The Oleander Sword is a book I have some mixed feelings about. On the one hand, it was classic Tasha Suri with lush prose, gorgeous worldbuilding, and a slowburning plotline. On the other hand, I did feel it suffered a little bit from second book syndrome.

In the interests of not spoiling anything let me just say, this book picks up not much after the end of the first book. Priya and Bhumika are in Ahiranya, having freed themselves from Parijatdvipa’s rule. Meanwhile, Malini makes her progress across the country to confront her brother.

It was a slow start to the book, let me begin with that. Really, the pace didn’t pick up for me until about a quarter through. It took me from the start of May to early July to read that first fifth of the book, that’s how slow we’re talking. Then I put the book down for about three weeks. This wasn’t because I didn’t like the book—of course I did, I gave it 4 stars—but, unlike The Jasmine Throne, this one didn’t grab me from the start.

When it did start to pick up, I found that I was more interested in Bhumika’s storyline than Priya and Malini’s. And I’ll give you one guess which was the more prominent one. Again, not to say I didn’t at least like Priya and Malini’s, but Bhumika’s seemed more urgent, more intriguing.

I think the issue comes down to pacing (and this is a slight issue I had with The Jasmine Throne too, towards the end). While Tasha Suri’s style works well for standalones, with the slowburning plot, tension ratcheting up towards a conclusion, I think it’s a little trickier to make work for series, especially second books of series. It felt like there should have been more urgency to the plot as a whole, which is probably why I found Bhumika’s storyline more interesting.

However, this being said, I think once it got going, and once the plot picked up, then I found myself fully engaged by the book. As I said, I managed the final three quarters of the book much quicker than the first quarter. And that ending? Makes me very excited for the final book, that’s all I’ll say.

The Oleander Sword follows the path The Jasmine Throne laid out for Malini, a prophesied empress at war with her brother, and Priya, thrice-born priestess and Elder of Ahiranya. The Jasmine Throne saw them parted as Malini started her quest for vengeance against the emperor, gathering allies and starting a war to determine Parijatdvipa’s fate, and Priya, Elder of Ahiranya, trying to find her footing with its new independence and using her newfound powers to keep the rot plaguing her country away.

But Priya promised Malini that if she ever needed her, she’d come.

When it becomes apparent that the only way to save both countries from the people who would rather see them burn is to work together, by using Malini’s cunning and influence and Priya’s raw power, Priya comes when called, even if it means leaving Bhumika, High Elder of Ahiranya, alone.

In Ahiranya, Bhumika is left to deal with not only the rot plague, and the turbulent and fragile rulership of a freshly freed country, but with an old threat reemerging, from the Age of Flowers, who threaten to consume everything the three women fight desperately to protect.

My first thoughts finishing this novel were: wow. Epic. Pain!!

I worried that since it’s been a long time since I read The Jasmine Throne, this book might be hard to pick up, but this proved fast-paced, easy to read, altogether addictive, and hard to put down. Every time I picked it back up, I’d read and keep telling myself “just one more chapter” and then I’d read another, and another. Like a woman possessed, I could not help but keep reading, to find out what happened next.

And easily, easily, better than the first book! Which is not to say that the first book was nothing less than very good, it’s just that this book was viciously, breathtakingly stunning and I can’t think of a single bad thing to say about it.

All three women had magnificent, compelling story arcs, centering around who they love, and what they must do. Priya, torn between her love for Malini, and her duty as an Elder. Malini, torn between her quest for vengeance and to liberate her empire and her feelings for Priya. Bhumika, torn between her love for her infant daughter and leading Ahiranya, dealing with the threat there. Absolutely nothing was held back as they each had to make agonizing choices that changed their fates forever. Malini deciding exactly how far she’ll go and who she may become in order to become empress, Priya deciding how far she can push her newfound powers to their limits and what will happen if she does, Bhumika deciding how to deal with forces worse than an oppressive empire. The cost and the effect of each impossible, weighty choice.

I felt their pain, their uncertainty, both their helplessness and their agency. Everything made sense. Everything hurt.

I loved the setting, how the magic and scenery were complimentary opposites. From the Empire’s holy fire, fervent prayer, and hot sun, to Ahiranya’s cool waters, verdant greenery, and pulsating life. Both the rot and the powers given by the deathless waters are so vividly described, they somehow manage to be otherworldly and ethereal, yet concrete and palpable.

As always, no spoilers, but that ending…. PAIN.

The Oleander Sword was an impressively addicting sequel, filled with epic highs and anguished lows, scorching flames and creeping decay. A book that pushes the limits, asking the questions: What would you do for power, for love, for freedom? What would you sacrifice for it? What would you let yourself become? and demands answers. It is a shining example of what female-led and female-written high fantasy can be. I eagerly await Book 3 and will supplicate before Empress Tasha Suri, if need be.

Thank you to Orbit Books and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Jasmine Throne became one of my favorite reads of the past year and I expected nothing less than the same lush world, captivating characters and intrigue as the first one. The Oleander Sword is a worthy sequel and on its way to become one of my favorite reads of this year too. With this book, Tasha Suri made me fall even more for a world I was already in love with. I can't wait to see what she comes up for the next book.

5 stars

After absolutely loving the first book I was so excited to be able to read the second.
This is definitely how you write a sequel. The book was well written and I love that it has multiple points of views which gives us the readers a more detailed understanding of events.The world building is outstanding in this series and honestly it’s perfect. The writing style is beautiful and Tasha Suri definitely has a way with words!


I definitely recommend this series and truly can’t wait for the next book in the series.

Thank you to Netgalley , the author and Little, Brown Book group UK for this early eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Second books in a trilogy are always a risk, because most of the time, the book functions as a setup for the epic conclusion, and suffers as a result. Not so with this book, which did do a fair amount of setup, but never at the expense of the story. There was so much happening throughout, and all of it was gripping and interesting. I found myself constantly gravitating towards this book over other books I was reading, because I wanted to know how the characters were doing and what they would end up having to deal with next.

Our main perspectives in this book are Priya, Malini, and Bhumika, and in a surprising twist, I think Bhumika's chapters fascinated me the most. She is left behind in Ahiranya while Priya goes to help Malini win her war, and shit almost immediately hits the fan. Bhumika is a subtler character than the other women, but no less strong, and I really liked seeing the way she dealt with everything that was being thrown at her. Also, the romance between her and Jeevan is so freaking sweet.

Rather than giving us an entire book where Priya and Malini barely engage with each other, the first dose of romance comes pretty soon, in the form of a couple of letters the two sneakily exchange. There is a lot of longing and pining, and even though they have feelings for each other, this is no less a slow burn than the first book was. The power dynamics between them are really interesting; Malini wields traditional power as empress, and Priya adores her enough to go along with everything, but Priya is really the more powerful of the two, and I loved seeing the way they navigated that.

I don't want to say too much about the plot, but you can expect some interesting reveals about the yaksa, Priya's powers, and the rot.

The Oleander Sword is one of my anticipated releases of the year and I was quite excited to get back into the world and the characters. Overall, this sequel is a solid follow-up to the series, and has many aspects that I enjoyed.

First however, I noticed how there seems to be some difficulty in pacing. Personally, I didn't think this was the biggest problem — Tasha Suri's writing is lovely and it makes going through this book a breeze, but I've noticed that by forty percent, only a few things have happened. Granted, it's not halfway, but I was expecting the set-up to everything to have been a bit faster and the plot a little clearer. It got a bit better after that, but it fluctuates again. This was the same problem I noticed in Jasmine Throne and in the next book I hope it gets a little bit better.

Malini and Priya's relationship was one of the things I loved in Jasmine Throne, but I felt like the spark and chemistry they had weren't as huge or felt here compared to the first book, except in some scenes. Malini's characterization and growth however, really shined in this book and it made me more interested in her. I wish there were more Bhumika chapters, as she's one of my favorite characters and her chapters in this book were just so full of tension that had me on the edge of my seat. On the other side, some characters and their actions were quite frustrating to me.

The book follows two plotlines, one being a set-up for the third book, and I enjoyed both. They were intriguing, but the way some chapters were set up switching between them made it a bit of a drag. The last few chapters were truly something and I'm eagerly awaiting to see what's coming in the third book.

A beautiful and empowering tale, one that I just couldn't put down! The author's writing is so pretty and descriptive, and kept me engaged from the first page to the last. One hundred percent recommend this book!

This is shaping up to be a very impressive trilogy. The author pulled no punches in this book and there were several plot developments that I had not expected at all. The world created is so believable, so culturally rich, the characters developing in unexpected ways. It reminds me somewhat of the Jade Legacy trilogy, though obviously of a different culture and time. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book

I was delighted not only to have the opportunity to read and review The Oleander Sword but also to have the perfect excuse to re-read The Jasmine Throne. It was a sheer delight to get to slip back into this world and into Tasha Suri's exquisite prose. I would recommend a reread of book one if it isn't fresh in your memory but I think if you are in a hurry you would be ok to leap straight into book two.
But how did I find the sequel to one of 2021's biggest releases?
I thought it was fantastic. I would actually go so far as to say I think book two is slightly stronger than book one!
I think, for me, that is because by the second book there is a better sense of who the main characters are, thus making it easier to tell when you have a chapter put in with a new POV that this is some additional context and not a totally new character you need to follow. I really like this writing structure particularly since I was more used to it after The Jasmine Throne.
This book also has FAR more sapphic yearning than The Jasmine Throne had (and there was a fair amount in there) which definitely ticked a box for me - I loved seeing the development of Malini and Priya's relationship in this new context with a slightly new power dynamic between them. The world is broader the stakes are higher but I still just want to see how my ambitious ladies turn out.
I do think the plot of this book is another great selling point. I loved how the stakes are raised in this book and how different threats are introduced in various places (I do not want to spoil anything for you, forgive me for being vague). Tasha Suri manages to write a book that feels like a continuation from The Jasmine Throne but somehow feels totally different at the same time, punchier and more action-packed and even with some elements I would put adjacent to horror - though the truly squeamish will not need to worry!
I am kicking myself in some ways for reading this early as I now have to begin the long wait for book three...but I can see the silver lining which is that some time in the future I will get to reread both The Jasmine Throne and The Oleander Sword and to have just the best time.
My rating: 5/5 stars
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.

Okay book one was amazing, this book was epic! The book characters have amazing growth and the story keeps getting better and better.

This author has away of writing which drags you with hardly any effort, I mean I would have thanked it if it had dragged me in to it pages.

Thank you for writing an amazing book

3.75 stars

The Oleander Sword is the sequel to The Jasmine Throne and continues to follow Malini and Priya as they are caught up in a war that threatens everything they love. Told through Tasha Suri's signature lyrical and lush prose, along with a hefty dose of sapphic yearning and religious fanaticism, this series continues to be an excellent addition to the fantasy genre. Tackling themes of oppression, colonialism and complicated family politics this is a very ambitious series that most of the time hits the mark, but with a few disappointments.

I had very similar feelings for this book as I did for book 1 in that I enjoy the reading experience, it's very relaxing to read and I adore the magic however I keep being disappointed by the main relationship between Malini and Priya. You feel the immediate connection and desire however it feels like there is no deeper connection and reason why they like each other. Something very dramatic happens at the end of the book but it didn't have any emotional impact on me that I thought it should have, instead I was actually cheering a certain character on just for the drama lol. I felt more invested in the very minor side romance between Bhumika and Jeevan because you could see why they liked each other.

My favourite part of the plot in this book was the Yaska at the temple, who we mainly saw through Bhumika (who I love and she is probably my favourite), Ashok and sometimes Priya's POV. I love powerful *evil* immortal beings that come to mess about in human affairs and I'm very curious where the set up of this will go in book 3, and to find out more about some of the Yaska. I think I missed some of the temple stuff in this book, as compared to book 1 it wasn't such a big part of the plot. The majority of the book is focused on the war between Malini and her brother Chandra, which I thought explored some interesting politics and changing alliances but ultimately all the military and battle stuff wasn't my fave.

The thing that I really love about this series and keeps me invested is the nature magic and the concept of the rot, which I find so interesting. Tasha Suri's writing style is so suited to the lush, botanical magic and it just creates such a beautiful atmosphere.

Overall I enjoyed reading this, and while it is maybe not my favourite book ever I'm very excited to continue with book 3 because I felt like this book had some really good set up. It definitely felt a little second book syndromy at times but I do think if Malini is your favourite character and/or you love the relationship you will really love this instalment.

This is how you write a sequel !
The balance between continuing the story of the first volume while strating to plant seeds throuhout the entire book for the next volume is absolutely bang on. I loved the Jasmine Throne, and wasn't whether Tasha Suri could top it, and she did ! My only regret is that we didn't see Malini and Priya together enough, even the reasons whjy made perfect sense plot wise and were perfectly handled. I once again find myself with the need to have the next volume now....
Absolutely loved it !

The Oleander Sword by Tasha Suri continues the stories of three amazingly complex and morally greyish women after the events of The Jasmine Throne.
Malini, Priya and Bhumika continue to remain, women who will do anything to achieve their goals and I love the fact they have no guilt. Malini and Priya continue to have a complex relationship and while I am not a fan of romance in general- I did find their forbidden love sweet. I thought there wasn’t much character development with Priya and Malini but Bhumika has developed into a selfless leader and is definitely the most interesting of the three women.

The world-building is vivid and the descriptions of food just made me hungry every time the author described another delicacy.
The mythology of the Yaksha is explored in more detail and it is definitely more intriguing than the ongoing political battles between Malini and her brother Chandra but just by a bit.
The book has plenty of magic, battles, romance and drama and an explosive ending.
I can’t wait to read book three.
Content warning
Child abduction, immolation.

I loved The Jasmine Throne and this didn't disappoint. Well written, an enchanting storyine with a multiple point of view and fantastic world building. A great read that I couldn't put down

What a follow up to The Jasmine Throne. I loved the first instalment for its luscious writing, the exciting use of multiple POV to provide a more rounded version of events, and the gradual building of drama and tension. In The Oleander Sword, all of these elements get ramped up by 110%. Suri writes in such a way that has me hanging onto every single word and the events and characters in this book crept their way under my skin and occupied my thoughts (and still do). The complexity of the portrayal of power and faith make The Oleander Sword ideal for multiple re-readings, and I look forward to returning to this world again in anticipation of The Burning Kingdoms.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, Orbit, for providing me with an e-arc of this book. My opinions are my own.

Ah, where to begin describing this book? It is wonderful and heartwrenching, magnificent and cruel. I have so many emotions about this story and I don't know whether to cry or light a fire. I might be staying away from flowers for a while though...

Ok, let's start at the beginning. The books starts off a little while after the first book ended. Malini has amassed an army of allies, all willing to accept her as the rightful heir to the throne. As long as it is clear the Mothers have indeed chosen her, of course. Bhumika en Priya are temple elders in Ahiranya. They are trying to build their country back up and heal it from the rot. When Malini needs Priya's help and Bhumika stays behind, she discovers something is very, very wrong. The fight between Malini and her brother Chandra might not be the only war on the horizon.

Throughout reading this book I have felt pretty much every emotion there is. But most of all there is a sense of urgency within this book. Something is brewing in the background, a fear that can not yet be explained but becomes clearer, step by step. It is never safe and in the end, no one can be trusted. Not the full 100%. You need to take the power before it is taken from you. Even if you have to sacrifice all that you love and all that you are. And yet... Despite everything, this book is about love. There is hope, however short-lived it might be.

This book series is so, so good. I had to get used to the writing, the setting, the cruelty and relentlessness of the first book, but now everything comes together to weave a terrifyingly beautiful story.
I'm already frightened to learn what happens next, and how this story will find its ending. It can only be with more sacrifice, more fire and more rot. It will probably hollow me out like a thrice born temple daughter, but I will take that step willingly.

I'm usually reluctant when it comes to second books, mostly because they're supposed to act as a bridge between book one and three. But this one, this one was incredible.

Priya's character was more developed and I loved her determination and empathy. Malini was more bitter but that's only because she's the ruler of a whole kingdom depending on her so that's understandable. The worldbuilding was magnificent and I felt transported and the magic system was *chef's kiss*

Apologies for the generic and short review, I'm still reeling from the ending and the fact that I have to wait a whole year for the next book.

A fantastic sequel to a great series. I need book 3 immediately to see how it all ends. So glad I took the chance as this series is so unique.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an early copy for an honest review.

This was an even better follow-up to The Jasmine Throne than I imagined. It starts over a year after the first book's events where Malini and Priya are on separate paths to reclaim what is theirs. But things are not as easy as they seem. Though Malini has gained allies, their allyship is tenuous at best and already showing cracks. Meanwhile, Priya is not yet aware of the truth of her magic and dreams to rid Ahiranya of the rot that plagues it and the oppressive empire that has ruined her country. I loved Malini in the first book but in this, we get to see her many facets which I swiftly grew to admire. Her will to defy the world hellbent on oppressing her and would love to see her burn was admirable. Priya's conflict between her love and duty for her people and her passion for Malini was so heart-wrenching. I was neutral towards Aditya in the beginning, but he was someone who possesses a gentle but commanding presence. Getting a glimpse into Chandra's mind and his 'faithfulness' was eye-opening and filled me with fury. One of the things that I completely loved in this is how Tasha portrays the complexities of relationships, especially in families. The history of the Yaksa and the Mothers of the Flame is slowly unravelled and was so interesting. This book was slow, but it is meant to be savoured and you would appreciate how each detail is tied to reveal the bigger picture. I assure you, you would be filled with many emotions by the end, both joyous and heartbreaking. I hope I successfully convinced you to pick up this series because this is one such series that I would go back to multiple times.

I was utterly riveted by The Oleander Sword. I re-read The Jasmine Throne immediately before reading it, and I'm glad I did - both because I enjoyed it even more the second time around, and because the two instalments of the trilogy flowed so well together. The Oleander Sword expands and grows upon The Jasmine Throne really effectively. I thought the use of multiple POVs worked a lot more smoothly in this book - the choice of which character to go to and when was wisely chosen, and kept the plot moving.
I felt such a connection to the characters, and was thunderstruck by the ending - I'm very eagerly anticipating the final instalment.