I’m writing this review minutes after finishing The Oleander Sword and I’m stunned. Tasha Suri doesn’t miss. There’s not a book I’ve read by her where I haven’t been left full to the brim with emotions—this one is no different.

Often second books in a fantasy trilogy focus heavily on the political details and goings on and lose some of the magic. Tasha Suri manages to keep a near perfect balance between the two. The balance is really important, especially in this installation, because so much happens but at a very steady pace. I didn’t realize how far I’d read until it was already 80% of the way through, the plot just kept building and building! The battle for the throne is more than just fight between siblings, there’s a true cost to winning it and at no point was I prepared for the ending! If we eased from The Jasmine Throne into The Oleander Sword, we’re going to be rushing head first into the yet unnamed book 3. I cannot wait!!!

A small note about the characters, Priya has my entire heart, that’s just a fact. I’d really liked Malini in book 1 but I did not expect how much I grew to love her in book 2. And Bhumika, Lata, Sima! Tasha Suri writes such wonderfully layered women.

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

4/5 Stars!

The Oleander Sword has the same lyrical prose that made me fall in love with The Jasmine Sword and Suri's work as a whole. Additionally, the plot was fantastic the and the romance is unmatched. By all accounts, this should have been a 5 star read for me. Unfortunately for some reason, I really struggled to get into the Oleander Sword. At this point, I am not sure whether the reason was related to the book or to me, so I am hoping to reread it again closer to the release of the third book and I am hoping it will be a 5 star read the second time around.

All that is to say, while my heart wasn't quite in it, I do think this is a fantastic book and you should definitely be picking it up as soon as possible.

This novel picks up a bit after the conclusion of The Jasmine Sword. We follow Malini and Priya as they go through their daily lives in their "new normal."

Highlights of The Oleander Sword include:

- Love letters
- Girl power
- A sapphic love story for the ages
- Political intrigue
-Atmospheric world building

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Malini has been proclaimed Empress but the road is long ahead as she must navigate complex politics and the devastation of war to finally wrest the crown from her brother, Chandra. Priya is now a thrice-born temple elder and must adjust to her new role in the rebuilding of Ahriyani beside Bhumika. But something bigger than mortal conflict is stirring and no strength will be given without sacrifice.

The Jasmine Throne was one of my favorite books of last year and The Oleander Sword rose to my very high expectations and hopes. A book hasn’t made me sob for a while and I’m utterly gutted yet also enthralled.

Tasha Suri writes on such a vast scale and yet the story is still knit tightly together by the strong characterizations of her central figures. I already loved Malini and Priya and their complex dynamic, but this book made me truly care for Bhumika and Rao and Sima and many others. We also get to see Malini and Priya’s love develop after the slow burn of book one and while Suri excels at describing the ache of longing, it was so lovely to get to see this pair have some true moments together.

The imagery in this book is also just transportive. There’s a particular scene involving tenderness and rot and bloom that will stick with me for a while.

THIS BOOK- read for revenge, blessings with a price, flower scented kisses, women with weapons, religion as a sword.

It’s so good.

Thanks to NetGalley and Orbit for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Overall I did really like this book, but I did find that it dragged a little for me, which is why it's a 4-star read for me rather than 5 stars.

I did really like seeing how Priya, Malini, and Bhumika developed in this book now that they each had more power. Of course obstacles were put in their way, and I hope that the way this book ended for each of them gets a better resolution in the third book (trying to be vague enough to avoid spoilers).

The relationship between Priya and Malini is so complex, but it was good to see them be able to have a little time with each other. Other relationships and friendships were really tested in this book.

Mostly this book is about sacrifice. What it means, which form it takes, and why someone might choose to do it. Definitely a high-stakes story with not a lot of happiness in sight at this point in the story.

Reviews posted: August 13, 2022
Goodreads
Storygraph

Ummmm, the ending of this book absolutely broke me. Like, WTF why did the author have to hurt me this way? But regardless of that, I absolutely loved this book, and once again, the author blew me away.

I really enjoyed where the plot went and felt it was a nice balance of action and small behind-the-scenes movements. I cannot wait for the next book because the cliffhanger and my gasping.

In this book, the characters really came into their own, and I feel as if I had a much better sense of who they are and what their motivations are. I also think that their relationships with each other developed in ways I really enjoyed, and that is what made the ending all the more heartbreaking.

The magic system in this book continues to amaze me, and each turn of the page has me learning more about it.

I do think the pacing was a little slow I the start, but it was nice having the time to reacquaint myself with so many different characters. The only part I had a problem with was that there were so many different points of view. Some of them only got one chapter, which sometimes pulled me out of the story.

A fantastic sequel to The Jasmine Throne. I loved the first book, but I think this one is even better! The characters shine just as brightly as before, and there wasn't a single POV that I disliked. In addition, the story proceeds at a good pace, with the plot unfurling at just the right times to keep me engaged. I also appreciated that Malini and Priya's relationship continued to develop, and it's much stronger in this book, I think, than the first. And the ending--WOW. I'm very excited to see how the story continues in book 3!

This was a great second book. I loved the story and the characters. I didn't want to put it down and finished it so fast. I cannot wait for book 3!

Thank you Tasha Suri and Orbit Books for the opportunity to read an ARC of The Oleander Sword! All the opinions that follow are my own.

I really enjoyed the Jasmine Throne but the sequel blew it out of the water!!!! There were so many chapters that gave me chills!

Things I loved:
- Malini and Pryia were once again my favorite part of the book. I love them both so much.
- The world building in this series is so well done. In book two we are introduced to even more of this beautiful, magical world Suri has created. You’re not prepared!
- Bhumika’s chapters were also some of my favorites. She’s a totally different woman in book two, and I loved every moment.

There are so many other parts of this book that I loved and parts that broke my heart. I won’t say more, because I believe this story should be enjoyed without spoilers! I cannot wait to read the next book. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

This middle book in the Burning Kingdoms series lives up to all the expectations after a solid opener in The Jasmine Throne. The pacing and flow of the story works on all levels: from the intimate, personal interactions of characters to the political moves and countermoves as the rebellion finds its footing. Priya and Malini now each are set on a different path with new and consuming responsibilities. Ahiranya is now free with Priya and Bhumika the elder thrice born, but they are challenged by the rot, and managing a newly liberated people. Empress Malini must consolidate allies and manage an army as a woman and a chosen of the Mother's. Events conspire to bring Priya and Malini back together and their quiet, touching relationship is a highlight of the story. I also loved Bhumika's chapters and the sacrifices she makes are heartbreaking, Rao and Aditya's relationship was also a favorite. The return of the yaksa throws everything into chaos and the stakes are now so much different then anything Priya or Malini could have envisioned. The twists and turns at the end really were surprising and boy I cannot wait to see how everything gets wrapped up in the final book. A thoroughly enjoyable read!!

I rated the first book in this series 4.5.

Received an ARC copy and this is my honest review

Starting the book I was very excited to see Malini’s journey as she was my favourite character from book 1. This book follows up where we left our characters after The Jasmine Throne, with Malini going to war, Priya and Bhumika trying to rebuild their homeland, and the Emperor Chandra trying to make them all submit to his rule.

This book is the epitome of be careful what you wish for. For power, for your gods to return, for healing, for death. You may get your wish but not as you expect. And there is always a price.

We have less POV characters in this book than book 1 but emperor Chandra is a great addition as readers can see more into the enemy’s mind. There are more random character POVs but they all cohesively work together.

I’m happy the romance between Malini and Priya isn’t forgotten or put aside, despite their distance apart. But the romance left me tense, waiting for them to be caught as this world is not respectful of queer relationships. Their declarations to each other are so beautiful and full of feeling.

I found the storylines more straightforward in book 2, with the world established in book 1. There was more focus on politics and strategy. I also enjoyed how realistic the religions are and how it is used for political advantage.

Mentally, I was in the mood for a fluff, easy read so I had to make myself pick up the book but it was so engaging that every time I made myself open the story, I would get sucked in and forget that I hadn’t been in the mood for high fantasy.

The ending sets up book 3 beautifully but as with the end of The Jasmine Throne, I still have no guesses as to what will happen.

3.5/5 -> Rounding up to 4

I do like Suri’s prose, and the love and care she writes each character with. However, compared to her previous books the writing in this one was leaning more towards flowery prose. I’m not really a fan, like I enjoy it in reasonable amounts but whew. Getting through this sequel felt like a chore at times.

The pacing for Suri’s novels is always kind of slow and speeds up at the end, for standalone novels I feel like it would make sense… but for the sequel of a trilogy?? This really hindered my enjoyment of the book, it was a struggle for me to read when nothing of substance was occurring. POV chapters given to characters who didn’t need it, please tell me what I would gain from the POV of one of Malini’s maids who she hardly interacts with. Genuinely thought that was a waste of a chapter and words. The use of multiple POVs can be impactful, I think it would’ve sufficed with Priya, Malini, and Bhumika… I really didn’t care for Rao’s and Chandras I guess could make sense… but all the others? IDK like to an extent I get it but I also think that was a flaw in the writing of this book.

The plot moves at snail pace for the first 80%, and the last 20% is like bullet train. The ending has me intrigued nevertheless, and I’m very interested in Bhumika’s storyline as well as Priya’s. <spoiler> I’m sorry but I never really cared for Malini’s character or had any interest in her desire to be an Empress… like yay imperialism I guess? </spoiler>. Priya and Malini are in love, and for those invested in their romance you will be well fed.

Gave this 3.5 because at the end of the day it’s well written, and there are a lot of moving parts to the plot and they come together. Took off 1.5 because like I genuinely can’t tell you what happened for most of this book because it was that mind numbing.

Somehow this book was better than the first! The characters, the plot everything was great. I found the first one to be lacking a bit but since characters and setting was established it prevented this book from the sequel slump. 5 stars!

The second book in the Burning Kingdoms series is somehow even better than the first. Suri's prose and talent for world-building remain impeccable as she puts a heavier focus on examining battle strategy, the temple, and the history and nature of the Yaska. Even when Malini and Priya are separated, Suri does an incredible job of deepening that relationship, but her exploration of Bhumika, Aditya, and Rao are where some of the book's most painful and tender moments come from. The Oleander Sword is another slow burn that leaves you gutted but wanting more, and I, for one, can't wait for the next book when I'm sure Suri will break my heart once again.

Dive right back into the lush world of Tasha Siri’s The Jasmine Throne. Malini, as empress, leads her forces to overthrow her brother Chandra. Priya and Bhumika have taken over Ahrianya and become Temple Elders. The entire cast of characters is back and better than ever as Suri drags them through a whole new host of problems.

Plot: 4.5/5
Literally so complex I’d barely be able to summarize it but not so complex that I got lost. The plot lines following each character intertwine perfectly. But because of the amount of stories and the complexity, there’s a slow start before things start ramping up.

Characters: 5/5
Malini’s development into the role of Empress is full of struggle and conflict. She’s a naturally cold and calculating person so it’s really interesting to see her try and play as compassionate. She faces a lot of pushback for being a woman despite being an empress.

Priya is still Priya at her core despite becoming an Temple Elder. She comes off as cold and calculated to the masses but is really compassionate, intentionally the opposite of Malini. Their balance in personality helps them both level to a middle point I think. Priya’s wit is as sharp as it always has been, never falling to make me laugh. She has a tendency to think that she’s less important than she is, having Bhumika there to prod her on is key for their development.

Despite being a magical temple elder and all that, Priya is one of the most relatable characters I’ve ever read.

Writing: 5/5
Tasha Suri has a way with words that is unlike anything else. She has a very descriptive writing style and it’s clear that she did her research when crafting this story. Suri switches seamlessly between perspectives and even though there’s so many characters, it never feels overwhelming. Each it’s given enough depth to make them stand out.

World building: 5/5
This world is so complex and well thought out that I really can’t describe it. The historical influences in the fantasy world are so perfectly mixed.

Overall: 4.5/5

Simply, if you liked the Jasmine Throne, there is no reason not to pick up the Oleander Sword. It is everything you’d want in a sequel and I’m so ready for the third and final book in the Burning Kingdoms trilogy!

This is a difficult review to write because so many things I want to talk about are huge spoilers. But the main thing to knw is: I loved The Oleander Sword.

If you have not read The Jasmine Throne, please go do that. These books…these books are amazing. I feel like crying the whole time I am reading because they are so beautifully written. The characters are so vivid and the storytelling so lush. I can barely contain my anticipation for the third book, but I’m also a little afraid of what it will bring for these characters I love so much. Suri is so tender with her characters, even when they are being monstrous or having monstrous things done to them. Malini and Priya are the two hearts of this series, but I found myself aching for many of the other characters (not Chandra, never Chandra).

The Oleander Sword is packed with plot and movement. Empress Malini and her army move towards the imperial seat of Parijat, Harsinghar. Emperor Chandra seeks to kill and discredit her. Strange things are happening in Ahiranya, and the rot is spreading. There are plenty of machinations to satisfy those who love strategy and political maneuvering, but also sweeping emotion for everyone who wants to remake the world into a kinder place.

If thinking thinky thoughts is your bag, Tasha Suri looks at loyalty and faith. One layer of the battle between Malini and Chandra is one of faith – who has the divine right to the throne of the empire? They both assert their right to rule based on the will of divine forces and the loyalty of their followers is based in that faith. Loyalty and faith are also being tested in Ahiranya. Elder Bhumika is working towards setting her country to rights after being occupied by the Parijatdvipan empire. An unexpected thing happens and instead of rebuilding, she must figure out how to save her people, and possibly the world. Loyalty and faith are strategic and emotional, the result of a million choices and influences. I know why I want Malini to be successful in ousting her brother (see the CWs), but this isn’t a world where a woman can say, “I’d be a better ruler” and have a bunch of men agree and follow her. Malini is always in danger of losing everything because she is a woman.

This book clips leads you from one nail-biter to the next, from one heartbreak to the next. I have no doubt that all the heartbreak will be worth it, but I have no idea what that the burning kingdoms will look like at the end of book three. I can’t wait to find out.

CW: War and violence. Death by fire, drowning, suicide, battle. Body horror. Grief. Threats and harm to children. Torture off page.

I received this as an advance reader copy from Orbit Books via NetGalley. My opinions are my own, honestly and freely given.

5 stars

Tasha Suri has obliterated the dreaded ‘sequel slump’: The Oleander Sword is an even better novel than the already-excellent first installment of the series. The world is realer and richer, the characters deeper, the plot clearer and more vibrant.

What is particularly enjoyable about this series, and which The Oleander Sword does particularly well, is the way that it critiques and examines not only existing power structures but the very nature of power: Power, this series argues, always requires sacrifice. Something must be given up in exchange. Revolution does not change this; it only proves it.

As in the first book, we are given more than a handful of perspectives: multiple chapters are told from the point-of-view of relatively minor characters, even some that only appear once, and they serve to make the world feel so much bigger than the lives and actions of the main protagonists. All of the major story beats have real-world consequences for real, living people, whose lives are no less valuable for being maids and soldiers and farmers. We are also given, for the first time, Chandra’s perspective, which is highly welcome! It makes the ‘villain’ from the first book not a shadowy threat but a psychologically complex character, fascinating to peer into and all the more threatening for his humanity.

I also want to highlight how excellent this book’s introduction is. This is no throwaway or mere world-establishing aside; it’s intriguing and leaves you craving to know more about a newly-introduced element of the story, which is revealed in due time over the course of the book.

Honorable mention also goes to Bhumika and Jeevan, whose relationship is fleshed out in a highly satisfying way, and Ganam, whose perspective as a normal man witnessing the cyclical change of empires is extremely well done. The literary references to the Birch Bark Mantras, particularly the ‘green-sabered warrior,’ are also very cool. I love messages veiled in allusions to little-known tales, and giving a fictional world an established literary tradition to pull upon makes it feel so much richer and more endowed with meaning.

Priya’s character arc from the first book to the end of this second is fantastic, and the evolution of her relationship with Malini is everything I wanted and so much more.

I have been recommending this series to every fantasy reader I know, and will continue to do so. I eagerly await the third installment!

Sooo I was going to save this review for pub day but I can’t hold it in, I’m so excited about this book I just have to scream about it.
The Oleander Sword is an absolute show stopping book, filled with feminist revenge, women in power, plot twists, morally grey and questionable actions, and an ending that will break your heart.
While I loved the Jasmine Throne, but I did find the pacing of it to not be perfect, parts were too slow. The Oleander Sword does not have any of those pacing problems, nor does it have too many chapters from minor characters (that made the jasmine throne occasionally confusing) and the chapters that are from minor characters are frequent enough that it doesn’t become confusing.
In my humble opinion, the Oleander Sword has proved Tasha Suri to be one of the greatest fantasy writers of our time. The world is so intricate and vibrant, the characters just are so passionate and so very real, you can’t help but to be completely sucked into it.
I loved the themes of faith and blind obedience versus faith without it, and how terrible it is when confronted with the reality that your faith may not be what you thought it was and how the characters each grappled with that in their own ways. How faith serves men over women, and how often women are expected to give everything and sacrifice for their faith (figuratively and literally in this case) while men can get by on the bare minimum, and how martyr worship/ the sanctification of sacrifice is a tool to keep certain populations (women) under control, to hold them to an impossible standard.
In particular I adored how the relationship between Priya and Malini progressed, how their love was undercut with their own personal agendas and the struggle that that causes. Where their relationship will go next after that ending, I don’t even know. All I know is that I love them and I cried reading the ending.
The Oleander Sword also had some of the most beautiful quotes I’ve ever read in fantasy, and also in a sapphic book ever. The calibre of writing in this book was just top notch.
Overall I cannot recommend this series enough, and I cannot wait for the next book. 5/5 stars.

The Oleander Sword was my much awaited 2022 release and even though it does lag a bit, the characters and their own separate struggles engaged me throughout. I loved Malini's determination, Bhumika's maturity, Priya's manifestation of her powers and Rao's complicated relationships. And I was even more interested in the main events happening which I can't say for spoiler reasons but the stakes in this book are definitely good and set up an intriguing story for book three. There's a great balance between the politics, the love and the threat of the impending doom. Tasha Suri lives up to her capability of creating imaginative worldbuilding and history mixed with mythology.

My main complaint would be the extreme slow pacing, especially with POV switches to the most minor characters which I felt were completely unnecessary. There's a lot of scope for follow up action and drama but this book has a passive approach towards the events and so I didn't really feel the emotions that I should have. Second book syndrome alert basically. I certainly hope we have a satisfying finale and I'm looking forward to it a lot!

If I could choose one word to sum up this book it would be: meh?

I had super high hopes for this book after the ending of The Jasmine Throne but unfortunately this book had a lot of the same issues that the first book had, but I’ll start off with some positives first.

Bhumika, my beloved. Everything about her is perfection!!! I will hear no slander!!! If this series were about Bhumika it would be 5⭐️ I really appreciate the fact that we got more POVs from her this time around and got to spend more time with her.

The magic system in this universe is so unique and I like some of the developments that we got to see at the beginning of the book.

The romance is done really well!! When people talk about sapphic fantasy I feel like Priory is the go to but Malini and Priya are the blueprint okay!!! Priory wants what they have!!!!

On to the negatives.

THE. PACING. I’m so sorry but the pacing of this series is its biggest downfall there’s so many interesting things going on plot wise that I really shouldn’t be bored, but I was, almost the ENTIRE time. There were WAY too many random one off POVs that really disrupt the flow and momentum of the book and for what reason? The information given by these one off POVs could’ve been introduced easily in other ways and they were so frustrating to read because I just didn’t care.

The magic system was so underutilized this book and I don’t know why?? I feel like SO much more could’ve been done and it’s disappointing that with a magic system that is so unique and cool it was barely used.

Malini and Priya both irritated and annoyed me so much at various points throughout the book. Their choices and actions frustrated me a lot of the time and I just wanted to get back to Bhumika’s POV. I also would’ve LOVED to see an Aditya POV and I feel like that was a huge missed opportunity, especially considering all the random one off POV chapters from characters we barely know.

At times, I thought maybe this book could be a 4⭐️ because momentum was starting to build but the last 1/3 ruined it. The ultimatum that Priya is given I think was supposed to be a gut punch but instead just made me roll my eyes, it felt very predictable and cliche and just really annoyed me.

Overall, it was very……okay.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Orbit for providing me with this eARC!

After falling in love with the world, characters and romance of The Jasmine Throne, I was elated at the opportunity to read The Oleander Sword early. Picking up where The Jasmine Throne left off, and featuring about 5x more Bhumika (if you know, you know) The Oleander Sword is a beautiful addition to this unique world. I believe Tasha Suri’s strengths in world-building and lovely prose were elevated, and her weaknesses from The Jasmine Throne, such as character voice, were rectified and made much stronger in this sequel. Thank you Netgalley for this e-arc.