Another sequel, another hit! THE OLEANDER SWORD, the sequel to The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri, emerges with a beautiful opening that gently places us right back into the world. Suri's wiritng is impeccable and breathtaking, like being bathed in warm milk and rising with wings. The plot is slow-going but not in a bad way and with tons of political intrigue and unexpected moments. Plus, the intricate character work makes you savor the journey. THE OLEANDER SWORD nicely expands the magic system and introduces a new and scarier conflict. While The Jasmine Throne was unarguably Priya's book, THE OLEANDER SWORD is most definitely Malini's and I loved it! I also appreciated that Priya and Malini are not irrational in their pining for one another; they have clear goals separate from one another and they weigh these goals with equal gravity to their feelings towards one another.