The Book That Tried to Kill Me: Her Husband’s Book. Her Destiny.

by Manali Sengupta

Lila is a modern-day woman—to survive a marriage that forgot her and a toxic corporate workplace that overlooked her, and a world that feared women who asked for more. But when she opens her husband’s secret manuscript, Kismat Ki Kaaya, the story refuses to stay on ink and paper. It drags her inside in the mortal body of Kaaya, a cursed princess fated to rise as Devi Kālratri, goddess of annihilation.

In a kingdom that believes her existence is a threat, Kaaya is cast into exile, assessed by priests, hunted by politics, and bound by rituals designed to break her will. Torn between forbidden love, sisterhood and betrayal, faith and defiance, creation and annihilation, will Kaaya choose to become the Goddess that this world has predicted for her, or seize the power to rewrite her fate?

Blending Indian mythology and fantasy, The Book That Tried to Kill Me is a haunting exploration of agency, destiny, and the perilous magic of stories that refuse to remain confined to the page.

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 19, 2025

Reviews

[Priyanka -]

I was completely engrossed in the writing of the book as it transitioned me from the modern world to the mythological world so seamlessly. The use of tense has been smartly used so as not to get confused between the worlds. The world is quite vividly laid out for a reader to imagine, and I enjoyed that process of playing all all the chapters like a scene from a movie. I also enjoyed the talks Kaaya does in her mind back and forth between the worlds. In some chapters I wondered what was going on but the consequent chapters clarified my doubts pretty quickly. I imagined the ending a bit differently but that's for another conversation with Manali.I recommend her book if you want a quick and light read into the world of Indian mythology and modern day dilemma of a working woman!

Congratulations on your book Manali, and I look forward to reading more of your work!

[Sagnik Biswas]

I do not have the words to properly portray my state of awe. Finished the book just now and I am still in a state of trance. I cannot express my subjective opinion as gathering the emotions I am feeling currently is difficult, so I will keep it objective.

It starts slow, very slow, almost mundane. I had almost given up. The only aspect that kept me at it was the striking connection between the events and my life.

Even after the key event occurred, it had me a bit apprehensive. Okay, it is interesting. But how will it turn out further?

But then, slowly, like a lotus blooming, layers upon layers of the story started unfolding with ingenious creativity. The blend of modern elements into a mythical world was simply so amusing. And the pace increased too, drawing me slowly but steadily into its world. And when the climax occurred, with all the incredible twists and turns, it left me in a state of awestruck admiration that is still lingering.

My only gripe is that the middle of the story could have been a bit longer to let the readers enjoy it for some more moments. The cooking is simply beautiful. Although, I have to say, the ending more than makes up for it. One of the most exceptionally creative endings ever.

[Senajit]

This book has a fantastic storyline given it is the first book of the author. It was a page turner and I really enjoyed the characters. Especially the main protagonist is quite relatable to young working professionals.

However, the book needs a better editing. Hoping that the subsequent editions will take care of the printing errors

[Vishakha]

good attempt at combining mythological storytelling with fantasy fiction. author has a rich imagination and has put up quite a cast of characters that weave through the narrative. can pick up for a breezy read.

[SAYANTAN DASGUPTA]

This book is unputdownable. The narration is cinematic and free-flowing and is able to create a picture in your mind pretty effortlessly through blood-and-flesh characterization.