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A review by l0streader
The Ivory Key by Akshaya Raman
adventurous
fast-paced
4.0
Rep: South Asian MCs, LGBTQIA+
This is the South Asian fantasy of my dreams! I absolutely fell in love with these characters, each of their stories and aspirations. With any book containing multiple POVs it can be hectic to keep track of them, but each of Raman’s MCs had a distinct voice and motive to obtaining The Ivory Key. I thought the family dynamic between all the siblings was fully fleshed out and realistic. I even have a really special place in my heart for one of the side characters, but we won’t dive too far into that.
The descriptions of the setting and the entirety of the atmosphere as a whole were immaculate. The scenery and foods were described with such lushness that I felt transported into Ashoka.
I didn’t know too much about the plot of the book prior to diving in and I’m glad I didn’t reveal too much to myself because I loved uncovering new things as I read and went on this adventure alongside these characters. I really appreciated that this fantasy book though expansive did not feel overwhelming as many fantasy books can feel initially. The world-building was done strategically so that the reader could learn more about the history, land, and people of Ashoka through the MCs conversations and quest.
I’m quite intrigued to see where the book will go from here. I have a feeling that I’m going to enjoy the sequel even more. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a South Asian fantasy or anyone new to fantasy who wants to get their feet wet before diving headfirst into some of the denser fantasy books out there.
Characters: 9/10
Atmosphere: 9/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Plot: 8/10
Intrigue: 8/10
Logic: 8/10
Enjoyment: 8/10
Rating: 8.3 or 4 stars
This is the South Asian fantasy of my dreams! I absolutely fell in love with these characters, each of their stories and aspirations. With any book containing multiple POVs it can be hectic to keep track of them, but each of Raman’s MCs had a distinct voice and motive to obtaining The Ivory Key. I thought the family dynamic between all the siblings was fully fleshed out and realistic. I even have a really special place in my heart for one of the side characters, but we won’t dive too far into that.
The descriptions of the setting and the entirety of the atmosphere as a whole were immaculate. The scenery and foods were described with such lushness that I felt transported into Ashoka.
I didn’t know too much about the plot of the book prior to diving in and I’m glad I didn’t reveal too much to myself because I loved uncovering new things as I read and went on this adventure alongside these characters. I really appreciated that this fantasy book though expansive did not feel overwhelming as many fantasy books can feel initially. The world-building was done strategically so that the reader could learn more about the history, land, and people of Ashoka through the MCs conversations and quest.
I’m quite intrigued to see where the book will go from here. I have a feeling that I’m going to enjoy the sequel even more. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a South Asian fantasy or anyone new to fantasy who wants to get their feet wet before diving headfirst into some of the denser fantasy books out there.
Characters: 9/10
Atmosphere: 9/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Plot: 8/10
Intrigue: 8/10
Logic: 8/10
Enjoyment: 8/10
Rating: 8.3 or 4 stars
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racism, Violence, Blood, Alcohol, and War