The Star-Touched Queen (The Star-Touched Queen #1)by Roshani Chokshi
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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:
The words that spilled from the pages was breathtaking. The story that took place was beautifully enchanting. Yet every time I put the book down, I never felt the urge to pick it back up again. And I never once caught myself thinking about the story or the characters outside of reading. Which isn’t normal for me, at all. So I was left feeling torn towards The Star-Touched Queen. Since I’m stuck in the middle, here are some of my scattered thoughts about this uniquely, beautiful book –
✮ Fabulous world building –
I could glimpse the moon folding herself into crescents and half-smiles. When I looked up, I could imagine an existence as vast as the sky. Just as infinite. Just as unknown.
The world building was fascinating, and I loved learning everything I could about Indian folklore. They were both richly described, and I felt as though I couldn’t get enough. I wanted to learn more. Those two elements were my favorite things about this book!
✮ I loved how fate and choices was a strong theme –
I pushed myself off the wall. I knew all the rumors, and I didn’t care to hear them again. Their words crawled over my skin. I wanted to shake off the insults, the laughter, the shadows. But all of it clung to me, thick as smoke, pushing out the blood from my veins until I pulsed with hate.
In the beginning, we learn that one’s fate and love revolves around horoscopes. And it’s taken as the literal truth. Which was awful for Maya, our main character, because her horoscope was viewed as horrific and tragic. It caused prejudice towards her, and others who had a less than desirable horoscope. But as the story progressed, we saw how not only fate but choices too played an integral part in the story and Maya’s life. It was fun watching everything unfold.
✮ Ambiguous scenes –
I see only night and smoke, dreams and glass, embers and wings. And I would not have you any other way.
There were moments where not everything was explained. And while those moments were filled with beautiful words, I was left with nothing to grip onto. I’d end the scene confused and left wondering what in the world just transpired?! Each time I tried to shrug it off and keep going. Which is a littler harder than it sounds, because I’m one who would prefer to have a solid understanding with what’s taking place in a scene. So I did struggle with this aspect.
✮ Not connected to the romance –
“My star-touched queen,” he said softly, as if he was remembering something from long ago. “I would break the world to give you what you want.”
I never connected to the romance. I liked Maya and Amar separately, but when they were together I never felt much emotion. I would get a small smile from time to time, but I definitely didn’t get that butterfly inducing, wishing they would just get together already feelings. I think part of the reason I didn’t connect with them was that I was always left wishing that I had more of a backstory. Yet that never happened.
So I’ve decided that I do need to try another book by this author. I have a feeling that will push me into the love or pass category for her future releases. But if you’re thinking about picking this one up, I definitely recommend it if you’re looking for something unique and beautifully crafted!
I appreciate your honest thoughts about this book. I haven’t read it myself but thought maybe I’d give it a try. I wonder if I’ll feel the same about the romance? I’ve read other reviews that love the writing and world building, but no one has convinced me to put this book ahead in my ever-growing TBR pile. As a writer I’ve always been told that every scene/thought/dialogue should move the story forward, so I’m not sure why this book would have moments that were filled with poetic writing that didn’t give you any new insight into what was happening.
Unfortunately none of my book buddies, that have read The Star-Touched Queen, have gotten completely wrapped up by the romance. Which makes me so sad because there’s so much potential there! Chelsea has read the second book and she said that there are those poetic moments of words that you have no clue what’s going on, but that the romance and story were so much more amazing. So someday I’ll try the second book, but like you said, I’m not ready to push it up my tbr. 🙂
I wasn’t really a fan of this book. I had to PUSH myself to get through it because I just felt like nothing really happened. And, like you, I didn’t connect to the romance much. But I enjoyed the second book much more. It had all of the beauty of the first book but more of a plot and less instalove!
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction recently posted…Hunting Prince Dracula by Kerri Maniscalco: Review & Giveaway
The romance was such a huge let down in this book. It could have been amazing and added so much to the story! But I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed the second book so much more! That definitely gives me lots of hope!
I was able to grab a copy of this really cheap on Book Outlet. I’ve heard really good things and the cover for its sequel is gorgeous!
Barb (boxermommyreads) recently posted…No More Massacres (Money Back Guarantee Review)
I just discovered Book Outlet this summer (how I never knew about it before that blows my mind lol!)! I hope you end up enjoying the story much more than I did and yesssss the cover for the second book is beyond gorgeous! I’m hoping I enjoy that one much more, fingers crossed!
Nice review! Despite issues, I’m glad you enjoyed it! I loved this book but I definitely agree with you on the romance part it was okay-ish but nothing amazing. I haven’t read the second book yet but I’ve heard it’s pretty good. 🙂
Raven recently posted…Blood For Blood (Wolf By Wolf #2) By Ryan Graudin [Review]
If the romance part pulled me in, or maybe wasn’t so insta-lovish then I think this book would have worked a lot better for me. But here’s hoping we both absolutely love the second book!