heretherebebookdragons 's review for:

The Legend of Meneka by Kritika H. Rao

5.0

adventurous challenging emotional informative inspiring 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: Complicated

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"The challenge floods in me to be with him, a mark who is as powerful as I am, maybe more. I want to seduce him suddenly, not because of Indra, but for myself. I want him to know I am seducing him, to know me and my danger and want it anyway, in the same way that I want him now."

This is a retelling of a famous Hindu myth about an aspara sent to seduce a sage who challenges the gods, but one that centers Meneka (the aspara), and it is sweepingly magical and glorious. Stunning character development, as Meneka truly comes into her own power and knowledge of herself. The romance between Meneka and Kaushika is deep and impactful as they connect so strongly on so many levels - emotionally, intellectually, spiritually, and of course physically. Meneka is an aspara, after all, and there is no shame in sensuality. 

There is absolutely not an ounce of humor in the writing or story, but it never felt dour or grim for it. The lore and explanations of Hinduism is deep and saturates the plot, but it never feels heavy-handed or like an exposition dump. 

Rating: 6/5 absolutely incredible, already one of my top books of the year

Spice: 3/5

Tropes:

- Enemies to lovers

- Retelling

- Hinduism, Indian mythology and culture

- Vengeful and meddling gods

- First in a series

- Queer-normative world

- Found family

- Spy FMC

- Betrayal and hidden identities

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins, and Kritika Rao for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.