Dance of the Asuras

by N. Patel Baxi

Freedom was her final dance, until the devil stepped onto her stage.

Niya is the most famous dancer in Khoya, bound by a contract to a kingdom that has stolen her independence. With her servitude nearly over, she is closer than ever to gaining safe passage to the revered city of Varnasi—and a life of her choosing.

But when Zehan, the Prince of Hell, witnesses her final performance, he claims her as his Chosen and drags her to the realm of demons.

Now, to gain her freedom, Niya strikes a new serve in Zehan’s court and use her magic to help him uncover who is stealing the souls of his subjects. The culprit proves elusive, and the more time Niya spends in Zehan’s world, the more her heart betrays her vow to leave.

Whirling between deceitful anti-gods and an unraveling prophecy, Niya finds a surprising source of power as she steps into an unexpected destiny…and an inescapable love.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 24, 2026

About the author

N Patel Baxi (also known as Neerali) has always been a ‘What If’ girl. Forever thinking about the future and asking impossible questions. Her stories come from a lifelong love for the magical and unreal. When she isn’t busy imagining new worlds, she spends her time sipping on chai, watching Bollywood, and traveling across the world. She currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and son.

Reviews

[Fal Patel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved how the South Asian culture and fantasy came together. This book is creative and fearless. Very well written! Full five stars for this South Asian romantasy!

[KMart Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dancer on the brink of freedom gets pulled into the court of a demon prince against her will.

The Bollywood-inspired vibe really comes through, especially in the way the romance leans into longing and tension rather than constant proximity. There’s a dramatic flair to everything, but it never tips into feeling overly so.

Niya is such an easy character to love. She has a desperation for freedom that drives a lot of her choices, even when her emotions start complicating things. I loved how resistant she was at first. She doesn’t just fall into this new world and accept it. She questions it, pushes back, and holds onto her priorities. Zehan is used to being in control, used to being feared, and then Niya shows up and doesn’t respond the way he expects. He's exactly the kind of broody, slightly infuriating love interest you expect here, but honestly, way more nuanced. Their dynamic is full of banter and tension, and I really liked how he leans into his feelings while she tries to shut hers down. That said, a lot of their connection seems to happen off-page or in smaller moments that don’t get enough time to fully land. I wanted more scenes of them actually being together, building that relationship in a way that felt undeniable.

The world-building was one of my favorite parts. The South Asian influences are woven in so naturally, and it adds so much texture to the story. This is a really vibrant, culturally rich romantasy with strong characters and a unique setting. The mythology, the structure of the demon realm, the cultural elements… all so unique. It makes the setting stand out in a genre that can start to feel repetitive and boring.

The twists genuinely caught me off guard more than once, which is always a win. There’s a lot going on with the mystery and the larger political stakes, and for the most part, it balances well. The ending, though, definitely felt rushed. Everything ramps up quickly, and I wish it had taken a little more time to breathe because the payoff could have hit even harder. Rati didn’t quite work for me as an antagonist. There’s an attempt to add layers to her motivations, but it didn't make sense to me. She feels like a plot device.

Overall, this is a really vibrant, culturally rich romantasy with strong characters and unique setting.

Thanks so much to R&R Booktours and the author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.

[Candace Sewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I find it hard to believe this is a debut.

This is wonderful. Amazing. Hot. Sad. Cultural.

This is a loose Hades and Persephone retelling with Hindi influences from what I can gather. Think Bollywood meets the Underworld. Niya is sassy and headstrong, while Zehan is broody and used to getting his way. Niya is led to believe her whole life that Zehan is a terrible human being and Naraka is a horrible place to be, so when she is chosen by the Zehan to accompany him to his court, she is horrified. She’s less than a year from the end of her servitude and now she’s taken into hell.

As all of us H&P fans know, not all is what it seems. It takes a long while for Niya to realize that Zehan isn’t a terrible human and that hell isn’t all bad. She has to work with Zehan to discover who is ripping souls away from the realms and preventing them from ascending to Svarga. This is full of banter, action, and mystery.

The character development is stellar and highly entertaining. I love watching Niya try to tamp down her feelings for Zehan, when he makes no such effort, just respects her space ( to a degree). The side characters and the Asuras were delightfully morally gray as well. The twist involves a character I NEVER would have pegged as well.

The writing is fairly easy to read once you acquaint yourself to the terms in the glossary. I recommend looking up what the clothing looks like if you don’t already know. The imagery in this book is detailed, but not so much it detracts from the story.

Really well done, and of course that cliffhanger is BRUTAL.

[Vismita Shah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read! Dance of Asuras pulled me in from the very beginning with its rich and immersive setting, weaving Indian-inspired fantasy elements into the story in a way that feels both fresh and deeply rooted in culture and mythology.

One of my favorite aspects of the book was how dance was incorporated throughout the narrative. It wasn’t just a decorative detail, it became an integral part of the story and the world itself.

The plot also deserves special mention because it kept me constantly guessing. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the story would take another unexpected turn.

Highly recommend if you’re looking for a unique themed fantasy book, especially if you’re part of or well read in Hindu methodology!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC copy.

What a unique take on romantasy. Such an amazing story! I don’t even know where to begin. I love how this is Asian inspired with a Bollywood take. Probably my favorite part of this whole book. And even though I predicted a piece of the end, I loved it so much. However there were other twists I totally didn’t see coming. That last page! Like what?! I need the sequel now! The world building is perfect, the character development on par, and the slow burn absolutely amazing. I was addicted from beginning to end. I’m obsessed. I can’t believe I have to wait a whole year for the sequel. Everyone needs to read this! Highly recommend!

[momo ꪆৎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

(arc review)
*minor spoilers ahead*

Got this arc and I was SO hyped about this one and it did meet my expectations. It feels like I was watching a bollywood movie and that's a compliment btw!

Loved all the characters!! Though my fav would be Hans, he has that vibe to him that I like.

It took me longer to read than I was expecting but the last 100 pages were all worth it (which I finished in one day btw). From the very start till the very end, this book had me hooked!!

Though getting introduced to sooo many characters all at once was a bit overwhelming but I kept reading. The plot, I kind of guessed (obv I grew up watching bollywood) but still that one twist at the end SHOCKED me!!!

Rati was an annoying character and her reasoning for doing allll that made me physically roll my eyes. Niya is my girl, I love her.

Also it was mentioned a few times that Zehan has beard... um, no, he don't! thanks for the suggestion!

And I should've known that I'll receive an ending like such. 😭 I have ALOT of questions that were left unanswered. And I'm hoping to get my answers in the next book.

My desi babes should definitely pick this one up!! It'll have you living in a bollywood movie. Not to mention I got so attached to the characters.

Thankyou Netgalley and the author for providing me with this arc!

[Hira Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone of South Asian descent , this book meant so much to me. Seeing desi culture at the center of a fantasy story was incredibly special and every mention of chai made me chuckle (I may be addicted).

Niya being a dancer and Zehan being the prince of hell was such a powerful contrast. There’s something so beautiful about pairing art and grace with darkness and power. Their relationship unfolded slowly, and I truly appreciate that this was a genuine slow burn. Nothing felt rushed or forced. They earned it.

The world building was phenomenal. I could see how much thought went into crafting this story. The lore, the politics and the world were very expansive and immersive. I also loved the mystery woven throughout and the constant plot twists that kept me guessing.

And I was absolutely not ready for that ending. The cliffhanger has me counting down to the next book.

[Magpiebookreviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dance of the Asuras was my first dive into a story inspired by Indian mythology, and I loved getting to explore a culture and lore I haven’t read much about before. The worldbuilding felt rich and unique, and once I started understanding the mythology a little more, I absolutely devoured the story.

I’ll admit the beginning was a bit challenging because I didn’t fully grasp all the terms and lore right away, but once everything started clicking, I couldn’t stop reading. The mythology, the stakes, and the unfolding story pulled me completely in.

Honestly, the worst part now is the wait for book two. I need it immediately.

[Payal Patel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a fun Indian-inspired, Bollywood-like romantasy read! I really appreciated all the research behind the verbiage used and different types of characters (and how fun was it to read my name on the pages for the first time within a romantasy read!!!).

I appreciated the dark-and-light themes and that everyone has a little bit of both. I also loved Niya’s characterization and development throughout the book, as well as Zehan’s.

Lastly, that TENSION! 🫣 I need more!!!
Also that cliffhanger! 😱 Can’t wait to read the next book! Perfect read for anyone interested in Indian mythology, dance, and a little spice and action!

[Annie (Houseofbooksandboardgames) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, rounded up

This story was utterly captivating from the start. I couldn't put it down. The world building was so well done. It absolutely delivered on the Hades and Persephone vibes but rooted in Indian mythology.

I absolutely loved Niya and the way her relationship changes with Zehan as she learns more about him and his world. They had some truly great banter.

I would highly recommend this for anyone looking for a delightful new romantasy. I am looking forward to reading book two of this duology!

Thanks to the author for the ARC!

[Nalini · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Courtesan and a Prince of Hell. She is a dancer in a court and has magic that she knows little about. He forces her to come to hell to help him figure out who has been stealing souls. If she succeeds she will be granted her freedom. While she figures out the gravity of how much power and magic she can wield she finds herself trying not to fall for this prince. The tension and chemistry between them is enchanting. The world building is rich and beautiful. The ending completely blew my mind!!

[Sunny · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC Review: Dance of the Asuras by N. Patel Baxi

I received an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. As someone who is always excited to support debut authors—especially BIPOC authors bringing non-Western mythologies into fantasy—I went into Dance of the Asuras genuinely hoping to love it. The premise, with its Indian-inspired worldbuilding and supernatural politics, sounded incredibly promising. Unfortunately, while there were elements I appreciated, the execution ultimately left me disappointed.

✨Writing Style✨
One of the most persistent issues throughout the ARC was the writing itself. The tone often felt unexpectedly casual and modern compared to the atmosphere the book seems to be aiming for. In a setting populated by supernatural courts, devas, and asuras, the narration frequently uses phrasing that feels contemporary or juvenile, which undercuts the more mythic tone.

For example, the protagonist describes things as “icky,” refers to quantities as a “shit ton,” and uses phrasing like “fucking” or standing on her “tippy toes.” Moments that should feel tense or otherworldly instead come across as oddly casual. When a story is trying to build a dark, ancient-feeling supernatural world, that kind of language makes it harder to take the atmosphere seriously.

There were also... quite a few technical issues in the ARC itself. Spelling mistakes, punctuation errors, and awkwardly constructed sentences appeared frequently enough to disrupt the reading flow. I fully understand that ARCs are not final copies, but the number of small issues made the prose feel less polished than expected. To a degree where it read as a first draft...

Some descriptions also became repetitive over the course of the book. Physical reactions and sensory imagery are reused in very similar ways. For instance, warmth or heat repeatedly travels through the protagonist’s body—often specifically to her toes. At one point, “even the brush of his fingers sent a streak of heat to my toes,” and similar phrasing appears multiple times throughout the novel. Because the same imagery keeps returning, moments that are meant to feel intense or romantic begin to lose their impact.

There are also a number of lines that read more confusing than evocative. One example is a sentence describing how “the air between us thickened with something other than the smell of moldy parchment,” which is such a strange sentence. Another line describes the protagonist feeling a “princely presence behind me,” which... what?

✨Characterisation✨
The protagonist had the potential to be a compelling character. She’s placed in a dangerous world surrounded by manipulative supernatural beings, which could have created a fascinating dynamic of survival, strategy, and psychological tension.

However, she rarely seems to apply the caution she repeatedly acknowledges she should have. The narrative reminds us multiple times that the people around her are deceitful, dangerous, and capable of manipulation. Despite this, she often makes impulsive decisions or ignores obvious warning signs.

For example, she frequently observes suspicious behaviour but doesn’t seem to follow through with any deeper analysis of it. Instead of feeling like someone carefully navigating a dangerous political environment, she often reacts moment-to-moment without considering consequences. Gosh, I wanted her to just use her brain several times in this story, and it was difficult not to be annoyed with her.

There are also moments where the internal logic of her thoughts feels inconsistent. In one chapter she refers to the male lead as attractive in her own internal monologue, but shortly afterward she spends time wondering whether she might be attracted to him at all—as if the earlier acknowledgement never happened.

These contradictions made it harder for me to understand her emotional arc.

✨The Romance✨
The romantic arc between the main characters felt particularly underdeveloped. Attraction between them technically exists earlier in the story, but the actual flirtation doesn’t begin until roughly the mid-point of the book. When it does begin, it escalates very quickly.

What made this difficult to believe was that the emotional groundwork for the relationship never feels fully established. The protagonist spends a significant portion of the story distrusting the male lead, yet much of that distrust isn’t rooted in specific actions he’s taken toward her. Meanwhile, she also notices moments where he behaves gently or protectively, but she rarely processes those moments in a meaningful way.

The male lead’s behaviour also shifts rather abruptly. Early on he is dismissive, distant, and openly uninterested in engaging with her as well as not being interested in using her name. The protagonist even remarks at one point that they have spent very little time together. Yet soon afterward he begins flirting with her and initiating more intimate interactions. What really annoyed me later was actually how he kept calling her "courtesan"...

Because the two characters never spend enough time learning about each other’s motivations, histories, or personalities, the romance begins to feel less like a natural progression and more like a narrative expectation. By the time the relationship becomes more physically charged, it still feels like the characters barely know each other.

✨Dialogue and Emotional Logic✨
Another recurring issue is that characters sometimes react in ways that feel strangely disconnected from what is happening around them.

For example, there are moments when the protagonist seems confused by statements or implications that are extremely obvious to the reader. At one point a character’s words strongly suggest something significant about a prophecy, yet the protagonist treats the connection as if it is still a mystery rather than something worth immediately questioning.

This happens often enough that it occasionally feels like the story is delaying obvious conclusions in order to preserve suspense. Again, I repeat, I kept wanting the FMC to PLEASE USE HER BRAIN, but it really didn't happen...

✨Worldbuilding✨
The most promising aspect of the book is the world itself. Fantasy inspired by Indian mythology is still relatively rare in mainstream publishing, and it was VERY refreshing to see elements like Hindi terminology incorporated into the narrative!

The supernatural hierarchy, the concept of devas and asuras, and the broader mythological inspiration all have the potential to create a very rich setting.

However, the story doesn’t always explore these ideas as deeply as it could. Much of the plot takes place in only a few locations, and many scenes occur inside buildings or confined spaces. Because of that, the world sometimes feels smaller than the premise suggests. Or, what I mean is, there is certainly ways to improve on the setting and atmosphere of the book.

Similarly, the magic system appears in glimpses rather than being clearly explained. We see magic used in a few different ways, but the underlying rules or limitations aren’t always clear. A deeper exploration of how magic works—or how it differs between characters—would have made the world feel more immersive.

✨Familiar Story Beats✨
One thing I struggled with increasingly as the story progressed was how strongly several plot elements resembled very specific narrative beats from popular fantasy series, particularly A Court of Thorns and Roses and Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas.

Of course, fantasy as a genre is built on shared tropes—morally grey love interests, dangerous supernatural courts, prophecies, bargains, and trials are all common storytelling devices. At first, that was what I assumed was happening here as well.

However, as the book continued, the parallels became more specific than typical genre overlap.

Early on, the male lead is introduced as a feared, almost devil-like figure with a terrible reputation. Later, it is revealed that much of this reputation is tied to the fact that he is effectively under the control of a powerful female deity-like antagonist who manipulates him and restricts what he can do—something he cannot openly reveal to others. He is also unable to use his own powers directly against her. This dynamic strongly echoes the situation of Rhysand and Amarantha in A Court of Thorns and Roses, where Rhysand’s apparent cruelty is later revealed to be the result of coercion and magical limitations placed on him by a female villain.

The similarities continued in the structure of the central conflict. At one point the antagonist forces the protagonist into a bargain that results in a series of trials or challenges she must complete, while the male lead is present but unable to intervene. The sequence bears a strong resemblance to Feyre’s trial scenes Under the Mountain in A Court of Thorns and Roses, where the heroine must complete dangerous tasks after bargaining with the story’s central villain while her love interest watches helplessly.

Another moment that stood out was when the male lead offers himself to the antagonist in exchange for the heroine’s release, explicitly stating he will commit himself to her in a degrading, servile role ("as her whore"). This dynamic again mirrors Rhysand’s position under Amarantha in ACOTAR, where he is forced into a similarly role that other characters interpret as voluntary.

There were also moments that felt reminiscent of Throne of Glass. The male lead possesses shadow-based magic, a power set that readers of that series would likely recognise immediately. At one point, that shadow magic is even used in an intimate scene in a way that closely resembles how shadow or magic-based intimacy is portrayed with a certain character in Throne of Glass.

None of these elements individually would necessarily stand out—fantasy often draws from similar archetypes, and I know that. But the accumulation of multiple highly specific parallels made parts of the plot feel less surprising than they might otherwise have been. Instead of unfolding in a way that felt unique to this world, several key story beats reminded me strongly of scenes and dynamics from those earlier series.

✨What I Did Enjoy✨
Despite my criticisms, there were aspects of the book that I genuinely appreciated. The mythological inspiration behind the story is intriguing, and I always enjoy seeing fantasy that draws from cultural traditions that are less commonly represented in the genre.

The concept of supernatural politics mixed with court intrigue is also compelling, and there are moments where the tension between characters hints at a much richer story beneath the surface.

✨Final Thoughts✨
Dance of the Asuras is a book I truly wanted to love. The premise is strong, the cultural inspiration is exciting, and the core ideas have real potential. Unfortunately, issues with tone, character consistency, and romantic pacing made it difficult for me to stay fully invested.

I do think the author has interesting ideas and a world worth exploring, and I would be curious to see how their writing evolves in the second book. With tighter editing, deeper character development, and more fully realized worldbuilding, there is definitely the potential for something very compelling in future works.

Overall, this ended up being a 2-star read for me. I truly appreciated the cultural inspiration and ambition behind the story, but the execution ultimately didn’t come together for me.

[Kruti · Rating 5 out of 5]

And cue the book hangover!!! One of my biggest book hangovers since reading a SJM series. This book was everything I crave in a romantasy. The slow burn, the world building, and not to mention a great shadow daddy. Combine that with the south asian influence I always wanted to see growing up…this book definitely hit all the marks! A Bollywood feel with a touch of Hades and Persephone is the cherry on top. Wish I could read it for the first time all over again!

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book. The Bollywood infused fantasy seems like a unique spin to the Romantasy space, but it just fell flat for me. The characters and writing lacked depth, and it felt like the entire plot happened in the last 10-15% of the book in a last ditch effort to salvage it.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book two days ago, but I haven't been able to write the review until now as I couldn't find the right words to describe how amazing it is! This Bollywood-esque fantasy will take you on a unique journey with evil Gods, kind-hearted demons and the Devil himself, who will make you swoon.

I was hooked from the first page itself. Being a South-Asian myself, I get really excited when I find fantasy novels with elements and settings that are familiar. Also, I speak Hindi, so I could easily understand the terms and had no trouble getting immersed into the story. I had high expectations from the book when I signed up for the ARC, and it has surpassed all my expectations.

Coming to the characters — they were well written with a lot of depth. Niya was head-strong, independent and did whatever it took to survive. She was deeply flawed and made mistakes, but it made her more relatable and helped me connect with her. Zehan was complex with differing personalities: one that he presented to the world and the other, only to people who were close to him. I didn't think I'd end up liking him so much in the beginning, but he managed to wiggle his way in my heart. New Book Boyfriend alert!

The supporting characters were great! The best part — I had fun trying to guess everyone's motives the whole time. Not everything was the way it seemed, including the portrayal of Heaven and Hell. There were quite a few shocks and surprises sprinkled throughout the book.

I loved how the whole idea of dance was blended in the scenes. It wasn't merely an act of entertainment but also conveyed and elicited a variety of emotions. I don't remember ever having read a book that portrayed the art so beautifully.

The magical abilities of the characters were impressive, and I especially liked the progress Niya made with hers. The conflicts between the various factions also added to the world-building.

The end was mind-blowing, and all my guessing games were futile, as I could not have seen that twist coming at all! The final chapter promises a lot more answers and revelations in the coming book, and I'm eagerly looking forward to it.

I highly recommend it to fantasy readers who enjoy Bollywood movies, want to read diversely and want a glimpse of Indian culture. It has action, mystery, romance that makes you tingly in all the right places and some spice.

[Daughter0fsalem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dance of the Asuras is a captivating, enthralling and enticing book full of beautiful south asian imagery.

I have to admit, South Asian is sometimes what I go to for tv, but hardly ever for books.
I had my reservations about how well a debut set in this culture would be, and convinced myself it wouldn’t be my cup of tea, BOY was I wrong.
It was incredibly refreshing being thrust into a culture but still able to understand nearly everything written, the glossary was a great touch.
I didn’t feel like I wholly out of my comfort zone!

This started off slow -as most books do- but just the hardship, strength and inner monologue of Niya kept me interested.
Niya has lived the majority of her life as a courtesan and because of her abilities, a spy.
Dancing for her freedom.
Swaying the audience for her captors gain.

Then we meet Zehan,
The King of hell, the devil, the very very handsome man that has now chosen her as his property.
Captured, again.
I love it when our FMC’s special ability doesn’t work on someone, it’s always them isn’t it?

Definitely give this one a shot, even if you think it might not be your thing, it was incredibly written, high stakes, dramatic in the best way and slow burn.

“who did this to you”

“Touch her and die”

“Zehan may have picked me as his rose, but he failed to see one thing. I had thorns that would prick until they drew blood.”

““That is the last time I help you with that, courtesan. The next time you want warmth, you’ll have to find another way.” I snorted. “Fine. I’ll just wrap myself around you.” I froze, realizing what I had just said. What in nine hells?”

———————
The only thing I wish we had more of is the found family element, it started with some very strong side characters around her

SPOILER!!
But by the end, we had lost 4????
She has but 1 person left in the inner circle who she’s not even that close to, and two across the pond that she doesn’t even know are semi alive.)
SPOILER ^

nope! I do not accept it!
But it does make me incredibly excited for the next one!

[Janay Hagins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dance of the Asuras by N. Patel Baxi pulled me in from the very beginning and kept me hooked all the way through.

The story follows Niya, a talented dancer who has spent years trapped in a contract that controls her life. Her only focus is survival and the hope that one day she’ll finally be free. But everything changes after one performance when she catches the attention of someone powerful — the Prince of Hell himself.

What I really appreciated about Niya as a character is her resilience. She isn’t weak or passive in a situation that could easily break someone. Instead, she learns how to navigate power, politics, and survival in an entirely new world. Watching her step into the demon realm and negotiate her place there makes her a compelling and strong female lead.

The dynamic between Niya and Zehan adds a lot of tension to the story. There’s this constant push and pull between danger, curiosity, and attraction that keeps you wondering what will happen next. Their interactions bring a slow-burn intensity that fantasy romance readers will definitely appreciate.

Beyond the romance, the mystery surrounding the disappearing souls and the politics within the demon court adds another layer that keeps the plot moving and makes the world feel bigger than just the main relationship.

And that ending… wow. The story leaves off on a major cliffhanger, and I’m already looking forward to seeing where the story goes next in the following book.

If you enjoy fantasy romance with strong female leads, morally complex characters, dark prince energy, and a story that blends romance, intrigue, and mystery, this is definitely one to add to your reading list.

I’ll definitely be continuing the series because I need to know what happens next. Thank you for allowing me to review my first ARC with your debut novel!

[Sandra Ruttan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a story that transports me into another world and hooks me from page 1 and keeps me turning the pages. Dance of the Asuras grabbed my interest quickly and held it, and it was a fantastic read.

N. Patel Bazi expertly established the questions I wanted answers to, and dished out just enough information to make the story feel like it was moving forward, then threw in twists that raised more questions. And, although I started scrutinizing characters for motives and access and trying to figure out one of the mysteries, the revelations were surprises. I never pieced things together completely, which is one of the reasons I enjoyed this so much. The ending was unexpected and it made sense.

I enjoyed the characters and the character dynamics at play. Niya has her pain and her determination, and she’s fighting for herself. She blunders her way through some mistakes and learns throughout the story, which makes her a protagonist it’s easy to root for. I wanted to see her get a happy ending.

Of course, I suspected there was more to Zehan than his reputation, and it was quickly apparent that he’s also a character I wanted to root for. He also makes mistakes, and learns and grows, and I wanted to see him find happiness, too.

Of course, Niya’s dream and Zehan’s goal are incompatible, and that creates a new conflict within the story as they grapple with the decisions they have to make as events progress.

I received an ARC prior to publication. The story is described as Bollywood-esque, and it infuses Indian culture into the story in a way that makes it accessible for everyone.

I always try to avoid spoilers in reviews, but I have to say that the ending blew my mind, and I can’t wait for book 2. 5 stars.

[evenromanceisnerdy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was completely swept me into a lush, mythology-inspired world filled with gods, anti-gods, and dangerous bargains—and I was hooked from Niya’s very first performance!

Niya is such a compelling FMC. Watching her navigate a life where her freedom is constantly just out of reach made her journey feel emotional and grounded, even in such a fantastical setting. Her strength isn’t just in power, but in her resilience—and I loved seeing that unfold as she’s pulled into a realm she never asked for.

And Zehan… 👀 the Prince of Hell who falls first? Yes please. The tension, banter, and undeniable chemistry between them added such a fun (and spicy) layer to the story. Their forced proximity dynamic really allowed their relationship to build in a way that felt both intense and conflicted.

The world-building was one of my favorite parts—rich with culture, magic, and layered mythology. The themes of karmic retribution, destiny, and hidden power gave the story depth, while the mystery of the stolen souls kept me intrigued throughout.

There were a few moments where the pacing dipped slightly in the middle, and I found myself wanting just a bit more emotional depth in certain scenes—but the overall journey and payoff made it worth it.

By the end, I was fully invested in Niya’s fate, her power, and the choices she’ll have to make next.

✨ If you love morally grey characters, mythological fantasy, and tension-filled romance with a touch of spice—this one is definitely for you.

✨ Indian Gods meet Greek mythology
❤️‍🔥 South Asian vibes
✨ Forced Proximity
❤️‍🔥 Morally Grey
✨ Karmic Retribution
❤️‍🔥 Gods & Anti-Gods
✨ Hidden Powers
❤️‍🔥 He Falls First
✨ Tension, Banter & Spice
❤️‍🔥 Dance scenes

Thank you to the author and R&R Book Tours for sending me a beautiful physical copy! 🥰🫶🏼

[Mahek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and N. Patel baxi for giving me the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

The story of a dancer, a courtesan, a stage name so famous, that everyone came to watch her dance. Mohini was the name and she danced to take information with her powers in exchange to get the freedom she desires until Zehan, the prince of hell  arrives and takes her away on another journey.

Everything Niya ( her real name) knew about hell was not entirely true as foretold on earth. And that's where everything began.

It's amazing how this story moved on, and how Niya and Zehan relationship forged from hate to something more . But what truly surprised me was the ending. It was so overwhelming. But their love will never fade away.

Everything about them together was a havoc, because they had to go through so much, from finding information from Asuras, staying away from Rati's mind games and other things...

The later half of the book was absolutely fantastic, but also too many things happened at the same time, Rati telling Niya about Zehan's true purpose and the prophecy, Rati with asura trials, opening the gates, Yama ( God of hell) being alive and the last part of Niya becoming the queen, the ruler of Hell.

Too much blood shed, too many hidden truths and secrets all being revealed until Yama and Zehan were snatched away to the gates of Heaven.

It was truly amazing 😭 but I'm so scared of what's to happen next after all the events that has taken place. How will Niya find Zehan back to her and how Niya will face the future... is up to the next book for which I can't wait.

[Mekhala Dissanayake · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up to 4

Thanks to the author and NetGalley for the ARC! Mild spoilers below (nothing specific). Writing/ dialogue was ok. There were some details that I found silly, like the female MC saying she’s never seen a map before, or adapting the phrase “like a moth to a flame” to “like a mosquito to a candle.” Overall though a fun read with interesting mythology woven in! I thought the story did come together in the end and set up for what has to be an action-packed sequel.

Pros: Great sense of place, especially as the story opened. The descriptions of the court scenes and all the dancing scenes were very vivid. As someone who isn’t familiar with Hindu myths, I appreciated that the author referred to them multiple times to remind us.

Cons:
I felt the pacing was a bit off. The book starts off strong, but once the main character is whisked away, not much until about 60% or so in. And then so much plot and exposition happens in that last 25%. I felt that some of that exposition could have happened earlier. There were also some places where more description was needed, like the rakshasas or some of the asuras (one is described as having demonic features… what does that mean). I’m not even sure we get a good description of the female MC! Near the end it says she has cascading brown black hair which made me realize I didn’t really know what she looked like. Also potentially because I am familiar with these romantasy tropes, but it was honestly annoying how distrustful the female MC was of the male MC despite the fact that he continued to defy her assumptions. It was clear early on that this bad guy wasn’t really a bad guy.

[Ana Handcocks · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC REVIEW**NETGALLEY*


This story is very uplifting, following a headstrong and resilient WMC. From the beginning you could tell she stood her ground, almost nearing the end of her terrible contract as one of the kings performers. It is on the night of the full moon, her only night off, where her world turns upside down. She strikes a deal for her contract where if she dances tonight, she contract is terminated early. All she had to do was use her magic. After being hidden for so long, the prince of hell finally meets her secrets and takes her as his chosen. Her freedom will be restored if she finds the one stealing the souls of his subjects…

The world building in this book is absolutely amazing. I feel like it is just so easy to picture everything in your head. Along with that, the characters are prefect, with the main characters taking you through the story. However, the side characters play an important role of questioning, trust and confusion. While you try and stay one step ahead and find the twist yourself, new questions pop into your head and keep you surprised for what is going to happen next.

I love the way that dancing is incorporated into the story. It sets the scenes and the vibe of her magic. Little things are twisted into each chapter to be able to keep her love for dancing.

I am very, very excited to find out what happens in the next book. The ending will keep you wanting more….

[Neeral Morzaria · Rating 5 out of 5]

N. Patel Baxi on her debut novel, Dance of the Asuras! As someone who (almost) shares her first name, I was immediately intrigued , and I am so glad that I had a chance to read her debut!!

Dance of the Asuras is a romantasy that follows Niya (Mohini), one of the most famous dancers in the kingdom of Khoya. Niya is a courtesan, effectively the property of the kingdom and the story begins with her negotiating her freedom with Baanu, a (calculating) female who leads the courtesans by a whip (figuratively and literally). On her day off, Niya is asked to perform for King Murkha, the king of another kingdom. By agreeing to dance, Niya will be allowed to be free of her courtesan contract and go live in Varanasi (her dream). As part of the dance, Niya must entice Ezhil into talking to the King by using her magic. Instead, she becomes the chosen one for Prince Zehan, who forces Niya to move to the kingdom she least wants to go to, Naraka. There, she negotiates freedom once again by agreeing to help Zehan identify who in the kingdom is stealing the souls of the departed. While doing so, she starts to change her feelings towards Zehan.

This book covers a lot - romance, mythology, power, and freedom, and is so well written - I'd definitely recommend reading it! Many times, I found myself getting angry at the treatment of various characters, and to evoke that kind of emotional reaction speaks to the strength of @npatelbaxi storytelling.

[N.M Thota · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dance of the Asuras is an Indian romantasy that features a courtesan, a dancer named Niya (Mohini is her stage name) who has the power of enchantment through dance. Niya is bound into a contract, and her handler and king exploit her. All she yearns for is freedom.
While toiling away she is presented with an opportunity, however she needs to dance in front of the Prince of Hell, Zehan, a man rumored to be ruthless and unforgiving. She is suspicious, which kind of makes sense since he is a human who is a proxy ruler of Hell, where all the departed souls go to experience their punishment after death. It's also the abode of Nine Asuras (akin to the deadly sins) and rakshasas. Niya is understandably doubtful and is even more so when it falls apart.

Except... nothing is as it seems.

This book is marvelously written with well rounded characters and a plot rooted in mystery that carries the book along without dragging down the pace. There is a great portrayal of the dances, customs and beauty of the new worlds the FMC travels through. Special hats off to the detailed descriptions of Indian attire. If you ever have watched a Bollywood film, let me tell you, Ms. Baxi does a great job of bringing the glitz and glamor into the book. As someone who has experienced the allure of Western balls and costumes, it makes my heart proud to see this aspect of India represented so well here.
I loved both the MCs. They are both guarded, full of mistrust, hiding secrets and are more similar than they realize. The way Zehan (despite his reputation and all) takes care of Niya (the payal scene esp) is touching. Niya is a strong, focused FMC who battles to come out from the conditioned belief that her power is there to be taken advantage of. Once she breaks out of this mindset, her powers place her in a key position where she is the master of her own destiny.

I also loved the cat and mouse games many of the characters play, the slow reveal of the villain and how Niya needs to rely on her instincts more than ever as the story progresses.
There is a cliff hanger and the last few pages are full of rapid action that had me pausing to catch my breath. Niya and Zehan’s story doesn't end here but then, neither does my fascination with this world the author has created.

[Hazel Grey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dance of the Asuras by N. Patel Baxi is fierce, mesmerizing, and unapologetically intense. From the opening pages, the story pulses with mythic energy — dark, rhythmic, and impossible to look away from. It feels less like reading a book and more like stepping into an ancient, living legend.

The world-building is rich and immersive, layered with cultural depth and spiritual undertones that give the story weight and resonance. There’s a raw power in the way Baxi weaves mythology with human emotion — ambition, betrayal, devotion, and destiny all collide in breathtaking ways.

What truly stood out to me was the emotional intensity. The characters are complex and morally layered, walking the fine line between light and shadow. Their choices feel consequential, their struggles deeply personal even against an epic backdrop. Every confrontation carries both physical and emotional stakes.

This is a five-star read because it commits fully to its vision — bold, atmospheric, and unafraid of darkness. It’s dramatic in the best way, sweeping yet intimate, and lingers long after the final page.

If you love myth-inspired fantasy with depth, tension, and a haunting edge, Dance of the Asuras is an unforgettable experience.

[Deepa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it. This is definitely a throwback to YA romances and fantasies of the 2015-2017s.

I had a lot of skepticism. I read YA fantasy with romance in the early 2015s and some of 2017’s. I see a similarity in how romance is centered or contributes to the plot.I think that modern romantasy is very similar to those specific periods with little more adult detail in intimacy. I think if I had read this in the 2017s it would fit right in with books like Renee Ahdieh’s The Wrath and the Dawn.

I needed to get to the 40% mark before I became interested in the story. I think Neerali writes a very whole conflict— lot of players involved, world, history, and ambiguity of what they all know. The ending is strong. To me, very interesting and ends well. This series has a lot of potential and I’m excited to see where it goes after the ending.

I can admit there are moments where the pov seems absurd. Not because pov itself maybe the wording of it all. Yeah she’s really attracted him. It’s how that is incorporated in their shared scenes that aren’t romantic. The banter isn’t to my taste.

Thank you Neerali Patel Baxi for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Robin.Bookish.Escape · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Come as an escort on my arm, or a prisoner on my leash.”

Bollywood meets Hades and Persephone vibes in this South Asian lore inspired romantasy with hidden powers and dance scenes that will captivate you, Gods and anti-Gods, Karmic retribution, slow burn romance with incredible banter and spice that will have your heart racing, plot twists, conviction and uncertainty, a headstrong and fierce FMC, and a brooding MMC who falls first (which is delicious). You will be swooning and out of breath watching the pages will fly.

Colorful and vibrant culture showcased in immersive and enchanting writing and descriptive world building that makes the scenes leap off the page and dance in your imagination. The glossary provided was extremely helpful and very much appreciated. The dancing in this story is absolutely beautiful. The author a wonderful job with the imagery and narrative of the flow. This is my first South Asian inspired story and I am absolutely mesmerized and obsessed. The cliffhanger came out of nowhere, and now I don’t know what to do with my life until the next installment!

“Hello, wife.”

[Nim_reads_a_lot · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up to 5. Imagine a Bollywood movie with amazing sultry dancing and then throw in the hot God of Hell, secret magic and a mystery. This fantasy used Indian mythology and Hindu religious concepts to create a world where gods and demons walk among humans and between worlds. Our FMC, Niya, is a dancer trapped in a contract to dance and manipulate men as a courtesan to a human king. She ends up into a forced agreement with the deva/god who rules hell and brought there to help him solve a mystery. Guys, the best fantasy tropes and good times then happen.

“Who did this to you?”
Custom special dresses
Magical secret powers
Heroine with sass and courage
Trials
Villains you want to punch
Hot Bad Guy

The story drew me in and I didn’t want to stop reading. I loved the world building and I felt like it was just lush and colorful. The story was also relentless as so much continued to happen till the end which was a cliffhanger. *shakes fist in the air* I want the second book asap.

I received this book as an ARC from the author after making a request as I will always support a South Asian author.

[Chelsea Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

N. Patel Baxi’s debut, Dance of the Asuras, is a vibrant Bollywood-inspired romantasy that masterfully blends Hindu mythology with high-stakes magic. It’s a lush, atmospheric journey through Naraka that feels fresh and culturally rich.

The Highlights
Niya: A resilient, independent dancer who uses her art to navigate a world of demons and stolen souls.

Mythological World-Building: The portrayal of Naraka (Hell) is ethereal and cinematic, moving beyond simple "good vs. evil" tropes.

The Romance: A gripping slow-burn featuring a "he falls first" dynamic and intense banter with Zehan, the Prince of Hell.


The pacing is uneven; while the beginning is strong, the middle can feel slow before a rush of exposition in the final chapters. Additionally, the sheer number of supporting characters and some minor debut-novel editing issues occasionally distract from the main plot.

[Jessica Therese · Rating 4 out of 5]

“i had never imagined that hell would be more beautiful than earth”

i really enjoyed this story, it’s a great debut, well written with interesting characters and a compelling plot! i loved the south asian details and the mythological inspiration from both hinduism and other pantheons. the narration flows easily and i found myself constantly going “just another chapter!” there’s mystery, romance and lore, all well developed, and the main character’s journey about accepting and stepping into her own power.

the only downside for me was the pace shift at the end of the book, the climax came about much quicker than i expected and it seemed just a bit rushed, with a lot of explanations coming through at once in the dialogue.

overall a great read and i’m already looking forward to the sequel!