The main perspectives of the book are Priya and Malini. One is a handmaiden with a hidden secret, harbouring an ancient and forbidden magic, and the other is a Princess banished by her brutally extremist and misogynistic Emperor brother to live out her days in seclusion in the Hirana temple. But when an incident at the temple reveals Priya's secret to Malini, it sparks them down a path that will bind them together, and begin a journey that could transform an empire!
Tasha does a great job with the two main characters. Morally grey women, from completely different backgrounds, finding a connection with one another, and willing to do what they feel is right, for freedom and rebellion, no matter the consequences. It made them feel authentic to me and easy to be emotionally invested in them. Their fierceness and determination, as well as their tenderness and passion, stood out for me as I turned the pages. I couldn't help but love them! The relationship that sparks between Priya and Malini is not exactly a whirl wind, but takes time for the trust between them to develop. This simmering bond helped deepen their development and slowly dial up the sapphic tension between the pair. It's a slow burn until the tension is finally released in a beautifully written scene by a waterfall.
The side characters are well written too, most notably Bhumika, Ashok and Rao, bringing their additional perspectives and motivations to the story, adding depth to the world outside of the Hirana, bringing an insight to a somewhat barbarous patriarchal society that is troubled by a disease and teetering on the brink of rebellion.
As with Tasha's previous 'Books of Ambha' duology - 'Empire of Sand' and 'Realm of Ash' - 'The Jasmine Throne' is beautifully written with engaging characters that drive the story in a compelling and expansive world, feeling more epic in scope, and captivating you from beginning to end, with its slow burn tension and deep dive into an intriguing, yet familiar world.
Tasha once again delivers a powerful and spellbinding read. I can't wait for book 2. Recommended!
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