I'm honored to be part of the St. Martin's Press Star-Touched Stories Blog Tour, to celebrate Roshani Chokshi's newest addition to the Star-Touched world. If Roshani's name sounds familiar to regular blog visitors, that's because I reviewed her incredible debut, The Star-Touched Queen, two years ago, right here on the blog! Star-Touched Stories, which goes on sale TODAY (Aug. 7) features three fun, fantastical stories set in and around the Star-Touched world, including (from Goodreads):
Death and Night
He was Lord of Death, cursed never to love. She was Night incarnate, destined to stay alone. After a chance meeting, they wonder if, perhaps, they could be meant for more. But danger crouches in their paths, and the choices they make will set them on a journey that will span lifetimes.
Poison and Gold
Now that her wish for a choice has come true, Aasha struggles to control her powers. But when an opportunity to help Queen Gauri and King Vikram's new reign presents itself, she is thrown into the path of the fearsome yet enchanting Spy Mistress. To help her friends, Aasha will have to battle her insecurities and perhaps, along the way, find love.
Rose and Sword
There is a tale whispered in the dark of the Empire of Bharat-Jain. A tale of a bride who loses her bridegroom on the eve of her wedding. But is it a tale or a truth?
Roshani knows how to fashion characters you love to love and that you love to hate, while maintaining a fine line between drama and humor. I've laughed out loud several times while reading her first novel and these stories, and that's a rare occurrence for me! Her writing is beautiful and poetic, and admittedly, a bit flowery. I've been away from YA for several months now, having been drawn into the world of literary fiction and classic literature, but flowery writing aside, Roshani's stories and characters never fail to pull you in. Her additions of Indian mythology and culture are a bonus, especially for firangi bahus like me, who love recognizing elements of Indian culture while reading.
Death and Night is a prequel for the main characters, Amar and Maya (or Death and Night), from The Star-Touched Queen. Readers learn more about the history of these two characters, particularly how they met and how Death courted Night. Oh, the sweet passion! It's a good thing Gupta is there for comedic relief, advising Death on how to romance Night, otherwise some readers will sigh themselves right out of their chairs.
Poison and Gold features Aasha, who was a secondary character in A Crown of Wishes. Fans who desired to see a companion novel from her point-of-view will be happy to read about her brave independence, fierce friendship, sass, and romance!
Rose and Sword is a story within a story, featuring a grandmother spinning a fairy tale, with elements of both Star-Touched and Crown, for her granddaughter. It's a heart-tugging, tear-inducing read, and this one, of the three stories, may thrill die-hard fans the most.
Admittedly, I have not yet read A Crown of Wishes, the second in the Star-Touched duology, but you do not have to read either book to enjoy this collection of short stories - though it does heighten the enjoyment!
Fans of Roshani's characters and world-building will be thrilled with this new short story collection, and those who have not yet had the pleasure of reading her full-length novels will hopefully be encouraged to do so after reading these three delightful stories!
Thank you, again, to St. Martin's Press, for allowing me to be part of this fun blog tour. And congratulations to Roshani on yet another wonderful publication!
