The Star-Touched Queen

Lush and lyrical, Chokshi's debut melds Hindu folklore and mythology and weaves a story set in ancient India that captures the essence of fantasy. Maya is the daughter of a raja, born under a horoscope that promised only death and destruction. Her father arranges a political marriage intended to end in her suicide, the best thing she could do for the realm. A last-minute reprieve is put forth by an enigmatic man named Amar, who offers to marry her and take her to his kingdom. The Kingdom of Akaran is devoid of people except for the constant whispers that compel Maya to doubt everything she sees and feels, forcing her into a decision that may have fatal consequences for the whole world unless she locates the key to unlock her true past. Priya Ayyar's lilting cadence enhances the well-described imagery and the large and fantastical cast of characters. Her Maya is appropriately young, but as she rediscovers her true self, she grows audibly stronger. Amar is the handsome prince of every girl's fantasy until Maya breaks him.