I took a chance on this book, the cover and blurb intrigued me. And I’m glad I did. The story drew me in, wanting to understand and learn more about Ceres. She has grown up an orphan with a power she doesn’t fully understand, and which brings herself and others harm. When she manages to return to her own land things look brighter. But past history and tragic betrayal are never going to lead to a happy ending. Thank you to Rishika Porandla and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

I enjoyed this novel, and upon reflection I think this is something I will often recommend to high schoolers. The writing is beautiful and executed well; it wasn’t too flowery, not too dramatic. I was genuinely surprised when I did research and found that Letalis was written by a teenager! Some triple-published adults can’t even write this well. I think with this novel especially, it is important to remember that its intended audience is high school students, so plot points that may seem cliche are actually ideal for this genre. For the author being so young, this was incredible!

for an author so young, Rishika clearly knows what she's doing, and I only see her going up from here. beautiful prose and yes, while it may seem cliche to some, her writing is intended for a teen audience. So I could definitely see this being a hit with fans of YA

I absolutely loved this book. I think it’s a brilliant fantasy and I 100% would like to see more from this author. It’s definitely my style because the whole fantasy element is just something that I’ve been really enjoying recently.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for providing me an ARC of this novel for an honest review.

Letalis by Rishika Porandla is a dark, atmospheric journey that pulls you into a world of mystery, suspense, and a deeply captivating story. From the first page, Porandla’s writing immerses you in a world that feels both haunting and beautifully crafted. The narrative is gritty yet lyrical, weaving themes of survival, identity, and the cost of power in a way that feels both original and intense.

The protagonist is complex and flawed in the best possible way. Watching them struggle with their inner demons while facing external challenges adds a rich emotional layer to the story. It’s a fascinating blend of action and introspection, and it makes for a highly engaging reading experience.

Porandla’s world-building is truly impressive. The setting feels alive—rich with detail, yet never bogged down by unnecessary explanations. The stakes are high, and the tension builds steadily throughout, with plenty of twists that keep you on your toes. There’s a sense of danger around every corner, but also a deeper philosophical exploration of what it means to live in a world where nothing is as it seems.

If you're into dark fantasy with morally complex characters and a plot that keeps you guessing, Letalis is absolutely worth diving into. It’s a book that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page, and I, for one, can’t wait to see what Rishika Porandla does next.