This was a really enjoyable read! I have no clue where to start, but this is a review and not a summary, and will most definitely contain spoilers. So, the settings/location etc- fab! Books with South Asian rep are hard to find as it is, but finding books with South Asian rep with a 'Jodha Akhbar' and 'Kalank' vibe to it- impossible. Yet, Akshaya has completely and utterly understood the assignment. I genuinely loved every moment of this book, and I think I'm just mega mad about the fact that the sequel is not coming out anytime soon. I think one of my favourite things in the book was seeing how the 4 siblings started off with completely different motivations for finding the ivory key, and the journey brought them closer, ended their rivalry and drove them to a common goal. Suddenly, the quest for the ivory key was no longer a selfish motive, but rather a way of honouring their legacy. The book itself is set with magic, but for me the most magical aspect was seeing how what initially divided the siblings, brought them together in the end. Speaking of divide, I think another prominent theme is sacrificing what your heart wants from what your duties are, and we see this amongst so many of our characters, and arguably with Amrit at the end too (which btw I am still in the healing process of that twist). Seeing multiple POV's was a very interesting tactic, and I think it was done deliberately. We understand the motivations of certain characters (even if their actions are spoken of in someone else's POV) better when we get an insight into their mind and way of thinking. This made me sympathise with pretty much every character 😂This was a great book, and a story that I know I will reread. I am super excited for book 2 and its safe to say Akshaya has set the bar high for future releases!

Loved this so much! I was initially worried about keeping up with four POV’s but found i fell in love with each sibling, despite their faults. They each have a part to play and make the perfect team. I cannot believe that ending!! Makes me want the next book immediately!

The writing in this book is beautiful, the description of the buildings, the clothes and the food are beautiful. I could literally picture this world in so much detail, can’t wait to read more from this author and have a physical copy of this book on release day!

Thank you, NetGalley, for letting me read this book.

The Ivory Key opens with Vira in the jungle, inspecting a dead body with her female guards, and Ahmit, captain of her personal guard. Vira is the young Maharani trying to do what's best for her kingdom.

The power of the kingdom of Ashoka is based on magic. Magic is mined below the royal palace, and used for everything from defending the kingdom to providing lighting at parties. Vira's big problem is that the magic is running out. Other problems? The kingdom is under threat from invasion - and under threat from within. Her sister has run away to live with a rebel band, her older brother is in jail for murder and her younger brother is trying to leave the country.

I really enjoyed watching the siblings' relationships develop. They all have a lot to learn, and they discover how much they need each other. There were some enjoyable twists, and the ending is set up nicely for the sequel, but is satisfying enough in its own right.

I also really appreciated reading a fantasy set in an Indian-inspired setting. Raman's world-building feels natural, and while it's exotic and exciting it feels as if she knows this place, she's not coming at it from the outside. There's so much detailing - and some amazing food descriptions.

The four characters are well-drawn. They all have their strengths and weakenesses and because the book is written from different points of view we can sympathise with all of them, and see how frustrations and misunderstandings have developed. We can also see how powerful they are when they work together as a family.

I know I'm not the target audience for this book. As an adult I really enjoyed it - and I know I would have loved it as a teenager. I'm already looking forward to the sequel.

Indian fantasy settings always hit me in the heart 🥺
the plot twists oh my god...the author really dropped bomb after bomb with this book.

i didn’t really connect with the characters as much as i would have loved to but i still adored every bit of this book! i can't wait for the sequel!

This was a great book! I loved how the 4 main characters were so developed and fiercely loyal for their own ideas of family and what they want and the world building was really imaginative, I felt like I was right there with them. I also loved the puzzles aspect of the story and the plot moved forward quickly and easily. There were no slow bits and the action was evenly paced to keep the story flowing and I never wanted to put my book down when reading it.
Overall it is a fun, YA novel with family at its heart.

It's a different take to have the world Indian based, but why not? I like strong fantasy, and that is what this is. As well, it still contains all the things we expect from fantasy - heroes and villains, magic, quests, good and evil. The conflict between the characters is well done. Better than I thought it would be.

The Ivory Key is one of my most anticipated releases of 2022 and I was extremely happy that I got the chance to read an ARC. I really enjoyed every single part of it. And I feel like a broken record saying this, but I am biased towards any fantasy that is India-inspired. Every aspect of this book was so much fun, but I especially enjoyed the magic system, which felt so unique in itself. I love the sibling dynamics between Vira, Ronak, Kaleb and Riya and it was interesting to see how things progressed throughout the story. I also really enjoyed reading from each individual sibling's perspectives, which really made me fall in love with all of them. And the ending was definitely heart-racing and I'm super excited to find out what happens.

My one issue with this book is that it felt like some things were missing? This certainly felt like a set-up for book 2, though I wish some things were expanded upon more.

Nevertheless, The Ivory Key is an incredible fantasy and I cannot wait to own a physical copy of the same.

I loved everything about this book. The front cover is beautiful and the writing inside is just as opulent and beautiful. I loved the story, I loved the world it is set in, I loved the characters, it was just a great read