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laurelthebooks 's review for:
The Legend of Meneka
by Kritika H. Rao
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
"I am not sure you need approval. Least of all mine. It has been about your own."
The Legend of Meneka weaves itself into Hindu mythology and holds on tight. The romance here is a deep push and pull as our main character, Meneka, tries to find herself while also asking questions on what is means to seduce and be seduces and where the line between desire and lust runs together. While billing this as a romantasy book isn't technically correct, it almost feels like a disservice. Yes, there is some spice. Yes, it is a fantasy. Yes, technically this whole legend is entwined with a relationship between a man and a woman. To me, the story feels more like an ask of what devotion can mean so the romantasy label feels a bit ill-fitted.
"Pain is not always a consequence of doing the wrong thing."
World-building and visuals were near lyrical hear, and the glossary will be of use to you if you aren't familiar with Indian clothing of any sort or Hinduism. I highly recommend looking up visuals as it only enhances the reading experience. I think this book will have some readers digging deeper into Hindu mythology (looking forward to it in fact).
A small detail I found lovely, that sometimes doesn't fit but worked so well in this book, was the scents attached to many of the characters! It feels unrealistic sometimes, but here it simply added to both the atmosphere and world-building beautifully.
"We are immortal souls, all of us caught in the conspiracies of life."
A core part of Meneka's thought process for a majority of the book is doubt and confusion. This hesitation and reluctance holds her back so much, and while it might feel repetitive for sections of the book I found it all the more relieving at the end when she finally takes things into her own hands and acts.
The Legend of Meneka weaves itself into Hindu mythology and holds on tight. The romance here is a deep push and pull as our main character, Meneka, tries to find herself while also asking questions on what is means to seduce and be seduces and where the line between desire and lust runs together. While billing this as a romantasy book isn't technically correct, it almost feels like a disservice. Yes, there is some spice. Yes, it is a fantasy. Yes, technically this whole legend is entwined with a relationship between a man and a woman. To me, the story feels more like an ask of what devotion can mean so the romantasy label feels a bit ill-fitted.
"Pain is not always a consequence of doing the wrong thing."
World-building and visuals were near lyrical hear, and the glossary will be of use to you if you aren't familiar with Indian clothing of any sort or Hinduism. I highly recommend looking up visuals as it only enhances the reading experience. I think this book will have some readers digging deeper into Hindu mythology (looking forward to it in fact).
A small detail I found lovely, that sometimes doesn't fit but worked so well in this book, was the scents attached to many of the characters! It feels unrealistic sometimes, but here it simply added to both the atmosphere and world-building beautifully.
"We are immortal souls, all of us caught in the conspiracies of life."
A core part of Meneka's thought process for a majority of the book is doubt and confusion. This hesitation and reluctance holds her back so much, and while it might feel repetitive for sections of the book I found it all the more relieving at the end when she finally takes things into her own hands and acts.