*4.5 Stars*

Every one of Suri's books has a long build up and this one was no different. Although much was happening for the second book for the Burning Kingdoms series. The build up is worth it for me in this series. Suri isn't afraid of hurting some feelings and I love that.

The prophecies are being fulfilled, regardless of how the characters' think it will end up. Malini plays political games that are needed to see her where she wants to be; Priya is bound to Malini with reckless and scorning love; Aditya and Rao are trying to serve the Nameless as best they can; Bhumika is doing what an elder can to survive and build up Ahiranya, which seems to be growing stranger by the day. New characters are met and things are going down in this book.

The scene between Malini and Priya in this one??? *chef's kiss*

If you want politics, action, religious wars, enemies to lovers, sapphic rep, south asian rep, and powerful women in many roles, then give this series a whirl!

Disclaimer: I received The Oleander Sword through NetGalley and I'm voluntarily leaving this review.