Week 26

So we’re….halfway through the year??? Can that possibly be right??? God damn.

This week: THE JASMINE THRONE by Tasha Suri and PYRAMIDS by Terry Pratchett

#41) THE JASMINE THRONE by Tasha Suri

Oh, yes, I LOVED this book.

I feel like I say that a lot, but I always mean it!

THE JASMINE THRONE follows Priya, a maidservant with a ~secret~, and Malini, an imperial princess imprisoned by her abusive brother, the emperor.

Things I really liked about this book: the world is really lush, influenced by Indian history and mythology; the characters are really interesting, both our main two and our supporting cast, who get POVs of their own; the development of the plot, the mixing of colonial politics with the faith and the environmental elements of this world.

In particular, I loved the concept of the Alor, who have secret, fortune-telling names. That’s SUCH a cool concept, hell yes. Also, while I really loved both of the leads, and watching their relationship develop (give me all the lesbians, yes), the best character hands-down was Bhumika, the lady of the house. I would follow her into battle.

There’s a lot of interesting thematic elements, what with the use of fire and the use of the plant-based rot.

I loved this book, and I can’t wait to see where the series goes next!

#42) PYRAMIDS by Terry Pratchett

It’s a Discworld novel.

Really, that’s all you need.

In my opinion, a solidly mid-tier Discworld novel - not Pratchett’s best, certainly, but fun regardless.

The characters are, in my mind, a little forgettable. The satirical look at mythology is entertaining, all with that signature Pratchett twist on it. In particular, though, I loved the Riddle of the Sphinx part. Just excellent.