The Oleander Sword
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.
Title: The Oleander Sword
Author: Tasha Suri
Genre: Fantasy / LGBTQ
Paperback: 512 pages
Publication Date: 08/16/2022
Publisher: Orbit
Language: English
ISBN: 9780316538565
ISBN-10: 0316538566
My Review
Tahsa Suri’s The Oleander Sword is the sequel to The Jasmine Throne in The Burning Kingdoms trilogy and continues in beautiful prose and complex storytelling. It is one of those novels that speak to the depth of your emotions while maintaining a twisted plot. It begins shortly after the point the last book ended and sets up the character’s situations first as all factions spread out figuratively. Unlike in the first book where everything took place in a more condensed area, this one spreads over the Empire and adds some nice battle actions.
Malini continues to be the main character in this storyline. Her tender feelings for Priya continue with fond notes and a light heart of hope. Positioned in different places and alliances, Malini tries to take the throne from the Sultan with a loyal following by her side. She has fought Chandra throughout the Empire and needs the High priest to surrender. But she treads through dangerous waters as men in Parijatdvipa view Ahiranyas new leaders as witches and monsters. She is caught in proving the fires everyone is afraid of aren’t to be feared, for they aren’t real. She’ll meet Chandra in a head-on battle at the fort, weapons at the ready, but when the yaksa come in, it turns into a massacre.
Chandra is portrayed first in this novel as having a tender heart for the flowers in his garden. He believes he is the rightful heir of Parijatdvipa and promises that princess Malini will die, if by burning or not. He tries to bring the flame of the mothers to her and confronts her in battle at the fort. Their collision is tragic with unexpected turns.
“A gift after all. The fire of mothers did not fade. It did not wither. It was unstoppable - a force of destruction that only faced away when the yaksa were dead. But this fire had died before her eyes.”
Bhumika, the thrice born is now free and not the governor’s wife any longer. She is willing to risk her life for the cause and Malini promises her support. However, trade is dwindling and the merchants are afraid of her powers, so her following is essentially cut off. Bhumika must leave her baby behind, and enter the conflict bravely.
“The deathless waters. The trees of sacred wood. The forest that twisted time strangely, and the bones that hung from trees. All this. All this-”
Priya exchanges secret, tender messages with Malini. There are whispers that Malini is seeking the throne. She is caught in between bowing for the sake of Ahiranya or Malini. As she embarks to enter in aid, her proximity to the yaksa and the spreading rot is ever closer. When she practically flowers, she is set an ultimatum, and again, Malini and Priya’s relationship is being tested.
“I made you a promise. Say my name, and though it makes me a fool - I know it does - I’ll find my way. I’ll come.”
Ashok is returning to life as the rot grows its hold on Ahiranya.
“Shh,” She murmured. Tender. “The whole world is ours to hollow, Ashok. And our to grow into - to wear and remold. Rot isn’t a good name for it. Call it new life. Call it blooming, if you like. “ She shrugged and lightly began to walk away again. “You’ll remember eventually,” she told him. “It kills people,” he called out after her. “Just people,” she agreed, in an airy voice “But not us.”
There is much that happens along the way of this sequel. I’m continuously drawn in by the story of the yaksa and the rot or “new life” spreading throughout. It is one of the most exciting and unique aspects of the novel. I also enjoyed how the ladies in the story gained in their agency. Malini was physically ill in the first novel but makes up for it here. Priya is putting everything on the line and Bhumika is one of the bravest in this story.
The geographical spread of allies and foes added something the first book didn’t have. It is almost free roaming and takes place in a lot of nature. I enjoyed that part.
In general, I am not bothered by a more slow-burn novel and it works well for character relationships, etc. I did find that in terms of getting from point A to B took a little too long in some moments, but overall it went smooth.
Definitely an enjoyable sequel I’d recommend. Can’t wait for what happens next in the last novel!
Happy Reading!
I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
All opinions are my own.
Thank you!
