Dear to Saturn

by Merlin Senthil

A THRILLING MAGICAL NIGHTMARE.


Two sexy, scheming sisters. Disapproving wealthy, in-laws.
And a mysterious family jewel that everyone’s dying to get their hands on.

Happily married Wendy and Kesh are shopping for an Indian family festival when an old flame runs over and straddles him in the aisle. She’s gorgeous, charming, and one of two sisters who will soon sink their claws into the hearts of everyone in the Muthu family. Can Kesh withstand temptation? Will Wendy forgive him if he can’t? And if things take a sinister turn, will their marriage—and family—survive?

A dark and dazzling debut, Dear to Saturn liberates a romantic trope with a folklore-filled, surprisingly spiritual, tender and terrifying tale of love and lust that is both epic and deeply personal, propelled by a plot that becomes so enthralling the pages practically turn themselves.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Fiction, Thriller, Book Club, Adult

289 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2026

About the author

Merlin Senthil is a filmmaker and author known for his original fantasy stories, often inspired by Indian folklore, and for being a champion of raw and authentic Christian storytelling. He has penned the words behind countless viral videos and has multiple scripts in various stages of production.

DEAR TO SATURN is my debut novel and currently viral on social media. It blends Indian mythology, romance, and philosophy in a fast-paced thriller plot. I'm hope to get translations and an audiobook soon due to high demand.

I am working on more books and shopping around my various screenplays.

I also produce content on YouTube and Substack.

Thanks for supporting me! I still in the process of making my dreams come true. Praise God for his kindness in blessing me with this passion and any progress I make :)

Reviews

[Nadia Chenevey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel! I’ve never quite read anything like it. I wasn’t sure what to expect from a “fantasy thriller” but I was pleasantly surprised. It doesn’t fully fit into the fantasy genre, nor the thriller genre— in a good way! It blended the two genres beautifully and had me reading while folding laundry (a sign of a great book)

I really enjoyed both the setting and cultural aspects of this book. Filled with Indian mythology, Dear to Saturn made me want to go down the rabbit hole of so many mythological paths. It felt culturally well researched, while still wildly creative. I have no experience with Indian culture and I felt included and informed throughout reading, even though each cultural nuance was not explicitly explained.

The characters are charming, lovable, and utterly hateable. The character of Wendy felt dynamic and strong and I was thrilled by the direction that her character went. The character growth and development felt evenly paced, which made the end of the book so much more powerful.

I would highly reccomend Dear to Saturn to lovers of Babel by R.F Kuang, The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon, and The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager. This is truly a beautiful debut!

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced novel with some beautiful passages and themes. I really liked the Indian folklore elements. Fantasy genre is not typically my thing but I enjoyed this!

[Sarah Perovich · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was well written but if you are buying because of the video you've seen on fb, the man crying on the subway, please know it did not have that effect, it was good though and im glad i read it

[Hamad · Rating 2 out of 5]

Let's see if this is hyped for the right reasons!

[Cori Samuel · Rating 3 out of 5]

An entertaining family drama in a contemporary setting with fantasy elements.

I was all-in for the wild family dynamics, and the great character work -- every family member was an individual with their own personality and motivation. Loved all that writing very much, especially the cultural aspects which were largely new to me as a white reader. Seeing how the characters interacted, how their backgrounds and family placement affected all the goings on, loved it! And Wendy is Just The Best.

Happily that was a significant part of the book, because as a big fantasy reader, the fantasy aspects were just okay ... I would personally have appreciated a bit more subtlety and personality for the 'scheming sisters'. And the ending rather lost steam; I think I can see what the author was doing, but it didn't quite land for me. Plus, as a big romance reader, I can't see why people are describing this as either a romance or a romantasy. (Let alone whatever the blurb is trying to say with "liberates a romantic trope" -- does what?) There are romantic relationships in this book, sure, but those arcs aren't the story.

While I'm side-eyeing the blurb, let me also take on 'surprisingly' spiritual. Surely Fantasy is the second least surprising genre in which to find spirituality after Religious Fiction?! The genre of Narnia & LOTR? This isn't Jack Reacher or James Bond, after all. (Also, I want that genre mix now. Rec me fanfiction if you can!) This book was nicely spiritual. Embedded spirituality. Finally, do the 'the pages practically turn themselves'? sorry, not for me. I know the blurb isn't the book, but if I'd gone in with more reasonable expectations, it might have worked better overall for me.


Rating: 14/20
This review is based upon a complimentary advance reading copy provided by the publisher.

[Bailey Masters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading “Dear To Saturn”! It was very fast paced and the author’s writing style was easy and fun to read, making it a book that was hard to put down. I felt like Merlin Senthil did a great job balancing the history of characters with current events and intertwining the two. There was also beautiful character development. I never felt bored or confused reading this book! I also really appreciated the underlying message that I got from the book, whether it was intended by Senthil or not. I’ve already recommended the book to my book club and can’t wait for my friends to read it!

* I received an ARC copy for free. I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

[Emma ♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantasy thriller with a little romance? Say less.

This book had me STRESSED in the best way possible, just waiting for Wendy to finally get her lick back… and when she did? So satisfying!! I could not put this down.

The pacing was super fast, the writing style kept me completely hooked, and every chapter had me desperate to know what happened next. I finished this in one day because I genuinely could not stop reading. Such a fun, intense read.

My favorite part was learning about all the Indian folklore woven throughout this book. I’m always obsessed with a story that has me pulling out Google every so often to look up a definition, a creature, or the meaning behind something. It made the world feel so rich and immersive, and I loved getting to learn while being completely entertained.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Hailey Toennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book destroyed me and built me back up again.

The first half shattered my heart and threw it into the pit of my stomach. The second half had such beautiful imagery of God's fatherly love that it put the pieces back together again.

[Tenisha Morales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear to Saturn is an absolute gem and completely surprised me in the best way. It explores beautiful themes of family dynamics, love, lust, humor, and sacrifice, all woven together so naturally.

I especially loved the layer of supernatural, spiritual, and folkloric elements throughout the story. They were brilliant and used in just the right amount, adding something special without ever overpowering the characters or their relationships.

From page one, you immediately feel connected to the characters and invested in their lives. The pacing is spot-on: it gives the story room to breathe while still keeping you completely hooked and wondering what’s going to happen next.

Such a beautiful, unexpected read!

[Evonne Fuchs · Rating 4 out of 5]

TW: infertility, cheating

This is a deeply unusual novel – but not in a bad way. It's part family drama, part horror story, part theological meditation. It succeeds more often than it fails, especially in how honestly it deals with infertility and in how willing it is to let characters stay messy and unresolved. The supernatural twist genuinely changes how you see the first half of the book, and the Saturn interludes give you a really unique picture of divine patience and humor and this has to be my favorite thing about the book.

I especially like Saturn. It is a great "God character". He's not the usual stern, finger‑wagging type. He's playful, patient, loves riddles, and has an actual sense of humor. The idea of "cosmic comedy", that evil doesn't realize it's the butt of the joke – is pretty thought‑provoking.

But yeah, the middle drags, Kesh is underdeveloped, and the explicit Christian angle won't be for everyone. The prose is ambitious, i really liked some like at places but sometimes tries too hard.

Rating: 3.5 / 5 stars

Read this if you like:

Spirutual talks, literary fantasy, Indian‑American family stories, books that deal honestly with infertility and adoption, theological fiction in the vein of C.S. Lewis or Madeleine L'Engle.

Maybe skip it if you want:

Tight, fast pacing or morally messy infidelity without magical excuses.

*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*

[stardust87 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Plot was full of potential, only to be ruined by juvenile writing (like really something out of a wattpad/highschool creative writing class) and ridiculous, cartoonish ending. First quarter of the book was compelling enough, but finishing it left me almost angry at how jarringly campy everything ended, with a dose of out-of-the-blue, way-too-dragged-out philosophizing.

Oh, I almost forgot to add: so I got interested in this book because I saw a video taken (like a candid video) of a guy crying while reading this and people commenting something like, “yep that tracks”. Gosh, I should have checked that it was an ad! The fact that the publishers or whoever is behind the PR for this book made such a sneaky ad leaves such a bad taste in my mouth, like yeah — if this book was really any good at all, they wouldn’t resort to such tactic. But such is life, and while I’m not mad buying the book to support an author, I’m mad I was such a sucker.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deer to Saturn was one of those books I’m SO glad I went into completely blind. I knew absolutely nothing about it other than seeing some random person’s reaction on TikTok, and honestly, I think that made the experience so much better.

This fantasy thriller was fast-paced, weird, unpredictable, and ridiculously entertaining. I genuinely couldn’t put it down, and I never quite knew what was coming next. The book managed to surprise me over and over again, which is something I really appreciate.

My biggest recommendation? Don’t read the synopsis. Skip the spoilers, go in blind, and just let this book take you wherever it wants to go. I think the less you know, the more fun you’ll have.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this in 3 hrs cos I couldn't put it down. Really enjoyed it, my favourite book of the year so far.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was speechless. Didn't know what I was walking into reading this and just beautiful I have no other words it made cry and no books have yet to do that that I have read.

[Katy Starr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast read ! I enjoyed it ! Wonderful debut novel .

[ems · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dear to Saturn follows the married couple Wendy and Kesh, whose lives are turned upside down when Kesh reconnects with a former friend—and old flame. At the same time, they become entangled in a family drama involving two manipulative sisters, a mysterious family jewel, and supernatural forces. The novel blends romance, suspense, Indian folklore, and dark mysticism while exploring themes of temptation, love, family, and survival.

I had never read a fantasy thriller before, and it was definitely a unique experience. At first, I found it a bit confusing, but it quickly became incredibly gripping.

We follow Wendy and Kesh as they spend time with Kesh’s family. Since his family has Indian roots, the story is enriched with many aspects of Indian culture, which added depth to the narrative and made it even more interesting.

I was stressed out for Wendy almost the entire time! It’s a thrilling and unique story that combines family drama, mystery, and fantasy in a way that kept me hooked from beginning to end.

[Charlene Atz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this debut novel written by my dear boyfriend's good friend. The author created a story that was fantastical, yet believable in its genre, and kept the plot moving quickly in an exciting manner. So many surprises came at me just when I thought I could predict what would happen next. Nicely done, Merlin.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw people reacting to this book on social media and I took the bait. Had no idea what I was getting into. It’s totally not my typical genre. I came close to quitting a few times, but needed to see why everyone was freaking out somewhere in the middle. Yep! The turning point got me too. Had to see it through after that. I’ve never read anything like this. Is it a groundbreaking novel? Absolutely not. Was I entertained? Mind blown by some interesting twists and turns? Experienced some intriguing concepts? Absolutely. Bonus for this being a quick read.

[Jason Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. A story that takes you for a twist leaving you more cultured while also examining your own life at the end. It's hard to put it in one category as it is thriller yet not to creepy, fantasy yet not to nerdy, fabelish yet not to dry. A shorter novel yet long enough to grow to love some characters and despise others. I hope this young author has more stories in future for us readers.

[Chloe]

I really enjoyed reading Merlin Senthil's debut novel! The book brings in Hindu mythology which was refreshing and new for the genre, something I haven't read before. My favorite part of reading was the author's writing style. His descriptions, humor, and word choices are clever, engaging, and kept me turning pages eager to see where things were going. The most meaningful part of the read for me was the conversation with Saturn later in the book. So well written and thought provoking. Where a lot of romantasy can be brain candy, this scene is something I will take with me and continue to reflect on. It helped me understand my own inner life and faith on a deeper level. Impressive his writing accomplished that in a debut novel! Overall would definitely recommend this to romantasy lovers and also, even more, to those who don't frequent the genre like myself.

[Jessica Kruger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great easy read

I was never bored, read it in one sitting as it kept my attention. Great blend of folklore, fantasy, and realism!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the author's conversational style of writing; certainly a nod to his screenwriting background. I was not at all familiar with Indian folklore and am always happy when a book prods me to Google for more information and knowledge. I look forward to more from this young writer.

[Tiphaine Figeac · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love Dear to Saturn more than I did, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite work for me.
The first half was genuinely a 5-star read. I was invested in the tension, the family drama, and all the uncomfortable dynamics. There was a constant sense that something was about to go terribly wrong, and I was completely on board. I was especially interested in the story when it felt like a thriller—full of secrets, suspicion, interpersonal tension, and drama.
Unfortunately, once the fantasy elements became more prominent, my enjoyment started to drop. The introduction of the demoness/fantasy aspect took the story in a direction I wasn't expecting or particularly interested in. By around 70%, I was down to about 2.5 stars.
I also have to mention the marketing, because I think it heavily influenced my expectations. This was presented to me as a romantasy, with the promise of something painful, emotional. I honestly didn't get that experience. There are romantic relationships in the story, but I wouldn't describe romance as a major part of the book, and I never felt particularly attached to the characters or emotionally devastated by what was happening. I kept waiting for that big emotional impact that the marketing seemed to promise, but it never really came.
The interlude was another difficult part for me. It felt much too long, overly philosophical, and, ultimately, boring. I understand what the author was trying to explore with it, but it pulled me out of the story rather than deepening my connection to it.
Ironically, I think I would have enjoyed this book much more if it had stayed a thriller. Give me all the family tension, secrets, manipulation, suspense, and drama from the first half without taking the story so heavily into the fantasy/philosophical side, and I probably would have been much more invested.

I started at 5 stars, dropped to 4 when the fantasy took over, and ended somewhere around 2.5–3 stars. Ultimately, it just wasn't the book I thought I was getting.

[Taylor Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

What originally brought me to this book was by the authors reels on instagram. So, wanting a change of pace, I bought the kindle edition and started reading. I was not disappointed with this one and I enjoyed the story! It provoked some strong emotions on more than one occasion, I thought the plot twist was good and the story wrapped up nicely by the end. What made this a 4 star read, for me, was the writing style in some places where you would get “drip, drip, dripping” or “pop, pop, popping” (on more than a few occasions) and a few other places where things would start rhyming, then go back to normal.

Overall it’s a story I liked and will be adding to my physical collection when I am able. It’s a nice short read too!

And, from one believer to another, I appreciated the acknowledgments. God bless 🩷 keep up the good work!

[Antonia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Partió muy bueno, me tenia muy atrapada, hasta llegar a la parte de fantasía. No logre enganchar con esa trama.

Se daban demasiadas vueltas en un mismo tema y avanzaba muy lento.

[Alu · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 stars
Reading this book was a rollercoaster of surprises. When I began, I thought it was about cheating, but it soon turned out to be about murder. Just when I thought I couldn’t be surprised anymore, the book took a completely new turn in a direction I love the most. I don’t want to spoil it, but if you enjoy a magical element in your stories, then this is definitely for you. And "magical" is an understatement.

So, what's the story about?
Wendy, who is 1/8th Indian, is married to Kesh from a filthy-rich Indian family. It has been three years; however, the family still hasn’t accepted her, despite the support of her loving and understanding husband. However, when Kesh's childhood friend Maya and her sister appear, Wendy's life starts to fall apart.


I loved how the author painted each character, displaying both the good and bad, and sometimes, I could see my own relatives in them. Paatti Saraswathi's fear of losing roots felt very close to home. I see it in my mother's face every time I merge in with the crowd or struggle to read my mother tongue. I absolutely loved how the author showed the difficulty in gaining a mother-in-law's approval. The truth about Indian mothers-in-law is that you never get their approval. Wendy's pain and effort to get her approval was again something I saw in my mom. The saying "Enemy of your enemy is your friend" sadly does not work with Wendy. Just because she is white, she ends up facing disapproval from both her mother-in-law and grandmother-in-law.

The author's writing style is wonderful. I liked how the author described the beauty of the house, the dresses and the celebration. At times, it felt like I was seeing influencer reels in my head. Most of all, I absolutely adored the Tamil rep in this book! Much to my delight, the author has used various Tamil words throughout the book and even an instance of a word printed in Tamil!! The author also showed how hard it was to be part of the family due to language and cultural barriers. The easiest way to be part of a different cultural group is to learn the language. Tamil might not be the easiest, but it certainly isn't the hardest.

I am a person who keeps predicting the different ways a story can end while reading, but the Author threw in another surprise exactly when I thought there could be no more! I still haven't completely wrapped my head around how Kanmani and Wendy were existing in the same timeline.

The chapter Interlude was beautiful, and the author has made Saturn exactly how I imagine a god to be, unlike many other stories where gods turn out to be extremely silly or petty. I did find the chapter to be a little too long, and I feel the author could have utilised the concept of Atman - the divine consciousness/awareness which is a part of Brahman, where "I" is not present. This would have given much more depth to the chapter.

The author has done a fantastic job on destiny and Free Will/Choice. In the chapter Interlude, Saturn says he writes what comes to pass, but as the story progresses, Kesh confesses to his choice of actions that led him to cheat. Free Will is a debated concept in Hinduism. Hinduism shows Free Will is an illusion. However, there is Free Choice, and every event a person faces is due to the choices the person made. I loved how the Author has shown this without confusing the readers or imposing opinions.

I believe the book had a message on how sometimes the people we least expect turn out to be the ones who fit. I found it weird that a South Indian Hindu family name is Farook, which, I believe, is mostly a Muslim name. The usage of Namaste, once at the beginning, is kind of funny, as most of us use "Vanakam"/"Namaskaram" or just a simple "Hi/Hello". I also felt that Kesh received a relatively good ending despite everything, which didn’t sit entirely well with me, even though I know this might be what Wendy wanted.

Overall, I really enjoyed the story (I completed it in one sitting) - the Tamil rep, the portrayal, the stress, the flow and each of the plot twists. I loved how the author explored various themes, such as the difficulty in fitting in, the choices and the fears in the human mind, and the fine line between destiny and free choice.

The author has clearly done an amazing job.

Thank you, Author, for the opportunity to read this wonderful book!

[Sarah Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dear to Saturn feels caught between two traditions. On one hand, it is a contemporary fantasy grounded in an emotionally believable protagonist whose life steadily unravels as increasingly strange events begin to surround her. On the other, it embraces the logic of myth and fairy tale, where destiny often precedes explanation and symbols carry more weight than causality. That tension became both the novel’s greatest strength and its greatest weakness for me.

Merlin Senthil writes with an undeniable sense of momentum. I flew through this book—not because every chapter ended with a dramatic revelation, but because the story possesses a quiet compulsion that kept pulling me forward. Even when I questioned where it was leading, I wanted to keep following.

The novel’s use of Tamil and Hindu mythology immediately distinguished it from the fantasy I usually read. Fantasy has spent decades returning to the same well of Western mythologies, so encountering rakshasas, Saturn, and a cosmology rooted in Hindu thought felt genuinely exciting. Saturn, in particular, is a fascinating presence: distant, inscrutable, possessing the kind of vast, almost architectural perspective that makes human lives seem like pieces of a design only he can perceive.

The prose took some adjustment. It is simple, rhythmic, and occasionally repetitive in a way that initially struck me as melodramatic. But somewhere along the way I realized I wasn’t reading prose that aspired to literary realism—I was reading something much closer to an adult fairy tale. Once that clicked, the repetitions and dreamlike cadence no longer felt out of place. They became part of the novel’s atmosphere rather than a distraction from it.

My hesitation lies less with the novel’s mysteries than with the logic that supports them.

I don’t need every supernatural element explained. Some of my favorite novels refuse to provide complete answers. What I do need is the feeling that the mysteries emerge from a coherent metaphysical architecture—that the world possesses an underlying order even if I cannot fully see it. Dear to Saturn introduces ideas that I found genuinely compelling: nonlinear time, karma, fractured identity, Wendy’s connection to Saturn, and the relationship between Wendy and Kanmani. Yet these ideas often remain gestures toward something profound rather than becoming a fully realized cosmology.

The revelation that Wendy has always been dear to Saturn never quite reshaped my understanding of the story in the way I hoped it would. It felt closer to the logic of myth—she is chosen because she is chosen—than to a culmination of the life and choices that had made her who she was. Likewise, the questions surrounding time, identity, and Saturn’s realm seemed poised to illuminate one another before the novel moved on. I found myself wanting not fewer mysteries, but a stronger sense of the hidden architecture connecting them.

Even so, I finished the novel feeling more intrigued than disappointed. I’d much rather read an ambitious fantasy that reaches toward unfamiliar mythology and metaphysical questions than one content to remain comfortable and predictable. Dear to Saturn doesn’t fully convince me of its cosmology, but it gave me ideas to wrestle with long after I closed the book—and that’s a quality I find increasingly difficult to overlook.

[lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Humor can bring healing where there is much pain”

i’ve received an Advanced Reader copy from Merlin and it intrigued me with notes of indian mythology and thriller and fantasy elements.

firstly, i want to share my thoughts about defining genre of the book. it’s advertised as ‘romantasy thriller’. i beg to differ…for me ‘romantasy’ it’s not just a combination of romance and fantasy, but when the world-building and magic system are defined and driven by romance. ‘dear to saturn’ is more heavy on thriller/suspense side WITH fantasy elements. furthermore, romance feels like a subplot which is a good thing. labelling this book as a romantasy could backfire, setting wrong expectations.

let’s get to the plot and characters. the story follows Wendy who’s married into a wealthy Indian family. she constantly struggles with their expectations and her own insecurities. her emotions were so raw and relatable, reminding me of my past and reflecting on the mental work that i’ve done. Kesh, Wendy’s husband, was a supportive partner; just an average man and husband. his family pissed me off with their remarks ngl, however, i could see where it’s all coming from. most of the time, we are mirroring our parents and they are mirroring theirs. it’s a big cycle of ‘strict upbringing’. then we had attractive sisters that everyone was drooling over. i like the way they were portrayed however i wanted to learn more about their achievements and talents (maybe i missed something reading it…), so it wouldn’t feel like the envy towards them is only built on their looks.

my most favorite character was Jothi, Kesh’s younger sister. she was cool and her struggles with keeping secrets from people important to her were so real. the scenes with magic and Saturn were so beautiful and majestic. the mythological elements were so inspiring and it made me want to dive into learning it.

i cannot articulate properly how much i dislike ‘cheating trope’. i wanted to get inside of the book and to take Wendy’s hand, packing her things and leaving their house. i know there were twists and turns (no spoilers here!) that clarified the entire situation but i already had a bitter aftertaste.

nevertheless, the writing style was dense in the best way possible (the word ‘sexy’ made me cringe few times but it was a rare occasion) and witty.

‘dear to saturn’ deserves to be seen and read, it has an enormous potential to impress (i was picturing it as a mini animated series in my mind). may i add that we need some artwork as well???

i totally recommend reading it and forming your own opinion, exploring the world of literature that challenges you and provoke thought <3

[Judah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A thrilling and insightful look at Indian families and traditions coalesced in the supernatural and spiritual unknown. The book is filled to the brim with thrilling scenes of anarchy and enthralling chaos—but it also leaves time for themes of identity, parenthood, marriage, family, and finding your place in the world.

Honestly, I think there’s a lot to love here. From the encapsulating mystery to the classic familial angst and learning to cope with the constant pressure and isolation of being a cultural outsider within your partner’s ethnically vibrant family. But the book is truly at its best when it fully commits to the thrill of the unraveling mystery that’s taking place. What truly drives the book, along with the intrigue of the unknown, is the sincere relatability that I often felt for the lead character. All her experiences throughout the story—her pains, joys, losses—feel recognizable. The entanglement of our emotions with hers adds another layer of experiences to the book, because at the same time that we dive deeper into her motives, her personality, and her psychological condition, we also continue to learn more and more about the darkness and terror that lies beneath this world and its inhabitants. I think the book can definitely meander a bit, and feel disjointed at certain parts, along with some maybe-not-so-subtle religious commentary—but, overall, I really did enjoy reading this and would absolutely recommend it to anyone who is interested in mysteries, thrillers—or familial dramas. And honestly, there’s even a little here for those who are into romantic angst. Although, I wouldn’t bank on that being your only reason to read the book.

[Karina Berezhna · Rating 2 out of 5]

★★☆☆☆

Dear to Saturn had all the ingredients of a book I should have enjoyed: a wealthy Indian family full of secrets, complicated relationships, folklore, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural. Unfortunately, none of it really came together for me.

My biggest issue was that the book constantly felt like it was trying to become something else. It starts as a family drama centered around marriage, jealousy, and Wendy’s place within Kesh’s family, then gets progressively darker before leaning heavily into magical and supernatural elements. I usually enjoy unusual genre combinations, but here the transitions felt more chaotic than exciting.

I also struggled to connect with the characters. There’s plenty of drama, sexual tension, and conflict, but emotionally I remained pretty detached from everyone. Some scenes became so over-the-top that instead of feeling tense or invested, I was mostly thinking, “Okay… what now?”

The Indian cultural setting, family traditions, and folklore were easily the most interesting parts for me. I wish the book had spent more time exploring those elements, because they were much more compelling than most of the romantic and family drama.

I wouldn’t say the book was entirely unsuccessful. There are interesting ideas, a distinctive atmosphere, and a few genuinely surprising moments. But overall, it felt more bizarre than captivating, and by the end I was mostly reading just to see where the story could possibly go next.

2 stars — ambitious and unusual, but ultimately not for me.