Kaikeyi is a brilliant, beautiful and inspiring feminist retelling of Ramaya. I’m going to be honest, I have very little knowledge of the story this book is based on. Kaikeyi isn’t a book about gods or demons although they feature in it, it isn’t even really a book about magic (although again it features in it). It is a book about how our bonds as humans are powerful and how easily those bonds can be manipulated for the wrong reasons.

The characters feel very much alive and this book brought me to tears at the end of it.

This book was absolutely amazing. Even being a Hindu I didn't know much about Ramayana, but after seeing recommendations to read the original so I become familiar I am glad I did.

A retelling of the vilified queen in the Ramayan -definitely an anticipated read and I was not disappointed. As someone who grew up watching Ramleela and forming my own thoughts on this character, it was such an interesting reimagining and there was a lot to think about in terms of her character and her place within the story.

There was so much depth added to her character and the agency she was given allowed for her story to be woven into this fantastic tale of a woman and mother and queen in a patriarchal society. This character, while originally vilified, this retelling spun the plot and demonstrated her as a victim of patriarchy and of course caused the reader to sympathise with her.

The narrative and the imagery really took me to another place and it was difficult to put down.

I also understand that it was a reimagining which meant that many aspects of the original would be changed or omitted as well as new scenarios would be added.

I was also quite intrigued with the topic of asexuality. It was done in such a tasteful and respectful way.

I would like to start off with a disclaimer that this is a retelling based off a religious text that is still practised today and I had no prior knowledge of the text so I can't comment on this book's accuracy or on what has/hasn't been changed, but I will say I think it's so interesting to see a difference in perspective with a voice given to a character who is generally seen as a villain.

I really enjoyed the perspective of Kaikeyi - she fights for making the kingdom a better place for women, in work, in education, in government, and I loved seeing that. I also loved the magic system of the Binding Plane and thought that was really fascinating, I don't think I've read anything like that before. She was an incredibly strong female main character and I think that is part of what makes this book so important! There is also a really great element where rather than pitting the wives against each other, particularly Kaikeyi and Kaushalya, the story showed them as allies instead of rivals, and that makes this story one of sisterhood too which was lovely to read.

One thing I did find to be a bit difficult was the narrative structure - it's essentially a story of Kaikeyi's whole life, from when she is born to when she is old, and the first 50% of the book is very slow, learning all about Kaikeyi's childhood before you get to the actual main story. In hindsight, I actually do like how this book chose that narrative style, and I think it adds a lot to the story, but while reading it, it was quite difficult to get through.

Overall, the writing is gorgeous and while the book is slow-paced, it makes for a fascinating journey through a fascinating character's life, as she faces misogyny and the patriarchy and marriage and battle and motherhood, and I do think that everyone should read it.

Kaikeyi is a strong example of a subgenre I just don't really click with. The classic "feminist mythological retelling" often just takes a female character (marginalised or maligned) and shows them as the mostly flawless victim of systems of misogyny: Kaikeyi often feels this way. Her goodness is generally undeniable, and she comes up against demonstrable issues of sexism, which just feel a bit one-note in the modern profileration of truly intersectional feminism (particularly difficult here where the stakes are which particular privileged person will rule an expansionist imperial power). I think Kaikeyi's asexuality and aromanticism is incorporated well, but I don't really know what to make of her bond-influencing powers ethically or thematically - it mainly seems to serve a functional purpose. So I was really struggling with the initial phases of this book, but, once Rama became a factor, I was far more invested: I love how Kaikeyi becomes a perspective on the terrifying possibilities of a divine hero (particularly a traditionally male supremacist one). I have noticed a lot of Hindu reviewers taking issue with some of these portrayals of figures of religious importance, however, and I do wonder if this could just as easily have been original characters merely based on the myths. But, regardless, I'm glad this won me over despite my reservations with the premise.

I've wanted to read "Kaikeyi" ever since I saw the title/cover. I'd read the children's version of The Ramayana as a 10-year-old and even then found the women in it to be vilified for no good reason, especially Sita.

So my joy knew no bounds when I found that an author was actually exploring the story through the lens of a woman who was one of the supposed villains.

I loved this book and the way Vaishnavi Patel writes. Kaikeyi here is both intimidating and vulnerable, loving and challenging and ultimately a character anyone will root for.

I'm extremely glad I got a chance to read this book and I will soon be getting myself a physical copy.

Thanks to Netgalley and Orbit Publishing for the e-copy. Can't wait for more by the author!

4.5/5

I don't have any knowledge of the stories/myths that this is based on, apart from Kaikeyi supposedly being a villain, so this review will purely be based on the book itself.
Kaikeyi follows the life of the titular character, from her early life as a princess of Kekeya, becoming a queen of Ayodhya and ultimately ending up as an evil stepmother.
I liked a lot of this story, particularly the parts that show Kaikeyi's strength of character: learning fighting skills from her brother, her thirst for knowledge, forging a role for herself and her determination to make life better for women. Although she makes mistakes, she is always trying to do her best, even though she knows that she is somehow cursed by the gods. I also liked the descriptions of her "magic" - seeing the threads that bind people and how she can manipulate them.
The tension builds nicely throughout the book, along with frustration for the situations she finds herself in because of the actions (or lack of) from the gods. The pacing is a little uneven in places, lots of times skips happen and sometimes I felt that the strength of relationships were told rather than shown (and it sometimes seemed that the other sons we forgotten when not on the page).
I thought this was well-written, engaging and absorbing story of a woman determined to control her own fate and improve the lives of women.
I'd definitely be interested in reading more from Vaishnavi Patel.

As someone who loves a mythological retelling, especially from non-western cultures, I was excited to read Kaikeyi - a retelling of the Ramayama from Kaikeyi's perspective.

I thought this book was wonderfully written, the characters and relationships were complex and interesting, and it was on the whole very well written and engaging.

I think it might be a little too long or the pacing is slightly off - I felt very bogged down in the middle portion of the book which meant it took me a month to finish which is very unusual for me.

Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit/Little Brown Books for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Kaikeyi is a beautiful book I didn't know I need to read. Some people said that this book has a similar Vibes to Madeline Miller. I felt that way too. Especially, the beautiful prose.
Vaishnavi Patel wrote a solid worldbuilding of Ramayana. Also I really enjoyed this, since I raised in Javanese culture which have been telling US about Ramayana story in Wayang puppet. It was a great experience to read the retelling version which focused more in Kaikeyi

Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel is a retelling of the Ramayana focusing on Kaikeyi and her life and actions that lead to her being reviled by her family and country.

I could not put this down. It was absolutely phenomenal. I had it read in two days, only because I needed to sleep at some point. The writing is so compelling, and creates a vivid world I am sad to have left. It is truly a beautiful but heartbreaking retelling and I want everyone to go and read it!

Retellings of ancient classics are a popular sub-genre of literature at the moment, with many (often very good) new takes on the Greek myths by authors like Natalie Haynes and Madeline Miller on offer. Likewise, retellings from the perspective of villains are another favourite way to reimagine old favourites. In 'Kaikeyi', Vaishnavi Patel uses both trends to excellent effect, creating an exceptional novel.

Patel takes on the background to the Hindu epic 'Ramayana', from the perspective of one of its more villainous characters, Kaikeyi - queen of an ancient north Indian kingdom who initiates the events of the story by banishing the hero, Rama. Naturally, the version of the story told by Kaikeyi is rather different in its interpretation of her motivations. Although I had heard of what I'd considered to be the core story of the Ramayana - the adventures of Rama and his wife Sita - I didn't know what led up to it and I didn't recognise the name Kaikeyi at all. So I read with fresh eyes and didn't know what would happen, which I think is neither a blessing nor a curse with this type of story, just potentially a different reading experience. I've since read up on the classic version of the legend out of the interest and found that Patel sticks to the basic facts fairly closely.

Kaikeyi is a sympathetic, interesting character who is likeable from the first few pages. She is surrounded by similarly interesting and often loveable characters. I wouldn't call it a 'fantasy' as it is grounded in the stories of a living religion, but there are fantastical/supernatural elements such as Kaikeyi's magical type powers, the presence of demon-type creatures, and the Gods who appear to humans and intervene in daily life in a similar way to the Greek Gods.

Patel is one of those very gifted writers who is able to express herself in a way that is consistently engaging and enjoyable to read. I was absorbed within a few pages and never felt the story dragged at any point, despite its considerable length. She can create characters whom the reader loves and wants to succeed, and convey complex issues in a way that is entertaining. Feminism is an important theme as Kaikeyi attempts to improve the lot of women in her kingdom and gain a station in life that is commensurate with her own considerable abilities. It is an interesting way to frame the character and aligns with her depiction in the classic story from what I have seen - she really did accompany her husband into battle and save his life, and she was a trusted advisor to the court. Although I've described her as a villain in the classic story, even there she has more nuance than 'bad guys' are often afforded in such tales.

I found this an immensely enjoyable and well written story that I'd highly recommend to anyone that enjoys reading a good book. Fans of Haynes, Miller and similar Greek myth retellings will almost certainly like it. Not only did I really enjoy the story, it has kindled an interest in me for Hindu legends and I spent a lot longer than intended reading about the classics that inspired the story. I do hope she writes another book - there must be plenty more scope for other such adaptations - and I will definitely be eager to read it if she does!

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown for providing an eARC to review!

I want to preface this review by saying that: 1) I am not at all familiar with the story this is based on and 2) I am generally not super interested in mythological/feminist retellings in the vein of Madeline Miller or Jennifer Saint.

I thought the concept of this could have been interesting - and the RF Kuang blurb did suck me in - but sadly I was just really having a hard time connecting with the story. I couldn't tell if Kaikeyi was a power-hungry schemer or a #girlboss trying to improve the lives of all women, and she felt so changeable in that regard I was confused whether she was meant to be morally grey or a good person.

I also felt like the times when she was #girlbossing only happened when a man gave her room to girlboss - like her husband being willing to make her son heir as a condition of their marriage, for example. The rest of the time it felt like she was just sitting around feeling sorry for herself and her lack of choice, or following what her maid wanted her to do. I get that she was quite young and thrust into an entirely new environment, but for a character so disappointed in the lack of power women had, she didn't seem to really be fighting for her own agency unless it was being handed to her on a silver platter.

The magic as well felt like a convenience to avoid Kaikeyi actually having to do her own scheming/connection building. When she was a kid I could understand the desire to use this power selfishly, but when she was older it felt like she wasn't actually working to get power at court and instead relying on her magic to do everything for her. I also didn't like how at the beginning of some chapters the author would spoil what was going to happen a couple chapters later?

From the other reviews I've read it seems this is meant for the same audience as the recent spate of Greek mythology retellings, and I'm just not part of that group. I hope this finds its people though!

I originally learned of this book through a bookclub I'm part of. I can without doubt say that this book was incredible it simply amazingly written with depth and love engraved into it. Would definitely recommend.

This is probably my favourite retelling I've ever read. Possibly I found it more interesting because I don't actually know anything about the stories being retold, but I also think it didn't have the narrative distance a lot of retellings seem to have, so I was more invested in the main character.

It could be a bit of a depressing read at times, but overall it was very hopeful and I can always get behind a story about women helping other women.

I would definitely read more from this author!

I'm in two minds about this book. Whilst it was great to read a re-telling of a story that isn't Greek myth I am so ignorant about the back story to Kaikeyi that I read it simply as a story rather than a vindication.

Therefore as a story it is well written, interesting, informative and packed full of gods, monsters, magic and prejudice. All the things that go to making an excellent tale.

Kaikeyi presents as a very strong character who knows her own mind from very early on in her life. She is not cowed by the traditional role she is expected to fulfil and seeks to carve out her own power base. Although as I use those words I realise that if this were a story about a man I would not say this, rather I'd say he chose his own path.

To a point it is a great feminist novel which only ends the way it does because of the interference of gods.

The only bug bear for me was that the final third of the novel, for all that it has a lot of action, seems to lose its way and there's a little too much hand wringing for my taste. However I am not a mother so cannot comment fairly on how torn a person has to be to know what is right but know thar it will hurt your children.

All in all a good, readable book. A retelling with a twist in that Kaikeyi doesn't come off well in several parts of it. I'd recommend if you enjoy books like Madeline Miller's Circe or Claire North's Ithaca.

I received an ARC from Netgalley and am leaving this review voluntarily. (

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book!

I truly enjoyed this, I am only slowly getting into mythology retellings and I still need to get used to the "slower" pace in comparison to fantasy, but this was great!

I only have very basic knowledge of Indian mythology, so basically everything in this book was new to me and I can't comment on whether this is an accurate retelling. It definitely piqued my interest though and I will certainly research more, and I'm silently praying for more authors to write retellings like this.

I do agree with other reviewers who have compared this book to Circe, which is not a bad thing in any way!
I love a complex female villain, and reading about Kaikeyi's 'villain origin story' has been an absolute delight.

The writing style was so beautiful as well, it felt lyrical at times and I highlighted so many beautiful quotes.

I do struggle a bit with mythology retellings in terms of 'immersing myself in the story' and the same thing happened here, which is not the book's fault, but I just didn't quite feel sucked into the story. I still really liked it and definitely recommend it.

Review will be posted to Goodreads closer to the release.

“Kaikeyi” by Vaishnavi Patel is retelling of the story Ramayana following Princess Kaikeyi who after her mother is banished she discovers magic while searching to return her mother but she must forge her path while facing evil.

I would give “ Kaikeyi” by Vaishnavi Patel a 3 star review because, 1; I love the idea of a retelling of a queen 2; the writing was brilliant 3; I really disliked the main character and 4; l thought the ending was rushed but in comparison the book was too long.

This is a really engaging piece of historical fiction and very well written. The religious aspect of the story was new for me and sparked an interest in an area I know little about and will look into more.
I enjoyed the female perspective of the story and felt this was a feminist book at heart.
Very enjoyable.

Many thanks to Netgalley, Little, Brown Book Group UK and the author, for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I read this book when it was released in April and I loved it so much that I am pretty sure I will reread it soon!!

A retelling of one of the most hated and misunderstood Indian villainess in the history of Hindu mythology. Are you even shocked that I was dying to read this book? Retellings through female POV's set in the most patriarchal settings you can find, aka, in mythology. Mythology, in this case Indian mythology has always been narrated by a male observer (as the author was male) and the story is almost always from male POV showing the sacrifices he made as the hero to save the world. Often more than not, the women and all the other characters are ignored, their efforts, sacrifices, difficulties are all brushed away, even though without them, the story wouldn't be close to complete. This also leads to another fact, that they are all misunderstood and blamed for their actions which were just the best they could do in their circumstances. This is why I love the retellings of the events of Mahabharata and Ramayana, through the eyes of the women who witnessed and bore the consequences of the actions of the men like Palace of illusions and The Enchanted forest by Chitra Banerjee.

This book blew my mind, first with the portrayal of the titular character and second with the magic system. And lemme tell you its one of the coolest magic systems I have ever read about. The story follows as the name suggests the journey of Kaikeyi, from being the princess of Kaikeya to the Queen of Ayodhya. Her journey through girlhood, womanhood, motherhood and most importantly as a queen. What stole my heart is the relationship she shares with her brothers and her sister queens which are rarely talked about.

The descriptions are vivid and as expected colorful. What interested me most is the portrayal of Rama as the egoistic, chauvinistic character with magic of allure opposed to the usual of depiction of the kindest, gentlest and the humblest avatar of lord Vishnu. This only made me think one thing, How fitting, it is!! I am in awe of the tale spun here, if you have not grasped that yet.

Kudos to the author, for bringing in so much of realism and making the Gods to Humans with malice and character. Also for including, the much underrated and controversial storyline of Sita being Ravan's daughter. Having read and listened to numerous versions of Ramayana throughout my life, this one stands close to the one from Sita's POV in my order of favorites. I will forever keep referring this book as one of the best fantasy-mythology-retellings I have ever read.

Kaikeyi was a vivid and intimate story, wonderfully reimagining the source mythology by bringing new interpretations to vilified and heroic characters alike.

Kaikeyi was a book that I sat with for a couple of days and allowed this epic to unfurl in front of me. This is a sprawling and immensely complex retelling of a character from the Ramayana. I must admit I knew little about this before reading, but after doing some research, I appreciated the level of detail and craftsmanship Patel poured into this.

On one hand, this is an epic fantasy tale of politics, magic and kingship. Yet at the same, this is a deeply intimate retelling of a nuanced character, focusing on the role of a woman in this world, family and those connections we hold with one another. Kaikeyi was a deeply flawed woman, but one that you could easily resonate with. She is trying to carve a space for herself and other women in a world that wants to destroy this. Her power was a unique and very interesting way of exploring this topic and connecting to traditional expectations of femininity. The way her accomplishments were accredited to others or how her qualities were villainised, but celebrated in others spoke to a sidelining and marginalisation spanning centuries.

I really loved the writing style of this book. Those little moments of character development let the book breathe between heartbreaking action sequences or political machinations. The pacing was consistent and kept me engaged. There is this delicate balance of evocative prose and practical narrative moments that was so wonderful to see. Also, it felt so refreshing to see a non-Western mythology retelling and this is something I hope continues and expands further.

Kaikeyi is a book that truly blossoms if you allow it the space to grow. This is not a book to miss if you love feminist mythology retellings.