Crown of Wishes, by Roshani Chokshi

Before I go into it, I have to tell you; Crown of Wishes is the sequel to another book by Chokshi, The Star-Touched Queen. However, I'll be reviewing it anyway because its one of those books where the plot has very little to do with the first book. It won't make any difference whether you read the first book or not. In fact, I haven't even read the first book yet!

It only took me two days to read Crown of Wishes, partly because it was a great book, partly because I had too much time on my hands. I tried to make it last, but it just wouldn't. I'm sure that many of you have had the same experiences. I didn't pay attention to how much of it was left, and I read the entire thing.

Crown of Wishes is about a prince, named Vikram, who is destined to become a puppet ruler despite his potential. He is called the Fox Prince by his people, due to his remarkable intelligence. The second main character is a princess, Gauri, who has recently failed to take the throne from her older brother Skanda, who is cruel. She is called the Jewel of Bharata, but her real skill comes from her fighting prowess. When the two meet, they become partners to compete in the Tournament of Wishes, a competition that takes place in the realm of Kubera, the Lord of Wealth. They'll undergo a trial of desire, a trial of fear, and a sacrifice, and if they win, they will each earn a wish. However, all is not as it seems in the Otherworld, a realm of magic and intrigue.

Crown of Wishes was an excellent book, with brain-twisters and interesting stories. I enjoyed how it was placed in a universe with a culture similar to medieval and mythological India, and how it toyed with the concepts of desire and stories. I'd recommend it for lovers of the supernatural and romance genres, as well as those who like the idea of a competition to achieve ones desires.