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dinasamimi's review against another edition
4.0
Having only read the Mahabharata, I went into this knowing next to nothing about Kaikeyi. This is a highly readable retelling, very much in the vein of Circe. The story sheds some light and humanity onto a villain of Indian epics. If you don’t get down with the “bad guys” or a flawed protagonist that takes a dark turn this isn’t for you. The only other thing that came up for me was a kind of forced feminism in Kaikeyi that took away from the authenticity of the character. Entertaining story nonetheless.
dreaminthepages's review against another edition
4.0
Somewhere between 3 and 4 stars.
This was such a nostalgic read for me as it reminded me of my childhood gushing over all the tales from Hindu mythology.
I had mixed feelings about it toward the last few chapters but then reading the authors note and q&a reminded me that this is her interpretation of a character from the Ramayana who little is known about.
I thought it was a good first novel however also fet like something was missing or that some events didn't really flow well together and sometimes felt a little all over the place or too convenient. I also thought the whole plot and purpose of the Binding Plane was weak and didn't really need to be there and sort of felt frustrated everytime it was brought up in the story.
I did however enjoy the development and journey of Kaikeyi and her relationships. I also loved how the author incorporated other famous characters from the Ramayana into this sort of prequel and reimagined the certain stories in a different light.
This was such a nostalgic read for me as it reminded me of my childhood gushing over all the tales from Hindu mythology.
I had mixed feelings about it toward the last few chapters but then reading the authors note and q&a reminded me that this is her interpretation of a character from the Ramayana who little is known about.
I thought it was a good first novel however also fet like something was missing or that some events didn't really flow well together and sometimes felt a little all over the place or too convenient. I also thought the whole plot and purpose of the Binding Plane was weak and didn't really need to be there and sort of felt frustrated everytime it was brought up in the story.
I did however enjoy the development and journey of Kaikeyi and her relationships. I also loved how the author incorporated other famous characters from the Ramayana into this sort of prequel and reimagined the certain stories in a different light.
elisestewart's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
batesbarb's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
ajevi's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
eliseabril's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
bookcook's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Kaikeyi is one of the most human characters I have come across in fiction. Her love for her family and her care for the women of her community was wonderful to read about, made more compelling by her clear disinterest in romance or sex. At many points in the story I had to remember that this book comes from a different culture with its own story structures, motifs, themes, values, etc. This weight placed on honor and respect is entirely new to me and so it was good to read something like this that sheds light on a part of the world I know very little about.
diacl's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book so much, and it was definitely one of my reads for the year...but why can't us girlies have a happy ending? Why do we have to be the bigger person all the time by being humble and not telling our stories to the world for what they are and not being able to take all the glory for our sacrifices and accomplishments?
chilliam_mc's review against another edition
5.0
This book was absolutely amazing. 10/10. I need to collect my thoughts before I can write a full review. But wow. I am floored.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny
linhsreadinghour's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I can’t believe this book was on my shelf for over a year. I wish I read this sooner. I was halfway through it and had already recommended it to people. This was utterly amazing. I am in awe of everything - the writing, the characters arc, the magic system, the whole feminist retelling of Kaikeyi, the portrayal of women, motherhood, sisterhood, and the sprinkle of Hindu tales, set in vibrant ancient India?! I highlighted so many feminist quotes. If you like feminist Greek retelling, don’t sleep on this. INCREDIBLE. I felt incredibly bittersweet reading this but the ending made me feel so much better. The last 100 pages of this book was gripping, it’s currently 1am. I was so hooked, it was plot twist after plot twist, I felt like I couldn’t catch a break with Kaikeyi. I was so invested and connected to Kaikeyi as we followed her life. PLEASE JUST READ THIS.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Sexism, Violence, War, Grief, Death of parent, and Gaslighting