The Leaning Pile of Books is a feature in which I highlight books I got over the last week that sound like they may be interesting—old or new, bought or received in the mail for review consideration. Since I hope you will find new books you’re interested in reading in these posts, I try to be as informative as possible. If I can find them, links to excerpts, author’s websites, and places where you can find more information on the book are included, along with series information and the publisher’s book description. Cover images are affiliate links to Bookshop, and I earn from qualifying purchases.
The most recent book in the mail is one of the books from my 30 Anticipated 2022 Speculative Fiction Book Releases list. But first, here’s last week’s post in case you missed it:
- Review of The Keeper of Night by Kylie Lee Baker — This dark (really dark) young adult fantasy had a rushed start, but I really enjoyed the mythology inspired by Japanese folklore and the amazing ending.
Now for the latest book, which is by one of my favorite authors!
The Oleander Sword (The Burning Kingdoms #2) by Tasha Suri
The second book in The Burning Kingdoms trilogy will be available on August 16 (hardcover library edition, trade paperback, ebook, audiobook).
I have loved all of Tasha Suri’s books, starting with the two novels in The Books of Ambha, Empire of Sand and Realm of Ash. (Tasha Suri wrote a guest post about inspirations for this world’s magic system for Women in SF&F Month 2019, which opens with “Fairy tales are obsessed with feet.”)
The Jasmine Throne, the first book in the series, was one of my favorite books of 2021. Here’s a couple of snippets from my review:
Inspired in part by Indian epics like the Mahabharata and a conflict for a throne during the Mughal period, The Jasmine Throne is largely about different characters surviving and influencing their world despite the perils of the Empire, with a heavy emphasis on the additional obstacles of patriarchy for the women who are the heart of this story. It’s about the dangers of underestimating these women, even—or maybe especially—when they appear to have been stripped of their power. It’s about the different, subtler ways they navigate their world and how they can use being underestimated to their advantage: whether they are a maidservant, an imprisoned princess, or a wife and mother-to-be with a reputation for being gentle.
…
The Jasmine Throne comes with my highest recommendation to those who share my taste for beautifully written, character-driven epic fantasy. Although I tend to come across several books a year that are exceptional, it’s rare that I come across one like this—a book that seems perfect to me in every way, one that is not only technically wonderful but also one that has my whole heart.
The publisher’s website has an excerpt from The Jasmine Throne.
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.
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.
