Author: Ashok K. Banker
Publisher: Simon & Schuster India
What can happen when a person is pushed to the end of their limits?
A Dark Queen Rises (Book 2 of The Burnt Empire Saga) by Ashok K. Banker takes the story forward
from Upon A Burning Throne. Demon-lord Jarsun wants more than just the
burning throne. He wants to rule all of Arthaloka. When Aqreen flees with their
daughter and heir, seeking refuge in Reygar, the demon-lord’s anger knows no
bounds. He wants to punish his wife, and sends his indomitable Army of
deadwalkers after them. To rule Arthaloka, Jarsun needs more than an heir. He
needs allies. Prince Tyrak of Arrgodi is not only an ally, but Jarsun’s
protégés and son-in-law. Born of an Urrkh father, he believes in nothing but
brute force and complete domination, willing even to sacrifice his own parents.
With each passing day, as he succumbs to his thirst for power, he becomes more Urrkh
and less human. Now, only the demon Slayer, Drishya, can deliver the people
from his tyranny. But Drishya and Krushita are one. Siblings born of stone
fire. And they have a single aim: to kill Jarsun Kru’shan.
Picking up after the events of Upon A Burning Throne, this book focuses on Aqreen and Krushita as they journey to Reygar, and how Jarsun consolidates his power through various alliances. With the plot moving in multiple places, the storyline focuses on Krushita’s journey from a toddler to her awakening of the power within. The storytelling is engaging and while the parallels with the mythological tales are there, the book does stand on its own in terms of the imagery and the complexity of the plot. I liked how Ashok uses various elements to highlight the hero’s journey for Krushita, and her powers have been explored in detail, however I felt that the book had a lopsided focus on Tyrak, and Drishya’s story lost focus in the way. While Tyrak’s story was important to show Jarsun’s story, the buildup did not do justice to the climax, and a bit more of flesh to it could have been better. The overall closure to the story felt rushed, and the story that developed over the pages does not satisfy a reader’s need for a better ending, atleast till the next book.
Coming to the characters, this book is a wonderful example of how
meticulously characters can be developed in a book, and they effort it requires
to set up a story to back the characters’ actions. The journey across the
desert was a wonderful way to set up Aqreen and Krushita’s story, with nothing
else apart from them, the desert and their companions, the focus was squarely
on them. I loved Bulan’s character and the way their character’s feelings
change was quite wonderful. Tyrak’s story and transition is nicely told and the
build up towards the end has been planned to the last detail. I would have
loved to see more detailing of Drishya’s character however, especially because he
was touted as the demon slayer, and running his story in tandem with that of
Tyrak would have made for a better climax, in my opinion.
Overall, a wonderful addition to the series, the book moves the story
ahead, and keeps the reader wanting for the next book in the series. The book
scores a 4.44/5 for me.
The book is available on Amazon and your nearest bookstore!
Read my review of the previous books in the series:
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