I know I promised a different book review. I wanted to read “Before the coffee gets cold” but who knows, I happened to pick up “The Star-Touched Queen“. Mainly because of Amazon’s fault for late delivery of the first book but anyway, this is going to be my review now. By the way, this is my book number 10 of this year.
Oh, I almost forgot, how are you cuties doing? Has 2020 improved a little for you? I hope it does. Now that we exchanged our pleasantries, let’s get talking about our Maya, The star-touched queen herself.
Firstly, I would like to say this is a refreshing read. I really enjoyed reading this story. I was so immersed all the while reading it. I’d give this, I’m tied between 3.75 and 4, maybe 3.75 out 5 ratings.
Let me tell you what the story is about. I will try to give as few spoilers as I can.
Blurb:
Maya is cursed. With a horoscope that promises a marriage of death and destruction, she has earned only the scorn and fear of her father’s kingdom. Content to follow more scholarly pursuits, her whole world is torn apart when her father, the Raja, arranges a wedding of political convenience to quell outside rebellions. Soon Maya becomes the queen of Akaran and wife of Amar. Neither roles are what she expected: As Akaran’s queen, she finds her voice and power. As Amar’s wife, she finds something else entirely: Compassion. Protection. Desire.
But Akaran has its own secrets—thousands of locked doors, gardens of glass, and a tree that bears memories instead of fruit. Soon, Maya suspects her life is in danger. Yet who, besides her husband, can she trust? With the fate of the human and Otherworldly realms hanging in the balance, Maya must unravel an ancient mystery that spans reincarnated lives to save those she loves the most…including herself.
The Star-Touched Queen
Review:
I genuinely liked the story. There are so many books from Indian authors with a modern interpretation of Indian mythology. This is one of those.
So I felt the concept itself a little repetitive but nevertheless, the story is quite engaging.
I thouroughly enjoyed the first half of the story. It was fast, engaging as I said, and well narrated. But I felt the second half was a little lacking in certain aspects which I’d have discussed if you have already read the story. It’s harder than I think trying not to give away any important details of the story.
What did I like?
Number 1, the hero’s character. I mean, every time he opens his mouth he says the sweetest things. I really loved the way his character has been portrayed.
Number 2. As I said the concept of taking mythological characters and weaving a completely different story is a very difficult task in itself. Because as an Indian myself, I grew up listening to all those stories, and honestly it is hard to accept any other version of it. It will become a good story only if the author has done a convincing job. And truthfully, Roshani Ghokshi was good enough at it.
I loved the first half of the story. You know, I finished it in 3 days. That’s the time I take for a great story. All the good books I read took me no more than 3 days. Including this one. I mean, that’s gotta say something, right?
What it lacked.
One, the story completely revolves around Maya. Even the hero, Amar’s character seems like on the sidelines sometimes. Not that it’s a bad thing but the story is totally focussed on her yet at times, her character and thoughts seem a little inconsistent.
There can be flawed characters, just like in real life, but I think the character whatsoever must be consistent. One time she says a thing and in the next moment, she does/says the complete opposite of it.
Not to mention her capability of making foolish mistakes over and over again. From taking impulsive decisions based on half-truth to trusting the wrong person time and again. For someone who is destined to greatness, we would expect a little more wisdom than an average jane.
Two, despite being well-read, knowing all the stories, she thinks of Yama Dharma Raja as a monster for doing his job in the afterlife. I mean he is a God, a king, who passes judgment depending on humans’ sins. That is literally his job. Yet she blames him for that.
So, that’s all. I better stop here before I divulge any more information in case you wanna read it. LOL.
Anyhow, that’s my review for “The star-touched queen”. I have things I like about this book and things I don’t but overall, it’s definitely a good book to read.
If the storyline is interesting for you, don’t let my review stop you, go ahead and find it out yourself. I’ll see you soon again!
Chao!
Lots of LOVE,
Nikki.
(Penname: Sarvani)
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