The lotus empire

The concluding volume of the Burning Kingdoms Trilogy (after The Oleander Sword, 2022) begins with heroines Priya and Malini estranged. The virulent green power of the yaksa continues to transform the land and people on both sides of their conflict in disturbing ways. A now not-quite-human Priya has been chosen by the yaksa as a vessel for rebirth into the physical world. Although she has misgivings, and she still loves Malini, in her role as High Elder Priya feels trapped by tradition. To fight the yaksa and her erstwhile lover, Empress Malini marshals armies and investigates ancient legends for clues to relics that might grant an advantage. As their world hurtles toward devastation, Priya and Malini discover that their connection remains--but will it be strong enough for them to find their way back to each other in time? Sapphic yearning permeates this delectable conclusion to a landmark epic-fantasy series that touches on faith, leadership, politics, friendship and found family, grief and recovery, sacrifice, the roles of women, colonialism, and love. For all fantasy readers, particularly those who appreciated the unflinching grimness of R. F. Kuang's Poppy War series and the grand scope of Samantha Shannon's The Priory of the Orange Tree (2019).

Suri brings her Burning Kingdoms trilogy to a breathtaking crescendo in this epic grand finale (after The Oleander Sword). Heroines Malini and Priya have gone their separate ways. Malini has promised the priesthood that she will accept the fate she's been running from her whole life and burn on the pyre in exchange for finally being crowned Empress of Parijatdvipa. Priya has returned to Ahiranya after her feigned attempt on Malini's life to find the yaksa, shape-shifting nature spirits, wearing the faces of dead temple children from her past. The two women's paths now cross only in strange, fraught dreams as they seek the best possible futures for their respective lands. Meanwhile, new sources of magic and rot awaken across Parijatdvipa, and trouble stirs within the priesthood. As the yaksa turn ever crueler, the people of Ahiranya and Parijatdvipa grow more and more desperate. The war against the yaksa begins in earnest, while Malini and Priya spiral ever closer to each other. The pitch-perfect balance of action and sapphic romance will keep readers eagerly turning the pages until the remarkable conclusion. This sends the series out on a high note. Agent: Laura Crockett, TriadaUS Literary. (Nov.)

Malini has finally claimed her throne, as the nameless gods foretold. As empress of Parijatdvipa, she has faced down her brother and now works to unify her people and her court, including the priesthood that supported the former emperor. But the priests believe that only in fire will the gods be satisfied--Malini must burn or find another who will take her place on the pyre. Priya is now thrice-born from the deathless waters, and the magic of the yaksa is within her. To protect Ahiranya and its people, Priya has turned from her love for Malini and bends to the will of the powerful yaksa that lies beneath the waters. As Malini and Priya find themselves on opposite sides, a new and terrible enemy rises and threatens everyone. The women will find themselves once again side by side facing death--not only for themselves but for the entire world. VERDICT Suri's final volume in her fantastic trilogy, after The Oleander Sword, delivers all of the hope and heartache promised in the series. Exquisite worldbuilding, high-stakes action, emotional arcs, and a love that will stand the test of time create a climactic conclusion to this epic fantasy.--Kristi Chadwick

*Starred Review* The concluding volume of the Burning Kingdoms Trilogy (after The Oleander Sword, 2022) begins with heroines Priya and Malini estranged. The virulent green power of the yaksa continues to transform the land and people on both sides of their conflict in disturbing ways. A now not-quite-human Priya has been chosen by the yaksa as a vessel for rebirth into the physical world. Although she has misgivings, and she still loves Malini, in her role as High Elder Priya feels trapped by tradition. To fight the yaksa and her erstwhile lover, Empress Malini marshals armies and investigates ancient legends for clues to relics that might grant an advantage. As their world hurtles toward devastation, Priya and Malini discover that their connection remains—but will it be strong enough for them to find their way back to each other in time? Sapphic yearning permeates this delectable conclusion to a landmark epic-fantasy series that touches on faith, leadership, politics, friendship and found family, grief and recovery, sacrifice, the roles of women, colonialism, and love. For all fantasy readers, particularly those who appreciated the unflinching grimness of R. F. Kuang's Poppy War series and the grand scope of Samantha Shannon's The Priory of the Orange Tree (2019). Copyright 2024 Booklist Reviews.

Malini has finally claimed her throne, as the nameless gods foretold. As empress of Parijatdvipa, she has faced down her brother and now works to unify her people and her court, including the priesthood that supported the former emperor. But the priests believe that only in fire will the gods be satisfied—Malini must burn or find another who will take her place on the pyre. Priya is now thrice-born from the deathless waters, and the magic of the yaksa is within her. To protect Ahiranya and its people, Priya has turned from her love for Malini and bends to the will of the powerful yaksa that lies beneath the waters. As Malini and Priya find themselves on opposite sides, a new and terrible enemy rises and threatens everyone. The women will find themselves once again side by side facing death—not only for themselves but for the entire world. VERDICT Suri's final volume in her fantastic trilogy, after The Oleander Sword, delivers all of the hope and heartache promised in the series. Exquisite worldbuilding, high-stakes action, emotional arcs, and a love that will stand the test of time create a climactic conclusion to this epic fantasy.—Kristi Chadwick

Suri brings her Burning Kingdoms trilogy to a breathtaking crescendo in this epic grand finale (after The Oleander Sword). Heroines Malini and Priya have gone their separate ways. Malini has promised the priesthood that she will accept the fate she's been running from her whole life and burn on the pyre in exchange for finally being crowned Empress of Parijatdvipa. Priya has returned to Ahiranya after her feigned attempt on Malini's life to find the yaksa, shape-shifting nature spirits, wearing the faces of dead temple children from her past. The two women's paths now cross only in strange, fraught dreams as they seek the best possible futures for their respective lands. Meanwhile, new sources of magic and rot awaken across Parijatdvipa, and trouble stirs within the priesthood. As the yaksa turn ever crueler, the people of Ahiranya and Parijatdvipa grow more and more desperate. The war against the yaksa begins in earnest, while Malini and Priya spiral ever closer to each other. The pitch-perfect balance of action and sapphic romance will keep readers eagerly turning the pages until the remarkable conclusion. This sends the series out on a high note. Agent: Laura Crockett, TriadaUS Literary. (Nov.)