Book Review: The Star-Touched Queen

About the Book:
Title: The Star-Touched Queen
Author: Roshani Chokshi
Pub. Date: April 26, 2016
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Page: 342
Rating: 4/5 stars

Synopsis:

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.

Review:

“A memory is a fine legacy to leave behind.” 

The Star-Touched Queen is one of my favorites of 2016 so far and has given me an excellent reading memory! Everything about this book is perfection, and I highly recommend that you read this book as soon as possible. If you're looking for an amazing read, this is it. From the gorgeous writing, to the amazing characters, this book has it all. A mix of Indian folklore and Greek mythology, this book truly blew me away. There is incredible detail that is not always typical with a debut novel, and it is clear that Roshani Chokshi is definitely an author to watch. I can guarantee that I will be checking out any future novels that Ms. Chokshi writes!

“I see only night and smoke, dreams and glass, embers and wings. 
And I would not have you any other way.” 

One of the first things that will make you fall in love with this novel is the absolutely gorgeous writing. If it doesn't blow you away, I'll be surprised. Every single sentence is beautifully written, and I couldn't believe that this was Ms. Chokshi's first novel. She writes with a grace that seasoned authors have, and it shows how gifted an author she is. The novel is set against a lush, vivid background, and it adds to an already captivating story. The one thing that I did wish was that there was a bit more world building, but honestly, this didn't bother me that much in the grand scheme of things. While usually this is a huge thing for me because it typically makes the book suffer a great deal, this wasn't the case with this story. There was never any time that I was confused or lost due to lack of details surrounding the world. However, it was enough that I couldn't give this novel 5 stars. I was hoping that there would be more detail (and in turn, some brand new concept) in regards to the horoscope aspect of the story, but this was basically shoved to the background. But it also makes sense with the fact that this is a standalone novel. Because of this I could forgive the lack of expansion, but if this was a series...I would feel much differently.

“I wanted a love thick with time, as inscrutable as if a lathe had carved it from night and as familiar as the marrow in my bones. I wanted the impossible, which made it that much easier to push out of my mind.” 

Moving on though...the characters of this novel were simply amazing, primarily our female lead, Maya. I connected with her right away, and loved her fiery attitude. She was very much the feminist. Faced with scrutiny and hatred her entire life, Maya had to grow up with a strong disposition. I admired this strength and attitude she possessed, and I loved how Maya never once gave up. She longs for a life filled with education and freedom to be whatever or whoever she wanted. However, she also is the hero of the story, in more ways than one. Amar is also a wonderful character. It was clear from the start how much he cared about Maya, and sought to give her what she wanted from life. He emphasized equality and respect, which obviously is not something Maya is accustomed to. Amar had my heart from the get go and I was rooting for them throughout the entire book.

"You are my night and stars, the fate I would fix myself to in any life.” 

I honestly wish this was a series because I would absolutely love to revisit this world in another novel. Nevertheless, the conclusion of this story was fantastic and definitely will not disappoint. The Star-Touched Queen is an extremely unique and original novel that will appeal to many readers. It will sweep you away into a fantastical land that you will never want to leave. While the world building was lacking a bit, I still greatly enjoyed this story and its lovely characters. Definitely add this to your TBR now!

Happy reading :)

~Cassie