This one had been on my list for a while, and I finally got around to reading it.
The empire of Parijatdvipa is ascendant and rules most of the Indian subcontinent (or its in-story analogue, anyway). The Ahiranya state has been conquered, its religion brutally suppressed in favor of the Parijati state religion, and its previous ruling class murdered. The Parijati emperor, a religious fanatic, even attempts to burn his sister on a pyre to purify her. When she refuses to go willingly, she is exiled and imprisoned in Ahiranya -- where she happens to meet one of the survivors of the Hirana temple.
A very political fantasy about imperialism, rebellion and religion. Delightfully queer and feminist, too. It's not the most page turner-y book, but that doesn't mean I ever felt bored by it. It definitely made me come back every evening to read more! The biggest selling point in my opinion is the quality of the prose, which was wonderfully evocative - Suri has one hell of a knack for painting vibrant pictures. Overall: Definitely a recommendation from me, go read it if these themes speak to you! (Some tolerance for body horror recommended)
/r/fantasy 2023 bingo categories: Druids (HM), POC Author (not HM). Not sure if I'll use it though, since I may need its sequels for the Sequel square.