated to both her temple sister Bhumika and to Malini. She has previously been Malini's maid in the first novel. Priya is thoughtful, a bit naïve and isn't good with politics but is powerful and will do what she can for those she loves. Bhumika is Priya's temple sister who has recently given birth to a little girl. Bhumika is quite similar to Malini, but I think while Malini might be either arrogant or a bit ruthless, Bhumika has more of a calming influence and is a talented negotiator. There are male characters, one who is working for the yaksa and two of Malini's brothers, one a ruthless king and the other a priest as well as Rao, the one who proclaimed Malini as an empress.  

Theme:

Nothing is without a cost

Plot:

The story is in third person narrative from different characters' points of views, and takes a year later after the events of The Jasmine Throne, and yes each chapter mentions which character is narrating the tale. While the previous novel is best described as heart pounding, pulsating and exciting, this one slows down a bit and focuses more on rebuilding the world after the characters achieved their goals in previous novel. There is romance and discovery among the characters, and it does focus on two main plot lines: that of Malini's attempts to fight and negotiate among her many supporters for the throne, and that of a return of an ancient enemy and another character, Bhumika, trying to also keep peace. Priya meanwhile is struggling between duty and love, having to make really hard choices. 

Author Information:
(From goodreads)

Tasha Suri was born in the U.K., but toured India during childhood holidays. She is now a librarian in London, and studied English and creative writing at Warwick University.

Opinion:

Can I say how much I enjoyed this novel, and how excited I am to review it? First of all, its definitely necessary to read the prequel; The Jasmine Throne because it introduces the characters, the politics and the world of our two heroines, Priya and Malini. The Oleander Sword is definitely continuation and there isn't a sheet or mention of the events of the first book, and the author writes as if the reader has to know about this world. Having said that, how soon will the last one come out? I'm definitely excited to read the conclusion. (Random but listen to Poker Face by Lady Gaga while reading this book :D) 

This was given for review

4 out of 5
(0: Stay away unless a masochist 1: Good for insomnia 2: Horrible but readable; 3: Readable and quickly forgettable, 4: Good, enjoyable 5: Buy it, keep it and never let it go.)