Wow. I am seriously impressed. The Star-Touched Queen contains some of the loveliest prose I have ever read. Every paragraph reads like a poem or a song. Roshani's descriptions are lyrical and elegant, and Maya's world(s) absolutely suck you in. It's definitely reminiscent of Laini Taylor's gorgeous writing in Daughter of Smoke and Bone both in tone and in content. I love a fantasy book that effortlessly weaves together an enchanting yet relatively normal world with a fantastic one. The effect is that reading The Star-Touched Queen is like eating a meal that consists of only the richest and best foods; it is meant to be savored and enjoyed thoroughly, not rushed through. 
 Equal to the beauty of the language is the imagery it conveys. Similar to Renee Ahdieh's The Wrath and the Dawn, The Star-Touched Queen is an intense reading experience full of language that will enthrall and delight readers' senses. I love when I can see, hear, taste, smell, and feel a story simply thtough the magic of an author's words. Maya is a masterful storyteller, spinning words into truth for her darling sister, and I think Roshani has something in common with her protagonist. On one hand, I want to be in Nakara and experience the world for myself, but it feels like I already have by reading the book. That's a powerful thing. 
 One aspect of The Star-Touched Queen that I greatly appreciate and I have a feeling will be overshadowed in every review and discussion is Kamala. This book is lovely, but it is often filled with darkness and sorrow. Death is a major theme, and no matter how beautifully written, it's still a heavy subject. So that's why silly, more-than-a-little-crazy, ridiculous Kamala was such a surprise and a welcome addition in the second part. It's no secret that I love me some comic relief, and Kamala provides that in spades, even as she is offering to perform acts of great violence. I'm sure there are plenty of reviews out there that will describe Maya's courage, her path of self-discovery, Amar's swooniness, etc, and I don't disagree. Just know that when things get really heavy, and things look bleak for our fair heroine, Roshani provides fantastic balance with an oddly loyal and just plain odd hilarious sidekick. 
 I'm also very impressed with the fact that The Star-Touched Queen is actually a standalone, something I didn't know until I was about 2/3 through the book. I adore series, but there's something to be said for exploring a world in one installment and feeling satisfied to say goodbye. To go back to my earlier comparison of a rich meal, sometimes I think consumers glut themselves on their favorites past what's enjoyable, like when you eat turkey for a week after Thanksgiving, but it only really tastes good the first two days. No, Hollywood, I don't need a Mummy reboot featuring Tom Cruise (give me Brendan Fraser and Rachael Weiss or give me NOTHING). No, DC/20th Century Fox/Marvel, we do not need more Batman/X-Men/Spider-Man origin movies (except Deadpool; he can stay). I worry about this with beloved series as well so I am so thrilled that Roshani wrote this lush single story that holds its own on its own. Well done! 
 Overall, The Star-Touched Queen is a vividly drawn story that reads like a painting. Its exciting, potent, and dazzling language is reminiscent of all the best fantasies and lyrical novels YA has to offer, and both the story and vivacious and unique world will keep readers enthralled from start to finish. I'm already looking forward to more of Roshani's words and worlds because this one was spectacular!