I enjoyed this book. It's about a captive princess and a maidservant become unlikely allies where they go on a journey to save their kingdom. I enjoyed the writing in this book, especially with the world-building. I love how it was easy to understand with vivid descriptives of what world the characters live in. I enjoyed the culture of India mixed into this book because I felt connected to the story at a personal level. I also thought that the pacing was great, the plot structure was well done but I did have a problem with the number of different PoVs. I think the author should have stuck with the main two character's PoV and should have left the side characters as I felt they weren't really needed. Overall the writing was really beautiful and something I haven't read before.

I enjoyed the main characters, Malina and Priya a lot as they showed so much women representation. Priya is the maidservant that has forbidden power and Malini is the prison where her brother is forcing her to drink poison. They were both morally grey characters that are strong and would do anything to save their empire. I enjoyed how they grew in the story as they had good character development. Also, the side characters were well done and I enjoyed pretty much all of them. The romance is enemies to lovers trope between the lesbian characters. I wish there was more romance as there was only a little but I hope to see more of it in the next book.

I enjoyed the ending of the book but I also felt that the story dragged a little. Not much but a little where I thought it could have been shortened. I had a few minor problems with this book but it was really close to a 5/5 star read. I'm really excited to read the next book just to see where the story will go next and more romance between Priya and Malina. I really recommend reading this book as it's a diverse book with Indian culture written by a POC book. I recommend this to fans of City of Brass and The Poppy War.

I was really looking forward to this and so was quite excited when I was approved for an ARC. Unfortunately, this one didn’t click with me at all.

I got through the first 1/3, but then started to skim and eventually felt so over it that I just skipped to the last 5 or 6 chapters and read them. With a book this long, you would think I would have been confused at that point and had difficulty piecing together what was going on. Honestly, not really. It felt like I skipped one chapter rather than 20 or 30.

I was surprised that the ending chapters took place in the exact same setting as the entire first 1/3. For something this long, I would have expected more movement. From the portion I read, this book had a huge problem with pacing- just way too slow. As much as I wanted to become engaged, I ended up feeling bored every time I tried to read it.

The above issues aside, the fatal flaw of this novel was the characters. I did not get a solid impression for one single character within the entire first 1/3 of the novel. While Priya was at least slightly interesting, Malini was void of personality and the rest of the other 1000+ characters were throw-away as far as I was concerned. The addition of the other POVs felt completely unnecessary. I thought maybe my feelings were too harsh, but I read reviews from readers who scored this a 3-4 and many of them cited the exact same issues.

*I literally wrote a diagram in my notebook of the different names of characters to try to differentiate them and identify how they are connected to each other. This is the first time I have EVER had to do that when reading a book.

I really wish I could rate this higher, but I just did not enjoy it. While this was a disappointing read for me, it has plenty of glowing reviews from others- so I say still go for it if you’re interested. May you enjoy it more than I did!

Wow!!! I saw morally grey lesbians and Indian inspired and jumped right on this one! A new epic fantasy than has stolen my heart with the knife-to-the-ribs moments and kissing under a waterfall. Honestly though, Priya on that cover should be enough to lure you in.

I love how the author takes time to build up the whole array of characters and that we get multiple POVs. I was instantly immersed in the story and fell headfirst for Priya. (Also those arms!😍)

The side characters, Bhumika, Ashok, Rao all had distinct voices and interesting backstories. The writing and dialogues are incredibly beautiful and I loved everything about this book. Also I cannot say how amazing it is to see names that are so familiar. It's indescribable.

The worldbuilding is stunning and the plant based magic is *chefs kiss* I figured out that I'm a sucker for manipulation of plants!

Malini and Priya's budding romance is the definition of Yearning. It's killing me!! They are murder wives and you know there's nothing better than than that! I cannot wait for it develop more in the next book. Gahhh!! It's too far away!!!!!

Spies, lies, deceit, deadly sapphics and wer saris, this book has everything you need! And please tell me I'm not the only one who shipped Prem/Rao, my gaydar can't be broken. Right? 😥

PS: The author has bunnies named after WangXian?!!!!! *Swoons*

*ARC provided by the author via Caffeine Tours and Netgalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review

I wanted so much to love this book! There's been such great buzz, and so many people I know have loved it. But it just didn't work for me, for some reason. I'm having trouble figuring out why. So much of it felt static, I think, or like prologue rather than driving story. All the main characters were so tightly-wound that they weren't even revealing themselves to the reader, let alone each other, which made it hard for me to connect to them. I have no doubt that this book will find many delighted readers, but alas, I wasn't one of them.

DNF @ 30%

I'm not sure why but I really wasn't feeling this. I don't think there was anything inherently bad or wrong about this. In fact, I think the world and premise are quite interesting. But I really didn't connect with any of the characters, which isn't something that normally bothers me, and I wasn't finding myself driven to pick this up once I set it down. I will maybe try to finish this another time, but as of right now, it's a dnf for me.

I loved loved loved the a jasmine throne. The magic, the characters, the sapphic vibes. I absolutely adored Priya and her sweet heart. She’s so amazing and it’s been a while since I loved a protagonist but my god. I worship her!

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Never have I been more in love with a slow burn. And I mean SLOOOOOOOW. It's glorious.

Priya and Malini may feature as the main characters in the blurb, but Bhumika is definitely also a lead, and all three are supported by a host of other POV characters - from those who get a page or two, to those that reoccur. It's so well done - multiple POVs are hard to manage at the best of times, and Tasha does it superbly. Every change brings us closer to the resolution, gives us background or clarity on the situation. We even get throwaway ones from people about to die, just to see new things, and it is EXCELLENT. I could rave about this for actual hours.

Looking at the plot, I really loved how we see three very different women cope with their realities. Despite very similar backgrounds Bhumika and Priya are still so individual, and we get to see several incarnations of their relationship - from lady and maidservant to temple sisters. I really loved every scene with them. The way they interact and sometimes rub each other the wrong way, but still respect each other is so lovely.

And obviously, we also have the glory that is the developing relationship between Priya and Malini. While we get the initial attraction, this is the exact opposite of instalove - letting mistrust and necessity guide them. It's gloriously slow (I'm sorry, did I already mention this?!) While some may struggle with waiting for them to act, I really enjoyed getting to see everything grow.

Plus the backstories are just wonderful. I adored Malini and her struggle against her brother. The politics and worldbuilding in particular were something I really enjoyed and found incredibly well put together. It is also stunningly written and very evocative. I also like that not everything is fully explained just yet, we have more backstory to come!

I can't wait for book 2, because I am *dying* to find out what happens next. 4.5 stars.

The world building and character development in this book was really well done. It has a slow start, but I don't mind that. If you like charcter driven, political fantasies with multiple povs then I recommend you read this.

Thanks to #netgalley and #orbitbooks_us for the eARC.

This is the first book in a new fantasy trilogy. It is an intricately written, character driven, lgbtq high fantasy, rich with Indian inspired culture and full of intrigue and rebellion perfect for fans of Priory of the Orange Tree, King of Scars, and Son of the Storm.

Priya is a maid in the regent’s house with a big heart and forbidden magic. Malini is a condemned Princess kept prisoner in the regent’s Hirana (temple). When Priya is assigned to be Malini’s personal maid a bond is formed and their destinies become entwined as they try to depose Malini’s brother, the cruel emperor Chandra. There is a romance but it’s very slow burn and understated.

I really liked Priya and Malini and their story lines. If the whole book had been their perspectives I think I would have loved it. But every time I got invested in them the story would switch to one of the other 8 POVs and that drew me out of the story. I would spend the other POV chapters confused and/or detached. If you’re good at keeping track of characters and connecting the events you probably won’t have to worry about that.

So if you’re a fan of slower character driven stories, elegant writing ✍️ and are not worried about the change in POVs then definitely give this one a try!

I wanted so much to fall in love with this book the way so many early readers have. The early reviews that poured in for this title were lovely and made me incredibly excited to fall into this world and meet these characters. And, in a way, that did turn out nicely.

The characters in The Jasmine Throne are nothing short of fantastic. Every single one is vivid and has a clear voice so that they don't get muddled up in your head. Each one has a purpose that drives them even if the reader isn't always clear on what the purpose is, it is almost as if you can feel it pushing that character along. Suri's writing in that regard was nothing short of perfection.

The other thing I enjoyed about this book was the magic system. It was not the "in your face" magic that you see so often in fantasy novels but instead more of something that ran beneath the surface. That magic played a large roll without it ever overshadowing the characters that truly drove this story and it felt very unique and well thought out.

My issue, if you will, for this book is the pacing. It is achingly slow. I would pick up this title to read and be able to consciously recognize that the story was well built and that the characters and their various interactions were fascinating without ever being able to be sucked in completely by the plot. I would read a chapter or two and have to put it down because the pace was so slow it would put me to sleep.

So, overall, was this book good? Yes. I will say it again, Suri's writing is vivid and brings the book alive but if you, like me, are someone who struggles greatly with a slower paced book I would keep that in mind before picking this one up. 480 pages is a long book in and of itself but when the plot moves along slower than a snail even the most magnificent writing struggles to hold a reader's interest.

The Jasmine Throne is without a doubt, the best book I've read this year. The story of two morally gray women who fight to smash the patriarchy and fall in love while doing so, it's an homage to love, family, honour, and duty.

Equipped with an ensemble of profound and layered characters, The Jasmine Throne takes you into a whole new world that is beautiful and rich and vast. The prose is absolutely gorgeous.

There is never a moment that you feel like you need to take a break or step away from the story. It's an immersive experience that keeps you engaged till the last word.

A definite must read. I will be recommending this book to everyone from now till the end of time.

The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri
Length: 480 Pages
Genres: High Fantasy
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

A special thanks to NetGalley and Orbit for an ARC of this novel!

"'Kill me or save me,' murmured Malini. 'But do something, Priya.'"


The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri is undoubtedly a fantastical feat -- layers upon layers of exquisite worldbuilding, a cast of morally grey characters, and a magic system that is as fascinating as it is deadly, it is a sure win for those read A Song of Ice and Fire and wanted more (and might I say, better?). The first in a trilogy inspired by the epics of India, we follow several characters, with the heart of each warring faction represented by the Ahiranyi maidservant Priya and the imprisoned Parijat Princess Malini.

Priya serves in the Mahal, the palace where the regent and his wife live in sanctity in wild and diseased Ahiranya. When Malini is sent against her will to live in the Hirana, a temple with a changing and treacherous pathway that once housed people and children with forbidden powers -- fueled by the dangerous waters that lurk beneath the temple -- until they were deemed a danger to Parijatdvipa by the Emperor and burned alive. Malini herself narrowly escaped such a fate, and is forced to live in solitude by her tyrannical brother, the Emperor Chandra. She wants nothing more than to see him gone, and her elder brother, Aditya, on the throne. She will do anything to accomplish it, including getting closer to her new maid, Priya, who has startling powers, and a history she refuses to remember. What neither expect is the complicated feelings that bloom between them.

This is a long book, and less interesting POV's sometimes made it feel even longer. Despite loving so much about it, from the history to the wonderfully scheming main characters to the gorgeous writing, I oftentimes found myself wishing it had been cut down just a little. But don't let that deter you from the amazing first book in a new series! A must-read for any fantasy fan, check this one out when you're wanting to sink deep into a mythology, a new world, and people that might just be...a little monstrous.

4 out of 5 stars

The Jasmine Throne follows Malini, a prisoner princess, and Priya, her maidservant with a secret. These girls get wrapped up in the rebellion in their empire and deal with both of their brothers' being their enemies. I really enjoyed this book. It's a more political fantasy rather than leaning too heavily on the magic, though there is magic involved. I loved that this was multi POV but I wish it was mainly the storyline with Malini and Priya, all of the other side characters and one off chapters felt like filler and took me out of the story at times. This also felt like more of a prequel than having enough action to fill its almost 500 pages. It seems like the real story began in the third act and we just had a ton of build up and world building for it.

I did really love the main characters. I liked Priya right away but Malini took me a while to warm up to. Malini had a slower start at the beginning and turned more into herself towards the end of the book. Their romance is very well done. They start off barely trusting each other and yet knowing that they're all they have to get around the rebellion they're now in the middle of. I love a slow burn and seeing how they come to trust each other.

(Review from my Goodreads)
This book! I had so many emotions, I loved this so much. I was lucky to get an eARC of this book and I am so grateful because this is easily one of the best books that I've read in a long time. This book struck everything so perfectly for me that it's almost hard to put into words how much I loved it.
Tasha Suri has such a talent for writing well-rounded characters that leap off the page. I have such strong opinions on most, if not all, of the characters introduced. I was immediately invested in the well-being of Priya from the first chapter and it stayed like that throughout the book. She and Malini were both extremely interesting. The entire time, I was dying to learn more about them and the reveals did not disappoint.
The multiple POVs worked really well and helped show a broader image of the world.
Speaking of the world, the world-building is some of the best I've seen, and I'm excited to see it expanded upon in the rest of the trilogy! The discussions of the ramifications of colonialism and how it impacts the people of the cultures it rips away hit perfectly.
And on a more personal note, the representation in this book means a lot to me. I still remember being a kid and never seeing myself in any books. And the self-loathing that it manifested as was horrible. Obviously, this isn't a book meant for young children, but seeing queer, brown characters feels like it's healing the void left by the lack of characters like me in the past. And I found myself relating a lot to Priya and the loss of her culture. It’s definitely different because my loss of culture comes from being diaspora and how the racism (both external and internal) I’ve faced used to make me feel ashamed of my culture, while Priya is dealing with her culture being forcefully ripped away from her. But still it, for lack of a better way to say it, hit different.
Okay, I'm done gushing now! Please read The Jasmine Throne!

The Jasmine Throne was one of my most anticipated books of the year and Tasha Suri is one of my favourite authors. So it was no doubt I was going to love this book but I loved it so much more than I expected!! Here are 5 reasons why you MUST read this book too:

A story that’ll keep you hooked
The Jasmine Throne follows the story of Malini and Priya. Malini is the princess of Parijat who was exiled by her brother for refusing to die by a purification ceremony. Priya is a maidservant who survived a fire which destroyed her temple family. Both of their paths cross in the most intriguing way. Malini and Priya are both vying for a chance to embrace their true power in some way and are cunning in their ways. I loved reading about their conflicts within themselves and with each other. Their trust and loyalty with each other and towards themselves was really well explored. Malini was a fave by a little more because her character was manipulative and secretive and you’re left wondering more about her.

Morally grey lesbians conflicted whether to fight or kiss each other
If you like the bodyguard romance trope, I raise you the cunning princess and her maidservant who is actually really powerful trope. Priya and Malini as I mentioned are both vengeful and manipulative in ways and especially with each other. There is an undeniable pull but also trust doesn’t come easy for them both. Their dynamic and chemistry doesn’t always take centre stage but the development is good and you get invested. A lot of the book is them dancing around each other while telling themselves they’re just using each other (lol). I truly adored this dynamic of fierce romance mixed with soft moments.

Atmospheric writing which will draw you in
Tasha Suri is known for her beautiful and lush writing. One of the reasons I loved the Books of Ambha duology was this and The Jasmine Throne is even better. The writing is gorgeous and really complements the tone and pace of the book well. It keeps you intrigued and draws you in. The world building was stunning and the build up and tension was done absolutely well. The various kingdoms and the descriptions were so good and it was atmospheric.

I also really loved the Indian influences and references right from the food to the saris and outfits to the weapons. I love reading books with these small things which I can relate to and understand fully and I love how beautifully Tasha incorporates all this into the story.

Intriguing politics and family drama
The politics between the kingdoms was really interesting to read. Since this is just part one, there was setting up in this book and I really liked it and can’t wait to read the direction the story moves towards. Both the protagonists are wronged by their brother in some way and we get to see two different perspectives in their stories and journeys. I especially loved Bhumika’s character and I truly can’t wait to read more of her. The themes of family, friendship and sisterhood is complex in this book and made for a really good read.

We also get multiple POVs in this book and I love how well Tasha does it because it does not feel too much at any point but actually maintains balanced narratives. The multiple narratives make the complex dynamics of the characters even more interesting to read.

Themes of imperialism and misogyny
This book discussed imperialism and oppression, religious extremities and the way they’re used to justify wrongdoings and misogyny. Women are always thought of less than or easily disposable and this book focuses not just on this but the anger of these women. Whether its Malini, Priya or Bhumika, we see them fight everyday for things small and big. They’re shown as less than or monstrous but what makes them that? The act of living on their own terms and not bowing to the men or is it that they dare to question. All this is explored really well in the book.

Overall, The Jasmine Throne is a stunning start to what I know will be a stunning series. If you like morally grey lesbians, expansive world building, gorgeous writing and intriguing politics, then this feminist fantasy is a MUST READ.

Thank you to Caffeine Tours and Orbit Books UK for making me part of the tour and providing me with a physical copy of the book. All opinions are my own.

Writing was so lush and riveting. Loved the world building. Took a while to pick up, but god I loved the lesbian pining and tenderness. Truly a masterpiece.

Princess Mailani refused to burn, and now she is a prisoner in a destroyed temple in Ahiranya, far for the seat of power. Priya was once one the the children of the temple, filled with power and potential. Now, she is a maidservant in the home of the Regent of Ahiranya, the man who ordered the deaths of her and her temple siblings. Thus begins a tour-de-force series opener that is enthralling, passionate, and magical.

Tasha Suri, author of the award-winning duology The Books of Ambha, is back with The Jasmine Throne, book one in a new trilogy that reaches heights few historical fantasies can reach. Set in a world inspired by the history and legend of India and Indian culture, this story uses strong and violent imagery, folklore, and an explosion of character nuance that creates a tapestry of emotionally resonant storylines.

When a book starts out with a sacrificial pyre, like the way The Jasmine Throne does, you know you’re in for a real treat. And that unbearable heat that blisters the skin, turning the mortal immortal, well, good luck trying to forget that smell of burning flesh. Because it will be your faithful companion for the remaining 500+ pages for this first chapter of the Burning Kingdoms Trilogy.

When Princess Malini, sister to Chandra, the Parijati emperor, refuses to burn in one of his obstinate sacrificial pyres, she is sent to Ahiranya to spend the rest of her days contemplating her impure thoughts and puritanical mishaps. It’s a death sentence all the same, just much, much slower, and if she happens to die by some other means, more quickly, so be it. The point is, she’s no longer any use to her brother and is therefore humiliated, demeaned, and discarded.

Meanwhile, under Parijatdvipa’s control, the neighboring Ahiranya is a bit of a powder keg waiting to go off as the local Regent does his best to keep the homegrown rebels at bay, who are using extreme methods themselves looking to free their land from the Emperor’s ever increasing violent rule. Within Ahriranya is Hirana, an old temple that used to be of some special magnificence, housing what was a strange elemental magic known as the “deathless waters”, and those that would wield it. After a very tragic fire, which is still shrouded in mystery, the place was abandoned and the now former residents who survived, orphaned. This is where Malini was sent, and these ruins would serve as both her new home and prison. It’s also where our story really begins as it’s here, in Hirana, where she meets Priya, an unknown and unremarkable person at first, but soon someone she’ll need like a bad habit.

Like the summary says, Priya is a maidservant who volunteers to see to Malini’s day-to-day. It’s not the best job in the world, but it’s a small step-up over what she was doing before, which was basically the same thing just for less money. To most people, there’s nothing particularly special about Priya, she’s unattractive, quiet, and isn’t the greatest maidservant the Ahriranya has ever seen. But there’s something beneath the surface, a hidden past that connects her Hirana’s magic in ways very few will understand.

For the full review, click the link below....

https://www.cinelinx.com/off-beat/the-jasmine-throne-book-review/

I didn’t know what to expect from this book and it blew me away. It was so good - the world, magic, and characters. I loved the multiple viewpoints it helped expand the world and create complexity for each decision that had to be made. I’m looking forward to book two and if in doubt do give this book a read.

4.5 stars, rounded up.

I haven't read Suri's previous books. But this one... It was so intricate, so focused, like a strangler vine growing up around a massive tree, moving slow enough that you don't realize it's killing you until you're already lost. From gorgeous and detailed descriptions of clothing and magic and people and buildings, to the minutiae of political machinations between people with varying degrees of farsightedness, to two women who are cursed with brothers who hurt and demean them and the different ways they claim their own power.

Priya is everyone's favorite fantasy heroine. Possessing of hidden knowledge and unique talents, from a past dark enough that she hides it even from herself. But she is also a bleeding heart: wanting genuinely to help people and lashing out only when there is no other option. She's also not afraid to admit that she's no leader, no strategist.

And then there's Malini. Oh Malini, you beautiful monster. I'm always partial to the monstrous MC, the one who does what's necessary, even if it's not necessarily right or good. But to walk that line and be held back, to hold yourself back... When all you want is to burn the world down... It makes such a beautiful contrast for Priya - and the two of them together just work so well.

I loved that we really get to see the whole picture, as we bounce between Priya, Malini, Bhumika, Ashok, Rao, and an assortment of other one-time POVS to give us all the consequences of a coup being staged on three sides with very different goals. As soon as the stakes really click, you won't want to put the book down.

The only downside is now I have to wait for book two...