The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi (2016)

Title: The Star-Touched Queen

Author: Roshani Chokshi

Series: The Star Touched Queen #1

Pages: 342

Published: Apr 26th 2016

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

This book is so beautiful in every way thinkable. When I first sat down to read it I somehow didn't get further than one page. There was too much going on in my life. Then I brought it to a skiing holiday in the Alps and I feel like I may have favoured reading over skiing.

If you are looking for magic this book is the book for you. The more I read the more fascinated I got with how this story didn't run out of magic. It's endless. I do recommend you pay attention to the book, especially towards the end. The end is a little complicated in its own ways and I'm not sure there's a direct answer to how everything happened (because, magic) and I often reread a page looking for what I missed out, a little confused, but realised that I just had to accept, keep reading and it all makes sense later. Magic is complicated guys.

The Star-Touched Queen is based on rich Indian mythology and the Indian culture is so beautifully described it's impossible not to fall in love with it. I cannot recall reading a book based on Indian culture and so this was new and exciting for me. I'd like to find more books within this sub genre of fantasy because one truly goes in with an open mind, yet keeps getting exciting surprises.

If you like Caraval by Stephanie Garber you should definitely pick this one up as its endless use of magic is to the same standard.

Also it beautifully written and full of amazing quotes.

Plot 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 secret - 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.
-Goodreads

Favourite Quote:

No matter where we are, we'll always share the same sky. We can always find each other in the same constellation.

My Rating:

10/10

Other Books in the Series:

The Star-Touched Queen (The Star-Touched Queen #1)
A Crown of Wishes (The Star-Touched Queen #2)
Death and Night (The Star-Touched Queen novella)

The Girl of Ink and Stars by Kiran Millwood Hargrave (2016)

Title: The Girl of Ink and Stars

Author: Kiran Millwood Hargrave

Pages: 228

Published: May 5th 2016

Publisher: Chicken House

This lovely book was given to me by my mum when I wasn't feeling too well. I was lacking enthusiasm in reading any of my books at home and this book really got me back on track.

Although this is a middle grade book I personally think it is a book for all ages. It is full of magic, friendship and love and full of imagination. It is a cozy read and reminds you of how magical it is to read books for younger readers. There is a serious under tone but it does not limit the magical setting or plot.

If you haven't read the book and are planning to read it I suggest that you do not read this paragraph as I suggest that everyone reads this book without any expectations or foreknowledge. I didn't and it helped me picture this world completely with my own imagination. When I read it I had at first a hard time to picture the time period and setting. I later decided that the Island is Spanish inspired, due to the names of people and the how the setting was built up. In the beginning I believed that it was set in the middle 1800's but I later go the impression that it was mid 1900's.

I would strongly recommend this book. Especially, if you're low, want an easy read, want something magical or just want to be reminded of what it's like to be young again. Beautifully written.

If you need more convincing this book includes: maps, waterfalls, inks, stars, huge beasts, underground tunnels, myths and legends, and of course an adventure. 

Plot Summary:

Forbidden to leave her island, Isabella Riosse dreams of the faraway lands her father once mapped. 

When her closest friends disappears into the island's Forgotten Territories, she volunteers to guide the search. As a cartographer's daughter, she's equipped with elaborate ink maps and knowledge of the stars, and is eager to navigate the island's forgotten heart.

But the world beyond the walls is a monster-filled waste land - and beneath the dry rivers and smoking mountains, a legendary fire demon is stirring from its sleep. Soon, following her map, her heart and an ancient myth, Isabella discovers the true end of her journey: to save the island itself.

-Goodreads

Favourite Quote:

"India is a place where colour is doubly bright. Pinks that scald your eyes, blues that you could drown in."

My Rating:

8/10

Other Books by this Kiran Millwood Hargrave:

The Island at the End of Everything