The Oleander Sword

Starred review from June 27, 2022
Suri returns to the ancient India–inspired world of her Burning Kingdoms trilogy with this alluring, action-packed, and gut-wrenching sequel to The Jasmine Throne. Priya is now a temple elder of Ahiranya, and her elemental powers have only grown, while Empress Malini is on the war path with an army of allies to take down Parijatdvipa’s fanatical Emperor Chandra, her brother. As Priya works to understand the origin and purpose of her magic, Malini struggles to maintain dominance over a cabal of generals who doubt her every move. Suri laid the groundwork of this artful, immensely detailed world in book one, and now allows it to explode with politics, magic, and theology. The heroines are fierce and tender as ever, both brimming with a quiet, molten rage stemming from a thirst for vengeance, righteousness, and love. Meanwhile, Priya’s temple sister Elder Bhumika’s relentless work to provide sanctuary and safety despite the grotesque horrors of the empire surrounding her nearly steals the show. Suri’s strength lies in the palpable, chest-clutching tension she creates between friends, lovers, and enemies. The result is a taut, emotional sequel that will leave series fans eager for the finale. Agent: Laura Crockett, Triada.

Starred review from July 1, 2022

Malini knows she would be a better ruler of Parijatdvipa than her brother and with the prophecy of the nameless god proclaiming her empress, a loyal army, and the rage of a woman that burns hotter than the pyre many would cast her on, she attempts to claim the throne. Meanwhile, the powerful priestess and Elder of Ahiranya, Priya, carries on trying to cure the blooming rot that is killing her people and loosen the tyrannical hold Parjiatdvipa has on her country. While Priya's magic seems like a gift from the gods, that same magic holds a truth that none would imagine. As Malini and Priya's paths are brought together again, their destinies are as closely bound as their hearts and souls, and both are willing to do whatever it takes to reach their goals, even if it means being torn from each other. This complex, sprawling story is filled with lush worldbuilding, politics versus personal feelings, and familial love and betrayal. VERDICT Suri's second volume of the "Burning Kingdoms" trilogy (after The Jasmine Throne) continues an epic tale of love: for family, for power, for country.--Kristi Chadwick

Copyright 2022 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 23, 2022
The second book in the Burning Kingdoms trilogy (after The Jasmine Throne, 2021) expands brilliantly on an already extraordinary foundation. Empress Malini has announced herself as the rightful ruler of Parijatdvipa and triumphed in military engagements, but establishing her rule requires careful balancing between factions and power struggles with male allies, not to mention the fact that her brother, Chandra, is still installed in the capital city. Priya, who has been elevated to temple elder, spends her time using the magic gifted by the yaksa to slow the rot that infests her newly independent country of Ahiranya. When Malini requests Priya's aid in toppling Chandra, the priestess leaves her family and calling behind to join the Empress on the campaign trail. After Priya goes, Ahiranya closes behind her, the ancient magic of the yaksa surging in a chilling reawakening that will have repercussions for all. Each time Priya uses her magic in support of Malini's goals, she must offer up more of herself to her gods in payment, while Malini herself is willing to do anything to defeat her brother, which includes sacrificing her blossoming love for Priya. As their goal comes within reach, it becomes more and more clear how difficult it will be for Malini and Priya to have it all. Suri once again uses multiple viewpoints and engaging supporting characters to weave an incredible tale of ambition and sacrifice. Readers will be clamoring for the third volume as soon as they finish this one. Highly recommended.

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