A review by natashaleighton_
The Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani Chokshi

dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Words cannot do justice to  how breathtakingly atmospheric and beautiful this was! The prose and world-building was gorgeously lush— in a dark fairytale-esque, House of Hollow meets Mexican Gothic way that had me utterly hooked from start to finish! 

It’s told through a unique, dual POV narrative that spans two timelines and was really intrigued by the decision to not give a name to our first (and only male) protagonist who is referred to as The Bridegroom—and even then only in the chapter headings. To me, it felt like it was harkening back to the early gothic/ horror genre, where unnamed characters added an aura of mystery and unease to the plot, which I really enjoyed. 

It also worked perfectly with the hauntingly lyrical prose and descriptions that weaved a sinister sensualness into very scene.  I know not everyone is a fan of this type of prose, but Roshani Chokshi’s darker, intricate and ethereal overtones felt like an homage to traditional fairytales (which have always been seen as rather macabre to modern audiences)  adding a fabulously unnerving sense of foreboding that kept the plot moving. 

The plot twists were also fantastic! I was really wasn’t expecting any of the reveals that occur and really enjoyed trying to piece together the breadcrumb-like clues to unravel Indigo’s mysterious back story. 

Overall, a beautifully crafted and decadently suspenseful gothic novel full of twists, turns and unreliable narrators that made this a truly unputdownable read.
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