I will buy and read anything Tasha Suri writes. After the utter triumph of The Jasmine Throne, I knew I needed to read the sequel. I was lucky enough to read an early copy of The Oleander Sword and y’all, this sequel is everything. Talk about action! Keep reading this book review for my full thoughts.
Summary
The prophecy of the nameless god—the words that declared Malini the rightful empress of Parijatdvipa—has proven a blessing and curse. She is determined to claim the throne that fate offered her. But even with the strength of the rage in her heart and the army of loyal men by her side, deposing her brother is going to be a brutal and bloody fight.
The power of the deathless waters flows through Priya’s blood. Thrice born priestess, Elder of Ahiranya, Priya’s dream is to see her country rid of the rot that plagues it: both Parijatdvipa’s poisonous rule, and the blooming sickness that is slowly spreading through all living things. But she doesn’t yet understand the truth of the magic she carries.
Their chosen paths once pulled them apart. But Malini and Priya’s souls remain as entwined as their destinies. And they soon realize that coming together is the only way to save their kingdom from those who would rather see it burn—even if it will cost them.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
The Oleander Sword is yet another triumph. Sinking back into this multiple POV with my favorite characters has been an utter joy. Considering the immense consequences and earth shaking changes after the first, The Oleander Sword is almost constant action. Embroiled in war, Malini and Priya have to realize the costs of dreams and new sacrifices for our ambition – and love. I loved watching these characters grow and evolve and make some difficult choices.
At the same time, being back with other side characters – won’t name names for you, read the book! – gives The Oleander Sword a sense of scale and danger. To know that battles are never simply won and the end of the story isn’t in sight yet. In the beginning, I loved how they communicate via letters – cue the yearning – but to be honest, The Oleander Sword has some scary developments. Suri is really putting our hearts through the emotional wringer.
(Disclaimer: Some of the links below are affiliate links. For more information you can look at the Policy page. If you’re uncomfortable with that, know you can look up the book on any of the sites below to avoid the link)
Throughout The Oleander Sword, I kept asking myself, “can they make it through this?” Because war, struggle, and sacrifice can change a person. And while I loved seeing them come into their own, not everything can withstand that. When higher powers – and there is meddling – offer us power with consequences, salvation and sacrifices, what do we do? The Oleander Sword is a must read for anyone who loved The Jasmine Throne. The action and pacing is unparalleled. Full of some epic advancements, you can scream with me while we wait for book three – because my heart y’all…..Find The Oleander Sword on Goodreads, Amazon, Indiebound, Bookshop.org & The Book Depository.