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

“We’re taking the Hirana. We’re taking its magic,” he said. “We’re taking Ahiranya.”

Synopsis

Although told from the multiple POV, the stories main focus is on the characters of Priya and Malini. On the surface Priya is a maidservant however she hides the fact that she is of Ahranya descent. Essentially the Ahranya held vast amount magical power but we’re killed off by the Emperor. Priya is extremely kind hearted, often helping homeless children find work and a roof over their head. Everything changes for Priya when Malini, the Emperors sister arrives and is kept prisoner within a temple called the Hirana. She is being held prisoner their by her brother after she refusing to sacrifice herself during a hundred year old ritual. When Priya attempts to save the princess from assassination, Malini discovers Priya’s powers leading to both escaping. Slowly they begin to bond and eventually this leads to love.

The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri was one of the most captivating fantasy novels I’ve read this year. Even though it is a fantasy novel, the world felt so real and alive that you’d think it actually existed at one point. I was entranced by the magic of Parjatdvipa and realism was further added by how realistic the motivations were of the characters. Each character is multifaceted and their experiences are all unique to them. Having read Empire of Sand, I was already a fan of Tasha Suri. The world she created in that book was mesmerising and the plot was highly unique. Tasha again delivers on that front by creating a world full of wonder and history. I loved the different cultures and much depth there was in terms of the history behind Parjatdvipa. The fact that it is inspired by India was also a plus as I’m South Asian myself.

I was already a fan of Tasha Suri and already knew how great she was in building amazing worlds. The world she created in Empire of Sand was mesmerising and the plot was highly unique. Tasha again delivers on that front by creating a world full of wonder and history. I loved the different cultures and how much depth there was in terms of the history behind Parjatdvipa. The fact that it is inspired by India was also a plus as I’m South Asian myself.

When considering the characters, Priya and Malini take centre stage in terms of being the main characters. I really loved the pacing of how their relationship develops. Their love angle wasn’t rushed and like Tasha Suri’s previous books it developed at a slow pace. As a reader I hate when characters falling in love is shoved in your face and forced upon you. But thankfully that didn’t happen here. Both at first reluctantly work together and then gradually a bond is developed.

There are also many fantastic side characters who have their own chapters and add to the underlying plot. Characters such as Ashok, Bumika, Chandani, Vikram were very interesting and unique characters. Overall I would say that it’s the women who steal the show in this novel. But what really made me happy about this book was how badass the women were. Every female character in the novel shines throughout the story and are all have different motivations. The character of Pramila for example hates Malini and when you understand why it makes sense. Chandani and Priya also have a past which when you learn about adds to story.

Finally in terms of the writing and plot, the writing was absolutely beautiful and so rich. The descriptive aspects were so well detailed and imaginative that you could picture everything that was happening. In terms of the pacing, I did feel that it was up and down at times. At some points things slowed down a bit too much for my liking. But thankfully things did move quicker towards the middle. Plot wise however everything was on point and I have nothing but praise for it. I loved the political elements and the plot twists throughout. There were surprises around every corner which kept me glued.

Overall, The Jasmine Throne was a captivating and exciting story that I thoroughly enjoyed. The world was beautiful and rich, and the writing was lyrical and evocative. I also really enjoyed how the relationship between Malini and Priya sizzled slowly into something special. I am very excited to see where this series goes next 😊.

Thank you to Orbit Books and Angela for sending me an ARC copy 😊. The book releases on the 8th of June.