Sahi

Probably more of a 3.5.

I'm not a poetry reader at all, so I frankly don't even know the reason why I impulsively decided to pick this up. And I'm definitely not someone who can review a poetry/verse collection like this in any coherent manner.

Why I can't really articulate to you what this whole collection was about, I could feel some of the emotions behind it, especially the ones related to belonging, not being able to understand a language that's supposed to one's mother tongue, that feeling of displacement from the place where one belongs to etc. And the the descriptions of food and rain in particular were very exquisite. But I can't say the same about the complete book because there were many places where I felt lost and unable to understand what the author was trying to convey, but that's probably just my shortcoming for being unfamiliar with the format.

However, the one thing I will remember about this is the way the author plays with the Chinese language, using homonyms as a metaphor for the various emotions the narrator is going through, the wordplay giving so many different meanings than what's being conveyed in English, and the interplay between the two languages leads to so much more conversation and depth. I don't know if I will read more poetry by this author but I definitely feel that I got to experience this collection.

Sometimes, I wonder why I decide to pick up genres like YA contemporary when I know I'm too old for them. But this was another book where the premise hooked me and I couldn't resist the opportunity to participate in a blog tour. And I'm glad I did.

I was actually expecting the two timelines to alternate but I think the author's decision to tell the whole story from the past first and then move on to the present worked fine for this story. It was a very easy to read in terms of pacing and I finished it in one shot but that doesn't mean the content was easy to take in. As the author is dealing with themes like teenage pregnancy, interracial adoption, identity crisis and more - there's a lot of pain and anguish in these pages which the author captures well and I felt the importance and gravity of the decisions that the characters were having to make. While I don't really identify with any of the themes, it was still a very relatable book because of how innately South Asian everything felt.

Both the characters Ayesha and Mira did and felt things which I thought they were being wrong about but upon trying not to judge them, I realized they were only being eighteen year olds thrust into difficult situations and dealing with them in whatever way they could think of. Ayesha in particular is terrified and alone and the fact that she even manages to make such momentous decisions is highly commendable. It was only her tremendous guilt I had some issue with but I also decide how she should feel about giving up her daughter.

Mira on the other hand has had a wonderful childhood and family but the feeling of missing something never goes away. Her sadness at not knowing much about her own birth heritage felt very sad and her attempts at finding those missing parts of herself was heartening. I was also very glad that she had such an excellent support system in her parents and friends. Actually, the one thing that I noticed about the whole book was that there were only supportive characters throughout and despite the sad content, it's overall a very positive book.

On the whole, this was something unlike most books I read but I thought it was a very well written tale of two young women separated by circumstances finally finding their way back to each. It's about love and family of all kinds, the one we are born in and the one we make, and how being supportive of each other can only lead to happiness even if things aren't going well. The final page made me tear up and it was such a poignant way to end the story, where it feels like a new beginning. This was my first book by the author but I definitely hope it won't be my last.

I don't know what I expected going into this book but the first few pages completely flooring me wasn't it. It initially hit me hard because there was so much about the author's struggles I felt I could relate to, but that feeling slowly reduced as the book went on. While there were some aspects of her personality that didn't make sense to me, I really appreciated the discussions about Persistent Depressive Disorder, the reasons for binge eating, the anxieties over little things, the pressure of expectations and more. I've never gone to a therapist despite my issues with depression, so I did take heed of some of the things the therapist here was saying because I felt had come to some of those realizations myself, and there were some small changes I could try to make in my thinking. Overall, this was a short but surprisingly insightful book, which may not have all the answers, but sometimes even being seen and realizing we are not alone in the world can be powerful in it's own way.

Average Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐

One of my goals for this year has been to read more translated books, especially Indian ones and not just my favorite Chinese danmei novels, but I can't say that I've succeeded much at it. So, when I saw that this collection of short stories had released, I decided I had to pick it up, and put away my numerous ARCs to do just that.

I truly know very little about Indian literature, especially from the 20th century, which is a shame and I can only hope that I will get to read more of those works from various Indian languages. But I had heard of the author Dhumketu because of my friend Charvi who reviewed another of his story collections a while ago. Which is why I decided to read this new collection and was immediately engrossed in it. I think most of these stories were written pre-independence and are set during those times but the author explores themes like caste discrimination, bribery, grief, loneliness, loss which are feel very relatable and relevant to today's times. The writing has a lot of simplicity to it and the author excels at telling a lot in just a few words. The translator Jenny Bhatt has also done a great job conveying the beauty of Dhumketu's words and made them accessible to us all, for which I am very thankful. While I may have loved some stories here more than others, this collection is definitely a gem, a mirror to the Indian society of the times, and worth reading for everyone. This has only increased my resolve to read more desi books.

Below are my individual story reviews:

The Post Office

Importance of empathizing with another person's situation, told in a very simple but effective manner.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tears of the Soul

Tale of woman's plight who is always asked to sacrifice something of herself for a higher purpose. A bit rage inducing, sad and powerful at the same time.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

On the Banks of the Sarayu

I don't know exactly what this story wanted to convey but it definitely made me sad for the child who only wanted to listen to a story from him ever busy parents.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Kailas

A bittersweet tale of regrets and grief and loneliness, unexpected bonds, and finding purpose anew.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Queen of Nepal

Another story of what if's and regrets, and some surprising turn of events.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

The Rebirth of Poetry

A surprising blend of fantasy and scifi, set in a futuristic dystopia, this was about how humans need dreams and diversity and artistic liberty to have fulfilling lives. But when compared to our current lifestyle where we are in a constant need for stimulation, this story left more questions than answers.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

Ebb and Flow

CW: miscarriage, corporal punishment

While it is about how monotonous one's life can get and how that can totally take the joy out of living, I'm not sure what I feel about this story.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Unknown Helpers

Exactly as the title says, it's the story of those who help when help is needed without any expectations.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Anaami

Just a sweet tale of an unexpected bond between a young child, her milk-woman and a neighbor who doesn't want to be involved.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Noble Daughters-In-Law

CW: suicide

Sad but equally enraging story about the lives of women in those times, tied in destiny to their husbands and cast off once they are widows, without much hope for survival.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Light and Shade

Very much about the cycle of abuse across generations and households, and one young girl's quest to find a way out of it in her own little ways.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Gulabvahu

Filled with extreme caste prejudice, the ending of it almost felt like deserved comeuppance.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

The New Poet

I didn't know if I wanted to laugh at the overenthusiastic man who considered himself an extraordinary poet or be sympathetic that he couldn't understand the sarcastic comments being made at his expense.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

The Shehnai Virtuso

It's about grief and remembrance but what I will remember most are the gorgeous descriptions of soulful music.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

Mungo Gungo

I'm not sure I understood the intent here but I felt it was about how devastating it could be if the only thing you were good at is taken from you.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5

Ratno Dholi

A tale of unrivaled joy and unbridled jealousy, the power of lies told over and over again, and the fickle nature of trust, this was truly heartbreaking.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

My Homes

CW: suicide

A fascinating tale about how every home has a story behind it, in this case, full of loss and grief.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

The Prisoner of Andaman

A bit bittersweet but hopeful story of not feeling the love in one's birth place and finding a new home elsewhere, even if it started out of desperate circumstances.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5

A Happy Delusion

Definitely a well written and thought provoking tale about life, one's accomplishments, and what happens when one's passion and survival are at cross purposes.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Memorable Day

A tale of two women of the same name but very disparate circumstances, it also felt like a commentary on how society and we humans create these divisions because of our own feeling of moral superiority. And despite lots of disparagement about the true nature of art and artistry, I'm not sure I understood or enjoyed this fully.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

When a Devi Ma Becomes a Woman

Another story which I can't say I understood the ending, but I definitely hated the men in it for having no loyalty and how their respect for a woman was all just a façade.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5

The Golden Necklace

A tale about true love, sincerity, craftsmanship and how it grants immortality on the creator, this was very interesting.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This Dispenser of Justice

A tale of oppression and justice, this felt sad but ultimately was satisfying.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

The Creator of Life's Ruins

CW: usage of ableist slurs

I can't say that I liked the redemption arc of an idle and wicked disabled man as the main story here. But I guess the author wrote it to perfectly encapsulate the proverb “An idle mind is the devil's workshop”.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

The Worst of the Worst

A very well written tale of exaction of justice by a most unlikely person when everyone else in the community doesn't even try.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Old Custom, New Approach

While many stories here felt relevant to the current times, this one could have been written in 2022 and would still be true because bribery still rules the roost in government offices, and ethical principles are relegated to printouts on the wall.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Probably more of a 3.5 but I'm rounding up.

This book was a purely vain addition to my tbr because have you seen the covers..??? Both the UK and US editions are stunning and there was no way I was gonna be able to resist reading it. And I was pretty happy when I got the arc. Now let's see how I feel about it.

The writing is definitely easy to get hooked on and I found the beginning with prophecies proclaiming upcoming doom and the main character trying to figure out what to do to prevent it very compelling to read. The world is also fascinating with Seers, faeries, faerie wood, witches, beasts and more - but I felt like none of the elements were too fleshed out. We only got the information that was strictly necessary to move the story forward and nothing more, which was slightly dissatisfying, but I hope we'll get more in the sequel. It's got a very fairytale feel to it though, and I was totally for those vibes. The plot also is a weird mix of romance and working towards avoiding the prophecy and while I did enjoy both aspects of the story, I think maybe the integration of the two could have been executed better. The pacing is pretty fast though, which is why this turned out to be another book I finished in a day. The other aspect I did like was how the author wove in themes like colonialism and expansionism, the false justification for wars, how common people are manipulated into supporting such bloodshed - and the author does all this quite well, seamlessly as part of the story, without feeling like additional commentary.

Most of my love for this book is because of Violet. She is an orphan girl who managed to get to her position as the King's Seer by being loyal to him, lying and manipulating when necessary, basically doing everything required so that she can survive. She is clever, icy, prickly and knows exactly what she is doing and doesn't regret it for the most part (or atleast doesn't give herself the chance to feel any regrets). She knows how to play the game at court and values the position she has earned, and to hell with anyone who thinks she is being cowardly or selfish.

Cyrus on the other hand may be the Prince Charming but it took me a bit to like him and I still can't say I was entirely convinced. He is definitely righteous, wants peace and would like to avoid as much bloodshed and wars with the neighboring kingdoms as possible, but can also be narrow minded and a bit rigid in his beliefs and expectations.

Theirs is supposed to be a hate to love relationship and it shows. We get the antagonistic banter between them, the sexual tension, the hateful making out and more - but I guess it all felt a bit hurried to me. I can't seem to decide if it was because of the fast paced plot, or if there was a possibility to have more of their interactions on page so that I could be convinced of their bond. I think I definitely saw his feelings coming through, but Violet's feelings were more difficult to pin down which is funny considering she is the only pov we get. I'm not saying I didn't enjoy the romance, but I guess I just would have liked more of it.

The side characters are not too many but are a mix of interesting and not too significant. Cyrus's twin Camilla is definitely the most fun of the lot who is a privileged princess who enjoys her role to the fullest, but can also fight if push comes to shove. Dante is all of their close friend and he seemed to be someone I could have really liked if only he had been present more. The King is probably the looming presence across the book and I liked how the author used his character as a foil to discuss her themes in detail. I can't decide if he was a good ruler for his kingdom or not but I definitely am not a fan, though I have to say he is written very realistically. And then there's the antagonist whom I won't spoil but we definitely deserved to know more about them, because I didn't get a sense of why they were the villain.

Overall, this was an enjoyable book but maybe not wholly satisfactory. I guess I just had too many expectations. But I love that the author created a no nonsense, prickly heroine and I can only hope we'll get more of her being herself in the sequel. I am also looking forward to discovering more of the world. However, I feel like the author did a good job wrapping up the story in a way it feels complete, just in case it is useful information for anyone thinking about picking this up.

I don't really have favorite fairytales but if there's one I can say I really enjoyed, it has to be Rapunzel. So when I saw that this book was to be a retelling of the story from the witch's perspective, I was immediately intrigued. And I'm glad that it lived up to the expectations.

I don't wanna give it away but the narrative device used to tell the witch's story was something that took me by surprise and I have to say I really enjoyed it. And the writing itself is so captivating. It's got complete fairytale vibes, but a bit on the darker side and it's pretty fast paced, so I just wanted to keep going once I started. The descriptions are also very evocative and I could totally feel the mysterious and otherworldly nature of everything. I also liked the unpredictability of the story - I really couldn't guess even for a second where it was going until the story almost reached the end.

Haelewise is a young girl who has always been different from others but sheltered from the world due to her mother's protectiveness. But once she loses her mother and finds herself alone and cast away, she decides to find purpose and is very determined in her path. Despite her longing for love and affection, I found that Haelewise is a very resolute character, who knows she has to do something even when she isn't clear of the path, and will do whatever it takes to achieve the outcome. The way she handles every obstacle in her life is admirable and I really liked her character, even when I wasn't sure what she was thinking or what she was gonna do next.

Kunegunde is the forest witch who gives her sanctuary and I thought the author did an interesting job creating such a push and pull relationship between them, where they seem to care for the other but are also always at odds. Rika was a small presence, so I felt we really didn't get to know her well. Ursilda on the other hand as well as Beatrice felt like strong women who valued their relationships and faith more than power and I appreciated their strength of conviction. Haelewise's mother is a significant presence even though she dies pretty early on, and it felt like she was always with her daughter, protecting and guiding her. And finally, I have to talk about Matthäus whose relationship with Haelewise felt both unbreakable and under developed. Every interaction between them is charged with love and tension, but I felt we didn't get enough backstory to help us see why they shared such a strong bond. But his loyalty was also definitely very enviable because despite everything, he never forgot his first love.

On the whole, this was a very engaging and fun fairytale retelling which got dark at times, but was also equally powerful in telling a story about women whose historical narratives get forgotten when books are written, who are powerful and confident and do a lot for each other, but never gain the right recognition. This is a story dedicated to all such women and I'm glad I got to read it.

Definitely more of a 4.5, so I'm rounding up.

CW: rape, suicidal ideation, self harm, animal murder

I've been eager to get to this book since the first time I got to know about it because I was sure it'll be special. I'm also very thankful to the author for offering me an arc before I managed to snag an audio review copy too and I had such a good time alternating between the two formats. So I guess you can see which direction this review is gonna go.

Just before this book, I had started reading another arc but it wasn't able to keep my attention. So I put it down and picked this one up hoping that this would be more interesting, and I was instantly hooked. It does start off with a difficult scene but I have to commend the author for handling the aftermath with a lot of empathy. And also for providing the content warnings, because if I encounter a suicide/self harm scene without knowing, it's an instant DNF from me and my mood will be totally down for days to come later. But I knew it was coming and that made it easier to get through, and I just felt so so sympathetic towards the character. The writing is just very engaging right from the get go and the pacing pretty fast that I didn't wanna put it down once I began. If it wasn't for my dear friend Shazzie asking me to slow down coz I had promised to do a buddy read (which wasn't entirely successful because of my over enthusiasm), I would have probably finished this in a day. I thought the endearing writing was equally complemented by a very well narrated audiobook, with both James Fouhey and Vikas Adam bringing the characters and their emotions to life with their spectacular voice acting.

Velasin or Vel is a gay man from a kingdom which is both homophobic and transphobic, and finds himself both in an arranged diplomatic marriage and a scandalous situation back to back. And then follows his journey, both physical and within himself, to find the place and person where he can belong and finally be himself, not having to hide his true self. While his anxiety, constant spiraling, and self deprecation felt very relatable, it was the other side of his personality that impressed me. He is inquisitive, a keen observer, a born charmer and diplomat who is quite capable of figuring out malicious intentions and motives and investigate political conflicts. But he is also lost when he realizes that he doesn't have to hide his self anymore, can be open in his affections, and needs time to unlearn all the prejudices among which he grew up.

Caethari or Cae on the other hand is a lord's son and soldier, who is shocked at his sudden arrange marriage instead of his sister's but is also curious to meet his prospective husband. He is a much more straightforward person who doesn't fancy himself capable of handling any political intrigue, and also can get shy around the person whom he finds attractive. But overall he is just a very nice and thoughtful guy.

And the way their budding relationship is written despite it beginning with a marriage, is hands down the best part of this book. Right from Cae trying to help Vel through his trauma and offering his friendship, to Vel taking it upon himself to investigate all the assassination attempts and trusting Cae implicitly, their bond starts with friendship and builds into something more, full of trust and affection. They are just so endearingly written that I found myself helpless but to fall in love with both of them, and root for them every step of the way.

Vel's friend and valet Markel is also a significant presence in the book and I adored their bond. They have a history and the trust between them is inviolable, and I felt they got to express their feelings towards each other even more now that they are allowed to. And it was amazing how Cae made an effort to learn sign language so that he could get to know his husband's best friend better. Liran is Car's ex and current friend who I thought was a delight even though he was only present for a couple of scenes. I just had this feeling that he and Vel would get along very well and tease Cae incessantly. There were also many of Cae's family members and other people in his household who were all quite interesting and accepted Velasin pretty quickly which made me like them all.

To conclude, I'm absolutely in love with this book. It may have some difficult themes but they are handled sensitively, and along with them we have very easy to love characters, writing that's engaging since page one, a very charming love story, maybe a bit predictable but still enjoyable mystery and political intrigue, and just overall a very lovely reading experience. I'll especially recommend this to fans of Winter's Orbit because it has very similar vibes, albeit in a fantasy setting. Also do give the audiobook a try because it's excellent. I can't believe this is the first book of Foz I'm reading despite following them for a long while, and can only hope I'll get to read more of their works.

I've known about Jason since before I had even decided to learn about American politics because Missouri was the first state I lived in the US, but I don't recollect how I actually got introduced to him. So it's been many years of watching his interviews, following his journey on social media, donating to Let America Vote, cheering him both during a prospective national campaign and the run for Kansas City mayor, and later wishing him all the best in his healing process from ptsd. I had also loved his previous book Outside the Wire, so there was no question that I was gonna read this one. I was very excited when I got the advance copy but waiting till I could buy the audiobook because I definitely wanted to hear it all in his own voice. And I'm glad I waited.

This is not an easy book to get through because the struggles both Jason and Diana go through are brutal but Jason keeps it honest and funny. I can never understand the kind of life he has lived or the kind of drive he has had to do something better for the world, but there are still tiny parts of his issues that resonated with me because I've had those days myself and it's validating to know that I'm not alone in this. And which is why I think this is a very important book because there are too many people these days with mental health issues and while many know that it's okay to seek help, it's not easy to do it and there's always something that's stopping us, and listening to someone prolific like Jason share his process of healing from his trauma is very eye opening and helpful and I hope it'll help not just veterans who are suffering from ptsd, but anyone who has issues. I also really appreciated getting Diana's perspective because I didn't know anything about secondary ptsd and I think it's something that everyone should know more about, especially if you have family members who are struggling.

The book also raises rightful concerns about the conditions of service members after they return from combat and how nothing is done to make them get out of the intense survival mode and acclimate to civilian life. I'm deeply appreciative of Jason's work with VCP and I hope his dream of working towards zero veteran homelessness comes true. And whether he runs for office again or not, I'm excited to follow all the work that he is doing with his nonprofit, podcast and as a party leader at 40. Hopefully he'll also write more books because he is an inspiring progressive leader and his voice is much needed in an ever depressing world.

Probably more of a 3.5 but I'm rounding up.

I had been seeing this book everywhere and my friend Shazzie was also reading it, but tbh I never had plans to pick it up. Then Libro.fm gave me the audiobook advance copy and as I'm always looking for something new to listen to, I thought why not give it a try. And turns out it was quite good.

I went in with no expectations, so I was immediately taken in by these two characters who are antagonistic towards each other but also have their own personal issues. I can't say I was always a fan of the banter here because it bordered on mean a few times, and I kept wondering how their dynamic will change to romantic at some point. But the author does a great job with the transition and I started enjoying the book more once their interactions became friendlier and intense. Mercy is someone who seems to have dedicated her life to her family and their business, without ever thinking about herself and while there were hiccups, I was glad to see her speak up for herself as well as realize what she wanted to change in her life. Hart on the other hand is also a workaholic but there's this deep loneliness within him that tugged at my heart and it was awesome to see his transformation when he realized he doesn't need to be so lonely.

I enjoyed the contrast between the way they communicated in letters and then in person because there is a level of understanding that develops between them in words but it's also obvious that they are mostly presenting one side of themselves in the letters. It really was an interesting parallel to our social media lives which are sometimes way different than our actual lives. I also enjoyed that they were quite considerate and thoughtful with each other once they developed a relationship.

Other than these two, their individual relationships with others were also very well written. Mercy's sisterly dynamic with Lilian was fun, her initially skeptical but quick acceptance of Zeddie's career choice was sweet and I loved how they all tried to protect their father. I didn't think Hart would warm up so quickly to his partner Pen but it was such a lovely father-son kinda dynamic and I adored their scenes together. Alma and Diane were also good friends to Hart and I liked how they called him out when he was being mopey.

The other interesting part of the book was the very intriguing world that the author created with its gods and their mythology, the death rituals, the zombie like drudges etc. It was fleshed out enough that it gave us context and rounded off our characters' personalities but the author still managed to keep the focus more on the relationships and romance, with fantasy just feeling like a necessary backdrop.

Overall, I thought this was a fun book with its serious moments and exploration of grief and loneliness and the audiobook narrated by Michael Gallagher and Rachanee Lumayno kept me hooked all the way through. Do check it out when you are in the mood for something lighthearted and not fantasy heavy.

This has to be one of the most cutest, fluffiest and softest romantic story I have ever read. Nick and Charlie are so sweet, I might die of a diabetic coma. Their friendship and falling in love is written and illustrated beautifully and I can't wait to read more. And I have no idea what more to say except that please go and binge read this webcomic because it'll definitely make you smile.

Definitely a 4.5.

This book was on my radar but I hadn't actually planned to read it. But I kept seeing it everywhere and then two of my favorite reviewers and friends, Caitlin and Lia loved it, so I knew I had to give it a try. And what better time than during a very stressful international flight journey. It really felt like a perfect balm to my harried soul.

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of the writing here is that it's a breeze. I started reading the book once my flight started and by the time I stopped, I was more than one third into it and I felt like I had just started. It's very captivating and engaging right from the get go, and it keeps you hooked with very clever writing, banter, delightful characters and an underlying message that resonates. It's a historical setting with modern sensibilities infused and makes for some perfect escapism. The pacing of the book is also pretty fast, which is probably why I was so quickly lost in it.

The equally excellent part of this book are the characters. Dora may have had half of her soul stolen which prevents her from feeling or expressing most kinds of emotions, but it also makes her a very straightforward person. She is good and compassionate and has a keen sense of justice, which more than makes up for her inability to express.

She finds her perfect match in the Lord Sorcier of England, Elias who starts off as a grumpy man who has no interest in being polite or kind. But as his interactions with Dora turn from banter to more honest, we realize that he has been through so much in life and is angry all the time because he can't fathom the cruelty of humans all around him. This becomes a common point that brings the both of them closer because while both are dismayed at the atrocities they witness and despair that they can't eradicate all evil, they still decide and strive to do as much as they can to help those who can't help themselves and have been neglected or disdained by polite society.

It was also nice to see a whole cast of interesting characters. Dora's cousin Vanessa is a sweet young girl who is privileged and has the usual indifference which comes with her upbringing, but she is also staunchly loyal to Dora and never lets her down. I loved how willing to try and change she was, and their sibling bond was very beautiful to read about. Albert is a physician who fought in the war alongside Elias so they both have a very strong brotherhood and though it can be tested sometimes, they also share similar loyalty towards each other built upon both shared understanding of the cruelty of war, as well as the cruelty of human beings. I also thought Dora and Albert's few interactions were a lot of fun and I adore him for first realizing the potential in their couple. We also have other surprising additions to the cast who may only appear in a few scenes but impressed me with their words and actions.

Yes, this book has villains who our main characters have to confront, but I think the main villain in this story is the indifference of human beings towards the evil that happens in our society. The overall tone of the book maybe fun and charming but I loved how deftly the author manages to convey the themes about showing compassion, helping those who are in need, not overlooking the atrocities that happen around us, and raising our voice when needed so that we can all make our share of insignificant contribution towards a better society.

I can't believe that I've fallen in love with yet another new series and now have to read the next ones in it, as if I already done have an overflowing tbr. But I don't regret it at all because this book gave me joy and most importantly, a couple I really really adored. I would highly recommend this book, especially if you enjoy historical romances, but I feel that it'll charm anyone, so you should all give it a try whatever your genre preferences maybe.

I didn't think I will get to this book immediately after finishing Pride and Premeditation but I've been having trouble reading anything these days because of how busy I've gotten and an quirky audiobook sounded like the right way to go.

Sense and Sensibility is my favorite Jane Austen. Though I did enjoy P&P on my second read, my first love will always be S&S, so this book was exciting to read. And adding a multiple murder mystery and making our Dashwood sisters investigators was fun but I loved how the author kept the essence of Eleanor and Marianne intact. Eleanor is intelligent, rational and scientific in her observations while Marianne is spirited and a bit impulsive (and I did feel exasperated with her just like in the original) but together they make a formidable team. I also thought the underlying thread behind the murders was very fascinating and while I don't know how accurate the issue is to the times, I found it very plausible. The supporting characters are also quite fun, especially Margaret who is a delight and I especially adored the way she was narrated in the audiobook.

Overall, I'm unexpectedly loving this Austen meets Agatha Christie series and I have to emphasize that I feel it's extra enjoyable because of the entertaining narration. The next installment is a Mansfield Park reimagining and because I don't remember much of the original, I'll have to see how I'll like it.

I came across this book by chance when I was browsing audiobooks and since it's been a while that I've picked up an Austen retelling (I used to that pretty frequently until a couple of years ago) and that I'm feeling no mood to pick up a fantasy, I thought I should give this a try. And it was a delight.

I'm glad that just like she mentioned in the author's note, she took quite a few liberties with regency England because it means we are able to get a very feminist and unexpectedly bold retelling of Pride and Prejudice here. It remains familiar by giving us the characters who keep most of their original attitudes and personalities as well as sprinkling the story with some of the most famous lines from the classic. But we also get a braver and bolder Elizabeth who wants to be a solicitor and challenges her father that she'll prove her capabilities, and then clashes with Darcy when they both inadvertently get involved in the same case. The mystery solving can be a bit predictable though I didn't guess one part of it till almost the end, but the writing and banter just keep us engaged throughout. The writing is a lot of fun, very witty and entertaining, and gives us quite a few memorable confrontations between Lizzie and Darcy. And I didn't feel at all miffed that it's too much of a slow burn because I was just chuckling at most of the story and loved the characters a lot. And it's perfectly complemented by some evocative narration by Morag Sims.

Now that I've encountered the author's lovely writing, I'm quite interested to see how she retells Sense and Sensibility and hope to get to it soon.

Probably more of a 3.5 but I'm rounding up.

This one took a while to get going for me but eventually I was totally engaged with the story and the characters. Clara is a super fun heroine and I really her character arc a lot, especially the reveal of her identity was such a delightful surprise. Ishtvan felt a bit different than the character I came to love in Paladin's Grace but he is still a compassionate leader and takes care of everyone with him. The plot was also a bit on the slow side which made me very distracted but overall, I had fun listening to the well narrated audiobook and hopefully will get to the next one soon.

CW (from the author): This book contains abusive family dynamics, including physical and emotional abuse, child endangerment, and forced family separation. The story also contains depictions or references to racism, famine and hunger, slavery, parental death/bereavement, alcoholism, and mental illness.

I have very few classics which I even like a little bit and I can confidently say Wuthering Heights isn't one of them, and I never thought I would enthusiastically read a retelling of the story. But that's what happens when my most favorite author Tasha decides to tell it, I pounce on it with grabby hands because how could I not. I was so upset when my arc requests got rejected and I was waiting for the release when I got the opportunity to participate in this blog tour, and I can't even say how ecstatic I was about it. And the book was everything and nothing like I expected it to be.

Having followed Tasha on social media for a few years, I think I know a teeny bit about her sensibilities and there are a couple of elements I've come to realize she absolutely loves in both writing herself and the media she consumes - gothic atmosphere and yearning. And she has decided to infuse these elements in spades in this book. I don't have enough words to describe the writing here but stunning is one that surely comes to mind; the words captivated me instantly and had me in their grip throughout without ever letting go. The atmosphere the author creates is all pervasive and I could feel the howling winds, the creaking wood, the fear that comes with confronting the ghosts within and without, and the terror that is not knowing one's own past and not being able to determine one's own future. The yearning for freedom and understanding and that one person who completely knows you (知己 really is the perfect word that comes to mind) seeps into you through these pages and makes you feel every single gut wrenching emotion.

So yes, this is a love story and one that both nurtures and destroys. But the author infuses so much more depth into the classic. Colonialism might never be shown in any of the classics that we end up reading but Tasha is not one to shy away from the horrors of the times, and here we get an intimate glimpse into the lives of those who are separated from their homelands - either through force or circumstances - and have to fight for every scrap of survival, while forgetting their own identity, hoping for a reprieve. But even while talking about the bleak lives of these forgotten people, the author manages to show the bonds that develop between them when they have nothing more left to lose, and what a hopeful feeling it is to want to work together for the betterment of each other's lives, all while reclaiming some part of their forgotten identity. Tasha has a list of book recommendations at the end featuring colonialism, the lives of Indian settlers in Britain during those times and the forgotten history of the minorities and immigrants who were very much a part of the country even in the eighteenth century; and I'm very interested to get to these books and learn more.

I don't think I ever finished reading Wuthering Heights but I do remember skimming through a movie adaptation of it but not liking either the story much or the characters. And tbh, I started off feeling the same about the characters here as well and it was the gorgeous prose that kept me going. Cathy is a haunted young woman, who has found it always difficult to fit in and thinks that she wants a life of peace and abundance, and especially escape from her home full of ghosts. But she also has this wildness in her which yearns for freedom and feels terrified at being confined to the life of a rich gentleman's wife. She can come across as bratty and selfish but it is clear that she is also depressed and missing the one person who she feels most connected to.

Heathcliff is also a character who is haunted by the past that feels just out of the corner of his mind, is beaten and bruised and humiliated but survives because of his unexplainable connection with Cathy. But when he finds himself away from her, he gets the opportunity to learn more about his forgotten identity as well as meet people who come from similar backgrounds and are living in dire straits, struggling for survival.

While we only get to see the bond that they share in glimpses during flashbacks, it's obvious how much they feel for the other, almost bordering on obsession. But the character progression they each go through happens when they are separated and are able to explore and learn what is most important to them, how to achieve it, and what they are ready to do for each other. There is a lot of ferocity and wildness in their personalities and even in their relationship which is usually only tamed and satisfied when they are with each other, but when they are separated, they hone it to find their purpose in life and their way back to each other.

There are quite a few side characters but it's hard to say any of them is very memorable when we have two main characters whose presence is very overwhelming. But the found family that Heathcliff finds in Liverpool in James, Hal, Hettie, Annie, Mrs. Hussain and her family are unforgettable and are the catalyst for him realizing that anger is not his only emotion and he can be more than the vile words that others use to humiliate him. Cathy's family on the other hand is all full of anger and despair and it infects every little bit of their home and lives and while Nelly tries to keep the peace and Cathy's nephew Hareton safe, her brother Hindley is a ticking time bomb they all have to walk on eggshells around. Edgar and Isabella are the embodiments of a safe and rich life that Cathy can choose if only she can let go of her soulmate.

In the end, I don't think I can even say whether I liked this book or loved it or didn't - all I can say is I felt every bit of it. The words here are magic, the story both horrible and hopeful, and one goes through a gamut of feelings while reading this book before landing on that tiny bit of light at the end of the tunnel. Whether you are a fan of Wuthering Heights or not, if you want to be transported into this gothic world of pain and love and obsession and more, and experience the beauty of Tasha's prose, I highly recommend this book. I promise it'll get its hooks in you pretty quickly and make you not wanna leave. This definitely is my favorite of the four remixed classics I've read till date but I'm also looking forward to be wowed by the upcoming ones, especially Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Till then, I'll ruminate on these lovely words...

“I know now, that I'd send my soul to you wherever you are. Because wherever you are is where I belong.”

Probably more of a 3.5.

CW: mentions of domestic violence, suicide, polygamous cult and child marriage

I don't even know why I decided to pick up this novella. I think it was the premise of the UBI which is a topic I have been wanting to know about for while. Though after reading this book, I think my idea of the UBI was way more idealistic and not practical.

This story has four POVs - four women who are in very different circumstances and through their experiences, the author tries to throw light on how having the option of UBI will affect people based on their situations. It was especially illuminating to see how victims of domestic violence or those stuck in cults would feel having their own money, but at the same how the perpetrators might use this as another way to make use of the victims. I liked the two POVs representing women in these situations. The other two POVs I wasn't a huge fan of but one of them did offer up various views about UBI from lots of people.

I know I'm being very vague in my review and can't even articulate what I probably felt reading this book. I will say that if you are looking for a character focused story, you will get it but it may not be fully satisfactory. But if you are okay with a story that explores the pros and cons of UBI through the eyes of many characters, then you should find this fascinating.

CW: past death of a parent, anxiety, nightmares, pregnancy

I read the author's Beach Read when it released and found it to be very enjoyable. But as I wasn't reading much contemporaries, I didn't checkout the next one by her. But this book was an instant addition to my tbr because how can I resist that title, cover and two main characters working in the publishing industry.

The writing was so so easy to get captivated by and once I started, I got lost in it. The banter is first class and there's just so much casual humor in every conversation that you'll have a smile on your face for a good part of the book. But the book is also quite serious in parts, especially regarding the handling of grief, how that pain of losing a parent never goes away and how it can manifest as panic/anxiety at the idea of losing other family members. The idea of belonging, not being able to feel like home where we are supposed to, finding the place where we feel like we can be our true selves - all these themes are explored and while I've not had any American small town experience, I could relate to it a lot because I'm a city girl through and through as well. And frankly, I'm glad the author subverted the usual tropes of small town romance because it's not my favorite sub genre. The pacing is pretty fast too, because most of the book takes place in just a month and while a romance in that short of a time can feel like instalove, the author does a great job convincing us of the connection between the two main characters.

While this maybe marketed as a romance, it did feel more like the story of two sisters with a romantic subplot. Nora is an older sister, very organized and excellent at her job, with no interest in romance because she has been burned before. She is almost like a mother figure to Libby, taking care of everything for her since their mother died, and is wracked with anxiety that if she doesn't do everything perfectly, she might not be available when her sister needs her. Which just means that she is always there for everyone except herself. This story is about her realizing what she needs to be happy, opening up her heart for romance, and learning to be a sister instead of a mother.

Charlie is in all ways perfect for her. They are both dedicated to their jobs, are meticulous in everything they do, are very competitive and love how the pace of New York suits their attitude in life. Charlie is someone who has always looked for belonging and while he has found it in New York, he also wants to be a dedicated son who takes care of his parents. While this was an issue that needed to be resolved, I loved how Charlie and Nora's relationship developed in the meantime. They just understand each other in many ways, find comfort in working together without the need to talk all the time, their love for books was absolute and I related so hard to that, and they try to encourage each other to do what's best for themselves. It felt like a very comfortable relationship and I like that a lot.

There are quite a few interesting side characters too though no one was a particular favorite of mine. Nora's sister Libby was a major presence throughout but I also don't know if I understood her well. She definitely did feel like someone who needed a break and was also trying to prove something to herself. Shepherd, Charlie's cousin was a typical small town former quarterback turned lumberjack, a very good guy who'll be someone's special person, but not suited for Nora. Charlie's mom Sally was a former artist who had been disillusioned by fame and decided to settle down, but her free spirit and artistic ways couldn't be fully tamed. We also have other typical small town quirky characters, stores, and events which all make for a very lived in experience of Sunshine Falls.

Overall, this was a mostly heartwarming book with a great group of characters, an inevitable love story, the exploration of grief and loss and all the messy aftermath, and the unbreakable bond between sisters. It's funny and angsty and everything in between, giving us a very emotional experience and I loved how both laughing and crying went together for me. I hope the author will continue to subvert the small town romance tropes in her future novels too and give us more exciting stories.

I really did miss not having an audiobook for this one but I was also very glad for finally getting to the conclusion of the Legend of the Condor Heroes.

This was definitely a lot more action packed and enjoyable than I found the third book and I read it pretty quickly. However, I did find that I enjoyed the action sequences and the descriptions of the various martial arts moves on audio more than reading. Coming to the plot and characters, I guess there were points which weren't as satisfactory as I hoped they would be, especially the character arcs of Yang Kang or Mercy Mu. I grew to like Guo Jing a lot more in this book - seeing him fight so much for his love even if he can't articulate it in words, never lose his devotion for Lotus despite challenging circumstances , trying to find a path and purpose in his life which would be more than just killing people using his superior martial arts skills - it was all very heartening to read and I felt happy that I followed him on this journey throughout. I still have conflicting feelings about Lotus and I can only say that she'll always keep Guo Jing on his toes. I enjoyed the addition of King Duan and his four generals, their backstories and our couple's interactions with them were all very interesting. Count Seven Hong also grew in my regard and the one monologue he has towards the end was just spectacular.

I have truly come to appreciate how seamlessly the author integrates historical figures into this action and adventure story and all scenes with Genghis Khan in this book were quite impactful. I guess I was expecting more explosive scenes towards the end and because it didn't feel that way despite some cool fight scenes, I'm not feeling that high which comes with the end of a beloved series. But I'm still very glad to have gotten to know these characters and this world, and it's also made me more excited for The Return of the Condor Heroes, whose translation I hope we will get soon. Until then, it's gonna be a wait and I'm yet unsure if I wanna watch the adaptations in the meantime.

More of a 4.5 but I'm definitely rounding up.

It's not an exaggeration to say that Kaikeyi is my most anticipated book of 2022. I have been excited to read it since the announcement and once that absolutely stunning cover reveal happened, I was only more eager to get my hands on it. And I was so so happy when I won the advance copy in a giveaway. But I'm also a mood reader and despite reading Part One of the book many weeks ago, I put it down and could only get to it now. But I'm glad I was in a much better mood to appreciate this book as it deserves.

First thing that comes to mind how much the cover and the writing complement each other. Not only is this book beautiful on the outside, the writing is absolutely gorgeous and it feels like the author took meticulous care in crafting every single word. The pacing is slow despite the story covering the main character's life from childhood to atleast her 30s and more, but it only accentuates the connection we get to make with the main character. I also liked how the time skips were seamless and it was quite palpable on page that the characters had grown and changed in the time we couldn't get to read about. The magic system with the binding plane and the threads connecting people was also something I found very unique and I was amazed at how well the author was able to integrate these elements into this story. And this lovely writing was made even better by the masterful narration of the audiobook by Soneela Nankani. She is very good at expressing the various emotions of the characters and I was so engrossed listened to it, that I walked more than I usually do as part of my daily routine.

If you have any knowledge of the Ramayana, you know that Kaikeyi is the most vilified person in the epic. But the other view is that it was her destiny to make those choices so that Lord Rama would be able to exercise the duties for which he had taken a mortal form. Which is why I was excited to see how Vaishnavi would create a backstory for Kaikeyi and would we see her in a sympathetic form. And I was right. The author explores through the story the patriarchal world of the times and how women are constrained and sidelined in every matter, the only explanation given that it is ordained in the scriptures by the gods. The author gives us a story of how women can try to work within these constraints to achieve a sense of agency over their own lives, gain some power and maybe help other women with their issues. The one thing I will take away from this book is the female solidarity and how women working together for each other's betterment is so much more powerful than vying for the affections of a man and being against each other. We also have themes of power and destiny vs free will, how the heady feeling of a higher purpose can twist one's notions of justice, and how a strong teacher with wrong ideas can corrupt the minds of even the best of pupils. There are also quite a few important changes from the original epic and while some are the author's choices, some are just little known regional variations of the Ramayana, but I'm now used to reading retellings and reimaginings of epics, so the changes don't bother me, as long as they work for the story the author is trying to tell and they work perfectly here.

Coming to the characters, Kaikeyi is our central figure and she is so very well fleshed out that she feels like a real person. She is the only sister to seven brothers and from her childhood, she is made aware subtly and deliberately that she doesn't have the same choices like her brothers, and it is her duty to do what she has been told by the men in her life. But she is not one to live life according to what others deem it, and endeavors to learn every skill within her purview, so that she can be as independent as possible. She is helped much in this by her twin brother Yudhajit and their's is a beautifully written and loving sibling relationship. They encounter many ups and downs but I loved their bond ultimately remained strong despite distance separating them.

The relationships she carefully inculcates after getting married is also wonderful to read about. She is asexual and maybe even aromantic, but ofcourse these terms aren't relevant to the times and the author does a marvelous job depicting this integral part of her personality without using any labels. That's why I thought her relationship with her husband Dasharatha was written with a lot of care, because despite her sexuality, she values her marriage and utilizes the power being a radnyi gives her to make small and incremental changes in the kingdom, working to solve the problems of people no one cares much about. The bond between the three wives of Dasharatha is also depicted wonderfully from initial apprehension and distance to a gradual development into almost a sibling bond, and this formidable sisterhood is majorly responsible for the reforms that happen across the land. Kaikeyi also has immense love for all children and she hardly shows any partiality towards her own son.

In the second half of the book, the proceedings gradually move to include our main characters of the epic and we get to see the author's versions of Rama, Sita, Ravana and the others. Rama is kind of a negative character in this book and while quite a few reviewers have felt it was wrong to depict him like that, I am not one to gatekeep an author's vision. But his character felt true to the world the author has created. He is conflicted between wanting to listen to his mother's teachings and believing in the words of a charismatic teacher who believes in his godly destiny. He is definitely not easy to like and very misogynistic who wants to adhere to the scriptures, but Kaikeyi believes he can change given time and opportunity and we want to believe in her conviction. Sita on the other hand is not exactly helpless but is implored by the gods that her duty is to follow her husband, even if she doesn't agree with him, and his attitude towards women doesn't help matters. I felt that we didn't get enough page time with her, which is also the same for Ravana, who starts off as much more sympathetic but we see bits of his issues at places, which foreshadows his future descent into evil.

However, this is Kaikeyi's story and it didn't bother me that the heroes and the villains of the epic weren't fleshed out here. The major story of the epic is also not part of this book because it's not relevant to Kaikeyi's life. If you are looking for a mythology reimagining story of one of it's most infamous women, which is feminist and tells us the tale of people who never get talked about, then this book is perfect for you. If you are someone who loves beautiful prose and delicate characterization, and doesn't mind critically looking at the epics we have grown up with and questioning our traditions, then you might find this to your liking. But if you think Lord Rama or Sita or anyone else can't be depicted outside of what we know from Valmiki's Ramayana, then this is definitely not for you. I myself really enjoyed my experience of reading this book - and have so much more to say but want to leave this review at a reasonable length - and I hope I'll get a chance to reread it because I want to annotate this one for a change. And I'm also really looking forward to see what Vaishnavi's next project will be.

I had seen a lot about Gunmetal Gods on Twitter before and even bought the book, but I just never got the time to get to it among my huge tbr. So when I saw that the author's new series was coming, I requested him for an advance copy and was very excited when he sent it to me. That gorgeous cover was also very enticing and I hoped that the book would be equally amazing too. And it turned out to be something so so different from the books I usually read.

I've had an idea what a progression fantasy means but having never read anything in the subgenre and no experience in playing video games, it took me a while into this book to realize what the essence of the subgenre is. But before that, I have to mention, the strength of the book is the world building and mythology. To be honest, I don't think I can even describe this world in my own words because it was too wondrous and huge and I still think we have a ways to go to understand it better, and the mythology with the gods and their avatars and the dreamers is all very very intriguing. The author does a marvelous job revealing bits of it as we progress through the book, mostly learning everything along with our main character. The descriptions of the cities, weapons, landscapes, dream worlds, dragons and more are all absolutely stunning and as someone who loves skipping descriptive passages, I couldn't do that here. The line between dream and reality is very thin here and it's very easy to get lost in it. The writing is easy to engage with and despite not being familiar with the kind of fantasy this book was, I found the concepts easy to grasp and read it pretty fast. The pacing is pretty great, with action packed scenes interspersed between quiet ones, giving us enough times to digest all the information without feeling overwhelmed. The last quarter of the book was probably the best with so many more reveals and epic fight scenes, and a couple of short chapters full of unbelievable descriptions which I can't even articulate properly.

And while it is a mostly plot driven book, the characters are not any less fleshed out. Jyosh took a while for me to like because I wasn't sure what his motivations were but he was also unsure what he wanted to do, because he hasn't had much of a choice for a long part of his life. Despite his insecurities, he is also ready to learn and progress and I loved watching him train and learn to fight, strengthening not just his body but mind too. And we slowly come to see his capacity for love and compassion, how his own suffering has made him a person who doesn't want others to suffer.

He is ably supported in his endeavors by some amazing strong women and I frankly couldn't choose who I liked more. Zauri is the first person Joysh bonds with and while it may feel like instalove, it feels natural due to his circumstances and Zauri tries her best to help him learn to fight and survive. Kaur can come across as grumpy and uncaring but she has her own traumas and is only trying to do what she thinks is right. Saina is a healer who is devoted to her vocation and is hoping to find her way back to her god. They all start with some mistrust between them, each having their own goals and being secretive about them, but slowly they all come to care for each other and work together to save the world.

We only have some formidable villains here and while I don't wanna give up much about them, I thought the author used these villains to show us the way brainwashing works, how a person's weaknesses and vulnerabilities can be twisted to make them believe deeply about something, and how fanatical beliefs can lead to death and destruction. These themes form the major backdrop of this story, along with questioning what is real and what is not, and whether temporary suffering is justifiable in the hope of attaining some kind of Nirvana.

Overall, this was a very enjoyable book while also being bleak and dark at times. The characters are slow to warm up to but we eventually start caring about them; but ultimately it's the world building and lore where the author shines and creates something that is unique and unforgettable. I think fans of progression fantasy genre will definitely love and appreciate this more than someone like me will, but I was also quite impressed and I'm eager to see where this story goes next.

I've known about this book for a while but I could never find it when I was in the US. And I kinda forgotten about it until I found this Hindi audiobook in Storytel. It's more than 35 hours long and I knew it would take a while, and I think it's been months since I started. But I'm finally done and what an experience this was.

I watch Hindi movies and shows very frequently but I haven't read a book in the language since school and don't know how good my reading skills are these days. But when I saw it was an audio, I knew it was the perfect format for me. And I have to say it was very satisfying. It's been a long while since I've watched my favorite Mahabharata TV series, so listening to similar formal language spoken just made me very very happy. It was also quite interesting to listen the story from various perspectives like Karna, his wife Vrishali, his brother Shon, Duryodhana, Kunti and towards the end, Lord Krishna. The story really goes into detail in parts the usual Mahabharata books don't go into, especially the minds of Kunti during the time she gave birth to Karna and Karna's whole attitude about wanting to be a warrior but cruelly discriminated against his whole life. Karna's POV was quite difficult at times because his despair seeps into the narrative very deeply and I was feeling depressed listening to how horribly he was treated by everyone. But then he also makes some choices which frustrate us because we know he is a good person and wouldn't have made those same choices if the world a bit more kinder to him. Ofcourse, all these feelings are nothing new because ultimately the story of the Mahabharata is not gonna change and I know where it's going, but it definitely feels a bit eye opening when you get to see what might have been happening in other characters' lives. Vrishali and Shon were two characters whom I don't think most versions even mention but they are really very good people who became a part of Karna's struggles and tried to make him happy as much as possible. I also liked Krishna's POV towards the very end where he is contemplating what choice to make - this was quite new for me because in most versions, he is god and you wouldn't expect him to question himself.

Overall, this was an experience that I won't forget any time soon. It's Mahabharata made personal and I thoroughly felt it deep in my heart. I would definitely recommend the audio format because the narrators are all very good, particularly in emotional scenes. And this is making me wanna look up other Shivaji Sawant books which unfortunately aren't on Storytel and not always easy to find in English. Let's hope I have some luck finding them.

I think it's more of a 3.5.

This was a very impulsive read for me which I picked up after reading a lovely review of the sequel Tokyo Dreaming. It's YA contemporary which is so not my thing anymore, so I didn't have much expectations. It turned out to be cute and fun, emotional at places, a tad bit predictable but overall enjoyable just like The Princess Diaries. I definitely liked the parts about Izumi wanting to belong somewhere and trying to reconcile her American upbringing with a more conservative Japanese imperial culture, and all the narrative about her learning to speak Japanese, write Kanji and learn the etiquette was very nicely written. The romance is probably a bit of instalove but it's kinda a staple of the genre at this point and I won't begrudge it. Overall, I had fun and I wouldn't mind picking up the sequel.

CW: gore, violence, rape during war/marital rape, casteism

When I first saw the cover reveal of this book, the immediate feeling was that I was upset I didn't know a Mahabharata inspired fantasy novel was coming out soon, that too by a mainland Indian author. And the second feeling was how interesting the idea sounds and how cool the cover was. I was very very excited that I got an advance copy and I'm so happy that this turned out to live upto my expectations.

First things first, the comp title of this book is Game of Thrones and the author also is definitely writing in a dark/grimdark fantasy space which is something I'm not quite familiar with. It usually isn't to my taste but I wasn't gonna let that stop me from reading this book. And it definitely took me a while to get used to the huge cast of characters, the immense brutality and violence, the epic scope of the world, and the liberal use of the word “whore” which I'm still not a fan of. But despite the expansive nature of this story, I didn't feel confused because it's still familiar ground and I enjoyed making comparisons with what I know of the original epic. The pacing might feel like it's slow and there's conversations happening which you are not sure where they'll lead to, but situations evolve very quickly and things accelerate from 0 to 100 in the blink of an eye. There were many things I never saw coming and I enjoyed this unpredictable nature of the story. The magic system is alluded to and we only see little glimpses of it but that seemed like a lot of fun (almost reminded me of the talismans that Wei Wuxian writes in the air in the MDZS adaptations), and I can only hope we'll have more magic in the sequel. The way the author kept a little essence of the original characters from the Mahabharata here but also drastically changed their personalities is also something I found very fascinating and I'm interested to see how much more troubles they are all gonna encounter in the future.

I do read adult fantasy a lot these days but I've truly not encountered a book with so many POVs in a long while. I think I lost count of how many we have here. But naturally I gravitated towards Krishna instantly. He is a strategic kingmaker who has already thought through many many moves ahead of his opponents and is fairly confident of achieving his goals. But sometimes this surety of his becomes his bane because he has overlooked some very unexpected scenarios and unpredictable people. I really liked him even though he could be a bit too callous and calculated to get his way, but that didn't really stop me from wanting to know more of his story. He is perfectly complemented by Satyabhama who is a warrior and can be slightly impulsive, but is also strong and brave and compassionate enough to save many young girls in unfortunate circumstances. The only thing I didn't like was probably that Satya exudes the “not like other girls” vibe a lot which I'm not that much of a fan of. Nevertheless, she is admirable and mostly her straightforwardness is out of place in this world full of cunning masters.

I think the author took the original Shakuni and dialed it up a 100, so his character here is fascinating because you think you know what he wants but you are never sure whom he will sacrifice at the altar of his desires. We don't get any Pandava or Kaurava POVs and I think that was a very cool choice because we only get hints about the kind of people they are and it'll be exciting to see where their stories will go next. It's Karna whom we get to follow in detail and he was everything I expected him to be. He is a warrior at heart and is resolved not to live within the confines of caste and society, rise up based on his own virtues and skills and hopefully destroy the discriminatory caste system on the way. But he can also be a naive and too trusting because he is honest in his dealings and can't see other's cunning plans. I find that it'll be difficult to survive in this world for him and only see more dreadful days ahead.

On the other side, we have characters like Mati and Shishupal and more who are pretty insignificant in the original epic but are formidable in their own ways here. Mati is a pirate princess and a force to reckon with, who has plans of her own and won't let any man undermine her. Shishupal on the other hand wants to be far away from all the fighting because he is disgusted by the violence but unfortunately finds himself in the middle of the melee. I think he was the only person I found to be reasonable in the whole cast of characters and that was a fun surprise. Ekalavya's glee for anything violent and Kalyavan's naivete combined with his invincibility in war were also other interesting but not always comfortable aspects of the story. There are many other characters who also left an impression on me, especially Satya's girls who seem like strong fighters but ultimately are just young girls who have no choice and find some strength in their sisterhood; and Draupadi who is unsure of her place in this world because it's always others making choices for her and never anything that she truly wants.

In the end, I can only say I wasn't sure what I was expecting from this book but I definitely liked whatever has happened so far. This debut will definitely impress readers of the grimdark fantasy genre, and I'm sure the lifelong Mahabharata lovers like me will also find this inspired tale fascinating, if a lot more morally grey than the original. The impressive world building, the huge cast of characters who are both familiar and different, and the hint of magic that's coming next, along with some prophecies of doom and oracles and other worldly beings all made for a very exciting (albeit a bit huge) story and I'm so looking forward to see where it goes next.

CW: rape, teenage girl's relationship with an old man, suicide, miscarriage, torture

I read historical fiction so rarely, that I usually don't know what are the new releases in the genre or what's popular. But I recently saw a couple of tweets praising this one and I was immediately intrigued. I have so many fantasy arcs but when mood reading strikes, I can't help it. So here I am after finishing this very uncomfortable and unflinching book set during 1965-66 China.

I have to warn you first about a couple of things. Within the first couple of chapters, you'll encounter a rape scene of a 15 year old girl, our protagonist and who then continues to become a paramour/lover of her rapist, Mao Zedong. Their “relationship” is the central part of this story, and while it did creep me out to read about a 70+ man having taking advantage of a teenage girl and continuing to have sex with her, the story and the protagonist Mei kept me going. But if you are very uncomfortable with these dynamics, it's better you avoid this book.

Coming to the writing, I have to say it was very gorgeous without being lyrical, capturing each character's feelings very deeply and making us feel the emotions. But I think the writing itself had to be beautiful because the story is really an ugly one. The pacing can be a bit slow too, especially in the middle portions because it mostly feels like a slice of story, but I was engrossed enough that I didn't notice these issues. The author's meticulous research shows in the way she perfectly captures the ethos of China before the Cultural Revolution and once it begins, the lives of the peasants in remote villages and how removed they are from the kind of lives the elite live in the capital, the veneration of Chairman Mao like a god and how it fuels the survival of the people - it all felt very real and palpable but it was also told in a way that I was able to read it, unlike Yang Jisheng's nonfiction book about the time period which I couldn't really handle. The reason is that the brewing Cultural Revolution is mostly towards the last quarter of the book and we as a reader are mostly at a remove from the reality of what is happening - there are only few scenes which capture in detail the fervor and cruelty of the Red Guard during those times - this makes it more palatable to read but if you are looking specifically to read about the Revolution in detail, then you will be disappointed.

I think what the author manages to do successfully is show us the ways in which power and manipulation works; how lies and half truths and insinuations are the weapon of the powerful to quash any rebellion against them; and how easy it is to get seduced by proximity to power, expecting that one will get a share in it too. It's a searing look at how meaningful words like “revolution” and “power of the people” are misused to rile up the ignorant masses - especially young students who are eager to be a part of the fight against the capitalists just like their parents and grandparents were - and become clarion calls for resolving grudges and revenge and power struggles instead. And finally it's about the effect a cult/god like figure can have on people who just want to better their lives and get out of abject poverty, how easy it is to make such people feel like they belong to something greater and their contributions matter. The motivation of the people in those times might be different than the qanon and right wing supporters of today, but the utter devotion they feel for their leader is eerily similar.

Our protagonist and the only POV we get is a 15 year old peasant girl who is handpicked to become part of a dance troupe in Beijing, whose job it is to entertain the elite and occasionally sleep with the Chairman. She idolizes him like a god (actually all the girls of the troupe do) and they all fight with each other to get the opportunity to service him. But Mei has ambitions too - she totally believes in his words, and dreams of becoming a model revolutionary, who can tour the whole country spreading his message to the people. It's hard to like her when we see her manipulate her way into being in his good graces and being so anxious to do anything to please him, but then we realize she is just a 15-16 year old girl who has been taught since she was born that the Chairman was their savior, and what can be more rewarding for her than being his companion as well as close confidant/protégé. But we also slowly realize that she is smart and observant, can see the flaws in what's happening, maybe does realize that he isn't as infallible a leader as she thought he was, but is not in a position to question authority or give up the little power that she thinks she has gained. It's heartbreaking to see her be manipulated, gaslighted, and cajoled into being just a tool in a powerful man's hands - easily disposable and replaceable; but equally hopeful when she manages to see through the illusion and finally makes decisions for herself.

I mean what can I say about Mao Zedong's character. I probably can't separate my feelings about the character in the book from the real life person, so bear with me a bit. It was fascinating to see him from the POV of a young girl who worships him and how larger than life, all powerful, and all capable he feels like when seen through her eyes. But as she slowly starts living with him, we see him for what he is (even if she doesn't) - someone who likes his dancing and company of young girls, indulging in his riches when most of the country is starving; a leader who is scared of losing his authority and will do anything to regain it all even if it leads to death and destruction, but strategic enough to ensure nothings harms him or his image; who is mercurial in his moods, occasionally depressed, and has a progressing illness which he has to hide from everyone; and ultimately be in control of everything and everyone. It's hard to feel anything else for him except loathing. There are also side characters like Teacher Fan and Secretary Sun, who can also be called Mei's mentors, who show some kindness to her but not always in a way that she can feel it. We also have members of her dance group like Busy Shan and Midnight Chang who are all mirrors of each other, each finding the possibility of what they could be in the other, leading to some very antagonistic dynamics.

The way the story starts in the book, we know Mei has escaped and lives in the US and this book is her narrating her story and relationship with the Chairman to someone - and it's a very unsettling and sad revelation when we realize to whom she is her story. And ultimately that is what Forbidden City is - a young woman's coming of age story, her grappling with agency and proximity to power and the desire to be a part of something, until till she realizes the reality of her choices. This may not be for everyone but I found myself deeply engrossed in the book and thought it was a great historical fiction book, bringing those less talked about times to life. I'm now definitely interested to checkout the author's previous works.

First things first, I can't comment on the writing because I read a fan translation. I also don't wanna go deep into the quality of the translation because I'm just glad someone spent their time doing it, and I was able to read it pretty quickly. There were times I was confused because both the main leads alter egos names are Feng Xi, and I sometimes I couldn't differentiate whom the author was talking about. There were other such small hiccups but otherwise, I had an easy reading experience.

I liked that we get more of the history of the empire in the novel and also travel to more than the 3 kingdoms shown in the drama. There was also a lot of war in the book and the author does a good job depicting the strategic prowesses of each of the characters, as well as the heartbreak that comes with losing people while fighting. The book also had way less court intrigue and more of the war and I guess that was a drawback for me, because I'm not that much into reading about war and it's immediate aftermath. But we also get deep into the heads of the characters and understand their feelings and motivations better, which is always a plus – especially Bai FengXi whom we get to know the best in the novel. The extensive cast of characters are also well fleshed out in the book and that's one of it's major strengths. Even if some of the characters have a small presence, they are very memorable and I fell in love with so many of them. I also enjoyed the little flashbacks into the relationship of BeiFengHeiXi in the past decade – it was a lovely insight into how they came to be so close to each other. But there is also a kind of tension in their relationship – it's not always love and roses – and it adds so much drama to the story. The heartbreaking moments in the book also made me very emotional because I was attached to all the characters and and didn't wanna lose any of them. Ultimately, I found it to have a much more satisfactory ending – not only because it was't rushed but also because we got closure for most, if not all characters and I liked finishing off the story that way. However, the one thing I will takeway from this book is that despite not having any actual antagonist in the story, the author manages to create a plot which has tensions and conflicts and gives each character due respect.