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chiron_00's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
kimiloughlin's review
3.0
Cute story and fun world! The narrator had a really endearing voice but it was obvious they pinched their nose to diversify some of the character voices and that REALLY annoyed me. I enjoyed Kiki's anxiety (lol). It was refreshing to see it written so plainly and to recognize pieces of myself in this little girl.
einnymydog's review
adventurous
fast-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
3.25
raconteur_recs's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a raw yet beautiful way to look at anxiety and how it’s just as normal as any other illness. This book holds a special place in my heart and soul. This is a book I would’ve loved to read as a middle grader. Back then, I tried to find representation in all the books and found none. The joy of seeing a book with a South Indian MC, and the incorporation of all of the Hindu mythology bedtime tales was such a heartwarming hug.
Kiki and I have so many similarities. We both love art and seek refuge in it. I have days where my anxiousness gets me into a deep spiral, and I could relate to many of her thoughts.
And that twist was so thought-provoking! I had to close the book and contemplate life. I hate when books read you and reveal stuff you couldn’t figure out.
Mahishasura’s tale is age-old, but I certainly love this one in its own way. Kiki’s creation of an alter-university Mysore is a mix of what she’s seen, and experienced in her day-to-day life in London. *chef’s kiss*
The rebel kids aka the Crows are such a fun and dynamic group. While we could’ve toned down on the Lej talks, it was necessary. Ashwini is a character, I don’t want to talk much about. Because as much as I would love to hate her, I can’t. (Is that a spoiler? I think it is. Oh no!)
Anyways, this book is a warm hug to the inner child in you, and everyone should read it. Amazing book. Can’t wait to get my hands on the second one as well.
Kiki and I have so many similarities. We both love art and seek refuge in it. I have days where my anxiousness gets me into a deep spiral, and I could relate to many of her thoughts.
And that twist was so thought-provoking! I had to close the book and contemplate life. I hate when books read you and reveal stuff you couldn’t figure out.
Mahishasura’s tale is age-old, but I certainly love this one in its own way. Kiki’s creation of an alter-university Mysore is a mix of what she’s seen, and experienced in her day-to-day life in London. *chef’s kiss*
The rebel kids aka the Crows are such a fun and dynamic group. While we could’ve toned down on the Lej talks, it was necessary. Ashwini is a character, I don’t want to talk much about. Because as much as I would love to hate her, I can’t. (Is that a spoiler? I think it is. Oh no!)
Anyways, this book is a warm hug to the inner child in you, and everyone should read it. Amazing book. Can’t wait to get my hands on the second one as well.
morrigan_gaines_writes's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-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
5.0
I wish I had this book when I was a kid. It was amazing to see anxiety represented in a middle school fantasy novel.
The author does an excellent job of portraying the inner workings of a kid with generalized anxiety. The story is fast paced, full of action, but also includes several moments where the characters do address mental health issues as well as themes of friendship, found family, family relationships, and loyalty.
We also are immersed in a world rich with aspects and beings from Indian mythology. Kiki is a more believable heroine than many out there as she struggles with the desire to give up, run away, and her own deep anxiety. Despite the heavy focus on mental health, this book doesn't feel preachy or too dark for middle-school level readers. I also really appreciate that Kiki is able to overcome some of that anxiety but also makes a plan to talk to her mom and get more help when she returns to her world.
Absolutely a 5 star read and I plan on checking out more books from this author.
The author does an excellent job of portraying the inner workings of a kid with generalized anxiety. The story is fast paced, full of action, but also includes several moments where the characters do address mental health issues as well as themes of friendship, found family, family relationships, and loyalty.
We also are immersed in a world rich with aspects and beings from Indian mythology. Kiki is a more believable heroine than many out there as she struggles with the desire to give up, run away, and her own deep anxiety. Despite the heavy focus on mental health, this book doesn't feel preachy or too dark for middle-school level readers. I also really appreciate that Kiki is able to overcome some of that anxiety but also makes a plan to talk to her mom and get more help when she returns to her world.
Absolutely a 5 star read and I plan on checking out more books from this author.
ellornaslibrary's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
sad
fast-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
5.0
A new favorite.
I am in love with this book. It's beautiful handling of anxiety rep, it's wonderful disabled rep in the existence of a wheelchair user who is also a tailor and archer(in a fantasy book!), it's lovely messages about the characters in this world, and it's great found family notes. . . The twists and turns in this book, and the fast pace, made everything feel so intense. The different personalities and the bonds of each character from those within the Crows to the ones outside of the group. Just so much to be loved. It surprises me that before I picked it up I hadn't heard more about this book. It deserves more attention.
This is my second experience with the author, the first being the adult fantasy Romance book The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, which I adored, showed me how well Sangu Mandanna can write children so I was beyond excited to find a middle grade work by them.
And I was not disappointed. Not one bit. The writing in this book will pull you in, the characters will steal your heart, and the descriptions will leave you stunned. I can't wait to read the next adventure of Kiki Kallira.
Note: as always, please check content warnings. This book has a child character who deals with anxiety and it also includes an unexpected death, and grief, and I'm sure there are more I'm probably missing.
I am in love with this book. It's beautiful handling of anxiety rep, it's wonderful disabled rep in the existence of a wheelchair user who is also a tailor and archer(in a fantasy book!), it's lovely messages about the characters in this world, and it's great found family notes. . . The twists and turns in this book, and the fast pace, made everything feel so intense. The different personalities and the bonds of each character from those within the Crows to the ones outside of the group. Just so much to be loved. It surprises me that before I picked it up I hadn't heard more about this book. It deserves more attention.
This is my second experience with the author, the first being the adult fantasy Romance book The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, which I adored, showed me how well Sangu Mandanna can write children so I was beyond excited to find a middle grade work by them.
And I was not disappointed. Not one bit. The writing in this book will pull you in, the characters will steal your heart, and the descriptions will leave you stunned. I can't wait to read the next adventure of Kiki Kallira.
Note: as always, please check content warnings. This book has a child character who deals with anxiety and it also includes an unexpected death, and grief, and I'm sure there are more I'm probably missing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Murder, Child death, Grief, and Death
Minor: War, Misogyny, Violence, and Vomit
vctrlysn's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-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
4.25
danip97's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
shaipanda's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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
4.5
This took me a whileee to get through between school and reading slumps and library returns and stuff but I’m so glad I finished it and I really enjoyed this!!! It was really fun although darker than I expected at times and just was exceptionally well done :) there were a couple plot twists that I didn’t lovee and I found the beginning to be kinda slow which might have been why I had some trouble getting into it (or that could’ve just been me lol) but overall I really enjoyed my experience reading this and would definitely recommend ittt :)
I also absolutely loved the portrayal of OCD and anxiety as someone with anxiety and currently pursuing an OCD diagnosis and rarely see that in books I read. Also obviously the absolutely beautiful Indian rep is important to note - while I can’t speak to the representation of that as I am white, it seemed to be done really thoughtful and the descriptions of the world were so vivid
I also absolutely loved the portrayal of OCD and anxiety as someone with anxiety and currently pursuing an OCD diagnosis and rarely see that in books I read. Also obviously the absolutely beautiful Indian rep is important to note - while I can’t speak to the representation of that as I am white, it seemed to be done really thoughtful and the descriptions of the world were so vivid
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Child death, Death, Grief, Violence, Kidnapping, and Mental illness
Moderate: Toxic friendship
Minor: Sexism