FAR less DNFs than last month, which is a relief!
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Queer Protagonists
Representation: Desi cast, gay MC
PoV: Third-person, past-tense; multiple PoVs
Published on: 18th March 2025
ISBN: 0063420562
Goodreads
Drawing on inspiration from the Mauryan Empire of Ancient India, debut author Maithree Wijesekara plunges readers into the first amazing book of the Obsidian Throne trilogy, a new fantasy series of hunted witches, romantic angst, and political intrigue. Perfect for fans of The Hurricane Wars and The Jasmine Throne.
A prince born into violence, seeking peace.
Prince Ashoka is the youngest son of the tyrannical Emperor Adil Maurya. Considered an outcast by his father for his rejection of the emperor’s brutal onslaught against the witches of the empire, Ashoka longs for change. When the sudden and unexpected death of his father leaves the monarchy in disarray, Ashoka is sent to govern a tumultuous region annexed by Emperor Adil that is terrorized by nature spirits—a task many see as doomed to fail. Suspected by a disdainful governor and evaded by distrustful witches, Ashoka must question his rigid ideals and fight against becoming the one person he despises the most—his father.
A witch shackled by pacifism, seeking revenge.
Shakti is a a witch bound by a pacifist code. After witnessing the murder of her aunt and village at the hands of the emperor, Shakti hurtles down a path of revenge, casting a curse with unexpected consequences. Posing as a maidservant in the famed palace of the Mauryas and armed with newfound powers beyond her imagination, Shakti attempts to dismantle the monarchy from within by having the royal progeny ruin themselves and turn their father’s legacy into nothing but ash.
In a world where nature spirits roam the land, and witches are hunted to extinction, Ashoka and Shakti will be forced to grapple with the consequences of to take it for themselves or risk losing it completely.
I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Hard nope, no thank you, not even maybe.
Reader, the following quotes are all taken from the prologue + first two chapters.
They were women who used their power to maintain peace, not sow seeds of destruction, it was their code, a mark of their livelihood.
A mark of their livelihood? A livelihood is a job. But you’re talking about witches, and in this story, being a witch is not a job, it’s just something you are. What is meant here is something like ‘philosophy’ or maybe ‘calling’, not ‘job’.
powers humans were wary of, and had kept an uneasy balance between fear and respect when it came to the mayakari.
What does this sentence mean? What are you saying? The powers of the mayakari (witches) keep an uneasy balance between fear and respect…when it comes to the mayakari? What are you talking about? I think you’re trying to say that the humans feel respect and fear, but the actual sentence you have written is nonsensical.
A round pink body atop a round head
…so it’s upside down? The body is on top of the head. That’s not how humanoids work. What is happening?
performing a simple kill equated to having the aptitude to conduct a complex one.
Sorry, a complex what? A complex kill? Does one ‘conduct’ a kill now? I’m deeply sceptical that one ‘performs’ a kill, but I’m willing to let that one go. But ‘conduct’? Also what do you mean, doing a simple version of a thing means you can do a complex version of it? What?
It didn’t stop Ashoka from viewing his father with contemptuousness.
Contempt. You can just say ‘contempt’.
To Emperor Adil, more power meant expansion.
I think you mean, expansion equals more power. More power equalling expansion doesn’t make sense without more of an explanation.
scores of iron ore
Scores of what? That’s not a thing. You can’t say ‘scores of ore’ for the same reason you can’t say ‘hundreds of ore’. An ore is not a unit of measurement!
minor disturbances where little was harmed as humanly possible.
‘As little’ was harmed as humanly possible.
Clearly his age was just an excuse. What a privilege to be father’s favourite.
Okay, I think the favourite comment is meant about Ashoka’s sibling, but it sounds like you’re saying Ashoka is the favourite and because of that his age is an excuse for something. ?
Once he was of age, his father would not be able to argue against royal decrees.
What royal decrees? Is there a law saying when he’s of age he can enter the councils? No? Then what are you talking about?
An innocent requires a cremation it didn’t deserve.
What you mean is: this innocent didn’t deserve to die.
What you’ve said is: this innocent didn’t deserve to be honoured for its death.
the scent of water buffalo lingered even after they had been taken in for the night by the farmers. Or perhaps it was their droppings; Shakti couldn’t tell. They smelled the same.
Tell me you’ve never been around livestock without telling me you’ve never been around livestock.
‘Slip, and you’ll be helping smelt my weapons this entire week.’
I’m pretty sure no one has ever said ‘this entire week’ this way. ‘You’re going to be doing chores for this entire week!’ No? No, because it sounds deeply incorrect, that’s not how people speak.
her penchant for explosiveness was difficult to set aside.
This is trying to talk about the character’s explosive temper, but that’s not what ‘penchant’ means. This makes it sound like she just likes exploding. Also, ‘explosiveness’ is deeply awful.
It doesn’t help at all that Ashoka’s a stuck-up twit and Shakti is unlikeable in a very boring way – and they’re both incredibly simplistic characters. Winged snakes can’t save this story, not for me!
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, High Fantasy, Queer Protagonists
Representation: Desi cast, F/F
PoV: Third-person, past-tense; multiple PoVs
ISBN: B0CRTSNWNG
Goodreads
The Lotus Empire brings Tasha Suri’s acclaimed Burning Kingdoms trilogy to a heart–stopping close. As an ancient magic returns to Ahiranya and threatens its very foundations, Empress Malini and priestess Priya will stop at nothing to save their kingdoms—even if it means they must destroy each other.
Malini has claimed her rightful throne as the empress of Parijatdvipa, just as the nameless gods prophesied. Now, in order to gain the support of the priesthood who remain loyal to the fallen emperor, she must consider a terrible Claim her throne and burn in order to seal her legacy—or find another willing to take her place on the pyre.
Priya has survived the deathless waters and now their magic runs in her veins. But a mysterious yaksa with flowering eyes and a mouth of thorns lies beneath the waters. The yaksa promises protection for Ahiranya. But in exchange, she needs a sacrifice. And she's chosen Priya as the one to offer it.
Two women once entwined by fate now stand against each other. But when an ancient enemy rises to threaten their world, Priya and Malini will find themselves fighting together once more – to prevent their kingdoms, and their futures, from burning to ash.
Praise for the Burning Kingdoms Trilogy
“Will undoubtedly reshape the landscape of epic fantasy for years to come.” —Booklist, starred review
“Alluring, action-packed, and gut-wrenching.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
“More than lives up to the hype with its rich and expansive world, compelling characters, cool magic system and Suri’s excellent writing.” —BookPage, starred review
I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I’m appalled at myself, but…I just have no interest in finishing this.
Maybe I should have reread the rest of the trilogy before diving into Lotus Empire? Maybe? Except that didn’t seem like the issue – I had no problem remembering who was who and what was happening. But there’s no sense of urgency; a lot of POV switching that doesn’t really add anything to the story, and…nothing really happening for the entire first half of the book?
I’m not kidding: I made it to page 303 of 606 on my kindle, exactly 50%, and it all feels so…vague? Meh? Nothing’s happening, and it doesn’t feel like anything’s going to happen.
There’s a high possibility that the problem is me – my reading has been seriously wonky this month, it’s been a struggle to stay interested in any book. But at the moment, I don’t want to continue, and I don’t foresee picking Lotus Empire up a second time in the future.
Genres: Adult, Queer Protagonists, Sci Fi
Representation: Nonbinary Hawaiian MC
PoV: First-person present-tense
Published on: 10th December 2024
ISBN: 0063430835
Goodreads
HAMMAJANG | adjective. Definition: In a disorderly or chaotic state; messed up. Chiefly in predicative use, esp. in all hammajang. Etymology: A borrowing from Hawaiian Pidgin. Source: Oxford English Dictionary.
Edie is done with crime. Eight years behind bars changes a person - costs them too much time with too many of the people who need them most.
And it's all Angel's fault. She sold Edie out in what should have been the greatest moment of their lives. Instead, Edie was shipped off to the icy prison planet spinning far below the soaring skybridges and neon catacombs of Kepler space station - of home - to spend the best part of a decade alone.
But then a chance for early parole appears out of nowhere and Edie steps into the pallid sunlight to find none other than Angel waiting - and she has an offer.
One last job. One last deal. One last target. The trillionaire tech god they failed to bring down last time. There's just one thing Edie needs to do - trust Angel again - which also happens to be the last thing Edie wants to do. What could possibly go all hammajang about this plan?
Ocean's 8 meets Blade Runner in this trail-blazing debut science fiction novel and swashbuckling love letter to Hawai'i about being forced to find a new home and striving to build a better one - unmissable for fans of Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir and Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo.
I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Not objectively bad in any way, just not for me. The prose is very quick and plain and direct, and the first-person narration isn’t to my taste. I was hoping to get swept up in the characters and worldbuilding even though I don’t usually like heist stories, but alas – no, I just don’t like heist stories. Which is of course not Yamamoto’s fault!
If you DO like heist stories, and the blurb sounds up your alley, I encourage you to look this one up! Because it seems like it’s going to hit all the usual heist high-points.
Genres: Adult, Fantasy
Representation: Chinese-coded MC
PoV: Third-person, past-tense
ISBN: 0593815904
Goodreads
A wandering fortune teller finds an unexpected family in this warm and wonderful debut fantasy, perfect for readers of Travis Baldree and Sangu Mandanna.
Tao is an immigrant fortune teller, traveling between villages with just her trusty mule for company. She only tells "small" fortunes: whether it will hail next week; which boy the barmaid will kiss; when the cow will calve. She knows from bitter experience that big fortunes come with big consequences…
Even if it’s a lonely life, it’s better than the one she left behind. But a small fortune unexpectedly becomes something more when a (semi) reformed thief and an ex-mercenary recruit her into their desperate search for a lost child. Soon, they’re joined by a baker with a knead for adventure, and—of course—a slightly magical cat.
Tao sets down a new path with companions as big-hearted as her fortunes are small. But as she lowers her walls, the shadows of her past are closing in—and she’ll have to decide whether to risk everything to preserve the family she never thought she could have.
I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Pleasant enough, I guess, but pretty dull. None of the characters interested me, and neither did the stakes, which are so low and banal that I’m not sure how anyone is supposed to care. Even the missing child, objectively the most urgent problem that needs solving, completely lacks tension, and it’s possible to forget about her for long stretches of time, which…is not really how missing kids should work!
If I contrast this to something like Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst (also billed as cosy fantasy) – Spellshop has a snarky talking plant, lots of enchanting magical creatures (cloudbears, merhorses, winged cats), and the whimsy of opening and running a freaking jam shop, which is bizarre and also delightful. Teller has no equivalents to catch my interest, my sense of humour, or my desire for enchantment or whimsy. (The idea of a fortune teller of small fortunes has all of that, but then it becomes clear the MC can see ‘proper’ fortunes but doesn’t because angst, which is lame and boring.)
I mean, you can do a lot with low stakes, but Teller doesn’t. Even Legends and Lattes, which bored me senseless, had the intrinsically appealing cafe set-up and the creation of cinnamon rolls and the whole process of inventing different coffee drinks. That’s cute! The dichotomy of an orc barbarian opening a cafe is whimsical and interesting! But a fortune-teller angsting over her magic, wandering around with no goal at all, gathering up other randomers who each have only one defining characteristic…that’s not cute, it’s not whimsical, it’s not appealing. She doesn’t have problems the rest of us can empathise with. It’s incredibly boring.
Suffice to say, I don’t get the hype.
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Queer Protagonists
Representation: Anorexic gay MC, M/M
PoV: First-person, past-tense; dual PoVs
Published on: 30th January 2025
ISBN: 1837864780
Goodreads
Prince Fierre has three big problems. He’s suffering from a mystery illness. He’s surrounded by lords who expect personal favours. And worst of all, he’s in love with his best friend, Aiven, a former farm boy and studious enforcer of rules, now right-hand to the prince.
Can Fierre heal himself, deal with the noblemen snapping about his ankles, and confront his desire for a man who has no noble blood… but a very noble heart?
Set in a Scottish-inspired world, The Two Hungers of Prince Fierre combines a happily-ever-after romance with a story of disordered eating and healing. Blending queer joy with glittering aesthetics, this fantasy explores what it means to learn to love yourself amidst the harshest strictures of diet culture. Perfect for fans of Freya Marske’s A Marvellous Light and Foz Meadows’ A Strange and Stubborn Endurance, this book will have queer romance fans feverishly page-turning all the way to its triumphant and heated finale.
I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Hoo boy.
It’s a terrible sign when an adult first-person narrator refers to his arse as his ‘behind’ (page one) but what convinced me I didn’t want to keep reading was the nonsensical wouldbuilding.
In Ash’s setting, which is a Medieval or maybe Elizabethan Scotland analogue, kings are supposed to be delicate and beautiful. To the point that they are religiously mandated to be anorexic, because that’s the only way to achieve the desired body-type.
This is, to put it mildly, insane.
Look: this is fantasy Scotland. Traditional Scottish manhood, for better or worse, is big and brawny and unfortunately macho. It makes zero sense, in this culture in particular, to venerate delicate, pretty men; to hold that up as an ideal. Especially when it’s acknowledged in-text that this is literally only for the monarch; other men are not supposed to be like this. I cannot come up with any way in which a culture would evolve this way.
More to the point: no monarch can be effective while starving themselves. Anorexia and/or starvation leaves you with pretty intense brain-fog, and leaves you permanently exhausted. No one wants a king like that! So you would never have a tradition mandating that your kings always be in that state. Especially not in a society where kings have real power, and the decisions they make (while struggling to think, while exhausted) will have real impact on literally everybody.
And let’s not even get into: Oh, the prince sleeps around, look how tragic and awful that is, look how his lords are taking advantage of him by sleeping with him. Nope! I refuse. We’re not doing that. It’s 2024, put your weird slut-shaming away already.
I called it quits (not even 10% through the book) when, during the king’s coronation, one lord goes to kill another one and is not immediately cut down for drawing a sword at the king’s coronation just a foot away from the king. The guards don’t even react, because it all happened too fast for the king to call them, apparently. Because the king’s guards don’t do anything unless the king orders them to act. If he doesn’t get off a cry for help they just watch him get assassinated, I guess.
OKAY. SURE. THAT’S NOT HOW GUARDS WORK, BUT SURE. WHATEVER. WHY SHOULD THINGS MAKE SENSE, WE DON’T NEED THEM TO MAKE SENSE, WHO NEEDS THEM TO MAKE SENSE???
When this book said it was going to be about eating disorders, I figured the main character had developed one on his own, not that it was religiously and socially mandated for him to have one. I have no interest in a casual approach to sex being treated as tragic evidence of how much this character doesn’t value himself – and the love interest thinking it’s a tragedy just makes him come off as deeply patronising. I’m bored of court settings where women just don’t exist (again, it’s 2024 and this book is being published in 2025, do better) and the farmer-based insults don’t make sense to me given that most nobles in this kind of culture got their wealth from farming (which the story actually points out). So???
A disappointed no thank you from me.
Five seems like a reasonable number of DNFs in a month, but still going to hope for fewer in December!
It is funny how you talk about “Lotus Empire” here because I felt the exact same way about it than you. I just really loved this book for it. So many series closer tend to ignore their characters because they feel the need to sprint to the finish line. “Lotus Empire” is finally an end to a trilogy that still feels like it is part of that trilogy. Malani’s strength was always in how she handled politics so the focus being on them makes sense to me. And because of that slowed down pacing the book has time to spend with its characters which makes their relationships far more believable. I personally was afraid that Malani and Priya’s relationship would not find a satifying end because I thought there would be no time for it in the midst of the fast pace of the last book. Instead everything about this book serves to underline, parallel or mirror their relationship. And no sidecharacter is sidelined.
Hm, I see what you mean. I wouldn’t have enjoyed it if it had sprinted to the finish line, either…I often quite like languorous pacing, but I do need to feel like it’s going somewhere, and for me, Lotus Empire didn’t. But you make a good point about how Suri refused to sideline any of her characters in favour of a more ‘cinematic’ finale. I can see why you enjoyed it, and honestly, you’ve made me think that I might like to try reading it again when I’m in a different headspace. Thanks!