Death and Night – Roshani Chokshi

The Star-Touched Queen 0.5: Death and Night

Goodreads

Author: Roshani Chokshi

Length: 115 pages

“Before The Star-Touched Queen there was only Death and Night.

He was Lord of Death, cursed never to love. She was Night incarnate, destined to stay alone. After a chance meeting, they wonder if, perhaps, they could be meant for more. But danger crouches in their paths, and the choices they make will set them on a journey that will span lifetimes.”
5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

* Please note that I have not read any of the Star-Touched Queen books yet *

This story was just absolutely, breathtakingly beautiful. Not only did the story completely suck me in with its mysterious romance and intrigue, but Chokshi’s writing was just so poetic, melodic and stunning to read.

“For a handful of moments, the sky would turn monstrous, purpled and marbled as if someone had beaten it senseless. One might call it cruel. And yet without it, you’d never notice the stars”  

The story of Death and Night is a tale of two powerful star-crossed lovers. Death haunts the mortal world, taking souls with him and deciding the fate of reincarnation and Night spends her time dancing and weaving the magic of nighttime and dreams into the world. Both are outcasts to the Otherworld in some form or another and both have immense power at their dispense. Both are feared.

What I found extremely interesting was that both Death and Night are struggling with their ability to choose. Death is terrified of falling in love due to the curse he has been put under and Night is scared of her power and her influence being overlooked. 

“Fear is like a curse. But I choose differently.” 

What I also immensely appreciated about this book was that the story and characters were weaved into a diverse and interesting culture (which I assumed to be Indian). It added a lot of depth to the story.  

The romance between Night and Death was extremely electrifying without there needing to be that much physical affection shown. This story really brought out what love really is about, and that’s it’s something that is out of our control and can happen without us even realising it. It’s about not wanting to live without the other and knowing that your partner is building you up to be the best version of yourself that you deserve to be.

Death has found his perfect equal and Night has found the one who will elevate her to the position of recognition that she deserves. 

“I want to lie beside you and know the weight of your dreams. I want to share the whole worlds with you and write your name in the stars. I want to measure eternity with your laughter. Be my queen and I promise you a life where you will never be bored. I promise you more power than a hundred kings. And I promise you that we will always be equals.”

This story was truly an amazing read and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in a short and romantic novella!