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The Divine Dancers #2
The Rise of the Celestials
Not yet published
Expected 7 Apr 26Internationally bestselling author Kritika H. Rao weaves a stunning tale of love, seduction, and betrayal in this enchanting and romantic conclusion to the Divine Dancers duology that started with The Legend of Meneka
After completing her dangerous mission to seduce Sage Kaushika—and unexpectedly finding love in the process—Meneka enjoys a fragile freedom. She now lives in the mortal realm with Kaushika, both learning to trust each other. Yet deep differences linger between them, and conflicting loyalties may still tear them apart.
The illusion of peace shatters when Meneka is abruptly summoned back to the City of Immortals by Lord Indra, who demands her help in facing a threat from the demonic realm. Meneka wants nothing to do with Indra’s schemes, but she can’t return to Kaushika unless she complies. If she fails, her immortal home will fall, Kaushika will be lost to her, and her very identity as an apsara will become forfeit.
To save all she loves, Meneka must navigate the darkest corners of the Immortal Realm, pursued by monsters and demons. But the greatest danger lies in a truth she cannot outrun—one that could shatter her bond with Kaushika forever.
This sequel to The Legend of Meneka brings the celestial dancer’s saga to a thrilling conclusion, delving deeper into Hindu mythology as she faces an ancient threat—and confronts truths buried in her own heart.
After completing her dangerous mission to seduce Sage Kaushika—and unexpectedly finding love in the process—Meneka enjoys a fragile freedom. She now lives in the mortal realm with Kaushika, both learning to trust each other. Yet deep differences linger between them, and conflicting loyalties may still tear them apart.
The illusion of peace shatters when Meneka is abruptly summoned back to the City of Immortals by Lord Indra, who demands her help in facing a threat from the demonic realm. Meneka wants nothing to do with Indra’s schemes, but she can’t return to Kaushika unless she complies. If she fails, her immortal home will fall, Kaushika will be lost to her, and her very identity as an apsara will become forfeit.
To save all she loves, Meneka must navigate the darkest corners of the Immortal Realm, pursued by monsters and demons. But the greatest danger lies in a truth she cannot outrun—one that could shatter her bond with Kaushika forever.
This sequel to The Legend of Meneka brings the celestial dancer’s saga to a thrilling conclusion, delving deeper into Hindu mythology as she faces an ancient threat—and confronts truths buried in her own heart.
384 pages, Paperback
Expected publication April 7, 2026
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About the author
Kritika H. Rao
6 books294 followersKritika H. Rao is a science-fiction and fantasy writer, who has lived in India, Australia, Canada and The Sultanate of Oman. Kritika’s stories are influenced by her lived experiences, and often explore themes of consciousness, self vs. the world, and identity. She drops in and out of social media; you might catch her on Twitter or Instagram @KritikaHRao. Visit her online at www.kritikahrao.com.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 7, 2025
Though the title sounds like it belongs in the MCU, The Rise of the Celestials belongs right after The Legend of Meneka. Very much in the vein of the first book in the Divine Dancers duology, this one blends spice with story to complete Meneka's adventure narrative. I am not familiar with the Hindu myth that is the basis of the events in this series so I cannot attest to how faithful a retelling this is, but the tale has some action and suspense to carry the plot between its romantic interludes. Overall, those that enjoyed the start of Meneka's story should like how it ends. (3.5/5)
I received access to this eARC thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Avon and Harper Voyager) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
I received access to this eARC thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Avon and Harper Voyager) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
December 8, 2025
This was a really immersive and rich read, the mythology and the emotions and the romance were woven in SO well together! As in the first book, Meneka's character growth and internal deliberations were amazingly written, I could feel her every struggle and emotion, as well as the understanding and peace she gained at the end.
Also the romance was SO swoony and steamy, I found myself rereading all of Meneka and Kaushika's scenes together, they were just so >>>>>>>>
-- ty to the author and the publisher for a gifted copy!
Also the romance was SO swoony and steamy, I found myself rereading all of Meneka and Kaushika's scenes together, they were just so >>>>>>>>
-- ty to the author and the publisher for a gifted copy!
January 14, 2026
TRUE RATING: 5 stars
I can't say enough about the The Divine Dancers duology. Lush and seductive romance. Complex characters. Magic. Action. Philosophy. Fantasy. Friendship. Sisterhood. What more could you want from a book?
The Rise of the Celestials is a fitting conclusion to the story of a girl stepping out of the shadow of a god and into her own power. The romance is *steamy.* The philosophical conversations and internal monologues are a bit heavy, like in book one, but necessary to the development of Meneka's character. I quite enjoyed them, but I figured I should put a fair warning to anyone who might not. The lore is rich, the worldbuilding immersive, and it's impossible not to be pulled heart first into the second half of Meneka's story. Mine was so full and so happy by the end of it.
A reluctant Meneka, torn between a divided king and queen, is swept into another adventure in an unfamiliar world when Indra sends her on a mission seeking spies and traitors. A war is coming and she must choose a side: king or queen, one master or another? Which will she choose?
You'd better crack the book open and find out.
I can't say enough about the The Divine Dancers duology. Lush and seductive romance. Complex characters. Magic. Action. Philosophy. Fantasy. Friendship. Sisterhood. What more could you want from a book?
The Rise of the Celestials is a fitting conclusion to the story of a girl stepping out of the shadow of a god and into her own power. The romance is *steamy.* The philosophical conversations and internal monologues are a bit heavy, like in book one, but necessary to the development of Meneka's character. I quite enjoyed them, but I figured I should put a fair warning to anyone who might not. The lore is rich, the worldbuilding immersive, and it's impossible not to be pulled heart first into the second half of Meneka's story. Mine was so full and so happy by the end of it.
A reluctant Meneka, torn between a divided king and queen, is swept into another adventure in an unfamiliar world when Indra sends her on a mission seeking spies and traitors. A war is coming and she must choose a side: king or queen, one master or another? Which will she choose?
You'd better crack the book open and find out.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews