Suri, Tasha

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.

Suri (Realm of Ash) has created this world with great deliberation, including details about clothing, cuisine, and architecture. Malini and Priya both have depth and nuance, and their attraction to each other is written with care and sensitivity. Changing viewpoints help move the action along, but this is the first book in a trilogy, which inevitably means that some of the plotting will set the stage for books to come. Offer this to fans of Tanaz Bhathena or S.A. Chakraborty.

Suri’s companion to Empire of Sand continues to expand on the stark beauty and power of this magical realm. With striking characters and court intrigue, this story is dark, melodious, and memorable. [See Prepub Alert, 5/5/19.]

This intriguing debut by a London-based librarian is a fabulous South Asian epic fantasy and recommended for those who enjoy S.A. Chakraborty (City of Brass). [Prepub Alert, 5/21/18.]—Kristi Chadwick, Massachusetts Lib. Syst., Northampton