The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri (The Burning Kingdoms #1)

The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri book cover

10/10

The Jasmine Throne is a magnificent achievement, cementing Tasha Suri as one of the most vital voices in contemporary epic fantasy. This is not just a novel; it is an impeccably constructed cultural experience, rooted deeply in the rich soil of South Asian mythologies, yet soaring into unique territory.

The brilliance of this book lies in its world-building. Suri gives us a breathing, complex empire--the Parijati--that moves beyond shallow exoticism into a realm of resonant political and spiritual conflict. The contrast between the rigid, patriarchal court, where Princess Malini is imprisoned for her defiance, and the crumbling, sacred architecture of the burning temple, where Priya guards her forbidden magical legacy, is nothing short of hypnotic. I value complexity, and here, the magic system, rooted in ancient, earth-based power, is woven seamlessly into the empire's history, providing a philosophical weight often missing from the genre.

But the true heart of this narrative is the relationship between the exiled princess and the maidservant with a terrifying, secret power. Malini and Priya are not mere characters; they are forces of nature. Their voices are authentic and deeply etched with ambition, vulnerability, and rage. Their alliance--and burgeoning romantic tension--is a perfect subversion of the typical princess/guard dynamic, transforming into a revolutionary partnership based on mutual respect and necessity. The intensity of their connection is beautifully rendered, providing the emotional authenticity that grounds the grand, mythic scale of the world.

Suri has delivered a novel that is as ambitious in its scope as it is intimate in its emotional execution. The authenticity of the character voices and the sheer complexity of the magical systems are unparalleled. It is rare to find a book that executes political intrigue, mythological depth, and a deeply felt relationship with such flawless precision. The Jasmine Throne is required reading, offering a profound reflection on power, sisterhood, and the nature of sacred magic. It is an absolute, unforgettable triumph.

Review by

The Burning Kingdoms

The Jasmine Throne reader reviews

from USA

Like the characters of this story, The Jasmine Throne is a book with many faces. It's about women who experience tragedy, and rather to succumbing to its effects, they sharpen themselves from it. It's about trust in the name of survival, and how love can screw it all up. It's about a conquered nation who is systematically being flushed out of their art, identity, and hope. And it is about time for someone to do something about it. While there are sporadic POVs, Prya and Malini are the backbone to this story. Priya is from Arihanya, a nation under rule by the psychotic, woman-burning zealot emperor Chandra from the neighboring country of Parijat. Priya was raised under unusual circumstances, granting her a taste of unspeakable power, before a terrible event forces her away from all she knew into service as a maid for the local regent. She has kept her head down, reinventing herself and thankful for her station. Malini is the princess of Parijat, sister to the mad emperor Chandra. Malini's denial of her brother's violent, religious faith has forced her into exile where she will serve out her days as a prisoner in a broken temple. Cunning, ruthless, charming, and determined, Malini must use all her skills -- and many she's never used before -- to turn the tables on her situation and change the tide of the empire. Some of the highlights and notes taken while reading this story: - Chapter 7 : My favorite chapter of 2021 - So many flowers, you can smell the scents wafting from the pages - I want to draw the 'sangam' And five fist-pumping paragraphs of dialogue. You know who you are. This is a character-driven story that dives deep into the souls of its two protagonists. Their relationships, histories, thoughts, and reasons for action -- all are carefully considered, well-developed, and breathe life into this South Asia-inspired tale. It asks big questions, such as what it means to be human, what the right move is when left with no good choices, and how far one can be manipulated before being pushed over the edge. The Jasmine Throne is a stay-up-far-too-late book, a gift that keeps on giving through the very last page. A fantastic start to what will be another massive hit for fans of Tasha Suri, both new and old.
8/10 ()

8.8/10 from 2 reviews

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