The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri

Publisher: Orbit Books
Publication date: 08 June 2021
Cover art: Micah Epstein (illustrator), Lauren Panepinto (designer)
Age group: Adult

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genres: Fantasy

Synopsis

Imprisoned by her dictator brother, Malini spends her days in isolation in the Hirana: an ancient temple that was once
the source of the powerful, magical deathless waters — but is now little more than a decaying ruin.
Priya is a maidservant, one among several who make the treacherous journey to the top of the Hirana every night to
clean Malini’s chambers. She is happy to be an anonymous drudge, so long as it keeps anyone from guessing the
dangerous secret she hides.
But when Malini accidentally bears witness to Priya’s true nature, their destinies become irrevocably tangled. One is a
vengeful princess seeking to depose her brother from his throne. The other is a priestess seeking to find her family.
Together, they will change the fate of an empire.
On-page Representation
★ Indian
★ South Asian
★ Lesbian
Trigger and Content Warnings
★ Explicit violence including immolation and self-immolation
★ Colourism, xenophobia
★ Gender-based violence/violence against women (this does not include sexual assault)
★ Homophobia and internalised homophobia
★ Suicidal ideation
★ Self-mutilation
★ Abusive family dynamics
★ Child murder
★ Body horror (plant-based, cosmic)
★ Forced drug use and depictions of addiction/withdrawal
Book links (note: you are free to use your own affiliate links or to other booksellers):
Amazon — https://amzn.to/3htImEd
Goodreads — https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/50523477

Review 

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 wet 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

Favourite Quotes 

There are other versions of you that I don’t know. But this one…” Her fingers were against Malini’s lips. “This one is mine.”

“Parts of me are broken and I stand in the middle of all those pieces and don’t go anywhere. I’m stuck. In all this time, I’ve just been quiet. I’ve just survived.”

She could make herself into something monstrous. She could be a creature born of poison and pyre, flame and blood.

You are a night flower if anything, precious only for a brief time before you decay.”

Someone powerful who looked at her and looked at her, as if Malini—sick, unkempt, her curls in a snarl and her mind liquid—had the sun inside her.

She wanted only things that would destroy her, and what good would that do anyone?

About the Author

Tasha Suri was born in Harrow, north-west London. The daughter of Punjabi parents, she spent many childhood
holidays exploring India with her family, and still fondly remembers the time she was chased around the Taj Mahal by
an irate tour guide. She studied English and creative writing at Warwick University, and now lives in London where she
works as a librarian. To no one’s surprise, she owns a cat. A love of period Bollywood films, history and mythology led
her to begin writing South Asian influenced fantasy. Tasha Suri has won the British Fantasy Society Best Newcomer
Award and Starburst Brave New Words Award

Author links:
Author website — https://tashasuri.com/about/
Goodreads — https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17718309.Tasha_Suri
Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/tashasuri
Twitter — https://twitter.com/tashadrinkstea

Check out the Caffeine Tours launch post here