It’s not often that you read an authors work and you are stunned into silence. Not because it was bad, but because it just truly moves you to your core. The words, the way that they are weaved into sentences and the world that it creates… A Crown of Wishes is one of those books.
Gauri, the princess of Bharata, has been taken as a prisoner of war by her kingdom’s enemies. Faced with a future of exile and scorn, Gauri has nothing left to lose. Hope unexpectedly comes in the form of Vikram, the cunning prince of a neighboring land and her sworn enemy kingdom. Unsatisfied with becoming a mere puppet king, Vikram offers Gauri a chance to win back her kingdom in exchange for her battle prowess. Together, they’ll have to set aside their differences and team up to win the Tournament of Wishes – a competition held in a mythical city where the Lord of Wealth promises a wish to the victor.
Reaching the tournament is just the beginning. Once they arrive, danger takes on new shapes: poisonous courtesans and mischievous story birds, a feast of fears and twisted fairy revels.
Every which way they turn new trials will test their wit and strength. But what Gauri and Vikram will soon discover is that there’s nothing more dangerous than what they most desire.
Roshani Chokshi is a wordsmith, world builder to be reckoned with. The way she crafts the story, you feel like it’s coming to life with every turn. You bathe in the lushness of her poetry (no, the book isn’t poetry, but the words are lyrical) – A Crown of Wishes is absolutely captivating.
You fall in love with her characters, her world, anxious for as many pages as it will let you have – because what you get is not enough. Chokshi leaves you wanting for more at every turn. The banter between her characters, the way that they interact makes you want to step up your game.
Vikram and Gauri – you feel like you are peeking into their lives, not as a reader, but standing beside them – experiencing their story. The mystical creatures of this world, the way that everything weaves together – I can’t get enough.
It’s 352 pages you won’t regret reading.
A Crown Of Wishes is available now. You can order by clicking on the cover below.