Thank you so much to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC of my most of anticipated book of the year.

WHAT a series finale!! 🥺 I've waited 2 years for this book and I am not going to be over it any time soon. The trilogy as a whole has been so precious to me ever since reading the first book, and it will 100% keep its spot among my favourite series of all times ❤️ I just finished the book, as I'm writing this review, and I feel SO much - so bear with me here.

Tasha Suri built the most incredible, rich and tangible fantasy world, and took her reader onto such a rollercoaster of a journey! I don't know what I can even say without giving spoilers for the earlier books... but gosh, do I love these characters so much ❤️ They made me cry, smile and feel so intensely.

The Lotus Empire is a high fantasy tale of power, reborn divinities, faith in all its forms, strong women, powerful bonds and earth-shattering love. It's the story of two fate-defying women who have every reason to hate and kill each other, yet can't extinguish the incredible feelings between them. Of an empire fighting divine enemies returning after centuries asleep. Of a smaller nation fighting for its survival against all odds. Of people giving up everything of themselves to fight for what they believe in. Of sacrifices, heartbreak, loyalty and betrayals.

Priya, Malini, Bhumika, Rao - each of the main POV characters had me absolutely rooting for them, feeling alongside them, wanting to find out what was next around the corner for them. I never wanted to skip a chapter to return to someone else's POV, because all of them were so captivating! Even though the first half or so of the book was quite slow in terms of pacing, the author drew me in constantly 👏 The second half was then simply unputdownable, with the pace picking up and the plot roaring up towards its end.

So, in case it wasn't clear, I'd recommend you pick up this series if you love high fantasy with very high stakes! It is not a light read - it is in fact quite dark - but, I think, a rather unforgettable one.

🪷❤️

𝘈𝘣𝘳𝘶𝘱𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘱𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘸𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘱 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦. 𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘨𝘭𝘺, 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘔𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘪, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴.

In The Lotus Empire, the final book of Tasha Suri’s Burning Kingdoms trilogy, Malini and Priya find themselves in a final confrontation of sorts, though it feels more like an uneasy meeting than a true showdown. While the story has its strong points, particularly with Prince Rao’s journey of healing and growth, the book could have benefited from a tighter structure—perhaps even as a duology. Rao’s perspective was refreshing and purposeful, making him the most active character in this entry, while Malini, Priya, and Bhumika often seemed adrift, moving around without achieving much.

The plotline involving Varsha’s attempted betrayal felt tacked on and resolved too quickly to add real intrigue. The yaksa, who in previous installment promised menace, ultimately lacked a clear agenda (apart from Mani Ara), diminishing their impact. Similarly, the romance between Priya and Malini felt underdeveloped, with limited interaction to support their deep commitment by the end. Though The Lotus Empire effectively ties up loose ends, it didn’t capture the tension or depth of the earlier books, in my opinion. Overall, a satisfying conclusion, but it left me feeling less invested—3 stars.

First of all, I would like to say thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for approving me an ARC of this book!!! The Goddess of the River and The Lotus Empire are my two most anticipated reads of this year and both times I was approved to read the books a little earlier - so thank you so so much:".

However, how do you write a review to one of your favorite series' ending? I won't lie and say that reading this series had brought me joy and happiness because I'm pretty sure I spent 80% of it either screaming or crying for multiple reasons but that's part of the experience I guess LOL. However, this series was the first fantasy series I read that makes me feel represented in terms of seeing Hindu mythology being used and seeing all the familiar names and words not to mention it also having a sapphic romance on top of it?? I couldn't thank Tasha Suri enough for what she has given me.

To me, The Lotus Empire delivered such a satisfying conclusion to the series. We were left with quite big cliffhangers and questions at the end of the second book - Priya betraying Malini, Bhumika's memories being removed, the Yaksas taking over the temple. It was interesting to see the aftermath of everything that happened in the Oleander Sword for all the characters in the beginning of this one. One thing I loved about this series is how there's always something new to expect. Stakes became even higher for everyone with the presence of Yaksas and the rot spreading, but also we still get introduced to new characters and new world-building.

Like the other parts of this series, the characters have always been the strongest point for me (not to say that the other elements aren't because Tasha Suri is just brilliant at writing). I loved being back with Priya, Malini, Bhumika and Rao in this world even though it genuinely stressed me out seeing how much they had to suffer in this book. It's interesting to see the contrast between how both Priya and Malini had to step into leadership roles in this one. Priya and Bhumika have always been the most interesting one to me because despite their softness, there's so much strength and determination in them and how they both cared so much for their friends and family. Malini was more angry and vicious in this one but that's understandable given the amount of misogynistic priests and people trying to make her sacrifice herself and also her grief of losing Aditya. I've grown to love Rao as well throughout reading this series and I liked how we get to see more of him explored in this last book.

The Lotus Empire for me was more action and plot-heavy than the previous books and since the characters spent most of the book apart from each other, the romance was not as strong as the first or second to me. But that doesn't mean it was lacking - I think the fact that Priya and Malini were separated and after the betrayal made the build up to the romance even better especially with the angst and yearning from both sides</3. I also really loved seeing the development between Bhumika and Jeevan in this one too, and the new friendship dynamics that were explored between our main characters and our side ones.

Starting The Burning Throne 2 years ago truly was one of my best bookish decisions I've made. This series has constantly been a series I look forward to reading every single year and these characters have truly wormed their way close to my heart so finally finishing the series feel bittersweet to me. I'll never stop recommending this series to everyone looking for a new fantasy series to scream and cry to</3

4.25*

This review may contain spoilers for books 1 and 2.

What a ride, I’m still so emotional.
I’m glad I did a re-read of the prior books because I was fully immersed in the world and characters that way, falling in love with both of them all over again.
I really enjoyed being along for Malini, Priya, and Bhumika’s journeys, our main lovelies, and to see their growth over the course of the trilogy. Priya has to take over as ruler, even though she never wanted to be one, struggling at first. Malini, now empress, has to navigate all her enemies and the expectations of her priests that believe her willing sacrifice on the pyre will safe them all, and Bhumika is on her way to find the right people to get her dangerous knowledge across to while having no real memories of who she actually has been once. And then there’s Rao, grief-stricken, morning lost chances, whom I’ve grown so fond of and could relate to so much, as well as Arahli/Ashok who fascinated me because of how torn he is between conflicting loyalties, feelings, and agendas. His arc in particular I found to be pretty interesting.
The magic and the god-like creatures were fun and terrifying to read about. Faith is a big topic, too, how too much of something can turn into something ugly and destructive, and the consequences of power.
The found family vibes were so touching, the strong loyalties between the characters, even when outer circumstances made it really difficult and painful at times.
It is debatable whether all the POVs were strictly necessary. There was also some repetitiveness. The pacing could have been a bit quicker and more even. But those are things that also mildly bothered me in the other books. There is one plot point in particular that felt a bit too convenient and out-of-left-field for my taste, and I was mildly disappointed that Rao’s potential hasn’t been fully used. But it could also be me just wanting more of Rao because I love him so much.
The main romantic subplot has grown on me over time. The painful yearning was great in this instalment. But I also adored the other, smaller romance. I was even more attached to the friendships and familial bonds, though.
The writing was lovely and wonderfully lush as always.
The ending is kinda bittersweet (could have been more on the bitter side of things to make it a bit more realistic), and acts as a satisfying conclusion to this trilogy, in my opinion.
If you loved the first two books, you’ll probably like this last one as well. Can highly recommend the entire trilogy for its lovable, flawed characters who are forced to make difficult choices, strong relationship bonds, and the India-inspired world, fascinating magic and creatures.

Thank you Orbit for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

After being disappointed by book 2 in this trilogy, I was curious to see if I would enjoy this one again. The pacing was definitely faster than in the second book which was a good thing, however I found the plot to be all over the place and not cohesive. There were some POVs I don't think we needed, I would've preferred it if we spent more time with the two mains. It was overall a good conclusion to the story though, the ending was very fitting and I was happy with how things ended.

A good ending to the amazing trilogy by Tasha Suri. This is such a vivid and creative world that she crafts with a unique magic system and a complex cast of characters. The cultures and communities were a joy to read and seeing how the world developed with really enjoyable too. Of course, Priya and Malini are central to this plot and their development was really interesting to read over the course of this book.
I will say - though that the pacing wasn't as great in this final novel as it was in the first two and it meant that some parts of the plot dragged and dawdled whereas other sections zipped past so quickly I had to reread it to make sense of it. However, this was a fun series and i'm so glad I read it. I will follow Suri's future work with keen interest!
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

The Lotus Empire has firmly cemented The Burning Kingdoms as one of my favourites series ever. Tasha Suri is an author I continue to be in absolute awe of, the way she handles such a strong and expansive cast of characters, dipping in and out of multiple POVs and balancing the creation of such a complex world is something to behold.

This book was the perfect conclusion to this trilogy. It was nothing I expected and everything I could have wanted. I was hooked throughout, constantly needing to know what happened next.

At the story's core is, of course, Malini and Priya. After The Oleander Sword I was desperate to see how their relationship would end of in this book. Their time apart and time together was handled perfectly. The hate they're meant to feel for each other and the love they have, the deep desperate connection between the two of them was just,,,, they are the couple of all time. They are the characters of all time. I love them and their dynamic so much. So many of their interactions were just beautiful and raw and perfect. And the ending,,, I don't want to spoil but it served both their characters so well. Malini didn't burn, she did what she wanted with power and now she and Priya get to be together and explore the world and just,, they deserve it.

And, as with the previous books, I loved Priya's other relationships. Her bond with Rukh (who I adore, he was so good with Padma and the temple children) really shone in this book, and though they weren't physically together as much her friendship with Sima and sisterhood with Bhumika continued to just be wonderfully crafted and developed.

Bhumika was just incredible in this one. It's incredible how a character who has lost her memories can still be written in such a recognisable way.

I also loved Rao so much in this one, they way he was caught and tied in grief for Aditya and loyalty to Malini/Parijatdvipa. He was so, so good at fostering connections in this one that allowed the heart's shell and mother's flame to be (re)discovered for the war against the Yaksa. He also killed Hemanth and he fucking deserved to die! I also loved his friendship with Sima (love a wlw/mlm friendship!) and their ending finding something new elsewhere in the world together.

I also loved getting the perspective of Arahli Ara, the Yaksa with Ashok's face. There was something to seeing the Yaksa's desperation for life and their revulsion towards the mortality and meat and emotions that taking the bodies of their worshippers was leading them to. Seeing their desperation to live alongside the desperation of all the human characters also wanting to live drove home the growing mortality of the Yaksa, yet it didn't make them sympathetic. A fine line was handled well and never crossed. At the end, when the Yaksa met their fate their was no sympathy for them, nothing that superceded the gladness that everyone else would live.

So many other characters were also just brilliantly written - Jeevan, Lata, Ganam, Sanvi, Shyam, Sahar. I hated some, I loved some, and for some it was both. Just incredible writing.

Just, this book was phenomenal. This trilogy was phenomenal. I love the world of Parijatdvipa and Ahiranya. I love the way the gods are written, they way they push into the mortal world from the void. The way the religious groups are kinda corrupted against a mortals own interests from that, how both the Mothers and Yaksa created a culture of sacrifice and death amongst the ranks of their worshippers. I just love, love, love this world. And if ever it was returned to with any beloved characters from this series on their travels, or any new characters, I would be glad to dive back into it. But this was a perfect conclusion; the story was wrapped up with no unsatisfying loose ends, no needless deaths or unearned victories. I will miss having read these books for the first time, but I am glad to have read them.

Thank you, Netgalley & Little Brown Book Group UK, for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

The Lotus Empire was an absolutely amazing journey. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. The story takes off where The Oleander Sword ended and follows multiple POV’s including Priya, Malini, Bhumika and Rao. The story itself focuses on conflict on multiple levels. Between Priya and Malini, but also between Ahiranya and Parijat, between Malini and the priests, and Priya and the Yaksa. Bhumika and Rao are both on a quest to secure alliances and survival from the yaksa.

I personally think this was a very strong and satisfying conclusion for this series. The worldbuilding was phenomenal in this book. The character development was also absolutely great, and I loved the new dynamic between Priya and Malini. It’s amazing how their relationship develops over the spam of the three books. I also liked that there were POV’s from background characters as a way to show what was going on in the background.

Overall, this series was great, and I will definitely recommend this to everyone who likes a classic high fantasy story with twists and choices.

Burning Down the House

If you haven’t read the previous two books in Tasha Suri’s Indian-inspired sapphic fantasy series, “The Jasmine Throne” and “The Oleander Sword”, you should go and finish those right now, and not read any further. Just trust me that they are really that good. Two women torn between their love for their kingdoms and for each other. Old magic, old gods, epic battles, epic romance. Everything you could want from a series like this, all while setting the patriarchy on fire as an added bonus.

By this point, Malini is the Empress of Parijatdvipa, and Priya is the Thrice-Born Elder of Ahiranya. And they are quite distinctly at war. At the end of the last book, things were not looking particularly great for their relationship. What with the former having been stabbed by the latter, who was herself being gradually hollowed out by an ancient god in exchange for her powers. Not to mention that the Yaksa’s plans for the world increasingly seem like a bad deal for the humans.

I was a little worried if this book could possibly be a satisfying conclusion to the story, and more worried about just how emotionally devastating it would be in the process. Well, suffice to say, this book gradually hollowed me out too, then filled me up with something else entirely. It’s really well done, and feels like an appropriately epic end to the saga. The Burning Kingdoms is now one of my favourite fantasy series of all time, and I definitely recommend this.

Thanks to Little Brown Book Group for the review copy, and to Tasha for writing this.

I love this series so much, It's so rich in culture. So beautifully written, and a fantastic end to the story.
I can't wait to read more from this author!

Thank you to author and publisher for the arc!

I fell in love with this series two years ago when I read the first book and have been following the author ever since, so I was thrilled to see I got accepted for The Lotus Empire! It was safe to say I sped to my kindle to start reading this immediately. I think I read this in about a day and a half and you could not pry my kindle out of my hands, I genuinely could not stop reading.

Suri has a way of storytelling that is so unique and just extremely beautiful but also heart-wrenching. She set up this ending perfectly by building it up with two great books and this one hit just as good as the previous two. I was so invested in the characters and the world I felt like I was in it myself.

I'm so extremely sad this story is over now but I cannot wait to read more of Suri's work.

The Lotus Empire didn't always feel as successful as its predecessors, and I found the pacing to be clunky at times - however, it was a very satisfying conclusion to the trilogy, and the ending gave me goosebumps. I found the multiple perspectives trickier to get my head round this time - despite it often being a feature of novels I love, I did find myself occassionally losing the thread of the plot. I would have liked more interaction between Priya and Malini - but also realise that the plot would be less engrossing if that were the case. I found this a slower read than the other books in the trilogy, but can see myself revisiting it and uncovering little details I'm sure I missed.