Roshani can do no wrong!

Her writing is exceptional. Always. And though these stories are sweet and flowery, they 100% worked for me. Which is rare.

It definitely helps to have read the other two stories from this world. Not 100% necessary, but I think it'd be weird not to.

All three are great, but oddly enough, Death and Night is my fave. You may wonder why that's so weird, but it's because TSTQ was enjoyable but not as lovable as ACOW...but man. I loved, loved the history of Maya and Amar.

I would read all the tales sent in this world!

Star-Touched Stories is insanely lyrical and immensely beautiful. Chokshi writes with an enchanting rhythm and voice, which really makes you want to read the stories out loud. 100% performance pieces. As it is, I want to read them over and over again, but I can't because my TBR is too long. But since this is book #2.5 it means I need to go and find books #1 and #2 (The Star-Touched Queen and A Crown of Wishes).

My favourite of the three stories was Death andNight which tells of the courtship between the Dharma Raja, Lord of Death, who was cursed never to love and Night, who refuses to marry without love.

Poison and Gold was also enchanting--though it may set off some reader's squick metres as it touches on a f/f relationship. There's background to this which is possibly from A Crown of Wishes, but it's still easy enough to follow.

The last story, Rose and Sword , jumps between the present and the past. Gauri tells her granddaughter about her past, but it's shrouded in myth. There are allusions to both The Star-Touched Queen and A Crown of Wishes I figure, which made me think I probably don't appreciate this one as much as the other two due to lack of knowledge.

But I'd say read it for Death andNight . If that's all you have time for.

Review scheduled for https://blog.annatsp.com/2018/07/bookreview-star-touched-stories-roshani.html on 7/18

Roshani Chokshi dazzles once again with her elegant prose and tale-spinning prowess. In this exciting collection of stories set within the elegant world crafted in The Star-Touched Queen series we receive more thrill, more danger, more romance, and more fantasy-filled delight. Written with a voice that will easily ensnare the senses, each tale is but a taste of this stunning world that will have you yearning for more. Short though a novella may be, these stories will satisfy any fantasy-lover’s needs.
-pooled ink

If you enjoyed the Star Touched Queen and/or A Crown of Wishes, then you will LOVE these short stories. Chokshi's lyrical writing comes through once again, transporting the reader to these magical worlds. These three short stories are not short by any means and are fabulous additions to the world the author created. The compilation is marked as 2.5 but the stories are more like 0.5, 2.5 and a mini 3.

Do I Recommend this book? I recommend the whole series!

Notes and Opinions: I remember buy the first book, without even reading what it was about, just because it came out on my birthday. And honestly, I'm glad I did. I love this series so much. Now to start gushing about this book. What I liked most about it was the fact that it gave you a more in depth look into the world (not that the other books lacked detail or anything). You'll fall more in love with characters and get heartbroken by others. Goodness, Roshani is such a wonderful storyteller and her world is just so beautiful. Everyone needs their life to be blessed by her series!!

I’m going to read everything Roshani writes, but I’m 10000% on board for anything set in the Star Touched Queen world.

These three stories are fantastic. I loved seeing the glimpses or characters and I thought the ending of Rose and Sword would kill me. It was absolute perfection and my cold, black heart warmed a bit, but it was also a bit heartbreaking.

Overall, this was an atmospheric and lovely slice of time in a series I absolutely love. I need to reread those books again ASAP.

**Huge thanks to St. Martins Press for providing the arc free of charge**

Loved it!
Death and Night was my personal favourite, but definitely a great read.
Thanks to St Martins Press for the arc of this book!

I'm not going to rate this for three reasons.

1) I only read the first story and a bit of the second. That was enough for me to feel like this book wasn't for me.

2) There's really nothing wrong with Star-Touched Stories if you are looking for exactly what this is: flowery, swoony romance. I wanted to try this book after loving the author's short story in A Thousand Beginnings and Endings - some authors' writing works way better in short stories, IMO. But it unfortunately just wasn't for me. It's full of glittery metaphors and romantic meetings that begin with something that's very close to instalove.

"And in that moment, his smile banished my loneliness. He moved toward me, grasping my hand, his touch hummed in my bones like an aria. A song to my dance. The beginning of a promise. "

I should point out that this first encounter doesn't lead to an instant relationship, but it is obvious the way it's going to go.

And 3) I was lucky enough to meet Roshani Chokski last year and she is a warm glow of loveliness in a human being. You know those rare people who are so nice and genuine that they make the whole room feel instantly comfortable and happy? That's Roshani. So giving this lady a low rating would make me feel like a monster, but rating it higher would feel dishonest. I would never claim to be unbiased and objective - I'm only human - but I feel like my bias here would really affect my honesty. So... no rating.

But if you love romance between beautiful supernatural beings and writing that is flowery and poetic, this collection of three stories is exactly what you need. I'll have to stick with The Cruel Prince series to get my fix of characters who try to best each other while pretending the love/hate sexual tension doesn't exist. Yeah, I have those kind of issues.

Roshani does it again. Her stories are so singular, unlike anything you've read, yet also familiar like an old teddy bear. Her twists and turns are so well thought out and not much, if anything, is predictable. Her writing style has also improved and is used perfectly in her story telling

I was so happy to get a chance to read this as I’ve loved the author’s previous books! And I’m glad to say that these short stories didn’t disappoint!

The collection is comprised of three short stories, focusing on the relationships of Night and Death, Aasha and Zahril, as well as Gauri and Vikram. These stories were pretty engaging in getting into the heads of the protagonist, describing the plight in such exquisite detail! And the romance! Oh, my! The romance between these characters was just amazing! It reminded me of old relationships within the previous books as well while also giving me a burgeoning new relationship that make my heart flutter!

Also, I’ve got to say that I’m a big fan of Roshani Chokshi’s writing style. It’s beautifully descriptive, with imagery that gets you right inside the stories. Even when nothing’s going on at that specific moment, I couldn’t help but enjoy the story because of the writing.

Overall, I really liked reading these short stories, with the only thing I can comment on is the fact that they’re way too short for my liking! But such is the way of a lot of the stories I’ve been reading and loving lately. I just hope to see more stories from this series! If anyone is a fan of this author’s work or would like a taste of her writing, I would definitely recommend reading Star-Touched Stories.

Scheduled to post 7/31/18.

A small part of me wants to say that, at times, Chokshi's writing is just so incredibly overwritten and overly florid to the point of bogginess. But the rest of me thinks her writing is incredibly lyrical and the stories she's telling transcend the words. She's weaving fairy tales and dreams into reality. Had the stories been less than what they are, had they not impacted me so, the flowery writing would bother me more. But as it stands it really doesn't, because what Chokshi is saying is above all of that and I don't think the stories she's telling would be able to be told with anything less than what's on the page.

If that makes any sense at all.

My favorite of the three stories here was 'Rose and Sword.' I finished reading this while by myself at lunch in Santa Cruz and I really had to reign myself in so I wouldn't ugly cry into my crab cakes. I would say eating by yourself is sad enough without book tears, but screw that. There's nothing wrong with eating by yourself, especially when you're reading a book because you're not alone. But whatever. 

All three stories had their gloriousness, with Chokshi's signature writing style and ability to spin stories like gold from nothing. But 'Rose and Sword' hit me particularly hard not just for the love story it told, but for Gauri's story, and her awakening about herself that it tells that hits a little close to home for me.

An excellent addition to the Star-Touched Queen world, these three stories can be read as stand-alone and will give you incredible insight into Chokshi's world that she's created already with THE STAR-TOUCHED QUEEN and A CROWN OF WISHES. But it'll just pad the already rich world you know if you have read the other two books and give you even more insight into a world rich and deep.

4.5

~ARC provided by NetGalley~
I have to say Roshani Chokshi is truly becoming my favorite author. She has a lyrical almost magical quality to her writing. These novellas in Star-Touched Stories will be a truly wonderful companion for anyone who has read her two previous Star-Touched novels. Each of these stories made me fall in love with the characters and the entire story itself even more than I did when I read the first two books. I definitely recommend for anyone who's a fan.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me a digital ARC of the book for review.

Oh my God! I can’t believe I let a few unimpressed reviews make me doubt reading Roshani Chokshi’s work in the past. When The Star-Touched Queen first came out, I was enamored with the cover and excited because it was based off mythology from the sub-continent. But I saw a lot of mixed reviews and got discouraged from immediately picking up a copy. And then got buried under my mile high TBR pile. But this book has utterly changed my mind.

Star-Touched Stories is a compilation of 3 short stories featuring characters from the universe that the author has created in her previous books, The Star-Touched Queen and A Crown of Wishes. As someone who has not read them, I ended up finding these characters delightful. The writing is mesmerizing; at times a little silly but always magical. The stories are original and yet have that quality of ancient familiarity about them. I think that is the most impressive thing about Roshani Chokshi’s writing; even though I’m not very well versed in the extensive mythos and folklore of the sub-continent and have mostly forgotten their magic that formed part of my childhood, Chokshi made me reminisce long-forgotten tales and I felt as if I’d known these characters and creatures all along, that I was revisiting old friends.

The first story is titled Death & Night and reminded me of the tale of Hades and Persephone. Death is looking for a companion whom he cannot love. Night is looking for love but also so much more. They find each other but it seems they cannot keep what they have. This story is written beautifully and Roshani Chokshi weaves a lustrous world of fantastic creatures and dreadful curses.

The second story is Poison & Gold and it shows the aftermath of a character’s wish being granted; Aasha is torn between her past and her present but her new adventure might just help her find her true place in the world, and perhaps someone to share it with. My favorite thing about this was the age-old element of a character finding themselves on a quest which helps them attain true purpose. The author writes a beautiful narrative of self-reliance and the complexity of being human.

The third and final story is titled Rose & Sword. I believe this follows the progression of the story of the protagonists from A Crown of Wishes. It is very much a commentary on all the different directions in which a woman’s heart is pulled by society, all the demands made of her and how expressly she tries to steel herself and face them. But it is also a story about love and family, and resilience and knowledge. It is perhaps my favorite of the three, because it is as much an ending as it is a beginning.

All three tales of magic and mayhem tie up nicely together and have a dream-like quality about them. For readers who are previously acquainted with Chokshi’s gorgeously curated universe, these stories should be a great way to revisit some beloved characters. For those who are not (including myself), this is a great way to sample the work of an amazing author whose words sing on the page and whose stories make you crave adventure.

**Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review**

I didn't think it was possible for Roshani Chokshi to blow my mind and exceed my extremely high expectations yet again, but naturally, she did. Wow. Star-Touched Stories is everything I wanted and needed in my life right now. There are 3 short stories in this book: Death and Night, Poison and Gold, and Rose and Sword. Each story is woven with Chokshi's signature lyrical prose. Chokshi is an artist; her words paint vivid sceneries and the most intricate yet heartwarming storylines. I'm in awe of her as usual.

Death and Night: *5 stars*

"I wanted a love that time could never erode, a foundation that would grow spires and turrets large enough to swallow constellations. And yet I wanted a love like a home. a corner of the universe built for two and snug as skin."

If you're a fan of The Star-Touched Queen then you will devour this story. This is the story about how Death and Night (Amar/the Dharma Raja and Maya originally met). It's a sweet story that discusses how scary it is to let yourself fall in love, but when you meet the right person you simply can't control it. You love who you love.

Gosh, this story is so romantic. I was swooning the whole entire time. Chokshi perfectly conveyed how it feels when you first start to like someone, and then when you start to fall for them. Death and Night is a beautiful. touching, mesmerizing love story. I couldn't have asked for more.

Poison and Gold: *4.5 stars*

This story is about Aasha. We first met Aasha in a Crown of Wishes. Now, in Poison and Gold we see how she has settled in to her new life in Bharata and Ujijain with Gauri and Vikram. Turns out, Aasha is struggling with controlling her vishakanya side with her human side. Anytime she is surprised or scared her vishakanya star lights up which turns her touch into poison.

This story is about Aasha's journey in accepting herself and in turn being her true self. It's a heartfelt story that anyone can relate to. We all feel as if we don't belong sometimes, but at the end of the day we have to love ourselves and stay true to who we truly are.

Rose and Sword: *All of the stars*

This story wrecked me. I smiled, laughed, and cried. This is now my favorite story Chokshi has ever written. It is THAT beautiful. Everyone needs to read this story even if you haven't read A Crown of Wishes.

This story is told from the perspective of Hila, Gauri and Vikram's granddaughter, and Gauri in her old age. Gauri tells her granddaughter a story about her and Vikram before they were married. The night before they were to be wed Vikram died. It was up to Gauri to bring him back as his life was at a crossroads: he could die now or he could die at an old age.

The moral of this story is how much power the person you love has over you. Gauri is terrified of losing Vikram or for them to grow apart once they are married. She has to face the impossible choice of losing him now or losing him later when it would most definitely destroy her. Either way she knows she will lose him at some point as he is meant to die before her.

Nothing I say or write will give this story the justice it deserves. It's a heart wrenchingly beautiful story of what we all feel and fear when we are in love. It's as heartbreaking as it is honest. Please, please please. read this story. I'm preordering this book right now because I have to own it in a physical copy. It's that amazing.

Thank you to Roshani Chokshi, St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books, and NetGalley for allowing me the extreme pleasure of access to an advanced reader copy of “Star-Touched Stories” for an honest review.

A deep lover of all things Roshani Chokshi, I was nearly beside myself in relief and overwhelming joy when I got the approval to read “Star Touched Stories” for NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press. The Star-Touched world has meant so much to me in seeing diverse women taking a stand and embracing their own power.

The words choice is lyrical, magical, and draws you into an entirely other world, far away from our humble, modern one, to a land where magic and death, darkness and light, all sway and swing together, in comparison and contrast, reaching for love and connect, vying with myth and truth.

I do not want to spoil any of these side stories for anyone, but I think you should pick them up immediately. Each of the stories still involves familiar and beloved characters from the novels. My favorites in order were the first (Death and Night), the third (Rose and Sword), and then the second (Poison and Gold).

I expected to love this collection of short stories. Overall I did enjoy my time back in this world the author has created. I think this is a great addition for the people who absolutely love this series. I loved the first book, and liked the second.

This book though, my favourite out of the three was the first one called Death and Night.

Roshani Chokshi writes beautiful, lyrical words. Three magical stories, I wont spoil anything because her fans will devour this book. Highly recommended.

When I read the second story, Its Asha's story and it was boring, it left me not wanting to continue and I found myself skimming throught to the end of that one.

The third story is was, beautiful but it didn't move me like when I read the first one, let alone the first book in the series.

overall rating 3 stars.

I loved this book. The use of Hindu mythology was refreshing and unique. The landscape that the author portrayed in their words was breath-taking. I wanted to go visit the Night Market and eat Dream Fruit, among others.

The first story was originally part of a pre-order incentive, but is now part of this fantastic colletion. It’s easily my favourite story of the three because it’s the story of the first time Maya fell in love with Ama - in her originally incarnation. The story is moving, lovely, and passionate. I loved seeing their originally love story. Including him trying to woo her, being afraid of losing her. Her bravery in giving her heart to someone so afraid of a curse.

I really struggled with the second story, however. I found it to be slow, and the usual lyrical prose was less lyrical. I only started to get into the story towards the end. Because of this, it took me awhile to finish it.

The third and final story is told a bit differently than the others, but it worked well. I enjoyed revisiting some characters I love and seeing how their lives played out. This tale is so painful and shows the power of love. The couple’s interactions are sweet and sad, and the ending was exactly what I hoped for.

"Star-Touched Stories" is a good short story collection revisiting the lush world Chokshi created in the first and second books. The second story really made the whole collection drag. But the other two stories were fantastic.

Man, this book was an absolute pleasure! I honestly LOVED it! I have always loved Roshani Chokshi's writing, she's honestly a master storyteller!

I was tremendously excited to have received an advanced copy of this book, after enjoying The Star-Touched Queen and A Crown of Wishes. I was delighted to see that all stories included central characters from both novels. I loved the fact that the novellas reunite us with some familiar characters, and Roshani Chokshi definitely reminded me of all that I loved about all these amazing characters.

I had already read Death and Night previously, and I absolutely ADORE that novella! The way Roshani Chokshi writes her books has always been enchanting to me, and I don't think that will ever fade. The two other novellas, Poison and Gold and Rose and Sword, also delighted me to no end. I loved the character and world-building as well as the romance. I wholeheartedly enjoyed Roshani Chokshi's vivid descriptions, to this day I think she is one of the most capable writers in that regard.

Overall, if you've read the other two books in this series, I STRONGLY recommend these novellas, they are totally worthwhile!

*insert major swooning here* Roshani brings another gorgeous book to life! I fell in love with her writing when i first read The Star Touched Queen! I eagerly awaited A Crown of Wishes and needed more. So when I heard of an ARC opportunity for her third installment I jumped at the chance and pretty sure I had some major fangirling.. (I may or may not have screamed at my desk at work when I got the email)

In this third installment to this world, Roshani brings us a book with mini stories set in the same world. The first story, Death and Night is more of a prequel to The Star Touched Queen. This story gave me all the feels as my heart is still hung up over The Star Touched Queen, I mean that book left me an utter mess and now I get an even closer look at the characters, which means all new tears form ugly crying.

The second story, Poison and Gold we get to see more of Aasha's story who was focused on in A Crown of Wishes. You really see Aasha grow in this story! She already came so far in A Crown of Wishes, but in this one she gets even more character depth and you get to see an even deeper side to her. I think in this one she really learns to stand on her own and you see her start to finally accept herself.

The third story, Rose and Sword is a story being told by a grandmother to a little girl. You get to see some of your favorite characters come back and get reintroduced into the worlds of Star Touched Queen and A Crown of Wishes. Like everyone else has stated already, be warned you will be left a broken mess in the floor sobbing after this story. I'm still not okay and I don't know if I will be again. My heart is in shreds and I can't stop ugly crying.

Overall, I loved this book and I hope to see more in this world. Roshani is a beautiful writer and brings so much to life. her descriptions are so vivid that you are immersed and see the world the way she wants you to. Seriously, her writing is so creative that you will be instantly captured and you will yearn to reach out and experience it for yourself... (if only it was truly real). The plot to each story was amazing and I'm glad we get to see more to the stories of the characters we have come to love. I can not recommend this book enough. While this can be read as a stand alone, I don't suggest it. I highly suggest reading her other two books first so you get a better in depth feel for the characters and that way it don't ruin the first two books later on.

This gets all the star ratings in the world, but since its on a scale of 5, I have to say 5/5 stars. Thank you so much to St. Martin's Press who provided this e-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.