My first thoughts finishing this novel were: wow. Epic. Pain. [insert a bunch of expletives] but also: “Second book syndrome nowhere to be found!!” The Oleander Sword was a lot of things--emotional, engaging, well-paced and -plotted--but what stood out to me most after finishing it was how epic it felt. The story of this series has become so much more expansive with this second installment, and I cannot tell you how unbelievably excited I am for the final book. Like, if the second book has already done this much, then I can't even begin to imagine what the third one will do. A fierce, heart-wrenching exploration of the value and danger of love."— Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Will undoubtedly reshape the landscape of epic fantasy for years to come’ Booklist (starred review) 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.

Recommended For You

TASHA SURI: I often describe The Burning Kingdoms as a South Asian history inspired series about two morally grey lesbians who work together to set an empire ablaze. But a longer way of describing it might be to call it a multi-point of view epic fantasy with South Asian historical worldbuilding, creepy-beautiful plant magic, prophetic names, sacrifice, and a multitude of women carving their own paths out of blood and magic and ambition in a brutal patriarchal world.

I feel that their romantic feelings could have been reinforced more if their commonalities had been consistently highlighted as they were in the first book. The two of them are in different places in life now than they were in The Jasmine Throne, so I needed to be shown why they were still meant to be. I didn’t feel the romantic tension nearly as much as I had in the earlier book. The Jasmine Throne has been hailed as a series opener that will "undoubtedly reshape the landscape of epic fantasy for years to come" ( Booklist, starred). Now, award-winning author Tasha Suri's provocative and powerful Burning Kingdoms trilogy continues with 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.I did really enjoy the magical aspects of the novel. The magic system and the new antagonists feel original and interesting and are very entertaining. I loved the eeriness of the yaksas, that was probably my favorite aspect of the whole novel. It pains me to write this review of The Oleander Sword (book two in the Burning Kingdoms series, which began with The Jasmine Throne), because while this isn’t a terrible book, The Jasmine Throne was my favorite book of 2021, as well as the most romantic and lyrical book I read in last year, and I had such high hopes for its sequel. Agreed, that Malini can’t be on the throne for Priya and Malini to have a future. Also, the Yaksa are making changes to her (clearly because the knife wound burns unnaturally) and there’s no way she can be empress of Parijatdvipa if she gains the Ahiranyan temple type of abilities or the Yaksa make some changes to her appearance, which is entirely possible. I suppose Malini doesn’t have to step down voluntarily but I believe she will. For her to be deposed is too dark, I think. There’s also a debate among Malini’s generals, this one about how to handle the High Prince of Saketa, the one holdout kingdom leader who refuses to cooperate with Malini. He is firmly allied to Chandra because Saketa’s crops are infested with rot and his people therefore depend on food supplies from Parijatdvipa. Tendrils of the rot have wormed their way across the expanse, and with it comes a new threat no one is ready for.