Final Rating:
Date of Completion: 27/06/2025
Published by: Little, Brown Audio
ISBN: B0DJVD5789
‘The Lotus Empire’ brings this series to a satisfying close, but the overwhelming romantic angst made it hard to stay fully engaged.
Cover:
Writing:
Storyline:
Main character(s):
Secondary characters:
Romance:
Narration & Audio:
Following previous events, the broken main characters face increasing threats and rising political tensions in this sequel. However, the yearning between Priya and Malini quickly dominates the character-driven storyline. This was my main frustration with the second half of the last book, and it made me hesitant to start this sequel. Unfortunately, the intense angst continues here, leading to an uneven pace that drained my interest in the unfolding story. Even the climax, which I had expected to be epic and gripping, felt somewhat flat, though I was satisfied with the ending for the series.
Perhaps wisdom and war cannot go hand in hand
Like their relationship, Priya and Malini’s arcs felt stuck in a repetitive loop. Priya once again seemed impulsive and fairly passive. Her interactions with the yaksa had the potential to drive remarkable character growth, but this was disappointingly underexplored. Malini maintains her hard and calculating nature, but I appreciated the political intrigue surrounding her and her fierce determination to defy the fate that others try to force on her. In contrast, Bhumika’s journey is filled with vulnerability as she grapples with memory loss and powerlessness, securing her position as my favourite character in this series. Her sweet, heartwarming romance also provided a refreshing break from the angsty dynamic between Priya and Malini.
the world is vast and strange
The cast of familiar and new secondary characters is enriched with emotional depth, bringing them to life. Rao, in particular, emerged as a standout due to his significant role and struggles with grief and faith. However, what truly held my interest were the complex political layers and bursts of action that injected much-needed tension. The writing style also remains lush and atmospheric, with vivid details. The audiobook, narrated by Shiromi Arserio, was another highlight. Her expressive delivery, character voices, and immersive vocal effects elevated the listening experience.
Discussion Questions (Contains spoilers!):
Q: Do you have any similar book recommendations?
The Ending Fire by Saara El-Arifi and Sunbringer by Hannah Kaner are both character-driven, epic fantasy finales that share a similar blend of high-stakes politics and romance.
Q: Were you satisfied with how the series ended?
Yes, I was happy to see all the loose ends tied up and was satisfied with the endings the characters received. I was delighted that Bhumika regained her memories, though I must admit it felt a touch convenient. Also, discovering that Bhumika married Jeevan made me happy, as I loved their romance. Priya and Malini’s end took me by surprise, which wasn’t a bad thing. I found it interesting that they did not get an immediate happily ever after, but I was not entirely convinced by Malini’s decision to leave the kingdom she had fought so hard for. The updates on the kingdoms, politics and secondary characters, such as Rao, Sima, and Prince Vijay, were also appreciated.
Q: Have you ever been trapped or lost in the cold?
When I was about 8 or 9, my family and I got lost on a freezing winter night. I remember shivering a lot, and my ears, fingers, and toes felt frozen. It was rough and terrifying! That experience gave me a deep empathy for Rao and Sima’s ordeal in the snow.
Q: What was your favourite scene?
Q: Which of the three main characters—Bhumika, Priya, and Malini—were you rooting for the most?
Q: Did you enjoy the political or romance aspect more?
Q: Are you more calculating like Malini or impulsive like Priya?
Q: Which secondary characters stood out the most to you?
Q: Have you ever dreamed about a crush or loved one?
Q: What are some of the themes that stood out to you?
Q: Have you ever had amnesia?
Q: Were you impressed or underwhelmed by how the world was expanded in this book?
Q: Did the main characters get the ending you had expected?
Do you agree or disagree with anything mentioned above? Let us know in the comments below.
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