The Jasmine Throne (The Burning Kingdoms, 1)
A ruthless princess and a powerful priestess come together to rewrite the fate of an empire in this “fiercely and unapologetically feminist tale of endurance and revolution set against a gorgeous, unique magical world” (S. A. Chakraborty).
Exiled by her despotic brother, princess Malini spends her days dreaming of vengeance while imprisoned in the Hirana: an ancient cliffside temple that was once the revered source of the magical deathless waters but is now little more than a decaying ruin.
The secrets of the Hirana call to Priya. But in order to keep the truth of her past safely hidden, she works as a servant in the loathed regent’s household, biting her tongue and cleaning Malini’s chambers.
But when Malini witnesses Priya’s true nature, their destines become irrevocably tangled. One is a ruthless princess seeking to steal a throne. The other a powerful priestess seeking to save her family. Together, they will set an empire ablaze.
"An intimate, complex, magical study of empire and the people caught in its bloody teeth. It's about resistance and power, histories both personal and political, and the heroes who must become monsters to survive. I loved it.” —Alix E. Harrow, author of The Ten Thousand Doors of January
"Suri’s writing always brings me to another world; one full of wonders and terrors, where every detail feels intricately and carefully imagined. The Jasmine Throne is gripping and harrowing from the very start." —R. F. Kuang, author of The Poppy War
"Suri’s incandescent feminist masterpiece hits like a steel fist inside a velvet glove. Blisteringly furious and astonishingly tender by turns, its women take on the patriarchal empire with every weapon at their disposal. Their combined force will leave you as stunned and gasping as those who would deny them. Simply magnificent." —Shelley Parker-Chan, author of She Who Became the Sun
"Truly, The Jasmine Throne is one of the best fantasies you’ll read this summer – so do yourself a favor and just add to your TBR right now." —Culturess
"A fierce, heart-wrenching exploration of the value and danger of love in a world of politics and power." —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
In the captivating debut novel by Tasha Suri, "The Jasmine Throne" transports readers to a vibrant and treacherous world inspired by ancient India. The story follows Malini, a princess stripped of her kingdom, and Priya, a maidservant who harbors a dangerous secret. As they navigate the treacherous political landscape, they must find a way to unite their people and reclaim the throne from the tyrannical usurper, Chandra.
In this richly imagined world, magic and politics intertwine. Malini possesses the rare ability to manipulate the life force of plants, a gift that makes her a target both for those who would exploit her power and those who fear it. Priya, on the other hand, is an outcast, bearing the mark of a forbidden god. Together, they embark on a perilous journey to gather allies, forge alliances, and amass an army to challenge Chandra's reign.
As Malini and Priya delve deeper into the secrets of their shared past, they uncover an intricate web of lies, betrayals, and forbidden love. They must confront their own demons and question their loyalty to their people and to each other. With each step, they grow closer, their bond deepening in the face of adversity.
"The Jasmine Throne" is a story of courage, resilience, and self-discovery. It explores themes of identity, belonging, and the resilience of the human spirit. Tasha Suri weaves a spellbinding tale of a kingdom in turmoil, where hope flickers amidst darkness, and love blooms in the midst of war.
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