The Star-Touched Queen
By: Roshani Chokshi
Release Date: April 26th 2016
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
Format: Print ARC
Source: Publisher
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in consideration for review.
My Rating:
Summary:
Fate and fortune. Power and passion. What does it take to be the queen of a kingdom when you’re only seventeen?
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.
My Thoughts:
This book. My goodness how I loved this story and the writing. The writing was like a dream…beautiful, elegant, and fairy-tale like with a hint of magic. Each word felt thought out and that it served a purpose. I loved that the imagery wove together to create themes within the story that carried through the entirety of the book. This is one you’ll want to reread multiple times.
The book was written in first person from Maya’s point of view. I felt completely immersed and like I’d been dropped into her character. I lived this story with her as it progressed. This book was completely captivating for me from start to finish. From the very first chapter heading, Not a Ghost, to the conclusion I was riveted. The ease with which Chokshi transports the reader from Maya’s home in Bharata to Akaran- a world of mystery and hidden truths- was impressive. Each setting was entirely original and yet the story seamlessly crossed over from one to the other.
The characters were so beautifully developed and yet they kept a hint of mystery throughout the novel. Amar was as much a mystery to the reader as to Maya and his character unfolded equally before me as Maya grew to know him. I felt her appreciation for him grow as did my own. My emotions were directly related to hers which was so powerful to the storytelling. This was the type of book that I felt.
Beyond the human characters there was even a demon horse. Yes. A. Demon. Horse. And to top it off this demon horse named Kamala, had a sense of humor and was one of the best characters in the book. I’m not really sure how that was possible but it was. It didn’t come off as cheesy at all. A talking horse does have that potential but somehow it worked and left me wanting demon horses to make more appearances. Seriously, I’d read a novella starring Kamala’s backstory.
Another element that I loved was the meshing of Indian culture with the story of Hades and Persephone with a touch of Beauty and the Beast. I felt that Chokshi executed this brilliantly. Truly, I don’t think there was a single element about this book that I didn’t love. I found it to be such a strong debut and story. The fact that it is a standalone makes it even better- one full does of awesome all in one book.
Final Thoughts:
The Star-Touched Queen was a glorious example of beautiful, dream-like writing, strong, complex characters and a storyline that had me invested start to finish. There wasn’t a single element about this novel that I found weak and would recommend it to everyone.
This sounds so cool! Great review xx
Thanks Ari!
Goodness! This looks like it’s going to hit literally every single one of my readerly hopes and dreams. Can’t wait!!
I hope it does hit all your hopes and dreams! It did for me. I love it so so so much.
This makes my day. I’m going to be buddy reading this in a week or so, and I’m now even MORE excited for it. (I didn’t realize that was even possible!) I can’t wait to experience this dream-like writing and incredible story! 🙂
I hope you love it Lisa! By now I bet you’ve started it. I can’t wait to read your thoughts on it.
Ah, this book just sounds amazing! Her writing sounds amazing.
Great review 🙂
Ihope you LOVE it. It is so well written and just beautiful in every way.
I love reading such enthusiastic reviews! It’s why I love book blogs so much – people raving about books they enjoyed. I’m really glad you liked this one, it seems like it would be a good fit for me.
Is it a standalone? I’m a bit wary of starting any new series but Goodreads doesn’t list it as a part of a series. If it is a finished story, that would definitely be a plus! And I’m really optimistic since you mention both complex characters and beautiful writing – it’s sometimes hard to find both at once.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
This was a standalone! I could see companion books releasing (I wish for that honestly) but it is def a stand alone. You should read it for sure. And yes! I love when I read a book that I have high hopes for and it is even better than I dreamed it would be. Rosh is truly such a talented writer. I’d read anything she writes.
I’m so looking forward to reading The Star-Touched Queen this month! It sounds like a gorgeously written novel indeed, and I can’t wait to immerse myself in it. So happy to hear that you enjoyed it!
I hope you really love it Alexa! I can’t wait to read what you think.
Eee. I’ve been looking forward to this one since reading some early reviews; it sounds awesome.
I hope you read it soon and love it too Nikki!
Great review! I keep seeing so many wonderful reviews for this one. I can’t wait to read it myself. 😀
I hope you love it and get to read it very soon!
I’m happy to see that you liked it!
Great review 🙂
Yes! I hope you do too.
Amazing review! I am so excited to read this and your review has increased my excitement.
Yay! Success!
*makes grabby hands*
I’ve been so let down with YA fantasy this year, but I think this may just be the book to redeem it – I’ve seen some wonderful glowing reviews, including yours!
You know, me too Hannah. I’ve had a lot of disappointment with a good amount of fantasy lately. This was so well done and different! I think that you’ll love it. Also, The Crown’s Game was really wonderful if you’ve not read that one yet.
Yesss 😀 I am so happy that you loved this book so much Kristen. <3 But damn, I am worried. What if I don't love it too? Ahhh. Since I had to DNF The Crown's Game, which you loved :p lol. Buuut. I think this one seems better. And I am so so excited for it. I shall love it too. I have to 😀 Gosh, just so thrilled that you loved it so much. Yesss for gorgeous writing. That is the best thing. And so glad you loved the characters too. I can't wait to meet them as well 🙂 Lovely review sweet girl. <3
I’m still so sad The Crown’s Game didn’t work for you. I do think you’ll like this one? I hope! You’ll have to let me know what you think.
Really looking forward to this one, it’s right up my street! 🙂
Yay Chloe!!!
Yikes – I thought this came out in May – I need to get reading it. I’m so happy that you enjoyed it. Looking forward to giving it a try!
Jen @ YA Romantics
I think they moved the date up. I think? haha, but yes, you should read it because it’s so darn good. Can’t wait to hear what you think.
YAAASSSSS, you totally nailed my feelings about The Star-Touched Queen in your review! I also had nothing but wonderful things to say about it, and have been recommending it to people left and right XD Amazing review! ^_^
Brittany @ Brittany’s Book Rambles
SQUEEE!! I was lucky enough to win this in a Twitter giveaway and I should be getting it within the next week and OMG, I’M SO EXCITED!!!