Scan barcode
A review by queer_bookwyrm
A Drop of Venom by Sajni Patel
adventurous
dark
emotional
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? No
5.0
5 ⭐ CW: Rape and discussions of sexual assault, rape culture, abuse, violence, blood, death, death of a parent
A Drop of Venom By Sajni Patel is book one in the Venom series. This was such an amazing book! It's YA retelling of the Medusa myth using Indian folklore. This was a bit of a brutal read if you are sensitive to descriptions of sexual assault, but I think it's an important story for young adults to read.
We follow Manisha, a girl who's people have been running from the king for years during the Fire Wars. In order to protect her, Manisha's mother and sisters tell her to get taken in by priestesses and to pretend to be one of them until it is safe. The apsara's are very different than Manisha's own people, and teach girls to be quiet, obedient, and submissive. Apsara's are never to be touched by a man or are considered defiled and banished. While at the temple, Manisha meets the slayer of monsters, Pratyush, and forms a budding relationship despite their roles and circumstances.
Then Manisha is sexually assaulted by a male visitor and is kicked over a cliff and left for dead in a pile of vipers. When she comes to, she is surprised to be alive, and not only that, she has new found abilities. Manisha is on a quest to find her family, and along the way confronts how her trauma has changed her, and strives to help other girls being victimized by power hungry men, and the rape culture that excuses their behavior. Meanwhile, Pratyush has been sent to kill the monster who has been turning men to stone, not knowing it is the girl he loves.
This book had some serious themes around sexual assault and rape culture. Rape culture is sneaky. It allows and excuses men to behave like monsters, and no one questions it, even other women. Ultimately, this story is about taking power back, recognizing your own power, and saving yourself. It's also the story of how violence changes girls. The characters are so good. Manisha's strength is so good to see, but it doesn't stop us from seeing her pain and vulnerability. Pratyush is such a good guy. Definitely gonna be a wife guy. He, like Manisha, also feels trapped by expectation and the role he has been given. He just wants a simple life with fancy clothes and a girl he can worship. I absolutely love Noni. I want a giant snake companion.
I can't wait to see where this story goes next and to learn more about Manisha's sisters and what they are doing. Also, can't wait to see if they overthrow that bastard of a king.
A Drop of Venom By Sajni Patel is book one in the Venom series. This was such an amazing book! It's YA retelling of the Medusa myth using Indian folklore. This was a bit of a brutal read if you are sensitive to descriptions of sexual assault, but I think it's an important story for young adults to read.
We follow Manisha, a girl who's people have been running from the king for years during the Fire Wars. In order to protect her, Manisha's mother and sisters tell her to get taken in by priestesses and to pretend to be one of them until it is safe. The apsara's are very different than Manisha's own people, and teach girls to be quiet, obedient, and submissive. Apsara's are never to be touched by a man or are considered defiled and banished. While at the temple, Manisha meets the slayer of monsters, Pratyush, and forms a budding relationship despite their roles and circumstances.
Then Manisha is sexually assaulted by a male visitor and is kicked over a cliff and left for dead in a pile of vipers. When she comes to, she is surprised to be alive, and not only that, she has new found abilities. Manisha is on a quest to find her family, and along the way confronts how her trauma has changed her, and strives to help other girls being victimized by power hungry men, and the rape culture that excuses their behavior. Meanwhile, Pratyush has been sent to kill the monster who has been turning men to stone, not knowing it is the girl he loves.
This book had some serious themes around sexual assault and rape culture. Rape culture is sneaky. It allows and excuses men to behave like monsters, and no one questions it, even other women. Ultimately, this story is about taking power back, recognizing your own power, and saving yourself. It's also the story of how violence changes girls. The characters are so good. Manisha's strength is so good to see, but it doesn't stop us from seeing her pain and vulnerability. Pratyush is such a good guy. Definitely gonna be a wife guy. He, like Manisha, also feels trapped by expectation and the role he has been given. He just wants a simple life with fancy clothes and a girl he can worship. I absolutely love Noni. I want a giant snake companion.
I can't wait to see where this story goes next and to learn more about Manisha's sisters and what they are doing. Also, can't wait to see if they overthrow that bastard of a king.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Blood, and Death of parent