St. Martin's Press | March 2017 (Reprint) | 368 pgs
Source: Library
Princess Mayavati of Bharata is believed to be cursed since young. She is known to causes a marriage of death and destruction with her horoscope and due to this she is always feared and scorned at her father's kingdom. Scholarly pursuits and her sister Gauri are the only thing that keep her going but they are short-lived after she knew her father is arranging a wedding of political convenience to quell outside rebellions. She is prepared to poison herself when a stranger arrived on time to save her. That stranger is Amar, Raja of Akaran and he is one of the other fifteen suitors for the political wedding, although she didn't see him during the introductions until she decided to end her life.
With nothing left and Bharata in chaos, Maya is left with no choice but to follow Amar but Akaran is a place like no other for it is divided between the human realm and the Otherworld. Now as Akaran's queen, Maya starts to find some magical power which allows her to explore many impossible and unbelievable tasks; in which some are led to choices she has no way of choosing since each outcome bears a consequences. And most of all, Maya feels Amar is keeping some secrets about Akaran. Can he be trusted? And what are the secrets hanging around Akaran that makes Maya decides to take all the risk in unravelling the truth?
Roshani Chokshi has spun a magical story in The Star-Touched Queen set in the mysterious and atmospheric Akaran (or Naraka) filled with Indian folklore and mythology and some elements of fate, reincarnation and romance. I had a wonderful time reading this because it surprised me on many levels, especially since I had no idea what to expect of this story initially and it was great fun watching it unfold. There is another book about Maya's sister, Gauri, in A Crown of Wishes. However, the stories are not really connected thus each could read as a standalone.
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Although I don't read a lot of fantasy I kind of like the premise of this one. Especially the whole Horoscope stuff :)
Iliana - This book has an interesting premise, isn't it? It doesn't focus a lot on the horoscope stuff though, and it's interesting to see some supernatural elements, e.g. reincarnation and the otherworld.
I love good fantasy, especially when it can surprise you on several levels!
What a different idea for a fantasy; I'm intrigued my the Indian folklore touches and very glad to know it's a standalone novel. I'm adding it to my list. :)
Jenclair - A good fantasy is sure hard to find and I'm glad I came across this book through a few good reviews I'd read online.
Lark - It's rare that I read a book with Indian folklore and mythology so I was glad I found this author. Hope you'll enjoy it as well. :)
I am so glad you enjoyed this one, Melody. I have had it on my TBR pile for awhile and am looking forward to reading it. I love that it explores Indian folklore and mythology. Thank you for your insightful review.
Wendy - I hope you enjoy it and I look forward to your review when that day comes. :)