Review of The Prince Without Sorrow (Obsidian Throne, #1) by Rati Mehrotra
From the moment I stumbled upon The Prince Without Sorrow, I was captivated by the tantalizing premise of an evil witch and a pacifist underdog prince. As someone who’s always yearned for more Indian-inspired epic fantasies, this debut by Rati Mehrotra felt like a breath of fresh air in a genre often dominated by romantic entanglements. With a quick glance at the cover, I could already tell this was something different—a tale that would steer clear of the predictable “enemies to lovers” trope that can often over-saturate fantasy narratives today.
Set within a lush, Indian-influenced world, the story follows Ashoka, a prince burdened by lofty ideals about pacifism, and Shakti, a foil who challenges those notions. Their relationship, pivotal yet non-romantic, felt like a bold choice that resonated deeply with me. It seems rare these days to find protagonists in their early twenties whose character arcs unfold with geopolitical conflicts rather than romantic pitfalls. Mehrotra deftly explores the idea of evolving beliefs—the "clash of ideals" that comes when utopian notions are met with harsh realities.
The writing style is both evocative and accessible, making it easy to immerse oneself in the world within a matter of pages. I appreciated the pacing; it held a medium-burn rhythm that allowed me to soak in the intricate worldbuilding without feeling overwhelmed. The vibrant flora and fauna, spirited creatures reminiscent of Princess Mononoke, and the weaving of Indian cultural elements contribute to a tapestry that feels rich and authentic. Mehrotra doesn’t get lost in long-winded worldbuilding tangents but instead presents reveal after reveal that keeps the narrative engaging.
One of the most striking themes of the book is the struggle against the chains of expectation and morality. Ashoka’s journey from naïve idealism to grappling with the harsh choices he must make is profoundly thought-provoking. His internal battle resonates with the idea of moral compromise, beautifully encapsulated in Shakti’s contrasting adherence to a code that has led her to reject her own pacifism. The book poses the burning question: can one stay true to their beliefs in the face of unimaginable evil?
The queerness so seamlessly integrated within the narrative felt refreshing, particularly in a story that doesn’t center around romance. Ashoka’s feelings for his bodyguard Rahil—undercut by hesitation—and Shakti’s reaction to romantic inclinations add layers to their characters without overwhelming the plot. It’s representation that “just exists,” and I find that incredibly powerful.
Although the book concludes on a cliffhanger that left me yearning for the sequel, I’d rate The Prince Without Sorrow a solid 4.5 stars. It stands out among the slew of contemporary fantasies and would resonate well with those who crave a thoughtful narrative over a romantasy filled with love triangles. If you enjoyed works like City of Brass or Bone Shard Daughter, this is a must-read.
In conclusion, I cannot recommend The Prince Without Sorrow enough for fellow fantasy lovers who seek depth, complexity, and an emotional journey that doesn’t revolve around romance. My reading experience was enriched by the unique takes on familiar themes, and I sincerely hope this book receives the recognition it deserves. And let’s not forget the gorgeous UK cover that perfectly encapsulates the epic journey within! Thank you, Netgalley and Harper Voyager, for this ARC—I cannot wait to see where Rati Mehrotra takes us next!
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