The Prince Without Sorrow (Obsidian Throne #1) by Maithree Wijesekara

I’ve been yearning for a fantasy book with witches and The Prince Without Sorrow couldn’t have come at a better time.

Coming out 18th March. Grab a copy 🙌🏾

Inspired by the Mauryan Empire. Hunted Witches. Political intrigue. Dual POV. Nature spirits.

I’ve been yearning for a fantasy book with witches and The Prince Without Sorrow couldn’t have come at a better time. I loved the beginning of the book, the premise was so intriguing and promised so much.

From the introduction of our two MCs, Shakti and Ashoka, to the world-building that included nature spirits and mythical beasts with heavy political influence, I was geared up for the ride of my life.

I loved how everyone was going with the flow in terms of fighting the Empire without any coherent plan, anything close to the best idea placed on the table is applied, that comes with its own consequences but it just creates a different atmosphere and you get to see how flawed your characters are.

Characters

I loved how brave Shakti was and how she was always willing to risk her life for the good of her people, the witches. However, most of the time she seemed reckless and did more damage than good.

Despite being from a royal family, Ashoka doesn’t abide by the rules of the Empire and vows never to kill like his father and his siblings. He might come off as someone without any backbone but his heart and his intentions are always pure. He’s the only character that had some sort of character development.

Worldbuilding

The Prince Without Sorrow lacked significant worldbuilding. While this can be excused, seeing as the book isn’t exactly high fantasy, I’d still have appreciated some more worldbuilding.

The author did touch base on it but it just wasn’t good enough for me, unfortunately.

Pacing

The pacing was just off. The first seven chapters of forty-nine promised a lot, but from there it was just downhill and everything moved at a snail’s pace.

The next interesting thing was the midway point and the last four chapters.

Plot

The premise of The Prince Without Sorrow was nicely set up. I loved the political aspect of the book; the sibling rivalry among the three kids after the death of the empire, the eldest son, Arush, looking to make a name for himself and leave his own legacy as he becomes the Emperor following his father’s death but can’t seem to make any commendable decisions; the middle child Princess Arya, a cut and paste copy of her own father, who still wants to impress her father even from the grave (nothing bonds them more like their hatred for witches), and the last born Prince Ashoka, a different cloth from the rest of the family who wants nothing but to live in harmony with everyone including witches.

I loved Arya’s ruthlessness, and despite not being likeable, there’s something interesting about a well-written antagonist (the second character well-written).

I was left frustrated with the relationship of Ashoka and Rahil. I mean, why couldn’t they just kiss and we move on from their childish behaviour?

I was left frustrated at how it was easy to predict the ending, I was praying to be proven wrong but unfortunately that didn’t happen.