Behold one of the most marvelous books I've ever read. Last year, I completely devoured Roshani's debut The Star Touched Queen, which became an instant favorite of mine. But A Crown of Wishes definitely surpasses that love. It's too grand for me to put into words how much I loved this!!
A Crown Of Wishes by Roshani Chokshi
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance
Buy Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository
Gauri, the princess of Bharata, has been taken as a prisoner of war by her kingdom’s enemies. Faced with a future of exile and scorn, Gauri has nothing left to lose. Hope unexpectedly comes in the form of Vikram, the cunning prince of a neighboring land and her sworn enemy kingdom. Unsatisfied with becoming a mere puppet king, Vikram offers Gauri a chance to win back her kingdom in exchange for her battle prowess. Together, they’ll have to set aside their differences and team up to win the Tournament of Wishes—a competition held in a mythical city where the Lord of Wealth promises a wish to the victor.
Reaching the tournament is just the beginning. Once they arrive, danger takes on new shapes: poisonous courtesans and mischievous story birds, a feast of fears and twisted fairy revels.
Every which way they turn new trials will test their wit and strength. But what Gauri and Vikram will soon discover is that there’s nothing more dangerous than what they most desire.
Thank you so much to St. Martin's Griffin for providing me with an advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review
The nostalgia at reading about this world again. The Night Bazaar. The Vanaras. The Serpent King. I felt like Star Touched was just a glimpse into this world and we just got to explore it even more.
The romance
I was honestly not expecting there to be much romance but I was so wrong. It definitely isn't the main thing but that banter!! One of the ABSOLUTE best parts to read as to be expected from someone who loves romance. The hate to love trope is my ultimate favorite thing in books. It had me smiling like a fool. And laughing out loud. Something I don't often do.
The characters
Gauri is a force to be reckoned with. I love that she describes her makeup as if it were her armor. And she most certainly is a warrior. She'll do what it takes to survive. Even sacrifice herself if it means saving those she loves. Her soul is strong and fierce and she's such a badass leading lady.
She loves her people and always wants to shield them from her vile brother. That's why she's hell bent on taking the throne from him which is rightfully hers.
Vikram sure isn't a warrior but he's still protective over the people he cares about. And he dreams of being recognized as the true emperor of his kingdom and not some puppet ruler that will be controlled by the council.
They both have nothing to lose and everything to gain. And they need each other if they both hope to survive in a world they've only been told as tales when they were young.
The writing
Roshani's writing is utterly beautiful. Nothing can ever compare and I am ruined for life!!! I will never love anyone's writing the way I love her's!!
Honestly, everytime she graces the world with her brilliant writing, a new star is born. She just has a way with words that just blows my mind. And I wouldn't even bother trying to highlight/tab because the whole book would be marked up.
I truly having nothing negative to say other than I want more!! I mean The Star Touched Queen had a more slower pace but I flew threw ACOW so quickly. I could have finished it within one day but I truly didn't want it to end.
Overall
A Crown of Wishes is exactly what dreams are made of and everything I expected it to be. I didn't even have expectations because I already knew it was going to be glorious. I couldn't have asked for anything better!!
Highly recommend you read The Star Touched Queen first even though both of these novels stand strong on their own. But that's the magic of companion novels. And that's where we first get a glimpse of Gauri. How can you not want to read it?!
5 Stars: What Stars & Wishes Are Made Of
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