Thank you netgalley for the e-arc!

Review: This is my first Hindu mythology retelling, and the way Kritika Rao describes everything is poetic, almost as if even without the spicy scenes it's giving sensual and erotic. Everytime I smell of star anise and camphor I might remember this book. This is very heavy in philosophy and religion which prompted me to reflect on my own beliefs, or lack thereof. What the main characters' tension basically is between asceticism and pleasure-seeking, and as a fan of having discussions between types of disciplines I find it enjoying to read.

The intimate scenes were handled with subtlety, written in demure language. With so much internal monologue and the ongoing tension between the mortal and immortal realms, I often found myself forgetting that this was, at its core, a romantasy. The depth of the characters’ emotional and philosophical struggles gave the story an added complexity.

The ending felt anticlimactic, though I just found out this is going to be a series. I was unexpectedly moved, from both relief and a sense of dread. The resolution left me uncertain about everyone's futures, as forgiveness remained elusive and the path forward seemed unclear.

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

Unfortunately, this book wasn't for me and I ended up DNFing about halfway through.
I'm sad because I was really looking forward to this, especially since it is steeped in Hindu mythology.
I did enjoy the world a lot and as someone who is familiar with Hindu mythology, I really loved how the author took a lot of elements from it and weaved them into a fantasy novel.

In my opinion, you can tell that writing this book meant a lot to the author, and that is something I always love to see.
There were also some elements that I did enjoy, but my biggest issue was the writing style.

It's not bad by any means, but it just felt a bit detached from the story. The writing style felt like that of a mythology retelling (which I tend to not enjoy), but for a romantasy book, and I think that's what didn't work for me.

The main character also annoyed me quite a bit, though she got better as the story progressed.

The plot at the core of the book is something that's been done in romantasy many times, which is also part of the reason why I decided not to finish. I don't think you need to reinvent the wheel everytime and you can definitely take a well-loved plot line and make it exciting, but for me personally, this book didn't make it exciting enough to want to keep going and I think if the world wasn't as lush as it was, I would have DNFed sooner.

I'm sure other people will enjoy this book a lot more, especially since there is a lot I thought was done well, but it just wasn't for me.

I have no strong feelings about this book, one way or another. It's a great blend of mythology and fantasy, and the Hindu myth was new to me, so that was certainly interesting.

I found first 30% slightly confusing, the author seemed to rely on the glossary a little too much, and I thought all the unfamiliar terms could have been better explained within the story.

The book is mostly Meneka's thoughts, as it is a first person POV. The constant turmoil and conflict she went through were described in detail, I could really feel the emotions she was grappling with.

But honestly, being in Meneka's head this much became exhausting fairly quickly, it was all just a little too repetitive for my liking.

For a book that focuses so heavily on sex and desire, there was certainly a slow burn, which was a nice contrast to the lust. I do wish the language used during intimate scenes wasn't so flowery and mild though, it could have been described just a little more explicitly to work well within this story.

In terms of enjoyment, I just couldn't get lost in the story or believe the romance, it wasn't quite engaging enough for me.

I really enjoyed the magic system and world building. The atmosphere felt dreamy and light.

I had to Google quite a bit to understand the mythology related to the characters, but this made a nice change from my usual reading.

I struggled though with the relationship and chemistry between Meneka and Kaushika.

Rating: 3.5 stars

I struggled to rate this book because there were many elements I enjoyed but also some elements that fell a bit short of my expectations, which hindered my overall enjoyment of the novel. We follow Meneka, a celestial dancer that resides in the immortal realm, who must seduce Kaushika, a human sage in the mortal realm, as part of a mission by the god Indra. There, she slowly falls for the enemy and the themes of subterfuge and deception are also explored.

I liked Meneka as a character and found it easy to put myself in her shoes. She has the power to seduce, but does not enjoy it, and it was interesting seeing this play out in the novel. She is devoted to Indra, yet yearns for freedom and seducing Kaushika is the only way to warrant this freedom. Meneka has heard stories of Kaushika, how he is ruthless and has killed the other celestial dancers, and I loved the conflict Meneka goes through the more she spends time with Kaushika at the hermitage and has to re-evaluate where her loyalties lie. There is more depth to Kaushika that Meneka finds out about, and I loved how we got to learn more about him through her. I also liked her struggle to seduce Kaushika, someone that is emotionally unavailable but also powerful enough as a sage to ward off her magic.

The themes of seduction and lust were also done very well. I liked that lust has different connotations and isn’t just interpreted literally. Lust could mean lusting for approval or acceptance from someone else rather than sexual desire, which added a layer of depth to the storytelling. I was really astonished by how complex this novel was in terms of the magic system, themes of loyalty, devotion and the gorgeous prose that accompanied the novel. I tolerate spicy books and I think the spice was done appropriately and done with intent and the slow burn leading up to it worked for me.

Kaushika and Meneka were the highest points of the novel and what got me through the story. I loved their chemistry from the get go, the distrust, the cat and mouse between them, and the verbal sparring. Kaushika was such an interesting and mysterious character with undeniable power. He was easily the most developed character in my eyes and he really reminded me of Zen from Song of Silver. I loved Kaushika’s devotion to his practice, but also how it became his flaw and how this affected the people around him. Meneka was a great foil to Kaushika and I loved the slow burn and forbidden romance between them. My heart broke for them several times and the conflict between them was impactful because of how well the slow burn was set up.

The side characters were also nice people. I liked how supportive they were of Meneka and how they each had their own voice. Though devoted to the hermitage and to Kaushika as their mentor, it was interesting seeing where their loyalties lie as well throughout the novel.

Onto critiques, I enjoyed the showcase of magic, but I wish more of it was used on a grander scale, e.g. in battle, rather than just for show. I felt the novel lacked action and I can only recall two significant ones that happened, one of which I enjoyed and felt the stakes and the other towards the end that felt a bit underwhelming and was resolved too easily. Maybe due to reading many xianxias I expected something of a grander scale, so this was quite mellow and tame. There were celestial creatures teased in the glossary that I don’t think showed up in the actual book either. The pacing also dragged out and it was a struggle to read on at times, but I do think the first act was necessary to set up betrayals even if it could have been executed better. I think the main villain was also very undeveloped, which made the war between the realms not as compelling as it could have been.

Overall, I think this was a fine read and sets up more interesting dynamics in the sequel.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

An enjoyable retelling. I enjoyed the romantic tension and relationship that was built between Meneka and Kaushika. While I went in to the story knowing the romance would be a large part of the story, I really enjoyed that the majority of the story is actually focused on Meneka and her journey to understand herself. The spicy scenes were spicy and well done. I enjoyed the world building as well, based upon Hindu stories. The ending shows a lot of promise for the story that is still being told and I’d be interested in seeing how Meneka’s story ends.

Am I the biggest fan of romantasy? No, but that didn't stop me from absolutely loving this book. Based on a truly great piece of Indian mythology, this book explores love and the power it holds, as well as asking the question - who can you turn to when everyone you love has turned against you.

I was very surprised, in a good way, by the final twist, and I thought he book did an incredible job of exploring Meneka's journey, as her powers waxed, waned, and ultimately blossomed.

The budding romance with Kaushika provided a great backdrop for the rest of the story to take place, and it was so refreshing to see a romance where she isn't the only one who changes and is affected by what is happening. He changes to, and in fact he changes first.

This book ended well, in a way that would be satisfactory by itself, but also leaves a small glimmer open if there was a desire for a sequel. Generally, I'm not a fan of sequels, but Kritika wrote this book so beautifully that I would love to continue reading this story!

"I see a vision of beauty, sacred and deep. I see a woman who is strong, because she has fought terrible battles with herself. Who has won them and lost them and understand the futility of fighting but does it anyway because to not do so would be harder."

A Day of Fallen Night meets The Phoenix King in an Indian inspired fantasy novel filled with deities vs mortals.

The premise and the story was interesting but unfortunately the writing style just didn't work for me. The pace was incredibly slow and I found myself confused on what we were working towards for a majority of the book.
I can see the appeal in the book but unfortunately it just wasn't for me.

I'm always desperate for a good fantasy book diving into Hindu mythology. I want to both educate myself and immerse myself into this world.

The Legend of Meneka has this worldbuilding and mythology to perfection. And the writing style is truly mesmerizing - as I am used to with the author.
It's a story of empowerment and identity, and it bleeds through every page.

However, as with Rao's previous books I read, the weak point for me are the characters. Though they are fleshed out, I still always found myself detached from them. Despite the look into their thoughts and emotions, I just could not connect. Their character arc and the romance is good on paper, but does not transport onto the page.

As I am drawn into books by characters mostly, sadly this story overall wasn't for me.

3,5/5 stars

Thank you @netgalley and @harpercollins for the eARC!

#LegendOfMeneka #Netgalley #Bookstagram

The Legend of Meneka by Kritika H. Rao was so so good. This was such a lovely experience. I enjoyed every single second of it. So so good.

A stunning Romantasy adventure hugely inspired by Indian Mythology that is both enchanting and impactful in so many ways.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟.5 (3.5/5)

Kritika H. Rao’s The Legend of Meneka presents a lush and imaginative tale, blending mythology with intricate world-building and themes of destiny and resilience. The story follows Meneka, whose journey challenges her to unravel secrets of her lineage while navigating a landscape fraught with danger and divine influence.

The prose is vivid, and the mythology is immersive, but the pacing occasionally falters, with dense exposition slowing the narrative. Despite this, the rich cultural elements and compelling character arcs make it a worthwhile read for fantasy enthusiasts.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the ARC. DNF @ 55%.

TLoM's strength lies in the interesting and lush Hindu mythological influences of deities and apsaras (celestials). That and titular protagonist Meneka is queer, having started out establishing that she's presently smitten with a fellow senior female apsara.

But aside from those, I ultimately struggled to hold on to my interest in Meneka's story. A seductress who feels remorse over the emotional manipulation that comes with her honey trapping role makes for an intriguing premise. I liked that her journey began with wanting to break free from that, which she'll be rewarded with after One Last Mission. But from very early on, Meneka—who was stated to have successfully seduced and manipulated many marks of prominent positions like royals, mind you—proved that she lacked any cunning or a calculative bone in her body. It was like reading a novice spy who had lucked her way through missions because her prior marks were so absurdly gullible, including this latest one.

And then, she goes on to rapidly develop a deep attraction for the aforementioned mark, Kaushika. Even though at that time, she still believed he had murdered her sister apsaras and had no reason to trust him. Kaushika had also been disdainful and condescending towards her, but that takes a backseat because he's hot, I guess. He reciprocates Meneka's attraction just as quickly, because she's oh so beautiful and shows she's capable of the bare minimum of compassion for other humans. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at every exchanged romantic dialogue because it feels so forced. Basically, if insta-lust makes for a swoonworthy romance for you, this is right up your alley.

I loved the premise of this story, I think it is really unique. The sense of setting was evocative and the prose was beautiful. I found it could have benefitted from slightly tighter pacing, but overall an interesting story.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
The Legend of Meneka by Kritika H. Rao is a beautifully woven tale that blends mythology and fantasy in a captivating way. The characters are rich and complex, and the plot is full of twists that kept me hooked from start to finish. The world-building is vivid, and the story explores themes of destiny, love, and self-discovery with depth and emotion. If you’re a fan of immersive fantasy with a touch of magic, this book is a must-read!

The Legend of Meneka is a lush, intriguing take on Indian mythology, blending fantasy, romance, and political intrigue. I was drawn in by the premise of an apsara—a celestial dancer with the power to seduce and manipulate—caught between duty and desire. There’s a lot to appreciate in this book, but it didn’t fully land for me.

Let’s start with the positives. The world-building is absolutely stunning. Rao crafts a vivid and immersive backdrop filled with celestial courts, divine politics, and richly detailed mythology. I could almost feel the weight of the gods’ presence and smell the incense in the air. It’s clear the author poured a lot of love and care into creating this universe, and readers who enjoy stories steeped in cultural lore will appreciate it.

Meneka’s journey is compelling in parts, especially as she wrestles with questions of identity, freedom, and her role as both a weapon and a woman seeking something more. Her internal conflict adds depth to her character, and I liked seeing her growth as she begins to challenge the system she’s been a pawn in for so long.

However, the romance—which is the core of the story—felt a bit underwhelming. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Meneka and Kaushika had moments of tension, but it lacked the slow-burn intensity I was hoping for. Their interactions were more simmering than sizzling, and I didn’t find myself fully invested in their relationship. I also felt that Kaushika, while intriguing, could have used more development to make him stand out beyond his role as the mysterious, powerful mortal.

The pacing was another challenge. The first half of the book dragged for me, with a lot of introspection and setup that slowed down the momentum. Things did pick up in the latter half, but it required patience to get there. Additionally, the lyrical, almost dreamlike writing style was beautiful but sometimes made it hard to connect with the characters on an emotional level. It felt like watching them from a distance rather than being in the thick of their experiences.

Overall, The Legend of Meneka is a unique and beautifully crafted story, but it didn’t completely win me over. It’s a solid read for fans of mythology-based fantasy who enjoy rich world-building and introspective storytelling. While it wasn’t a personal favorite, I’d still recommend it to readers looking for a romantasy that stands out from the usual tropes and offers a fresh perspective rooted in Indian lore.

I struggled to get into this book and feel it just wasn't for me. I've given it a 4 star rating as I feel like it's beautifully written and it was more a personal preference issue.

The writing is beautiful but it takes some getting used to. It's like poetry as it's so unique.

I loved the tension between the two main characters and the world building was done so beautifully. I keep saying beautiful as that's what this book is. Sadly, I just couldn't get into it. I try to avoid first person books so that might be the issue with me and this book.

3.5 stars
Rao’s writing is wonderful as can be seen in her word choices, and detailed descriptions.
As for the plot, characterisation and dialogue, I enjoyed the aspects excluding those with Meneka’s and Kaushika’s romantic involvement.
4/5 for the scenes and plot elements about Meneka, the world setting and the mythology.
3/5 for most of those with the lust between M & K and the ending.
I would be interested in other books by this author.

Rating - 4.5 stars

I think this book would be perfect for fans of Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan.

Dare I say this is one of the fewest spicy romantasy books that I actually liked. I enjoyed this book so much more than I expected. I ended up finishing this book much faster than I thought I would because I found it hard to put this book down.

Meneka and Kaushika have my whole heart. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THEM!!! So many of my favourite quotes are from their interactions with each other. Every time I go back to those quotes, I always smile, giggle and kick my feet because the tension and their relationship is through the roof. Specifically, Kaushika’s quotes? OMG I AM DOWN BAD FOR HIM. He’s just too damn fine for his own good.

The writing style of this book was so mesmerising and sensual, I was so in awe of the author’s choice of words in every single page. The world building is steeped in Indian mythology. There is a glossary that can help you get used to the terminology. If you love flowery, lyrical writing then you’re going to love this book. If I had a physical copy of this book, I would highlight nearly all the quotes because there were endless amounts of them that I loved.

I liked that Meneka had to deal with a lot of internal struggles throughout the book. I loved the way the author explored identity. In the beginning, she was quite naive, but by the end, I was just so proud of her character growth that it made me tear up a few times.

I absolutely loved how there was no clear villain amongst the characters, and everyone was morally grey. Everyone was equally capable of both good and evil and so their complexity made them feel like real people to me.

The idea is intriguing and enticing, but the execution is a catastrophe. I couldn't connect with the characters. I had high hopes for this book, but it fell short of my expectations. :(