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We Dance Upon Demons
From the New York Times bestselling author of Kaikeyi, a galvanizing stand-alone contemporary fantasy following a burnt-out reproductive health care worker as she fights back against escalating attacks on her clinic and the malevolent forces in hot pursuit of her newly acquired power.
As a reproductive health care worker in Chicago, Nisha is barely staying afloat in the ocean of abortion bans, screaming protestors, and her own all-consuming depression.
When she escapes to the Indian art exhibit at her favorite museum for a brief respite, Nisha suddenly finds herself bleeding, disoriented, and collapsed on the ground. The last thing she remembers is the statue that beckoned her to touch it. In the days that follow, Nisha feels a strange power coursing within her, one that attracts a host of dangerous and enigmatic characters who covet it for themselves.
Facing threats both otherworldly and distinctly human, Nisha must navigate uncertain alliances to piece together the centuries-old mystery of her odd and terrifying abilities. And as danger closes in on her loved ones, community, and the clinic she’s determined to protect, Nisha must make a choice about the life she wants—and fight all the demons standing in her way to get it.
As a reproductive health care worker in Chicago, Nisha is barely staying afloat in the ocean of abortion bans, screaming protestors, and her own all-consuming depression.
When she escapes to the Indian art exhibit at her favorite museum for a brief respite, Nisha suddenly finds herself bleeding, disoriented, and collapsed on the ground. The last thing she remembers is the statue that beckoned her to touch it. In the days that follow, Nisha feels a strange power coursing within her, one that attracts a host of dangerous and enigmatic characters who covet it for themselves.
Facing threats both otherworldly and distinctly human, Nisha must navigate uncertain alliances to piece together the centuries-old mystery of her odd and terrifying abilities. And as danger closes in on her loved ones, community, and the clinic she’s determined to protect, Nisha must make a choice about the life she wants—and fight all the demons standing in her way to get it.
9 pages, Audiobook
First published May 12, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 334 reviews
April 3, 2026
Truly such a relevant story. I didn't really know what to expect from this book as I only ever read one of Vaishnavi Patel's fantasy novels and this new release is a contemporary story unusual for the author, but I was not disappointed. It was a quick glimpse into the life of a reproductive health care worker and even though this book, too, featured fantastical elements, it ended up being a realistic depiction of the current situation in the US. And by that I mean that it was horrifying. By now the protagonist Nisha is dealing with pro-life protestors in front of her workplace, an abortion clinic, on a daily basis. The protestors get more and more aggressive and try to deny women the possibly life-saving care that they are seeking. Nisha is already depressed and spiraling, but there's also the feeling of not being able to do enough. She and her colleagues are fighting an overwhelming force every day and I truly admired the characters' strength and determination. The grim reality of this situation was infuriating to read about and it really had me emotionally involved. I know that it's a personal theme for the author as well and I appreciate that she put all her feelings into a novel to share them with readers. However, I wasn't particularly impressed by the fantasy part of the story. On an exceptionally bad day, Nisha takes a break in a museum where she happens to touch and bleed on a statue of Nataraja, Lord of Dance. Now she has the powers of the demon that was trapped inside the statue and is able to see the truth and connect with the women who held this power before her. While I loved the connection between memory and dance that followed in the wake of her new powers, that whole part just lacked impact for me. The chapters about the other women were short and felt detached from the rest of the story and I didn't really care. At parts the book felt like the beginning of an adult Rick Riordan Presents novel, with Nisha getting wrapped up with demons and deities of the Hindu religion and learning how to navigate her powers, but the parts were always over so quickly. I can imagine that the fantasy element is what's most appealing to other readers, but it was almost a bit unnecessary in my opinion. At least it was, surprisingly, not the part that I was looking forward to the most. I would mainly recommend this book based on all the social commentary that is provided in here and definitely not as a fantasy read. I have no doubt that this story will mean a lot to many readers and I actually can't for this book to hit the shelves so that I can read all the reviews for it.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and S&S / Saga Press for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and S&S / Saga Press for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
September 21, 2025
full rtc closer to pub day, but very pleasantly surprised after having mixed thoughts on patel’s first two books! unfortunately a very timely book with important socio-political commentary
December 11, 2025
This wasn’t the easiest novel to read, but it was an excellent one.
Unlike the rest of Patel’s works, this one was relentlessly contemporary. It’s set in present-day Chicago; no secondary world at all. The protagonist, Nisha, works in an abortion clinic, which is busier & more important than ever in a post-Roe v. Wade America, with many patients travelling from far distant red states for medical care. It’s also under greater threat than ever; rather than celebrating the fall of Roe and resting on their laurels, the anti-choice movement has only intensified.
Nisha is also coming off of a bad breakup, a bad car accident, and feeling like a failure in the highly status-conscious Indian-American community for never going to law school like she planned. And to also care, deeply, about right and wrong, especially on as hot an issue as reproductive freedom, to be working tirelessly to make the world a better place, and have to watch as instead there is … well, it’s all rather demoralizing. As many of us can relate.
The speculative fiction aspect comes into things when, while trying to relax while strolling through the Art Institute of Chicago, she accidentally releases a demon trapped inside a statue of Nataraja (Shiva in his aspect as Lord of Dance). The demon in question is the demon of ignorance Apasmara, aka Muyalaka, and says to call him Muya. He’s very happy to be out of the statue, but would also like the portion of his power that Nisha inadvertently stole back. Unfortunately, there are other demons about who would also very much like that power, and are prepared to offer Nisha both favors and threats to get it.
More than anything else, this is a novel of Nisha dealing with her inner demons (pun intended). She has to cope with her depression, her conviction that she is a failure, her overdeveloped sense of responsibility, her unwillingness to accept help - she’s got a whole grab-bag of neuroses, honestly. It’s all excellent, and excellently done.
But the novel, especially the first third or so until the supernatural stuff really picks up speed, is a grind. And felt far too familiar to me - watching the country change, thinking things can’t get worse and then, yeah, of course, there they go, it’s worse. And all you can do is pick yourself up, dust yourself off, say, “Fuck!” and start again. And again, and again.
Escapism this is not. Definitely worth the read, but be prepared for it all to feel a little too real.
My blog
Unlike the rest of Patel’s works, this one was relentlessly contemporary. It’s set in present-day Chicago; no secondary world at all. The protagonist, Nisha, works in an abortion clinic, which is busier & more important than ever in a post-Roe v. Wade America, with many patients travelling from far distant red states for medical care. It’s also under greater threat than ever; rather than celebrating the fall of Roe and resting on their laurels, the anti-choice movement has only intensified.
Nisha is also coming off of a bad breakup, a bad car accident, and feeling like a failure in the highly status-conscious Indian-American community for never going to law school like she planned. And to also care, deeply, about right and wrong, especially on as hot an issue as reproductive freedom, to be working tirelessly to make the world a better place, and have to watch as instead there is … well, it’s all rather demoralizing. As many of us can relate.
The speculative fiction aspect comes into things when, while trying to relax while strolling through the Art Institute of Chicago, she accidentally releases a demon trapped inside a statue of Nataraja (Shiva in his aspect as Lord of Dance). The demon in question is the demon of ignorance Apasmara, aka Muyalaka, and says to call him Muya. He’s very happy to be out of the statue, but would also like the portion of his power that Nisha inadvertently stole back. Unfortunately, there are other demons about who would also very much like that power, and are prepared to offer Nisha both favors and threats to get it.
More than anything else, this is a novel of Nisha dealing with her inner demons (pun intended). She has to cope with her depression, her conviction that she is a failure, her overdeveloped sense of responsibility, her unwillingness to accept help - she’s got a whole grab-bag of neuroses, honestly. It’s all excellent, and excellently done.
But the novel, especially the first third or so until the supernatural stuff really picks up speed, is a grind. And felt far too familiar to me - watching the country change, thinking things can’t get worse and then, yeah, of course, there they go, it’s worse. And all you can do is pick yourself up, dust yourself off, say, “Fuck!” and start again. And again, and again.
Escapism this is not. Definitely worth the read, but be prepared for it all to feel a little too real.
My blog
May 15, 2026
How disappointing that a book centered around themes im passionate about written by an author who wrote one of my favorite books, turned out to be so lackluster.
Frankly, the plot and a lot of the cultural elements read kind of forced and preachy, a lot of info dumping that lacked subtlety or building emotional impact. The dialogue and inner monologues and the way the plot progresses feels clunky. Patel’s book left me a bit confused as to who the target audience for this book is- there’s a lot of Hindu cultural background that is dropped without building context, making it difficult for a non-Indian to follow it all with ease. And there’s also a lot of pro-choice pov that is dropped that feels overly preachy and far too in your face with no emotional backdrop at all, which confuses me because I think the target audience of the book already knows all of this and doesn’t need it spelled out in such a basic way!
The characters also feel one dimensional and static- despite being a brown girl obsessed with dance and my own culture, I felt no connection to our protagonist or any of her relationships. The brown diaspora in the book also feels very stereotypically portrayed, with the dialogues reflecting tired and overused cliches of how brown aunties and uncles act. this book in no way wove the complexity of relationships, identity, or even power in the same way that the author managed to do with Kaikeyi. An unfortunately forgettable book.
Frankly, the plot and a lot of the cultural elements read kind of forced and preachy, a lot of info dumping that lacked subtlety or building emotional impact. The dialogue and inner monologues and the way the plot progresses feels clunky. Patel’s book left me a bit confused as to who the target audience for this book is- there’s a lot of Hindu cultural background that is dropped without building context, making it difficult for a non-Indian to follow it all with ease. And there’s also a lot of pro-choice pov that is dropped that feels overly preachy and far too in your face with no emotional backdrop at all, which confuses me because I think the target audience of the book already knows all of this and doesn’t need it spelled out in such a basic way!
The characters also feel one dimensional and static- despite being a brown girl obsessed with dance and my own culture, I felt no connection to our protagonist or any of her relationships. The brown diaspora in the book also feels very stereotypically portrayed, with the dialogues reflecting tired and overused cliches of how brown aunties and uncles act. this book in no way wove the complexity of relationships, identity, or even power in the same way that the author managed to do with Kaikeyi. An unfortunately forgettable book.
February 18, 2026
To say that this book has profoundly changed me to my core is the understatement of my lifetime.
A love letter to women’s health and power of choice. It so vehemently highlights abortion and women’s rights (and all the other life saving healthcare that abortion clinics perform) while criticizing the changes in America with the overturning of Roe that are detrimental to women’s health.
Somehow Patel was able to masterfully do that within a contemporary fantasy full of South Asian lore and tongue-in-cheek humor and empowerment. She emplors you to take that all-consuming rage and turn it into action.
I laughed. I cried. I was angry. I felt empowered to make a change.
I am an OB nurse, but I never knew until I read this (a privilege I recognize) the need for people to volunteer at clinics to be able to safely escort patients inside away from pro-life protestors standing outside harassing them. Especially during the 40 days starting from Lent where their efforts to try to close down clinics is at its peak. This is where the story takes place. This has propelled me into action within my community.
I will think about this book for the rest of my life. Thank you for Vaishna for the opportunity to read this early and for being such a brilliant inspiration to women.
A love letter to women’s health and power of choice. It so vehemently highlights abortion and women’s rights (and all the other life saving healthcare that abortion clinics perform) while criticizing the changes in America with the overturning of Roe that are detrimental to women’s health.
Somehow Patel was able to masterfully do that within a contemporary fantasy full of South Asian lore and tongue-in-cheek humor and empowerment. She emplors you to take that all-consuming rage and turn it into action.
I laughed. I cried. I was angry. I felt empowered to make a change.
I am an OB nurse, but I never knew until I read this (a privilege I recognize) the need for people to volunteer at clinics to be able to safely escort patients inside away from pro-life protestors standing outside harassing them. Especially during the 40 days starting from Lent where their efforts to try to close down clinics is at its peak. This is where the story takes place. This has propelled me into action within my community.
I will think about this book for the rest of my life. Thank you for Vaishna for the opportunity to read this early and for being such a brilliant inspiration to women.
November 5, 2025
Like Nisha, I too experience deep depression and an inability to move forward, because I don't feel like I'm making any sort of difference in the world. Which is silly, because one singular person may not be able to change the world, but they can make a monumental difference. We Dance Upon Demons explores the current state of horrors that is our reproductive rights in the US, while also tackling what it means to be impactful, realistic and hopeful despite said horrors. "You know, most people don't change the world, and yet, most people still matter. You're smart, you're capable, you're driven. Your sincere effort is enough."
I really enjoyed this book. It's short, funny, relevant, angry, and empowering. It's well researched. It's an obvious book, but it's not heavy handed. Patel's ability to write stories across so many different genres is absolutely amazing to me. Every one of her stories is fantastic, has a point of view, and is impactful. We Dance Upon Demons is nothing like Ten Incarnations which is nothing like Kaikeyi which is nothing like Goddess of the River. Patel continues to cement herself as an auto-buy author for me.
BRB going to buy this book for my pro-life family members.
I really enjoyed this book. It's short, funny, relevant, angry, and empowering. It's well researched. It's an obvious book, but it's not heavy handed. Patel's ability to write stories across so many different genres is absolutely amazing to me. Every one of her stories is fantastic, has a point of view, and is impactful. We Dance Upon Demons is nothing like Ten Incarnations which is nothing like Kaikeyi which is nothing like Goddess of the River. Patel continues to cement herself as an auto-buy author for me.
BRB going to buy this book for my pro-life family members.
May 29, 2026
I do not feel qualified at this moment to review this book, firstly because of the Too Real subject matter, and secondly because I want to let it settle in my mind, and thirdly because I picked it for my IRL book club, and the meeting doesn't take place until next January, so I will be re-reading it for sure. Haha that was all one sentence. Will review upon re-read. But it was good! I had some issues with pacing, but they may resolve in my head after it does the aforementioned settling. A raw book, for sure, but a cathartic one.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Infuriating and powerful, this book will throw you into the fire and then drag you back out.
Nisha is trapped in the eye of a storm, working herself to the bone at a small abortion clinic despite the increasingly violent threats and protests that surround the building. One day on her break she walks through an art museum and ends up accidentally freeing a demon and getting magical powers. As the protests outside the clinic become a battlefield for inhuman forces, Nisha must find a way to use her newfound powers for good.
This is the kind of book that does a brilliant job of making you extremely angry about something you may have momentarily forgotten to be extremely angry about. There is so much shit going down in the world right now, I have to admit that my anger has not primarily been directed towards the atrocious handling of women's reproductive rights in the last few years. That is no longer the case, because this book reminded me that there is no height that these cretins won't stoop to to maintain their control on peoples' bodies.
I actually think the fantasy element is the least compelling part of this story. Just Nisha's experience facing some people at their ugliest, doing her best to help patients and support her colleagues, and dealing with her own guilt, mental illness, and complicated feelings towards her family and community would have been a compelling story. The clinic has a really well-illustrated dynamic, because on one hand these people have gone through hell together and care a lot about each other, and on the other it's hard to maintain warm, loving relationships with people when you're actively under fire and you don't know if you can trust the people around you. Nisha's struggles with mental health felt very real to me, particularly because they don't fall very clearly in one direction. Clearly, she struggles with depression but also anxiety and paranoia and a truckload of guilt, and all of those things feed into one another. I don't really know what to say about the fantasy side of the story. I don't think it felt super cohesive with everything else to me and it proceeds at a much slower pace than the rest of the plot. I might update this if I can get my thoughts together but just know it wasn't really the standout part of the book for me.
For the record, I would bet on a group of aunties defeating a horde of demons or group of right-wing freaks any day.
Thank you to Vaishnavi Patel and Saga Press for this ARC in exchange for my full, honest review!
Happy reading!
Nisha is trapped in the eye of a storm, working herself to the bone at a small abortion clinic despite the increasingly violent threats and protests that surround the building. One day on her break she walks through an art museum and ends up accidentally freeing a demon and getting magical powers. As the protests outside the clinic become a battlefield for inhuman forces, Nisha must find a way to use her newfound powers for good.
This is the kind of book that does a brilliant job of making you extremely angry about something you may have momentarily forgotten to be extremely angry about. There is so much shit going down in the world right now, I have to admit that my anger has not primarily been directed towards the atrocious handling of women's reproductive rights in the last few years. That is no longer the case, because this book reminded me that there is no height that these cretins won't stoop to to maintain their control on peoples' bodies.
I actually think the fantasy element is the least compelling part of this story. Just Nisha's experience facing some people at their ugliest, doing her best to help patients and support her colleagues, and dealing with her own guilt, mental illness, and complicated feelings towards her family and community would have been a compelling story. The clinic has a really well-illustrated dynamic, because on one hand these people have gone through hell together and care a lot about each other, and on the other it's hard to maintain warm, loving relationships with people when you're actively under fire and you don't know if you can trust the people around you. Nisha's struggles with mental health felt very real to me, particularly because they don't fall very clearly in one direction. Clearly, she struggles with depression but also anxiety and paranoia and a truckload of guilt, and all of those things feed into one another. I don't really know what to say about the fantasy side of the story. I don't think it felt super cohesive with everything else to me and it proceeds at a much slower pace than the rest of the plot. I might update this if I can get my thoughts together but just know it wasn't really the standout part of the book for me.
For the record, I would bet on a group of aunties defeating a horde of demons or group of right-wing freaks any day.
Thank you to Vaishnavi Patel and Saga Press for this ARC in exchange for my full, honest review!
Happy reading!
October 14, 2025
I received a free copy from Saga Press via Netgalley in exchange for a fair review. Release date May 12th, 2026.
I've consistently enjoyed Patel's work, and I was excited to read her modern-day fantasy novel latest. In We Dance Upon Demons, depressed twenty-something Nisha is the volunteer coordinator at an understaffed and beleaguered abortion clinic. After a strange encounter with an Indian statue in the museum, Nisha is plunged into a strange world of demons and monsters--but in the end, the supernatural may not be as dangerous as the very human threats to her clinic...
We Dance Upon Demons is a very pointed novel, and Patel obviously incorporated her time as a clinic volunteer with Planned Parenthood into her writing. The demon-hunting elements are almost incidental to the plot in comparison to Nisha's crushing depression and the reality of her everyday life. While the individual scenes are brutal, like a raped twelve-year -old being called a murderer by protesters as she tries to get into the clinic, it's the sheer relentlessness of it all that stood out to me. Every day, Nisha's job is to escort patients trying to access basic health care through a mob screaming abuse, and it never stops. Combined with the understaffing typical for a small nonprofit, it's no wonder she's disillusioned. The tone did occasionally swing into informative abortion brochure, but righteous anger permeating the novel was more than enough to animate it.
This book strays a little farther from Hindu mythology than Patel's previous novels. The supernatural appears mostly in brief interludes where Nisha relives the memories of her ancestors who also bore demon powers. But I loved her intense and fraught relationship with her culture, from her passionate love of traditional dance to arguing with conservative uncles, to her very close but difficult bond with her mother. While she doesn't always like her community, this is a book about how it's ultimately people who have the power to save or destroy everything she's worked for, not the supernatural.
Short, snappy, and with an absolute fierceness of purpose on abortion rights. As a fantasy enjoyer, I would have liked to see a little more focus on the rather neglected demons, but the vividness of the scenes set in the clinic more than made up for it. Recommended.
I've consistently enjoyed Patel's work, and I was excited to read her modern-day fantasy novel latest. In We Dance Upon Demons, depressed twenty-something Nisha is the volunteer coordinator at an understaffed and beleaguered abortion clinic. After a strange encounter with an Indian statue in the museum, Nisha is plunged into a strange world of demons and monsters--but in the end, the supernatural may not be as dangerous as the very human threats to her clinic...
We Dance Upon Demons is a very pointed novel, and Patel obviously incorporated her time as a clinic volunteer with Planned Parenthood into her writing. The demon-hunting elements are almost incidental to the plot in comparison to Nisha's crushing depression and the reality of her everyday life. While the individual scenes are brutal, like a raped twelve-year -old being called a murderer by protesters as she tries to get into the clinic, it's the sheer relentlessness of it all that stood out to me. Every day, Nisha's job is to escort patients trying to access basic health care through a mob screaming abuse, and it never stops. Combined with the understaffing typical for a small nonprofit, it's no wonder she's disillusioned. The tone did occasionally swing into informative abortion brochure, but righteous anger permeating the novel was more than enough to animate it.
This book strays a little farther from Hindu mythology than Patel's previous novels. The supernatural appears mostly in brief interludes where Nisha relives the memories of her ancestors who also bore demon powers. But I loved her intense and fraught relationship with her culture, from her passionate love of traditional dance to arguing with conservative uncles, to her very close but difficult bond with her mother. While she doesn't always like her community, this is a book about how it's ultimately people who have the power to save or destroy everything she's worked for, not the supernatural.
Short, snappy, and with an absolute fierceness of purpose on abortion rights. As a fantasy enjoyer, I would have liked to see a little more focus on the rather neglected demons, but the vividness of the scenes set in the clinic more than made up for it. Recommended.
September 2, 2026
This book is criminally underrated and needs to be added to everyone’s tbr ASAP (yes I know everyone has a million books on their list already, but I urge you to add this one and make it a priority). I was walking through my favorite independent book store when I read the title of this beautiful book. I immediately sat down criss-cross applesauce and read the synopsis and the first page—I was immediately sold. It is not a book I had heard of before, as it is not as big as many other fantasies, but maybe this should change. Reading is an act of defiance, so if reproductive healthcare for women is up your ally at all, then defy defy defy and read this story
Nisha’s journey through this book is raw and painful. She suffers from depression and is reeling from multiple life setbacks. Her true drive that keeps her going from day to day is her job at a reproductive health care clinic. Nisha resonated with me in a deeply vulnerable manner, with her struggle to manage her depression but also her seemingly futile pursuits to change the world to serve those in need. This connection I had to nisha, I think, made this story all the more powerful.
This book comes at a time when this country must have conversations about reproductive healthcare for women. Women are under attack with current government regimes and systems, minimizing accessibility to care that is essential for their health due to bigoted and powerful people that deem healthcare for women, abortion and otherwise, as murder or sin. I have been a political activist rallying for women’s right to have access to reproductive healthcare since I gained consciousness (not literally, but it predates memory of a time before it). No matter your political take or views, this issue is no longer about politics but instead about morality. Women are dying from these oppressive laws that keep them from seeking or receiving life saving care. Reproductive health clinics provide refuge and health to women in a variety of ways, and reducing access to these clinics and access to doctors willing to provide care in direct contrast to governmental pressure is condemning countless lives.
This book speaks majestically about the bleakness that activists and women everywhere face when trying to make a change against centuries of history and legislation (that are rooted in to the the foundation of this country) that oppress women and all minorities. I implore everyone to read this book and to read the authors note. We can make a change, but action is needed. If you have the power to help, then help as best you can. Volunteer at a clinic, protest these oppressive laws by calling your legislators or attending rallies. This book is bleak but it is motivating because it reminds us that this is our world, our country, and our home, and we can change it as our feminist predecessors did before us.
Read this book, fall in love with the struggle, and choose to support those who need you
Your voice matters
Nisha’s journey through this book is raw and painful. She suffers from depression and is reeling from multiple life setbacks. Her true drive that keeps her going from day to day is her job at a reproductive health care clinic. Nisha resonated with me in a deeply vulnerable manner, with her struggle to manage her depression but also her seemingly futile pursuits to change the world to serve those in need. This connection I had to nisha, I think, made this story all the more powerful.
This book comes at a time when this country must have conversations about reproductive healthcare for women. Women are under attack with current government regimes and systems, minimizing accessibility to care that is essential for their health due to bigoted and powerful people that deem healthcare for women, abortion and otherwise, as murder or sin. I have been a political activist rallying for women’s right to have access to reproductive healthcare since I gained consciousness (not literally, but it predates memory of a time before it). No matter your political take or views, this issue is no longer about politics but instead about morality. Women are dying from these oppressive laws that keep them from seeking or receiving life saving care. Reproductive health clinics provide refuge and health to women in a variety of ways, and reducing access to these clinics and access to doctors willing to provide care in direct contrast to governmental pressure is condemning countless lives.
This book speaks majestically about the bleakness that activists and women everywhere face when trying to make a change against centuries of history and legislation (that are rooted in to the the foundation of this country) that oppress women and all minorities. I implore everyone to read this book and to read the authors note. We can make a change, but action is needed. If you have the power to help, then help as best you can. Volunteer at a clinic, protest these oppressive laws by calling your legislators or attending rallies. This book is bleak but it is motivating because it reminds us that this is our world, our country, and our home, and we can change it as our feminist predecessors did before us.
Read this book, fall in love with the struggle, and choose to support those who need you
Your voice matters
June 16, 2026
Loved it. Although it’s better labeled as magical realism than fantasy. If you’re looking for escapism, this ain’t it. There’s nothing fantastical about women’s reproductive care being held in the balance of laws manipulated by geriatric men. When their reproductive rights change from state to state, then I’ll sympathize.
Theme-wise there are three demons here: the good, the bad, and the metaphorical. I really loved that.
Don’t miss the author’s note. The author isn’t just a talented writer but a constitutional law and civil rights lawyer with experience working in reproductive healthcare.
Theme-wise there are three demons here: the good, the bad, and the metaphorical. I really loved that.
Don’t miss the author’s note. The author isn’t just a talented writer but a constitutional law and civil rights lawyer with experience working in reproductive healthcare.
June 17, 2026
a devastatingly resonant story for our times. i loved our protagonist and it was so emotional to read about a depressed woman who has been chosen to literally fight her demons to protect her community and the ones she cares most about. i feel like the author has grown a lot since her first book kaiyeki, but i love how she retains a lot of joy and pride in sharing her culture, and writing myth-inspired stories. this does get very manifesto-y at times but you know, someone's gotta say it. a satisfying yet bittersweet ending.
May 16, 2026
4.25
“I doubt the protestors have any idea of the consequences of their actions. A woman could die right in front of them from miscarriage-induced sepsis, and they would still believe in their rightness.”
This is Patel’s fourth book, and while most of them differ in genre and theme, they are all connected in that they incorporate realistic stories with folkloric elements. While the first three books could be considered historical fantasy or alternative history, this one is contemporary and deals with very relevant current affairs.
Nisha, our protagonist, struggles with severe depression after an accident has threatened her life and forced her to reckon with her dreams versus her reality. She also works in reproductive health and constantly feels like she isn’t doing enough for the people who count on her. Taking a forced break on an exceptionally rough day, she visits a museum and has a magical encounter that will change her life.
The book goes into a LOT of heavy themes that include reproductive health and the grim reality that exists for many women who have little-to-no bodily autonomy, how insidious the alt right has become in their anti-choice tactics, and stories of women in the past who encountered gods and demons and terrible humans… and lived to tell the tale.
I have read several nonfiction books on the history of reproductive health, especially when it comes to religious beliefs on abortion over the years. It is interesting how many of these systemic beliefs have changed drastically even in the last hundred years, and this novel briefly touched on this while also commenting on the many anti-life methods that extreme pro-lifers might engage in to get their points across. There is realistic nuance in both the clinic patients and the protestors who wait outside said clinic, and I appreciate that these fictional interactions came from a blend of research and lived experience from the author.
Nisha is such a relatable character as she battles demons both literal and figurative: doing the best she can to cope with her depression (and sometimes unintentionally hurting others in the process), coming to terms with betrayals past and present, reconciling how she sees herself with how her loved ones see her, and embracing her strengths rather than focusing on all of the problems she can’t fix alone.
I do wish we’d gotten a little bit more of the supernatural elements, as well as more page-time and story for some of the side characters who I wanted to get to know better, but overall I felt like this was an important and timely read. I especially loved how Nisha used dance to connect with the power and the stories of women in the past. Thank you so much to @SagaPressBooks and NetGalley for the advanced ebook!
**Note: you may want to check the content warnings. This may be triggering if you’ve dealt with ectopic pregnancy and/or miscarriage.
May 15, 2026
A fantastic and, unfortunately, relavant story. Really enjoyed how the story progressed and the ending was my favorite part of the book. Highly recommend!
August 17, 2026
2.5!
I had loved this author's Kaikeyi, and was really looking forward to this one, especially since it was centred around an indian woman working at a women's health clinic in the contemporary times.
But I was confused by the end product! As metaphorical as it was, I couldn't decipher the link between the theme of the book and Nataraj dancing upon Apasmara, or the demon of ignorance. (although i have to admit, even though i have seen Nataraja statues all my life and even have practiced the pose multiple times, I had NEVER registered that the Nataraj was trampling a demon under his feet in all statues! Never!! It was so bewildering, and quite poetic actually - my ignorance about the demon of ignorance!!)
Some of the language also annoyed me, especially the "thank gods"! Yes, I know that Hinduism is a polytheistic religion, but I have never met a Hindu who beckoned upon multiple gods at the same time - usually hindus call upon the god that they think would aid the most in that particular situation.
Also, the veiled references to those "who have their women cover their heads":- Really? For such a liberal and forward-thinking and correct theme, such references seemed very hypocritical!
There were moments in the book that made me emotional, i won't deny that; and i applaud the courage of the author to present so many aspects of one of the most burning issues and grave needs of today- womens' reproductive health and their ability to choose . But all in all, the book could have been better! Oh and the plot twist, I could see it from eras away!
I had loved this author's Kaikeyi, and was really looking forward to this one, especially since it was centred around an indian woman working at a women's health clinic in the contemporary times.
But I was confused by the end product! As metaphorical as it was, I couldn't decipher the link between the theme of the book and Nataraj dancing upon Apasmara, or the demon of ignorance. (although i have to admit, even though i have seen Nataraja statues all my life and even have practiced the pose multiple times, I had NEVER registered that the Nataraj was trampling a demon under his feet in all statues! Never!! It was so bewildering, and quite poetic actually - my ignorance about the demon of ignorance!!)
Some of the language also annoyed me, especially the "thank gods"! Yes, I know that Hinduism is a polytheistic religion, but I have never met a Hindu who beckoned upon multiple gods at the same time - usually hindus call upon the god that they think would aid the most in that particular situation.
Also, the veiled references to those "who have their women cover their heads":- Really? For such a liberal and forward-thinking and correct theme, such references seemed very hypocritical!
There were moments in the book that made me emotional, i won't deny that; and i applaud the courage of the author to present so many aspects of one of the most burning issues and grave needs of today- womens' reproductive health and their ability to choose . But all in all, the book could have been better! Oh and the plot twist, I could see it from eras away!
June 8, 2026
the first chapter of this book begins with a description of depression, which is fitting because the absolutely horrendous depressive slump i had in april to may was what stopped me from reading this arc before release day. 😔 tragic especially considering just how much i was looking forward to this read. alas!
three things drew me to this book 1. i love abortion ❤️ i love love love love abortion so much i forget it’s even a controversial opinion to hold 2. i have sincerely enjoyed vyshnavi patel’s previous works and respect her as an author and 3. that COVERRRR i mean come on now! what a cover!! which is why i was so absolutely excited to get this as an arc and so sooooo upset to have put this off for so long, but hey! better late than never 🫣
first off, i loveeee a book that doesn’t hand hold me at all i absolutely live for books that throw me into things and have my brain working on overdrive and the fact that patel explains literally none of the indian mythology or historical references in this 🧘🏽♀️🧘🏽♀️🧘🏽♀️🧘🏽♀️🧘🏽♀️ yeah baybeee. there’s a scene in the beginning where nisha, our main character reminisces on her time in kathak and the nataraja pose and that’s when i knew i was going to be in for a fabulous read because as a former bharatnatyam dancer, it really is that serious to me!
which, getting into the major themes of the book. i know the title was we dance upon demons but i did not expect dance to play such a huge role in this! dance being the gateway to her witnessing the lives and stories of the women of the past was so beautiful and her relationship with dance truly was like so beautiful and incredible and close to my heart. i did almost cry multiple times while reading about it! reading nisha’s absolute devotion to the abortion clinic where she works, and seeing all the day to day miseries (and joys!) that reflect real life abortion centers was just absolutely eye-opening to read about and the demons plot factoring into the broader messaging of hope and community was beautiful! i loved nisha’s relationship with her mother, the depiction of depression was so realistic, the author’s note at the end was harrowing, and really i’ve been sitting on this for a couple days hoping i’d get more to say in my glowing review but as it is with quite of lot of things i enjoy, i am rendered incapable of coherency. i just love this book normal amounts (lie)
thanks to netgalley and saga press for the arc!
three things drew me to this book 1. i love abortion ❤️ i love love love love abortion so much i forget it’s even a controversial opinion to hold 2. i have sincerely enjoyed vyshnavi patel’s previous works and respect her as an author and 3. that COVERRRR i mean come on now! what a cover!! which is why i was so absolutely excited to get this as an arc and so sooooo upset to have put this off for so long, but hey! better late than never 🫣
first off, i loveeee a book that doesn’t hand hold me at all i absolutely live for books that throw me into things and have my brain working on overdrive and the fact that patel explains literally none of the indian mythology or historical references in this 🧘🏽♀️🧘🏽♀️🧘🏽♀️🧘🏽♀️🧘🏽♀️ yeah baybeee. there’s a scene in the beginning where nisha, our main character reminisces on her time in kathak and the nataraja pose and that’s when i knew i was going to be in for a fabulous read because as a former bharatnatyam dancer, it really is that serious to me!
which, getting into the major themes of the book. i know the title was we dance upon demons but i did not expect dance to play such a huge role in this! dance being the gateway to her witnessing the lives and stories of the women of the past was so beautiful and her relationship with dance truly was like so beautiful and incredible and close to my heart. i did almost cry multiple times while reading about it! reading nisha’s absolute devotion to the abortion clinic where she works, and seeing all the day to day miseries (and joys!) that reflect real life abortion centers was just absolutely eye-opening to read about and the demons plot factoring into the broader messaging of hope and community was beautiful! i loved nisha’s relationship with her mother, the depiction of depression was so realistic, the author’s note at the end was harrowing, and really i’ve been sitting on this for a couple days hoping i’d get more to say in my glowing review but as it is with quite of lot of things i enjoy, i am rendered incapable of coherency. i just love this book normal amounts (lie)
thanks to netgalley and saga press for the arc!
June 15, 2026
So this was not very good.
I'm solidly pro-choice, but even I have to admit that this book was VERY preachy. And I think the author herself even somewhat acknowledges it in her Author's Note, where she talks about all of the issues that intersect with abortion rights, and says, "Even after writing a whole novel about these experiences, I still didn't have the space to work in everything." But she sure tried... She was trying so hard to cover all of these intersectional issues and topics, incorporate a magic system, develop characters and their relationships, and put all of this into a cohesive story. And it simply did not work. The magic system and core conflict felt very underdeveloped to me, and it was the same for our characters. Everything felt pretty shallowly explored, like we couldn't focus too much on one thing or it would detract time from another. I'm just overall very disappointed because I adored Kaikeyi, I enjoyed Goddess of the River, didn't love Ten Incarnations of Rebellion, and now I actively disliked this latest novel. I really hope that the next one is better.
**Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!**
I'm solidly pro-choice, but even I have to admit that this book was VERY preachy. And I think the author herself even somewhat acknowledges it in her Author's Note, where she talks about all of the issues that intersect with abortion rights, and says, "Even after writing a whole novel about these experiences, I still didn't have the space to work in everything." But she sure tried... She was trying so hard to cover all of these intersectional issues and topics, incorporate a magic system, develop characters and their relationships, and put all of this into a cohesive story. And it simply did not work. The magic system and core conflict felt very underdeveloped to me, and it was the same for our characters. Everything felt pretty shallowly explored, like we couldn't focus too much on one thing or it would detract time from another. I'm just overall very disappointed because I adored Kaikeyi, I enjoyed Goddess of the River, didn't love Ten Incarnations of Rebellion, and now I actively disliked this latest novel. I really hope that the next one is better.
**Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!**
June 14, 2026
Nisha is a burned out employee at an independent abortion clinic. Facing anti-choice protestors is the norm for her, but things amp up after she accidentally releases a demon named Muya and absorbs some of his powers. Muya wants his powers back, but there's another demon that wants it too and will harass her, everyone she loves, and her place of work in order to get it.
First of all, I have to mention that this author is a civil rights lawyer by day and an internationally bestselling author by night. How does she have enough time to do either one let alone both? That's impressive.
Anyway, I didn't know what to expect from this book because of the heavy focus on reproductive rights alongside the urban fantasy with demons and magic. Vaishnavi Patel did such a good job blending reality with fiction. At first I wondered why Nisha wanted to hold onto Muya's powers when she seldom used it until I realized it was all a metaphor. How it represented Nisha's apathy and how she's letting bad faith actors get to her when she is capable of making change. Even if the change is small, it's better than nothing.
Considering the heavy topics of reproductive rights and the ongoing battle of fighting off restrictions to these rights, this story proves that real-life people can be equally and/or more terrifying than demons. The Western demon - I'm sorry, I don't remember his name - was controlling the anti-choice protestors to do his bidding, but it wasn't like they needed much nudging to partake in such horrific actions in the first place.
My favourite part of the book was the reveal of an unexpected and very sweet romance between Muya and a certain character. There was such little focus on this romance, but it implies that he truly loved her in spite of his fatigue and contempt towards humans. My least favourite part of the book was how obvious it was that Nisha didn't realize who was a double agent.
Considering the topic of reproductive health, I'm not surprised the ending was bittersweet and realistic since the real-world fight continues. The only thing I didn't expect was the emphasis on bitter. But I wouldn't change a thing because it ties back into the message of not becoming apathetic because things won't change, let alone improve, if you give up at every tragedy. And how you can't do everything on your own. I appreciated how Nisha was forced to get over her self-defeatist attitude by relying on her community when she was overwhelmed and overburdened. The scenes in which the aunties and uncles showed up for the clinic and fought back against the protestors was more moving than I expected.
A very timely read and I'm really glad I got to read it.
First of all, I have to mention that this author is a civil rights lawyer by day and an internationally bestselling author by night. How does she have enough time to do either one let alone both? That's impressive.
Anyway, I didn't know what to expect from this book because of the heavy focus on reproductive rights alongside the urban fantasy with demons and magic. Vaishnavi Patel did such a good job blending reality with fiction. At first I wondered why Nisha wanted to hold onto Muya's powers when she seldom used it until I realized it was all a metaphor. How it represented Nisha's apathy and how she's letting bad faith actors get to her when she is capable of making change. Even if the change is small, it's better than nothing.
Considering the heavy topics of reproductive rights and the ongoing battle of fighting off restrictions to these rights, this story proves that real-life people can be equally and/or more terrifying than demons. The Western demon - I'm sorry, I don't remember his name - was controlling the anti-choice protestors to do his bidding, but it wasn't like they needed much nudging to partake in such horrific actions in the first place.
My favourite part of the book was the reveal of an unexpected and very sweet romance between Muya and a certain character. There was such little focus on this romance, but it implies that he truly loved her in spite of his fatigue and contempt towards humans. My least favourite part of the book was how obvious it was that Nisha didn't realize who was a double agent.
Considering the topic of reproductive health, I'm not surprised the ending was bittersweet and realistic since the real-world fight continues. The only thing I didn't expect was the emphasis on bitter. But I wouldn't change a thing because it ties back into the message of not becoming apathetic because things won't change, let alone improve, if you give up at every tragedy. And how you can't do everything on your own. I appreciated how Nisha was forced to get over her self-defeatist attitude by relying on her community when she was overwhelmed and overburdened. The scenes in which the aunties and uncles showed up for the clinic and fought back against the protestors was more moving than I expected.
A very timely read and I'm really glad I got to read it.
March 24, 2026
I entered a Goodreads Giveaway and got a free copy of this book. I had read this author's other book Kaikeyi, and really enjoyed it, so I was interested in reading another book by her. Also, the cover is pretty awesome with that pop-art look, very eye-catching.
This book is about a modern young woman of Indian descent who volunteers at a women's clinic in Chicago area that performs abortions and other services. It takes place roughly in the 40 days of Lent, when the clinic is most under attack by anti-choice protestors and demonstrators. She has suffered some losses in her life, and in the beginning seems to be just hanging on, but then grows into her strength with the help of an old-world demon's influence.
If I could compare it to books I read in the last few years, I'd say it's kind of a combination of Sara Gran's Come Closer and Madame Restell by Jennifer Wright.
This book is about a modern young woman of Indian descent who volunteers at a women's clinic in Chicago area that performs abortions and other services. It takes place roughly in the 40 days of Lent, when the clinic is most under attack by anti-choice protestors and demonstrators. She has suffered some losses in her life, and in the beginning seems to be just hanging on, but then grows into her strength with the help of an old-world demon's influence.
If I could compare it to books I read in the last few years, I'd say it's kind of a combination of Sara Gran's Come Closer and Madame Restell by Jennifer Wright.
July 6, 2026
Nisha is depressed, and the only things that she cares about are the abortion clinic she works at, which is always under attack, and her mother, to whom she must be an endless source of disappointment. Mediocre, unsuccessful, and alone, she can't even get accidentally stealing a demon's powers right. Anyway, that's what she thinks.
The readers sees the world a lot differently to Nisha, which can be frustrating especially when we know who she can trust and she does not. It's not bad living in her head, though. This book is full of endearing Desi characters, enough to get you really invested in what could otherwise have felt like a civil rights treatise. (Not that I'm not already pro-abortion clinics, but preaching can be irritating even when it's something you believe in.) I love, love, love the glimpse into Indian mythology and culture. Absolutely will recommend to people I know are safe.
The readers sees the world a lot differently to Nisha, which can be frustrating especially when we know who she can trust and she does not. It's not bad living in her head, though. This book is full of endearing Desi characters, enough to get you really invested in what could otherwise have felt like a civil rights treatise. (Not that I'm not already pro-abortion clinics, but preaching can be irritating even when it's something you believe in.) I love, love, love the glimpse into Indian mythology and culture. Absolutely will recommend to people I know are safe.
May 28, 2026
South Asian Author ✔
Story based in my hometown, Chicago ✔
Women's Rights & Abortion ✔
Demons ✔
Strong Female Characters ✔
This book was such a refreshing read! The second I saw a fantasy book written by a South Asian author, I knew I had to read it, but what I got was better than expected. This book touched on a very important issue that is unfortunately still being debated today, but the delivery blends context with South Asian culture and Hinduism, making it all the more impactful. Such a great read!
Story based in my hometown, Chicago ✔
Women's Rights & Abortion ✔
Demons ✔
Strong Female Characters ✔
This book was such a refreshing read! The second I saw a fantasy book written by a South Asian author, I knew I had to read it, but what I got was better than expected. This book touched on a very important issue that is unfortunately still being debated today, but the delivery blends context with South Asian culture and Hinduism, making it all the more impactful. Such a great read!
June 3, 2026
4.5/5 stars
this was INCREDIBLE.
a beautiful exploration into the brutal effects of todays society when it comes to bodily autonomy and the freedom of choice, told through a powerful perspective of one woman's journey as an employee at an abortion clinic. it so seamlessly weaves mythology and folklore, cultural and generational trauma, and the dichotomy of who has authority over women's' bodies. absolutely STUNNING.
this made me want to read everything this author has published. riveting, powerful, and is a definite must read. wow.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-arc!
this was INCREDIBLE.
a beautiful exploration into the brutal effects of todays society when it comes to bodily autonomy and the freedom of choice, told through a powerful perspective of one woman's journey as an employee at an abortion clinic. it so seamlessly weaves mythology and folklore, cultural and generational trauma, and the dichotomy of who has authority over women's' bodies. absolutely STUNNING.
this made me want to read everything this author has published. riveting, powerful, and is a definite must read. wow.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-arc!
July 10, 2026
chicago, abortion rights, and a dash of fantasy inspired by Hindu mythology. anti-abortion protestors as demons (rakshasa). loved the concept and it made me even more grateful for those who work in abortion clinics. could be overly didactic at times (especially for someone like me who is already very very pro-choice and knows all the talking points)
August 10, 2026
an easy, engaging read. the fantasy aspect felt a little underdeveloped on top of everything else the book did but it was a cool theme and concept
i felt like some parts were overly explained BUT I'm someone who is already well versed in reproductive justice so I think I'm just not the right audience - I think it would be a really good book for someone who wants to know more about the realities of abortion care and the pro choice movement in a more digestible way than non fiction
i felt like some parts were overly explained BUT I'm someone who is already well versed in reproductive justice so I think I'm just not the right audience - I think it would be a really good book for someone who wants to know more about the realities of abortion care and the pro choice movement in a more digestible way than non fiction
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was such a good book. I loved the main character and just the plot overall. Definitely hit home on how abortion is viewed in the country and the demons we face. It's definitely a heavy story and sad, but also hopeful and inspiring.
May 20, 2026
Such a powerful read. This book is so beautiful in what it tells. I already love Patel’s writing so that was a given going into this story.
I went into this blind, as I do almost every book I read. When I saw the topic of abortion I was immediately hooked. This book was written carefully and beautifully. Taking all sides of people’s opinions, understanding why people who believe it’s wrong and seeing the harmful consequences to the mothers who can’t get one.
Side story but I work in an operating room and have had these cases. We handle emergency ectopic pregnancies and abortions. I have seen how having these procedures literally save the lives of our patients. I will always be pro-choice, especially since the new bans take away procedures that help.
So coming back to this book, our main character Nisha is an employee at an OB clinic that offers abortions. She not only has to deal with the stress of protecting patients getting into the clinic from the protestors surrounding the building, but in her personal life, she feels detached. She feels unaccomplished in life, not where she’s supposed to be. But one fateful visit to a museum invites a literal demon into her life that changes everything.
Throughout the story she also weaves Hindu mythology throughout. A lot less compared to her other titles but still relevant.
I cried at the end of this. I think this book hits harder for me because I see the possibilities of what would happen to the people who can’t get abortions who medically need them. Everyone should have a choice but because they take that choice away, even the people who need it to live are denied it.
Please read this, I hope people enjoy it as much as I.
I went into this blind, as I do almost every book I read. When I saw the topic of abortion I was immediately hooked. This book was written carefully and beautifully. Taking all sides of people’s opinions, understanding why people who believe it’s wrong and seeing the harmful consequences to the mothers who can’t get one.
Side story but I work in an operating room and have had these cases. We handle emergency ectopic pregnancies and abortions. I have seen how having these procedures literally save the lives of our patients. I will always be pro-choice, especially since the new bans take away procedures that help.
So coming back to this book, our main character Nisha is an employee at an OB clinic that offers abortions. She not only has to deal with the stress of protecting patients getting into the clinic from the protestors surrounding the building, but in her personal life, she feels detached. She feels unaccomplished in life, not where she’s supposed to be. But one fateful visit to a museum invites a literal demon into her life that changes everything.
Throughout the story she also weaves Hindu mythology throughout. A lot less compared to her other titles but still relevant.
I cried at the end of this. I think this book hits harder for me because I see the possibilities of what would happen to the people who can’t get abortions who medically need them. Everyone should have a choice but because they take that choice away, even the people who need it to live are denied it.
Please read this, I hope people enjoy it as much as I.
June 2, 2026
3.5
I predicted what was happening so early on it but still good!
I predicted what was happening so early on it but still good!
Did Not Finish
August 13, 2026Page 112. I'm just bored of it really
June 21, 2026
Minus the demons this was infuriatingly accurate and such a powerful read.
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