BLOG TOUR: STAR-TOUCHED STORIES
Welcome to the Blog Tour for Star-Touched Stories by Roshani Chokshi
"Deftly woven with fantastical elements and Indian mythology, the tales reflect and materialize the characters' internal
struggles...Aasha's and Gauri's stories explore complex themes of identity, ambition, love, and loss. Chokshi marries
sensuous storytelling with kick-ass protagonists in these feminist romances."
—Kirkus Reviews
"Chokshi is in top form with the lush world-building and vivid language fans of the series have come to love. Each novella focuses on an ambitious heroine as she confronts not just her fears but her desires. A must-read for fans of the series and a charming introduction to the author and her works."
—School Library Journal
"Whether read as a whole or in individual stories, this is a sure success that will leave any reader craving more of the fascinating and beguiling prose."
—NPR.org on The Star-Touched Queen
I stood outside the home, watching as the light beaded and dripped
down the length of the Tapestry thread. I waited. There was
never any rush. Not for me at least.
The light dangled from the end of the string, clinging and reluctant. A passing wind stirred the ends of the thread, teasing out strands of memory. The memories plumed into the air, releasing the scent of a life lived in love. One by one, the memories unraveled— a pillow shared by two heads bent close in secrecy, a frayed blanket kept inside an eternally empty cradle, a table that sagged from the weight of uncertain feasts. Happiness stolen from the edges of sorrow.
I stepped over the threshold.
The lights in the hut extinguished. Shadows slipped off the walls to gather around my feet. Inside the hut, someone had propped up a stingy re. Cinnamon scented the air. Past the dusty vestibule, rows upon rows of bay leaves hung from the ceiling. Strange runes scratched into small animal bones and ivory hairpins lay in carefully constructed patterns. I laughed. Someone had tried to ward me away. But there was no door that didn’t open to me.
—Kirkus Reviews
"Chokshi is in top form with the lush world-building and vivid language fans of the series have come to love. Each novella focuses on an ambitious heroine as she confronts not just her fears but her desires. A must-read for fans of the series and a charming introduction to the author and her works."
—School Library Journal
"Whether read as a whole or in individual stories, this is a sure success that will leave any reader craving more of the fascinating and beguiling prose."
—Booklist
“Lush and ornate ribbons of language... rich and dizzying.”
—The New York Times Book Review on The Star-Touched Queen
"The sentence-level beauty of this book often stunned me: There's a smooth, understated loveliness to the writing that kept catching me off guard. In Chokshi's prose, voices have substance and texture while light has color and flavor; never have I wanted to munch on books so much as after reading...Solidly crafted and very engaging, this is a smooth, lovely and assured debut.”
“Lush and ornate ribbons of language... rich and dizzying.”
—The New York Times Book Review on The Star-Touched Queen
"The sentence-level beauty of this book often stunned me: There's a smooth, understated loveliness to the writing that kept catching me off guard. In Chokshi's prose, voices have substance and texture while light has color and flavor; never have I wanted to munch on books so much as after reading...Solidly crafted and very engaging, this is a smooth, lovely and assured debut.”
Star-Touched Stories
By Roshani Chokshi
Roshani Chokshi proved herself an author to watch with her young adult fantasy debut, The Star-Touched Queen and
companion novel A Crown of Wishes. Debuting at #4 on the New York Times bestseller list, her novels received rave
reviews from fans and critics alike and appeared on the most buzzed about lists for young adult novels. With STAR-
TOUCHED STORIES (Wednesday Books; August 7, 2018), Chokshi adds to the Star-Touched world in three short stories,
re-visiting some fan favorite characters. Exploring what happens after the happily ever after in Chokshi’s Star-Touched
novels, her short stories are the perfect read for a taste of beautiful writing with delicious plots.
BOOK DESCRIPTION
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
Gauri and Vikram's new reign presents itself, she will have to battle her insecurities and maybe, 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?
As the excitement builds for Chokshi’s next series THE GILDED WOLVES (February 2019), this collection will satisfy the
cravings for her gorgeous prose and fans can catch up with their favorite characters. Even if dipping into the Star-
Touched universe for the first time, STAR-TOUCHED STORIES will draw you in and leaving for more.
About the Author
ROSHANI CHOKSHI is the New York Times bestselling author of The Star-Touched Queen, A Crown of Wishes, and Aru
Shah and the End of Time. Her work has appeared in Strange Horizons, Shimmer, and Book Smugglers. Her short story,
"The Star Maiden," was longlisted for the British Fantasy Science Award.
EXCERPT
DEATH
The light dangled from the end of the string, clinging and reluctant. A passing wind stirred the ends of the thread, teasing out strands of memory. The memories plumed into the air, releasing the scent of a life lived in love. One by one, the memories unraveled— a pillow shared by two heads bent close in secrecy, a frayed blanket kept inside an eternally empty cradle, a table that sagged from the weight of uncertain feasts. Happiness stolen from the edges of sorrow.
I stepped over the threshold.
The lights in the hut extinguished. Shadows slipped off the walls to gather around my feet. Inside the hut, someone had propped up a stingy re. Cinnamon scented the air. Past the dusty vestibule, rows upon rows of bay leaves hung from the ceiling. Strange runes scratched into small animal bones and ivory hairpins lay in carefully constructed patterns. I laughed. Someone had tried to ward me away. But there was no door that didn’t open to me.
At the far corner of the house huddled two people. A man in
the arms of a woman. Old age had blessed him, yet for all his gnarled
veins and silver-streaked hair, the woman cradled him as if he were
a child. He murmured softly into the crook of her neck. I watched
them. She wasn’t crying.
The woman looked up . . . and saw me.
How refreshing.
“Greetings, Dharma Raja,” said the woman in a clear voice.
I took in the bay leaves and bone pins. “You were expecting me,I take it.”
“Yes,” she said, hanging her head. “I regret that I cannot serve
you any food or drink or treat you as a guest in our home.”
“Don’t let it trouble you,” I said, waving my hand. “I am rarely a
guest. Merely an inevitable occurrence.”
Her husband did not stir in her arms. His breath had grown soft.
While the woman had kept her eyes trained on me, I had taken away his pain, siphoned it bit by bit. I was in a generous mood.
“You have come for him.”
“As I will for you, one day. I could tell you the hour, if you wish it.”
“No.”
I shrugged. “Very well.”
She clutched him tighter. Her hands trembled. I knew she could feel his life unspooling.
She may have seen me, but she did not see his life pooling beneath him.
The woman looked up . . . and saw me.
How refreshing.
“Greetings, Dharma Raja,” said the woman in a clear voice.
I took in the bay leaves and bone pins. “You were expecting me,I take it.”
“Yes,” she said, hanging her head. “I regret that I cannot serve
you any food or drink or treat you as a guest in our home.”
“Don’t let it trouble you,” I said, waving my hand. “I am rarely a
guest. Merely an inevitable occurrence.”
Her husband did not stir in her arms. His breath had grown soft.
While the woman had kept her eyes trained on me, I had taken away his pain, siphoned it bit by bit. I was in a generous mood.
“You have come for him.”
“As I will for you, one day. I could tell you the hour, if you wish it.”
“No.”
I shrugged. “Very well.”
She clutched him tighter. Her hands trembled. I knew she could feel his life unspooling.
She may have seen me, but she did not see his life pooling beneath him.
“May I ask something of you, Dharma Raja?”
“You may.”
But I need not honor it.
“We always wished to leave this life together.”
“I cannot change your appointed time, even if I wished.”
She closed her eyes. “Then may I request, instead, that you not let him pass to the next life until I may join him there?”
Now this was interesting. I sank backward into the air, and an onyx throne swirled up to meet me. I tilted my head, watching her. “Why? I haven’t weighed your life yet. What if you were far more honorable than your husband in this life? I could pour your soul into the mold of a princess blessed with beauty and intellect, riches and wonders. I could add silver to your heart and fortify you from any heartbreak. I could give you a life worthy of legends.”
She shook her head. “I would rather have him.”
“You’d rather have him, and whatever life that entails?” I leaned forward, eyeing the dingy room.
Her eyes ashed. “Yes.”
“He may not even come back as a human. Believe me. I’ve remade emperors into cockroaches and cockroaches into kings. You seem like a reasonably intelligent woman.
Would you truly like to keep house for a bug?”
She lifted her chin. “I would be his mate in any form.”
A curious emotion prickled my skin, nudging the back of my thoughts. My hands tightened on the shadow throne. Before I could stop myself, the question ew from me: “Why?”
“Because I love him,” said the woman. “I would prefer any life with him than any life without him. Even the deities know love to the point that they will chase their counterpart through thousands of lifetimes. Surely you, oh Dharma Raja, understand how extraordinary love can be?”
“You may.”
But I need not honor it.
“We always wished to leave this life together.”
“I cannot change your appointed time, even if I wished.”
She closed her eyes. “Then may I request, instead, that you not let him pass to the next life until I may join him there?”
Now this was interesting. I sank backward into the air, and an onyx throne swirled up to meet me. I tilted my head, watching her. “Why? I haven’t weighed your life yet. What if you were far more honorable than your husband in this life? I could pour your soul into the mold of a princess blessed with beauty and intellect, riches and wonders. I could add silver to your heart and fortify you from any heartbreak. I could give you a life worthy of legends.”
She shook her head. “I would rather have him.”
“You’d rather have him, and whatever life that entails?” I leaned forward, eyeing the dingy room.
Her eyes ashed. “Yes.”
“He may not even come back as a human. Believe me. I’ve remade emperors into cockroaches and cockroaches into kings. You seem like a reasonably intelligent woman.
Would you truly like to keep house for a bug?”
She lifted her chin. “I would be his mate in any form.”
A curious emotion prickled my skin, nudging the back of my thoughts. My hands tightened on the shadow throne. Before I could stop myself, the question ew from me: “Why?”
“Because I love him,” said the woman. “I would prefer any life with him than any life without him. Even the deities know love to the point that they will chase their counterpart through thousands of lifetimes. Surely you, oh Dharma Raja, understand how extraordinary love can be?”
I knew very well what could come of love. I had seen it. Been
cursed by it. Even now, I thought of her. The way she ran away and
left a shadow in her place. Love was extraordinary.
Extraordinarily spiteful. Extraordinarily blind. Extraordinarily misleading. “Bold words,” I said.
“They do not move you?”
I shrugged. “You may appeal and supplicate and wheedle as you wish, but I have heard every excuse and plea and sputter, and my heart has never been moved.”
The woman bowed her head. She gathered her husband to her chest. Her wedding bangles clanked together, breaking the silence. When I left, custom dictated that she must remove those wedding ornaments. Widows did not wear such bracelets. I had not considered until now that the sound itself was a thing near death. And that chime—gold against gold—struck me far louder than any keening. In the echoes, I heard something hollow. And lonely. I dropped the noose. It slid through the man’s skin, noiseless as silk. Life had left him. All that was left was his soul.
You never forget what it’s like to withdraw a soul. It is an un- clasping. Sometimes a soul is tough and hard, surrounded by sinews of memories gone brittle with age. Sometimes a soul is soft and bursting like wind-fallen fruit, all bruised tenderness and stale hope. And sometimes a soul is an ethereal shard of light. As if the force of its life is a scorching thing. This soul belonged to light.
Extraordinarily spiteful. Extraordinarily blind. Extraordinarily misleading. “Bold words,” I said.
“They do not move you?”
I shrugged. “You may appeal and supplicate and wheedle as you wish, but I have heard every excuse and plea and sputter, and my heart has never been moved.”
The woman bowed her head. She gathered her husband to her chest. Her wedding bangles clanked together, breaking the silence. When I left, custom dictated that she must remove those wedding ornaments. Widows did not wear such bracelets. I had not considered until now that the sound itself was a thing near death. And that chime—gold against gold—struck me far louder than any keening. In the echoes, I heard something hollow. And lonely. I dropped the noose. It slid through the man’s skin, noiseless as silk. Life had left him. All that was left was his soul.
You never forget what it’s like to withdraw a soul. It is an un- clasping. Sometimes a soul is tough and hard, surrounded by sinews of memories gone brittle with age. Sometimes a soul is soft and bursting like wind-fallen fruit, all bruised tenderness and stale hope. And sometimes a soul is an ethereal shard of light. As if the force of its life is a scorching thing. This soul belonged to light.
When the woman looked down, she knew that her husband was
gone. The thing she cradled was nothing more than meat soon to
spoil. Tears slid down her wrinkled cheeks.
“Come now,” I said, standing from the throne. “I have taken husbands when their wives still wore the henna from their wedding. I consider you lucky.”
“I beg of you,” she said. “Don’t let him move on without me. He would have asked the same.”
I swung the soul into a satchel and the light faded. I headed for the door, more out of formality than anything else. If I wanted, I could’ve disappeared right then and there.
“Please. What would you do for someone you loved?”
I stopped short. “I can’t say I’ve had the pleasure of that provocation.”
“You love no one?” she asked, her eyebrows rising in disbelief. “I love myself. Does that count? ”
And then I left.
I had lied when I told the woman I loved nothing. Standing in front of Naraka—taking iN the at gray lands and stone trees, the crests of mountains like jagged teeth, and the
night sky stretching its stars above my palace—I felt the closest thing to love. Night understood me. Night held the promise of secrets slinking in the shadows, of things that conjured fear and bewitched the sight. Nothing was more beautiful than a night sky dusted with stars. Nothing was more terrible than a night sky scrawled with a thousand destinies.
“Come now,” I said, standing from the throne. “I have taken husbands when their wives still wore the henna from their wedding. I consider you lucky.”
“I beg of you,” she said. “Don’t let him move on without me. He would have asked the same.”
I swung the soul into a satchel and the light faded. I headed for the door, more out of formality than anything else. If I wanted, I could’ve disappeared right then and there.
“Please. What would you do for someone you loved?”
I stopped short. “I can’t say I’ve had the pleasure of that provocation.”
“You love no one?” she asked, her eyebrows rising in disbelief. “I love myself. Does that count? ”
And then I left.
I had lied when I told the woman I loved nothing. Standing in front of Naraka—taking iN the at gray lands and stone trees, the crests of mountains like jagged teeth, and the
night sky stretching its stars above my palace—I felt the closest thing to love. Night understood me. Night held the promise of secrets slinking in the shadows, of things that conjured fear and bewitched the sight. Nothing was more beautiful than a night sky dusted with stars. Nothing was more terrible than a night sky scrawled with a thousand destinies.
MY THOUGHTS
5/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
After reading The Star-Touched Queen, I felt in love with Roshani's writing. There is something mysterious, mystical, calming about it. The way she tells a story, the worlds she creates, makes you forget about everything else and immerse yourself in the characters, in the story. Needless to say I am always looking forward to a new book release and that I will read everything she writes.
In Star-Touched Stories, Roshani presents us with three stories. Death and Night, Poison and Gold and Rose and Sword. I loved every story however, Death and Night holds a special place in my heart because I loved Maya and Amar's characters so much in The Star-Touched Queen, it was so fulfilling to get to know more about them previous The Star-Touched Queen world. Poison and Gold being about Aasha from a Crown of Wishes, and Rose and Sword, which out of the three stories, this one was the one that made me cry the most, oh, that ending.
It has been such a pleasure as a reader to come across Roshani's books. The richness on her world building, her magnificent writing style, her ability to transport us to these magical places and makes us want more and more. Her previous books I read have taken me on an unforgettable journey and Star-Touched Stories was not the exception.
Thank you to the Publisher and Netgalley for the advanced free copy in exchange for an honest review, and Brittani for inviting me to the Blog Tour.
General Q&A
- Out of all the characters in your novels, which one did you have the most fun writing about and who do you relate to the most personally? What was the most surprising thing you learned in creating your characters? In the world of the Star – Touched Queen, I think the one who I related to the most was also the one that I had the most fun writing: Kamala! There's just something about the demon horse that resonated a lot with me. I think it's because she does everything that I would do in a fantasy story, which is frantically derail the plot and whine to her friends about how hungry she is all the time.
- What inspired you to create this fictional world? Were there any Rome mythologies that particularly inspired you? I was really inspired by the childhood stories that my grandmother told me. To me, they were so rich with details and texture that it really shocked me how these worlds and mythologies were never explored in mainstream literature. I was particularly inspired by Greek and Hindu mythology.
- Why did you feel it was important to add Star-Touched Stories to this world you've created? What do you want readers to gain from the stories? Do you think there are any more stories to tell from the Star-Touched world, and if so, who you most like to write about next? For me, this collection of stories is my farewell to the world that I created. It was extremely cathartic to write these three stories. I want readers to gain a sense of closure. I want readers to feel as much as I did when I with the stories. Who can say whether or not there are more stories left to tell in this world? ;)
- Will you miss writing this world and characters? Absolutely! They lived in my head for so long that I feel strangely weightless to be without them.
- What was your favorite scene to write from Star-Touched Stories, and what was your favorite scene to write from the whole series? Honestly, my favorite scene that I wrote was the last scene the last story. I think you'll see why. As for my favorite scene that I wrote from the whole series, I think it would have to be the moment when Maya first enters the Night Bazaar.
- Is there a scene or character from one of your stories that you've had to cut which you really wish you could share with readers? There once was a speaking monkey character… But I had to let go of him. Maybe he'll reappear some other time.
- How is writing short stories different than writing a full-length book? How different is it to write YA and MG? How has your writing evolved? Writing short stories is really different from writing a full-length book because you're ultimately writing to a punchline in a shorter amount of space. There is less space to explore so the language must be very deliberate. I think my writing has evolved to become a lot more character focused than I once was. I still love gorgeous, decadent prose, but I believe that the best kind of language is that which is emotionally filtered through the feelings of a character.
- What is the best advice you would give to inspiring writers? Read often. I realize that sounds trite, but so many people retread the same path with stories out of comfort or nostalgia. I totally understand this and I'm one of those people who loves to reread my favorite books but I never found a sense of my own writing voice or writing style without reading a wide variety of works.
- What sort of music do you listen to when you write? I mostly listen to music to get me in the mood for writing rather than listening to music to get me through a scene. I think the only times I listen to music when I'm writing is if I'm in a third or fourth round of revisions. Otherwise I get distracted.
- If any of your books were given an adaptation, would you rather it be a movie, TV show, web series, or stage musical? For The Gilded Wolves, I would rather see that as a miniseries. For both books in the Star-Touched universe, I'd rather see those as movies.
- Favorite myth and how has it inspired your writing? What was your inspiration for these stories? I think my favorite myth is Hades and Persephone. I love the atmosphere, the goth undercurrent, the power dynamic. I love the movement of princess to Queen.
Praise for A Crown of Wishes
Teen Vogue
Bustle
BookRiot
B&N Teen Blog
“Careful plotting, multiple viewpoints, high-stakes action, and a slow-burn relationship make this heady fantasy completely engrossing. A first pick for YA collections.”
—School Library Journal, STARRED review
"Chokshi’s debut, The Star-Touched Queen (2016), was lush and gorgeously written, and Chokshi has only improved; this lovely companion tale boasts a stronger narrative structure in addition to the delightful prose.”
—Booklist
“With a happily-ever-after reminiscent of beloved fairy tales, this is a great pick for voracious readers who like their bejeweled princesses to have hard edges.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Set against this vivid backdrop is a story with two skill- fully drawn protagonists...this gem will likely send those new to Alaka back to the companion story as its fans wait for another invitation to Chokshi’s luminous world."
— The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“It's gorgeously written and exceptionally intriguing, and Chokshi's lush world is one you won't want to leave.”
—Buzzfeed “Top 18 Books to Read this Spring”
“The tale is spellbinding, each character is well developed and interesting, and obvi we are so happy.”
—Bustle “Best YA Books of March”
“Chokshi’s latest is a magical tale told through beautiful poetic storytelling... An intricately drawn, vibrant supporting cast and cleverly inventive plot help make this story a delightful read.”
—Romantic Times, 4 1⁄2 stars “Top Pick!”
Praise for The Star-Touched Queen:
New York Times Bestseller
#9 on the Summer 2016 Kids' Indie Next List An Amazon Best Book of the Month
A Goodreads Best Book of the Month
“Lush and ornate ribbons of language... rich and dizzying.”
—The New York Times Book Review
"The sentence-level beauty of this book often stunned me: There's a smooth, understated loveliness to the writing that kept catching me off guard. In Chokshi's prose, voices have substance and texture while light has color and flavor; never have I wanted to munch on books so much as after reading...Solidly crafted and very engaging, this is a smooth, lovely and assured debut.”
—NPR.org
“Chokshi's prose is captivating, and the pages come alive .... Maya is a strong heroine, and while there is romance, an emphasis on familial love adds another level of richness to a folkloric fantasy about sacrifice, self-discovery, and making your own destiny.”
—Publishers Weekly, STARRED review
“A setting drawn from ancient India, romance with feminist sensibilities, and a unique magic system reminiscent of Laini
Taylor’s Daughter of Smoke and Bone make this a novel sure to appeal to fans of Renée Ahdieh’s The Wrath and the
Dawn. A stunning debut filled with lush writing, smart characters, and a mysterious plot that provides as many twists as
it does swoons.”
—School Library Journal, STARRED review
“Chokshi's rich, descriptive writing weaves a lush web...a swoony romance, betrayal, and a journey to power and self- affirmation, with a slightly wicked, slightly funny animal sidekick in the best tradition (think Garth Nix's Mogget as a crimson-eyed horse), work together to create a spell that many readers will willingly succumb to. Richly imagined, deeply mythic, filled with lovely language with violet overtones: this is an author to watch.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“This gorgeous debut promises big things to come from Chokshi, who at barely 25 has decades ahead to dazzle us.”
—School Library Journal, STARRED review
“Chokshi's rich, descriptive writing weaves a lush web...a swoony romance, betrayal, and a journey to power and self- affirmation, with a slightly wicked, slightly funny animal sidekick in the best tradition (think Garth Nix's Mogget as a crimson-eyed horse), work together to create a spell that many readers will willingly succumb to. Richly imagined, deeply mythic, filled with lovely language with violet overtones: this is an author to watch.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“This gorgeous debut promises big things to come from Chokshi, who at barely 25 has decades ahead to dazzle us.”
“Chokshi’s first novel is filled to the brim with gorgeous, scintillating writing that easily draws readers into its new take
on traditional tales. A unique fantasy that is epic myth and beautiful fairy tale combined.”
—Booklist
“The Star-Touched Queen is the YA Fantasy Must-Read of 2016” -Bustle
“A heady blend of mythology and metaphor, THE STAR-TOUCHED QUEEN is sure to appeal to fans of Laini Taylor and Leigh Bardugo. Maya is a great character, full of promise and patience, even as the odds are stacked against her.” —Romantic Times Book Reviews
“Magic is woven into every word of The Star-Touched Queen. Vibrantly imaginative and gracefully written, I was spellbound from the first line. A dazzling, sensuous feast of world-building, romance, and mythology.” —Sarah J. Maas, New York Times bestselling author of The Throne of Glass series
“A richly detailed world and a story filled with twists and turns, The Star-Touched Queen had me breathless right up until the final, stunning conclusion. It is a bewitching tale with a setting so vivid and unique, I wished I could step right through the pages.” —Amy Ewing, New York Times bestselling author of The Jewel
“Gorgeously poetic writing gives vibrant, sensuous life to the worlds of The Star-Touched Queen. Chokshi never shies
—Booklist
“The Star-Touched Queen is the YA Fantasy Must-Read of 2016” -Bustle
“A heady blend of mythology and metaphor, THE STAR-TOUCHED QUEEN is sure to appeal to fans of Laini Taylor and Leigh Bardugo. Maya is a great character, full of promise and patience, even as the odds are stacked against her.” —Romantic Times Book Reviews
“Magic is woven into every word of The Star-Touched Queen. Vibrantly imaginative and gracefully written, I was spellbound from the first line. A dazzling, sensuous feast of world-building, romance, and mythology.” —Sarah J. Maas, New York Times bestselling author of The Throne of Glass series
“A richly detailed world and a story filled with twists and turns, The Star-Touched Queen had me breathless right up until the final, stunning conclusion. It is a bewitching tale with a setting so vivid and unique, I wished I could step right through the pages.” —Amy Ewing, New York Times bestselling author of The Jewel
“Gorgeously poetic writing gives vibrant, sensuous life to the worlds of The Star-Touched Queen. Chokshi never shies
—Cosmopolitan.com on “8 Life-Changing Novels by Twentysomething Women”
away from forcing her characters to make hard choices, and I was captivated by Princess Maya’s cleverness and
determination as she struggles against fate and betrayal.”
—Kate Elliot, New York Times bestselling author of the Court of Five series
—Kate Elliot, New York Times bestselling author of the Court of Five series