Immersive fantasies with lush settings that tantalise the mind can be so hard to find, but I’ve managed to get caught in all of Roshani Chokshi’s stories. Lavish settings and evocative world building are so inviting, the proverbial spider calling the fly. Each word seduces the reader into an entangled web of action, romance and bitter betrayal.
The young women in her stories are amazingly complex and fierce young women, fighting for what they believe in and their places in the world. From Maya and Gauri, to the young Aru Shah…these young women will bring you to your knees in admiration (also looking at Zofiya and Laila, another two phenomenally written women). Of course the men she writes also have their dashing charms too.
“Honor your voice. Honor your story.” – Roshani Chokshi writing an article for The Book Smugglers
Writing YA and middle grade, all of her stories have been inspired by her Filipino and Indian heritage, allowing kids, teens, and even adults find themselves represented within these stories. That being said, she’s so real about sharing the reality that the stories she tells are from her perspective, and doesn’t speak for entire groups of people. I feel this is especially important in today’s time.
“She didn’t like following outlines, laughed openly at my ideas of backstory and kept trying to kill her love interest. The savagery.” – Chokshi talking about Gauri for an interview on Bustle
In writing or in person, Roshani’s voice is unique; having a way with words that’s just spell binding. I’ve had the opportunity to hear her speak at a few panels and just like her books, she’s witty, humorous, and so incredibly genuine. You can’t help but listen to what she has to say. I feel like her charisma and charm bleed into her characters, bringing them to life and making them relatable.
2019 is a big year for Roshani, as she published The Gilded Wolves in January, she’s getting married in March, and also will publish Aru Shah and the Song of Death on April 30th. Definitely go out there and give her some love!
If you haven’t had the opportunity to read any of her books, here’s a list:
Young Adult:
Middle Grade:
Aru Shah and the Song of Death
My personal suggestion is start with her first book The Star-Touched Queen. I feel like this book is where her writing style and voice are showcased the best, and each story builds, adds more dimension to the characters, to the world. Each one is better than the last. Of course, my two favourite stories from Chokshi are The Star-Touched Queen and The Gilded Wolves. I cannot wait what she’ll blow us out of the water with next.
Find Roshani’s books on Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers.
