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Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove
To learn what she can become, she must first discover who she is.
Katyani’s role in the kingdom of Chandela has always been clear: becoming an advisor and protector of the crown prince, Ayan, when he ascends to the throne. Bound to the Queen of Chandela through a forbidden soul bond that saved her when she was a child, Katyani has grown up in the royal family and become the best guardswoman the Garuda has ever seen. But when a series of assassination attempts threatens the royals, Katyani is shipped off to the gurukul of the famous Acharya Mahavir as an escort to Ayan and his cousin, Bhairav, to protect them as they hone the skills needed to be the next leaders of the kingdom. Nothing could annoy Katyani more than being stuck in a monastic school in the middle of a forest, except her run-ins with Daksh, the Acharya’s son, who can’t stop going on about the rules and whose gaze makes her feel like he can see into her soul.
But when Katyani and the princes are hurriedly summoned back to Chandela before their training is complete, tragedy strikes and Katyani is torn from the only life she has ever known. Alone and betrayed in a land infested by monsters, Katyani must find answers from her past to save all she loves and forge her own destiny. Bonds can be broken, but debts must be repaid.
Katyani’s role in the kingdom of Chandela has always been clear: becoming an advisor and protector of the crown prince, Ayan, when he ascends to the throne. Bound to the Queen of Chandela through a forbidden soul bond that saved her when she was a child, Katyani has grown up in the royal family and become the best guardswoman the Garuda has ever seen. But when a series of assassination attempts threatens the royals, Katyani is shipped off to the gurukul of the famous Acharya Mahavir as an escort to Ayan and his cousin, Bhairav, to protect them as they hone the skills needed to be the next leaders of the kingdom. Nothing could annoy Katyani more than being stuck in a monastic school in the middle of a forest, except her run-ins with Daksh, the Acharya’s son, who can’t stop going on about the rules and whose gaze makes her feel like he can see into her soul.
But when Katyani and the princes are hurriedly summoned back to Chandela before their training is complete, tragedy strikes and Katyani is torn from the only life she has ever known. Alone and betrayed in a land infested by monsters, Katyani must find answers from her past to save all she loves and forge her own destiny. Bonds can be broken, but debts must be repaid.
341 pages, Hardcover
First published October 18, 2022
91 people are currently reading
21693 people want to read
About the author
Rati Mehrotra
40 books464 followersBorn and raised in India, Rati Mehrotra now lives and writes in Toronto, Canada. She is the author of the science fantasy novels Markswoman (2018) and Mahimata (2019) published by Harper Voyager and the YA fantasy novel Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove (2022) published by Wednesday Books. You can check out her short stories at http://ratiwrites.com/short-fiction/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 585 reviews
April 17, 2022
ive realised that stories that follow court manoeuvring and political schemes arent my favourite, unless there is some sort of mythology/fantasy element to them. i really enjoyed how the magical history of this world plays out across the kingdoms, the forests, the far off places and all of the various humans and monsters living within it. i also think the characters are a real high point to the novel - they all feel like they fit and have a purpose.
the only reason this isnt getting the 5 stars is because i actually wanted more of the romance. there is just soooo much setting up and tension and teasing that results in such lukewarm follow through. its like the author was doing everything to set the reader up for something good, just to draw back and not deliver at the last minute. it left me feeling a little unsatisfied, tbh. but readers who dont mind mild "slowburns" should be okay with how the romance plays out.
but my personal preferences honestly cant take away how commendable this story is. its an amazing adventure filled with heroes and enemies, first loves and betrayals, and gorgeous mythology!
thank you so much, st. martins press/wednesday books, for the ARC!
↠ 4.5 stars
the only reason this isnt getting the 5 stars is because i actually wanted more of the romance. there is just soooo much setting up and tension and teasing that results in such lukewarm follow through. its like the author was doing everything to set the reader up for something good, just to draw back and not deliver at the last minute. it left me feeling a little unsatisfied, tbh. but readers who dont mind mild "slowburns" should be okay with how the romance plays out.
but my personal preferences honestly cant take away how commendable this story is. its an amazing adventure filled with heroes and enemies, first loves and betrayals, and gorgeous mythology!
thank you so much, st. martins press/wednesday books, for the ARC!
↠ 4.5 stars
July 21, 2022
thank you Wednesday Books for the arc!
HOLY SHIT. THIS BOOK ATE. IT WAS SO FUCKING GOOD. THE PLOT, CHARACTERS, THE ROMANCE. WHY ISNT ROMANCE TAGGED HERE. THERE IS ROMANCE😡 (SUBPLOT OF COURSE) WHAT A LOVELY SURPRISE SINCE I WASNT EXPECTING IT. THE WRITING AND PACING WAS AMAZING.
STRONG FMC. I LOVE IT WHEN THE FMC IS THE ONE WHO DOES THE TEASING AND THE MMC IS THE ONE FLUSTERED. NOT A SINGLE BORING MOMENT AT ALL I JUST WANTED TO KEEP READING AND READING
also this book had no business being that funny (i could be spotted cackling like a maniac every other chapter) that i had a whole tab color designated for humor🧍🏻♀️
HOLY SHIT. THIS BOOK ATE. IT WAS SO FUCKING GOOD. THE PLOT, CHARACTERS, THE ROMANCE. WHY ISNT ROMANCE TAGGED HERE. THERE IS ROMANCE😡 (SUBPLOT OF COURSE) WHAT A LOVELY SURPRISE SINCE I WASNT EXPECTING IT. THE WRITING AND PACING WAS AMAZING.
STRONG FMC. I LOVE IT WHEN THE FMC IS THE ONE WHO DOES THE TEASING AND THE MMC IS THE ONE FLUSTERED. NOT A SINGLE BORING MOMENT AT ALL I JUST WANTED TO KEEP READING AND READING
also this book had no business being that funny (i could be spotted cackling like a maniac every other chapter) that i had a whole tab color designated for humor🧍🏻♀️
January 13, 2024
i love desi fantasy sm <3 rtc.
December 1, 2022
there are books that deliver with pages and pages of buildup, and then there's books that deliver while being fast paced and just fantastic in all ways. this was the latter and was such a wonderful suprise 💕 definitely a five star!
Want to read
August 21, 202108.12.2020 you say alternate medieval india, political games, monster-filled land...and don't expect me to jump to 2022 at this very moment?
October 24, 2022
read this review on my blog!
"I am your curse, she thought. I am the sword that will pierce your heart."
Fast paced and action packed, Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove follows Katyani, whose life takes a solid turn when the massacre of the royal family who raised her leads to betrayals and new quests, forcing her to question everything she’s ever known. I loved this book so much, the most fun I’ve had with a YA fantasy lately because it actually has the whole package of plot, tension, mythology with a little yearning.
ancient Indian setting
I think the main reason I was so intrigued by the book throughout is because of the familiar worldbuilding. The book is completely immersed in the atmosphere. There were lands infested with monsters and spirits (vetalas, pretas, daayans, yatus), the food, the concept of gurukul and the four stages of life, the setting descriptions that were all authentic to medieval India. Combine that with cool magic techniques, action sequences and the spiritual power within oneself, Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove nails the mythical aspect to the T.
an epic fantasy adventure
Listen, I have a lot to say about this book because there was never a dull moment?? You have my favourite trope, court intrigue with trips to dangerous forests, the serene moments at the gurukul Katyani and her brothers went to and a whole lot of fighting and shocking reveals that seemed neverending. With all the lore supporting Katyani’s adventures, this story was truly refreshing to read. And the best part is it never felt info-dumpy or slow moving—the events that happened were unavoidable but took the story to interesting depths.
a refreshing, bold protagonist
I could give you a list of reasons for why I liked Katyani, other than the fact that it was very easy to like her and fall into her character’s thought process. Being bonded to the queen of Chandela, she acts as a bodyguard to the royal princes and princess. She’s driven by the fierce loyalty and protectiveness she has for this family, and I enjoyed reading the immense love she had for her adopted brothers and sister.
Her own character growth is a delight to follow too—from her training days at the gurukul to the new insights about her life she’s introduced to—Katyani proves to be a resilient and skillful woman at every step of the way. Her interactions with Acharya Mahavir, the mythical creatures and all other characters were nuanced and always felt relevant to her development. The writing also made it easy for me to empathise with her; I was sad when she was made a pawn in a deadly political game, and it was heartwarming to know she had a family despite all she’s been through.
Also, she has a sense of humour. A very good one, she makes light of situations easily with her misplaced quips and jokes.
romance to root for
Flirty banter and witty humour are my favourite combination in a romance. Katyani’s interactions with the stoic yet handsome grump, Daksh are to die for! I adore how she would tease him to make him blush and crack his facade. The buildup of their tension is done so well, right from when they first meet at the gurukul to their companionship as the story progressed. I loved the contrast they served—Katyani was light-hearted and often uninhibited whereas Daksh was profound but strongly aligned with his ethical teachings.
themes of family and principles
If you’ve read my other reviews, you’ll know found family any sort of familial relationships in books always draw me in, however complicated and layered they are. There are plenty such relationships in this book—Katyani and the royal family, Daksh and his family at the gurukul and the family Katyani finds for herself by the end. It’s interesting to witness all of these evolve and reflect on the characters. My personal favourite would be Katyani’s bond with her mentor, Acharya Mahavir. Watching him slowly warm up to her and become a strong pillar of guidance for her is lovely.
A major aspect of the book also focuses on the ethical values and morals a person should implement in their lives. I loved this explanation with regards to normal life and war and little bits of wisdom that are sprinkled throughout the book, even more so because it explains and also drives Katyani’s actions.
I’m so pleased this book exists and impressed by the execution and its refreshing nature. If you’re a fan of Kaikeyi or An Ember in the Ashes then you’ll like this book! Or in general if you like political intrigue, a witty & fierce guardswoman, a number of monsters and a medieval Indian setting, I’m sure this book will thrill you.
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
"I am your curse, she thought. I am the sword that will pierce your heart."
Fast paced and action packed, Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove follows Katyani, whose life takes a solid turn when the massacre of the royal family who raised her leads to betrayals and new quests, forcing her to question everything she’s ever known. I loved this book so much, the most fun I’ve had with a YA fantasy lately because it actually has the whole package of plot, tension, mythology with a little yearning.
ancient Indian setting
I think the main reason I was so intrigued by the book throughout is because of the familiar worldbuilding. The book is completely immersed in the atmosphere. There were lands infested with monsters and spirits (vetalas, pretas, daayans, yatus), the food, the concept of gurukul and the four stages of life, the setting descriptions that were all authentic to medieval India. Combine that with cool magic techniques, action sequences and the spiritual power within oneself, Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove nails the mythical aspect to the T.
an epic fantasy adventure
Listen, I have a lot to say about this book because there was never a dull moment?? You have my favourite trope, court intrigue with trips to dangerous forests, the serene moments at the gurukul Katyani and her brothers went to and a whole lot of fighting and shocking reveals that seemed neverending. With all the lore supporting Katyani’s adventures, this story was truly refreshing to read. And the best part is it never felt info-dumpy or slow moving—the events that happened were unavoidable but took the story to interesting depths.
a refreshing, bold protagonist
I could give you a list of reasons for why I liked Katyani, other than the fact that it was very easy to like her and fall into her character’s thought process. Being bonded to the queen of Chandela, she acts as a bodyguard to the royal princes and princess. She’s driven by the fierce loyalty and protectiveness she has for this family, and I enjoyed reading the immense love she had for her adopted brothers and sister.
Her own character growth is a delight to follow too—from her training days at the gurukul to the new insights about her life she’s introduced to—Katyani proves to be a resilient and skillful woman at every step of the way. Her interactions with Acharya Mahavir, the mythical creatures and all other characters were nuanced and always felt relevant to her development. The writing also made it easy for me to empathise with her; I was sad when she was made a pawn in a deadly political game, and it was heartwarming to know she had a family despite all she’s been through.
Also, she has a sense of humour. A very good one, she makes light of situations easily with her misplaced quips and jokes.
romance to root for
Flirty banter and witty humour are my favourite combination in a romance. Katyani’s interactions with the stoic yet handsome grump, Daksh are to die for! I adore how she would tease him to make him blush and crack his facade. The buildup of their tension is done so well, right from when they first meet at the gurukul to their companionship as the story progressed. I loved the contrast they served—Katyani was light-hearted and often uninhibited whereas Daksh was profound but strongly aligned with his ethical teachings.
themes of family and principles
If you’ve read my other reviews, you’ll know found family any sort of familial relationships in books always draw me in, however complicated and layered they are. There are plenty such relationships in this book—Katyani and the royal family, Daksh and his family at the gurukul and the family Katyani finds for herself by the end. It’s interesting to witness all of these evolve and reflect on the characters. My personal favourite would be Katyani’s bond with her mentor, Acharya Mahavir. Watching him slowly warm up to her and become a strong pillar of guidance for her is lovely.
A major aspect of the book also focuses on the ethical values and morals a person should implement in their lives. I loved this explanation with regards to normal life and war and little bits of wisdom that are sprinkled throughout the book, even more so because it explains and also drives Katyani’s actions.
I’m so pleased this book exists and impressed by the execution and its refreshing nature. If you’re a fan of Kaikeyi or An Ember in the Ashes then you’ll like this book! Or in general if you like political intrigue, a witty & fierce guardswoman, a number of monsters and a medieval Indian setting, I’m sure this book will thrill you.
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
May 19, 2022
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove was so much fun to jump into. The world and the characters were magical from start to finish. It was quite easy to fall in love with Katyani's character. Or maybe that's just how I felt? Throw in Daksh, and I was completely hooked with these two. Their bantering gave me joy and the tension gave me life.
The only thing I would really want more of is the actual romance. Yeah, we get hints here and there, but I was rooting for more. Well, maybe hoping is a better word. Still, I kept turning the pages waiting for it to smother me. Unfortunately, the slow burn just about killed me.
Other than that, the twists, betrayal, and so many secrets kept me engaged. Seriously, I don't think I ever found myself being bored with anything. The pacing was a bit slow in the beginning but that's mostly due to the story and adventure being set before my eyes.
In the end, I'm so mad that I waited to jump into this book. Secretly hoping it turns into another book but will learn to accept a standalone as well. I'm so happy that I got the chance to jump into this and can't wait for Rati's next book!
Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove was so much fun to jump into. The world and the characters were magical from start to finish. It was quite easy to fall in love with Katyani's character. Or maybe that's just how I felt? Throw in Daksh, and I was completely hooked with these two. Their bantering gave me joy and the tension gave me life.
The only thing I would really want more of is the actual romance. Yeah, we get hints here and there, but I was rooting for more. Well, maybe hoping is a better word. Still, I kept turning the pages waiting for it to smother me. Unfortunately, the slow burn just about killed me.
Other than that, the twists, betrayal, and so many secrets kept me engaged. Seriously, I don't think I ever found myself being bored with anything. The pacing was a bit slow in the beginning but that's mostly due to the story and adventure being set before my eyes.
In the end, I'm so mad that I waited to jump into this book. Secretly hoping it turns into another book but will learn to accept a standalone as well. I'm so happy that I got the chance to jump into this and can't wait for Rati's next book!
December 26, 2022
YA high fantasy is among my least favorite genres. Yet I can't help checking it out every now and then if a book sounds interesting enough, because I try not to limit myself. If I'm not immediately hooked in a fantasy novel, it isn't going to happen. Something about those unfamiliar names and worldbuilding will just immediately put me off, but this one won me over. The heroine was spunky and a good warrior, yet she was extremely caring too. It ended up being such a good combination. This book presented an interesting world, and all the unfamiliar terms were so easy to follow that I didn't even refer to the glossary in the back (and I didn't even know it was there until the end, tbh). There was an amazing romance and a ton of intrigue. I loved it! I'm also so happy it appears to be a standalone.
May 18, 2022
Thank you so much to Wednesday Books for sending me a bound manuscript in exchange for an honest review!
THAT WAS INCREDIBLE?! I'M SO---
If you loved the mythical fantasy adventure + romance of Daughter of the Moon Goddess and the familial relationships and themes of duty vs justice in Kaikeyi, you'll love Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove! It releases this October--go preorder rn!
Follow me on TikTok | Instagram | Twitter for more book reviews & recommendations!
THAT WAS INCREDIBLE?! I'M SO---
If you loved the mythical fantasy adventure + romance of Daughter of the Moon Goddess and the familial relationships and themes of duty vs justice in Kaikeyi, you'll love Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove! It releases this October--go preorder rn!
Follow me on TikTok | Instagram | Twitter for more book reviews & recommendations!
October 18, 2022
I found it hard to put this gorgeous book down, even carrying it to and from work each day. It’s that good. Put it on your TBR!
There are a few phases of this book. The first is a period when bodyguard Katyani and her royal "cousins" (she considers them her brothers) travel through a dangerous forest for an education at a school run by a monastic group. It's easy to get attached to the main characters, but Katyani shines as the strong willed, brave, future protector of her cousin who will be a king. There’s a lot of world building here, but it’s done during dialogue or action sequences, not via info dumps.
In the next phase, the young people return home to tragedy and betrayal. Katyani wanders a bit to figure out who she is and what she wants for her immediate and distant figure. The sarcastic, overly confident girl is maturing and building new relationships.
In the third phase, Katyani returns home to confront a villain and set things right again.
Katyani is a character you root for, even when she was a bit rough around the edges in the early chapters. The writing was great and there’s a map and glossary to help the reader understand the alternative, ancient India in which the story takes place. The use of magic, monsters, and ghosts was interesting without being cartoonish. The romance between Katyani and someone she meets at school is a wonderful addition.
Is the door slightly open to a sequel? Perhaps, but if that was a standalone, the satisfying ending is fantastic.
There are a few phases of this book. The first is a period when bodyguard Katyani and her royal "cousins" (she considers them her brothers) travel through a dangerous forest for an education at a school run by a monastic group. It's easy to get attached to the main characters, but Katyani shines as the strong willed, brave, future protector of her cousin who will be a king. There’s a lot of world building here, but it’s done during dialogue or action sequences, not via info dumps.
In the next phase, the young people return home to tragedy and betrayal. Katyani wanders a bit to figure out who she is and what she wants for her immediate and distant figure. The sarcastic, overly confident girl is maturing and building new relationships.
In the third phase, Katyani returns home to confront a villain and set things right again.
Katyani is a character you root for, even when she was a bit rough around the edges in the early chapters. The writing was great and there’s a map and glossary to help the reader understand the alternative, ancient India in which the story takes place. The use of magic, monsters, and ghosts was interesting without being cartoonish. The romance between Katyani and someone she meets at school is a wonderful addition.
Is the door slightly open to a sequel? Perhaps, but if that was a standalone, the satisfying ending is fantastic.
October 21, 2022
This was such an unexpected surprise and gem of a book. RTC, just know I wholly adored it
September 16, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book had such an intriguing premise but failed in execution. The problem is that no part of this book is fully fleshed out. The characters are all one-dimensional, which made it hard to care about what was happening to them. We are always being told and not shown how Katyani is feeling. I got whiplash from how quickly her mood would shift with no explanation as to why. The world-building was sparse at best; there were no elements that made it stand out in any way from our world, except for the few monsters thrown in.
The magic system was not set up, at all. It made no sense and was never truly explained. "Spiritual power" is a big component in this book, but it was never explained what it was. Certain rituals were used to dispel certain monsters, and there were such things as magical bonds, but it all was at random and thrown in to help the story along. No clear guidelines dictate what can happen in this world, and unfortunately, the author used this.
The plot had potential, but at pivotal moments the author chose the easy way out or went with a plot line that we have seen too many times in fantasy books. If the other elements of this book had been stronger, I think this book would have been so much better.
This book had such an intriguing premise but failed in execution. The problem is that no part of this book is fully fleshed out. The characters are all one-dimensional, which made it hard to care about what was happening to them. We are always being told and not shown how Katyani is feeling. I got whiplash from how quickly her mood would shift with no explanation as to why. The world-building was sparse at best; there were no elements that made it stand out in any way from our world, except for the few monsters thrown in.
The magic system was not set up, at all. It made no sense and was never truly explained. "Spiritual power" is a big component in this book, but it was never explained what it was. Certain rituals were used to dispel certain monsters, and there were such things as magical bonds, but it all was at random and thrown in to help the story along. No clear guidelines dictate what can happen in this world, and unfortunately, the author used this.
The plot had potential, but at pivotal moments the author chose the easy way out or went with a plot line that we have seen too many times in fantasy books. If the other elements of this book had been stronger, I think this book would have been so much better.
October 5, 2022
I actually thought this was going to be more of an epic fantasy, but it's really more of a sassy romance set in medieval India, with lots of monsters and intrigue. I think it had a ton of potential, but but there was too much telling and not enough showing, and the characters and their relationships with each other felt very flat and cardboard to me. Bummer about the execution, because the premise was fantastic
November 16, 2022
I’M GENUINELY SHOCKED AT HOW GOOD THIS IS??? like, combine the brutality of an ember in the ashes with monster-slaying??? i’m in love omg. full rtc! and a huge thank you wednesday books for an arc in exchange for an honest review!
June 29, 2022
DNF at 42%
First, thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the ARC! Second, based on the reviews so far, I seem to have had a very different reaction to this book than many others, so perhaps this is just a "me" problem.
I was super excited about this book, especially because it takes place in a version of medieval India. But I feel like it was much more interesting in theory than in execution. The characters weren't necessarily underdeveloped, but they were also just cardboardy enough that I couldn't find a single one to root for or care about in any way. I wanted to give up at 20% but I gave it some more time until one of the "reveals" happened, which was extremely predictable and I would put money on already knowing the upcoming reveals.
This book had a lot of potential (like the really interesting creatures), but the magic system doesn't make any sense (magic must have clear rules!), and I felt that there were just too many shortcuts taken (i.e. the fingerspelling with no explanation clearly was just copied from Dune). On top of that, the romance was boring! With all that said, though, I would read another book by this author in a few years after she has worked out all the kinks of YA fantasy writing.
First, thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the ARC! Second, based on the reviews so far, I seem to have had a very different reaction to this book than many others, so perhaps this is just a "me" problem.
I was super excited about this book, especially because it takes place in a version of medieval India. But I feel like it was much more interesting in theory than in execution. The characters weren't necessarily underdeveloped, but they were also just cardboardy enough that I couldn't find a single one to root for or care about in any way. I wanted to give up at 20% but I gave it some more time until one of the "reveals" happened, which was extremely predictable and I would put money on already knowing the upcoming reveals.
This book had a lot of potential (like the really interesting creatures), but the magic system doesn't make any sense (magic must have clear rules!), and I felt that there were just too many shortcuts taken (i.e. the fingerspelling with no explanation clearly was just copied from Dune). On top of that, the romance was boring! With all that said, though, I would read another book by this author in a few years after she has worked out all the kinks of YA fantasy writing.
October 26, 2022
A definite 4.5 but I’m happily rounding up.
When I first got to know the premise of this book, I knew I had to read it. It sounded right up my alley and I was ecstatic when I got both the eARC and an audio advance copy, and I had a blast alternating between them.
Even though my YA consumption has reduced in the past few years, I still read my fair share of YA fantasy. However, I have lately been feeling too old for those books and sometimes even find it hard to not judge them too harshly. This book though just took me on a spin and I was delighted to be swept away. Was it the familiar world building, the fast paced plot with twists and betrayals with some calm and lovely interludes in between, the characters who were so easy to love, or the engaging writing which kept me hooked throughout - it’s probably a combination of all these factors and I’m stunned at how well the author managed to blend everything together perfectly to give us such an amazing story.
The world building and mythology and the philosophy that underlines this narrative is definitely what delighted me the most. The medieval India inspired land of Bharat felt familiar and I had the same feeling of joy that I usually have when I read a good English version of the Mahabharata. I especially loved seeing references to the epic as well as how some of the teachings from the Gita or the overarching Hindu philosophical concepts like karma, the ashrama dharma, the ethics and moralities of warfare, the practice of gurukul and gurudakshina, pranayanam etc were such integral parts of this story. But it is to the author’s credit that all these ideas come organic to the plot and characterizations, and never feel like infordumps. I’m so used to seeing creatures or monsters from western mythologies/folklore in fantasies that it was such a breath of fresh air to read about beings like the vetals, pretas, daayans and more, bringing back memories from my childhood when I used to consume stories filled with them in my native languages. Ofcourse the liberal mentions of desi food, sarees and jewelry and just usage of Hindi words will always give me joy. But I also thought that the magic system, which wasn’t too prominent but was just enough to serve the plot was interesting, especially the usage of astras which ignited my imagination with all my favorite scenes from my beloved Mahabharata tv show.
After harping on about the world and writing, how can I not talk about the characters who make this a well rounded and exciting book. Katyani is a bodyguard and adopted sister of the Royal princes/princess and also soul bonded to the queen of Chandela whose biggest problem in life is being forced to attend gurukul with her brothers. She is brave and loyal and lovable and quick witted, has a teasing and naughty streak, and has no idea what horrors the future has in store for her. But even when her world comes crashing down on her and betrayals and revelations cleave her heart open, even when she vows revenge and destruction, she never loses her compassionate heart, or the memories of her childhood bonds. She is very easy to love, and I laughed and cried and despaired along with her, and only wished she could find peace and justice.
Katya also has an easy way of forging new bonds and making new families as she goes through her life, and none is more evident than during her time spent at gurukul. While she starts with irking Acharya Mahavir initially, they both grow to respect each other, and I really liked how the guru mentored and advised her. His son Daksh on the other hand is a stoic and composed young man who is a worthy disciple of his father, and Katya can’t stop trying to tease him. Their banter is amazing and the way their relationship develops is beautiful to watch, and I only kept wishing they would talk more. I know I’m probably very inclined to see it this way, but their dynamic reminded me so much of Wangxian - Katya all chirpy and enthusiastic and teasing like Wei Ying and Daksh just as stoic as Lan Zhan. Add to that a slightly less grumpier version of Lan Qiren in the form of the acharya and the whole first arc in the gurukul felt like the first Cloud recesses arc in Untamed.
There are many other small and big characters - human and not - that we get to meet in Katya’s journey and I loved the way the author developed a unique bond for her with every one of them. Her quick thinking and compassionate heart really comes into play when she is talking to the various mythological beings and I thought those interactions were some of the best in the book. I don’t wanna expound more on the other side characters lest I spoil the story, but I thought overall it was a very interesting cast of characters.
In the end, I had expectations from this book and I hoped going in that it would be good, but I truly didn’t expect to be so blown away. I just couldn’t stop once I started, and even put down the wonderfully narrated audiobook by Zehra Naqvi because I wanted to read it faster. This book has the perfect mix of Indian inspired world building, very cool mythology, fast paced and action packed plot, charming dialogue, and a wonderful set of characters. It’s a great choice if you are looking for a fun fantasy standalone and if you want a story that’ll warm your desi heart, you absolutely cannot give this a miss. The audiobook is also equally well engaging and I was glad to enjoy the book in both formats simultaneously. I can’t wait to see what the author writes next.
When I first got to know the premise of this book, I knew I had to read it. It sounded right up my alley and I was ecstatic when I got both the eARC and an audio advance copy, and I had a blast alternating between them.
Even though my YA consumption has reduced in the past few years, I still read my fair share of YA fantasy. However, I have lately been feeling too old for those books and sometimes even find it hard to not judge them too harshly. This book though just took me on a spin and I was delighted to be swept away. Was it the familiar world building, the fast paced plot with twists and betrayals with some calm and lovely interludes in between, the characters who were so easy to love, or the engaging writing which kept me hooked throughout - it’s probably a combination of all these factors and I’m stunned at how well the author managed to blend everything together perfectly to give us such an amazing story.
The world building and mythology and the philosophy that underlines this narrative is definitely what delighted me the most. The medieval India inspired land of Bharat felt familiar and I had the same feeling of joy that I usually have when I read a good English version of the Mahabharata. I especially loved seeing references to the epic as well as how some of the teachings from the Gita or the overarching Hindu philosophical concepts like karma, the ashrama dharma, the ethics and moralities of warfare, the practice of gurukul and gurudakshina, pranayanam etc were such integral parts of this story. But it is to the author’s credit that all these ideas come organic to the plot and characterizations, and never feel like infordumps. I’m so used to seeing creatures or monsters from western mythologies/folklore in fantasies that it was such a breath of fresh air to read about beings like the vetals, pretas, daayans and more, bringing back memories from my childhood when I used to consume stories filled with them in my native languages. Ofcourse the liberal mentions of desi food, sarees and jewelry and just usage of Hindi words will always give me joy. But I also thought that the magic system, which wasn’t too prominent but was just enough to serve the plot was interesting, especially the usage of astras which ignited my imagination with all my favorite scenes from my beloved Mahabharata tv show.
After harping on about the world and writing, how can I not talk about the characters who make this a well rounded and exciting book. Katyani is a bodyguard and adopted sister of the Royal princes/princess and also soul bonded to the queen of Chandela whose biggest problem in life is being forced to attend gurukul with her brothers. She is brave and loyal and lovable and quick witted, has a teasing and naughty streak, and has no idea what horrors the future has in store for her. But even when her world comes crashing down on her and betrayals and revelations cleave her heart open, even when she vows revenge and destruction, she never loses her compassionate heart, or the memories of her childhood bonds. She is very easy to love, and I laughed and cried and despaired along with her, and only wished she could find peace and justice.
Katya also has an easy way of forging new bonds and making new families as she goes through her life, and none is more evident than during her time spent at gurukul. While she starts with irking Acharya Mahavir initially, they both grow to respect each other, and I really liked how the guru mentored and advised her. His son Daksh on the other hand is a stoic and composed young man who is a worthy disciple of his father, and Katya can’t stop trying to tease him. Their banter is amazing and the way their relationship develops is beautiful to watch, and I only kept wishing they would talk more. I know I’m probably very inclined to see it this way, but their dynamic reminded me so much of Wangxian - Katya all chirpy and enthusiastic and teasing like Wei Ying and Daksh just as stoic as Lan Zhan. Add to that a slightly less grumpier version of Lan Qiren in the form of the acharya and the whole first arc in the gurukul felt like the first Cloud recesses arc in Untamed.
There are many other small and big characters - human and not - that we get to meet in Katya’s journey and I loved the way the author developed a unique bond for her with every one of them. Her quick thinking and compassionate heart really comes into play when she is talking to the various mythological beings and I thought those interactions were some of the best in the book. I don’t wanna expound more on the other side characters lest I spoil the story, but I thought overall it was a very interesting cast of characters.
In the end, I had expectations from this book and I hoped going in that it would be good, but I truly didn’t expect to be so blown away. I just couldn’t stop once I started, and even put down the wonderfully narrated audiobook by Zehra Naqvi because I wanted to read it faster. This book has the perfect mix of Indian inspired world building, very cool mythology, fast paced and action packed plot, charming dialogue, and a wonderful set of characters. It’s a great choice if you are looking for a fun fantasy standalone and if you want a story that’ll warm your desi heart, you absolutely cannot give this a miss. The audiobook is also equally well engaging and I was glad to enjoy the book in both formats simultaneously. I can’t wait to see what the author writes next.
March 2, 2023
I loved it!
Katyani the main character started out strong and in control of her life. Even though an orphan, the queen raised her as her own, and was groomed to be a spy and a ferocious warrior.As a royal guard, she was personally charged with protecting the royal family.
An incident occurred in her childhood that caused her to be bonded to the queen, it is an ancient magic that’s equivalent to slavery, and can be broken once the debt owed is paid. Katyani and the queen can feel each other’s emotions and she’s never felt hostility through the bond and had no reason for concern.
The doubts and questions came when someone challenged her to ask about her past and told her about the history of bondsmen. She prodded and what she discovered sent her on a journey of self discovery.
It is a beautifully crafted tale and the world building, lovable characters, and intriguing plot make for a fabulous and entertaining story. 3 stars.
Katyani the main character started out strong and in control of her life. Even though an orphan, the queen raised her as her own, and was groomed to be a spy and a ferocious warrior.As a royal guard, she was personally charged with protecting the royal family.
An incident occurred in her childhood that caused her to be bonded to the queen, it is an ancient magic that’s equivalent to slavery, and can be broken once the debt owed is paid. Katyani and the queen can feel each other’s emotions and she’s never felt hostility through the bond and had no reason for concern.
The doubts and questions came when someone challenged her to ask about her past and told her about the history of bondsmen. She prodded and what she discovered sent her on a journey of self discovery.
It is a beautifully crafted tale and the world building, lovable characters, and intriguing plot make for a fabulous and entertaining story. 3 stars.
October 28, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley and St Martin’s Press for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Finally a YA fantasy that didn’t disappoint me!
Read this if you are looking for a YA political high fantasy with an atmospheric setting, fleshed out and interesting characters, and a fast paced, action-packed plot. I was impressed by both the characters and the plot. Truly, there wasn’t one part of this book where I was bored. This is what I have been looking for in a fantasy read for a while.
Our story follows Katyani - she’s the royal family’s body guard, trainer of her country’s spy network and the personal protector of the princes and princess. For her, this job goes beyond her duty to serve the royal family that took her in as an orphan; it is done out of a sense of fierce loyalty to these people that she grew up with. You can see how much love she has for her adopted brothers and parents, and it was this familial relationship (among others) that I really connected with.
The world building and setting is so vibrant. We spend some time visiting a monastic school in the middle of a forest infested with monsters to learn ethics, meditation, weapons and martial arts. A big focus is how to be ethical and moral individuals - a hope that the master wants to imbue into the next generation of fair leaders. His role as a neutral party alongside the warring kingdoms in the larger country was an interesting addition, and I love how influential this one master and his school is up against kings and queens of the country. The development of the master-student bond between Acharya and Katyani was so sweet, as we watch this wise mentor slowly come to care for his pupil that he’s initially found irksome. Throughout the novel, we watch Katyani come back to the things that her teacher has taught her, and she holds his guidance close to her heart.
I am very pleased with how much I liked this book, and I can’t wait to see what Rati Mehrotra does in the future.
Finally a YA fantasy that didn’t disappoint me!
Read this if you are looking for a YA political high fantasy with an atmospheric setting, fleshed out and interesting characters, and a fast paced, action-packed plot. I was impressed by both the characters and the plot. Truly, there wasn’t one part of this book where I was bored. This is what I have been looking for in a fantasy read for a while.
Our story follows Katyani - she’s the royal family’s body guard, trainer of her country’s spy network and the personal protector of the princes and princess. For her, this job goes beyond her duty to serve the royal family that took her in as an orphan; it is done out of a sense of fierce loyalty to these people that she grew up with. You can see how much love she has for her adopted brothers and parents, and it was this familial relationship (among others) that I really connected with.
The world building and setting is so vibrant. We spend some time visiting a monastic school in the middle of a forest infested with monsters to learn ethics, meditation, weapons and martial arts. A big focus is how to be ethical and moral individuals - a hope that the master wants to imbue into the next generation of fair leaders. His role as a neutral party alongside the warring kingdoms in the larger country was an interesting addition, and I love how influential this one master and his school is up against kings and queens of the country. The development of the master-student bond between Acharya and Katyani was so sweet, as we watch this wise mentor slowly come to care for his pupil that he’s initially found irksome. Throughout the novel, we watch Katyani come back to the things that her teacher has taught her, and she holds his guidance close to her heart.
I am very pleased with how much I liked this book, and I can’t wait to see what Rati Mehrotra does in the future.
May 12, 2023
I'm half-way through this book and I'm finding it hard to put down! This is probably one of the first fantasy novels I've read that's set in alternate medieval India, and I'm really enjoying the plot, the characters and the setting. The writer's past books, like the Markswoman, were known for excellent world building, and this book is no exception. I look forward to reading the rest and finding out what happens next!
January 28, 2023
I miss a good YA book. There's so many good books to read and I remember a time WAAAAAY back when I only read YA (the good ole days... before I realized how many books there really were).
Then I stumbled upon Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove by Rati Mehrotra and I remembered why I loved YA so much. Fantasy, magic, political thrills, family mysteries, crushes on boys, and one girl being the key to it all... Yes, I'm back in the YA world.
Rati Mehrotra has written a fast paced, easy to binge YA book that will leave you breathless. Katyani is relatable and such a strong female lead. She has her moments, but she's dealing with a lot so cut her a little slack. I absolutely loved this book and I'll be keeping an eye out for more books by Rati. Read this book while it's still a hidden gem, because you never know when it'll go big... Or help me make it go big. This book deserves all the love.
Five out of five stars.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
Then I stumbled upon Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove by Rati Mehrotra and I remembered why I loved YA so much. Fantasy, magic, political thrills, family mysteries, crushes on boys, and one girl being the key to it all... Yes, I'm back in the YA world.
Rati Mehrotra has written a fast paced, easy to binge YA book that will leave you breathless. Katyani is relatable and such a strong female lead. She has her moments, but she's dealing with a lot so cut her a little slack. I absolutely loved this book and I'll be keeping an eye out for more books by Rati. Read this book while it's still a hidden gem, because you never know when it'll go big... Or help me make it go big. This book deserves all the love.
Five out of five stars.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
January 23, 2023
4.2 stars. first 45-50%? SO immersive. i saw a five star read in the making. and then there’s a dip in the middle that never really comes back… it was hard for that second half to live up to the first. the romance was also a bit off (nothing wrong with it, just bland and a bit rushed at the beginning to the point where i wish it had just been removed completely, bc it hurt to see all the spots that it could have been paced better). some of the mc’s decisions also didn’t make much sense, and you could kind of tell it was to move the plot in a certain direction. when done once, i’ll look away. but it was a constant “i’ll agree to this bc what could possibly go wrong!” reel that made my eyes burn.
that being said, the first bit is just so good that i’m sticking with four stars, and giving a little extra out of comparison to the other books i’ve rated four stars.
that being said, the first bit is just so good that i’m sticking with four stars, and giving a little extra out of comparison to the other books i’ve rated four stars.
February 19, 2024
4.00 ★
⚠️ i desperately wish i could rave about this book but it falls under the st martin's press boycott. see @readersforaccountability on ig for more info ⚠️
➸ Trigger warnings for .
▷ Representation: Indian cast & setting.
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • StoryGraph
⚠️ i desperately wish i could rave about this book but it falls under the st martin's press boycott. see @readersforaccountability on ig for more info ⚠️
➸ Trigger warnings for .
▷ Representation: Indian cast & setting.
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • StoryGraph
December 17, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read the eARC.
This was a surprisingly good read for me. I say 'surprising' because I wasn't sure for the first 25% of the book. While the plot and worldbuilding were good, the FMC grated my nerves. I know this is YA, so impetuous decisions and easy anger is to be expected, but still...
Thankfully, the FMC had a significant character growth spurt. I enjoyed that point immensely until the book's end, until around the 99% mark. At that point, I realized that the end of the book was quickly approaching, and it felt rushed to me. Specifically, the slow-burn-to-the-point-of-only-being-smoke romance gets resolved, and then it ends. I literally flipped to the next page, wondering where the rest of it was. It felt pretty abrupt to me.
Those two issues took off a star, but I liked the rest so much that it was only a one-star deduction.
This was a surprisingly good read for me. I say 'surprising' because I wasn't sure for the first 25% of the book. While the plot and worldbuilding were good, the FMC grated my nerves. I know this is YA, so impetuous decisions and easy anger is to be expected, but still...
Thankfully, the FMC had a significant character growth spurt. I enjoyed that point immensely until the book's end, until around the 99% mark. At that point, I realized that the end of the book was quickly approaching, and it felt rushed to me. Specifically, the slow-burn-to-the-point-of-only-being-smoke romance gets resolved, and then it ends. I literally flipped to the next page, wondering where the rest of it was. It felt pretty abrupt to me.
Those two issues took off a star, but I liked the rest so much that it was only a one-star deduction.
October 14, 2022
Night of the Raven Dawn of the Dove is a YA fantasy with action, adventure, Indian mythology, political intrigue, magic, betrayal, and more. The story started a little slow for me, and I had trouble immersing myself in the story and becoming invested in the characters, but it picked up in the second half of the book.
Katyani is a dynamic protagonist. Fierce, loyal, and dutiful, she is a bodyguard for the royal family and shares a soul bond with the queen. Katyani was adopted by the royal family, and her love, protectiveness, and connection with them fuel a lot of her actions. However, as she travels with the princes, she begins questioning her past and needs answers as she thinks about her future. She’s a layered character with a complex story, and her growth throughout the book is vast.
The relationships Katyani has with the princes are great, and I enjoyed the sibling-like way they interacted with each other. They have some comical and light moments that offered levity to the plot. As for the romance, it definitely isn’t at the forefront of the novel. I was hoping for a bit more of a love story, and even though Katyani and Daksh have great banter, their romance is very slow-burning. That being said, their story is sweet.
The world-building is vivid, especially when they get to the monastic school, which is located in the middle of a forest plagued by monsters. I did want to know more about the magic and fantasy elements and wish those had been explained and developed more.
The story has several unexpected plot twists, and there’s a ton of adventure as there are assassination attempts on the royal family, and Katyani serves to protect them. The second half of the story, especially, picks up the pace and includes a lot of high-stakes situations, massive betrayals, unexpected losses, and court politics.
I think readers who enjoy action-packed standalone YA fantasies with strong female protagonists will enjoy this book, and I’m thankful to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
Katyani is a dynamic protagonist. Fierce, loyal, and dutiful, she is a bodyguard for the royal family and shares a soul bond with the queen. Katyani was adopted by the royal family, and her love, protectiveness, and connection with them fuel a lot of her actions. However, as she travels with the princes, she begins questioning her past and needs answers as she thinks about her future. She’s a layered character with a complex story, and her growth throughout the book is vast.
The relationships Katyani has with the princes are great, and I enjoyed the sibling-like way they interacted with each other. They have some comical and light moments that offered levity to the plot. As for the romance, it definitely isn’t at the forefront of the novel. I was hoping for a bit more of a love story, and even though Katyani and Daksh have great banter, their romance is very slow-burning. That being said, their story is sweet.
The world-building is vivid, especially when they get to the monastic school, which is located in the middle of a forest plagued by monsters. I did want to know more about the magic and fantasy elements and wish those had been explained and developed more.
The story has several unexpected plot twists, and there’s a ton of adventure as there are assassination attempts on the royal family, and Katyani serves to protect them. The second half of the story, especially, picks up the pace and includes a lot of high-stakes situations, massive betrayals, unexpected losses, and court politics.
I think readers who enjoy action-packed standalone YA fantasies with strong female protagonists will enjoy this book, and I’m thankful to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
December 5, 2022
While the premise sounded intriguing, the execution here failed to live up to it. Sadly, this felt like another run-of-the-mill quick fantasy that, at under 350 pages, felt almost too short. The initial 10% was interesting, introducing different kingdoms and factions, an assassination plot, and the MC's mysterious background, however the detour into the neutral training academy of sorts stunts all the forward-moving action. It sets up a romantic relationship that felt too obvious and also like not enough and unfortunately showcased some rather poor writing that felt too current and modern. From there, there's a couple of revelations that aren't really explored much except for an initial shock and awe factor and then 60%-90% through I felt I was just waiting for the inevitable and obvious climax and villain reveal. Overall I was just struck at the lack of tension when there should have been so much more of it. I just never got that sense of urgency to act or choose allegiances.
There also isn't really a mystery here, you know who the baddies are pretty early on and the main fight with the villain at the end isn't as satisfying as I hoped it would be. The only real mystery here is what point, at all, there was to the MC's background since that doesn't ever really factor in beyond 50% in. it felt like there was a struggle to balance the plot moving forward and action with any character development or depth. Especially because the whole 'avenger' and 'curse to those who betrayed me' arc never felt believable and came way too late in the book to matter. The ending features a sweet romantic declaration, but little else in the way of meaningful progress for the future with all the threads and groups introduced.
Overall this felt forgettable and lackluster, I wanted more from the different kingdoms shown, more magic and strange creatures, just overall something a bit more well-developed and focused other than what felt like a vehicle for a cheesy romance with some light fantasy and magic elements.
Rating: 2.25/ 5, rounding down to 2.
There also isn't really a mystery here, you know who the baddies are pretty early on and the main fight with the villain at the end isn't as satisfying as I hoped it would be. The only real mystery here is what point, at all, there was to the MC's background since that doesn't ever really factor in beyond 50% in. it felt like there was a struggle to balance the plot moving forward and action with any character development or depth. Especially because the whole 'avenger' and 'curse to those who betrayed me' arc never felt believable and came way too late in the book to matter. The ending features a sweet romantic declaration, but little else in the way of meaningful progress for the future with all the threads and groups introduced.
Overall this felt forgettable and lackluster, I wanted more from the different kingdoms shown, more magic and strange creatures, just overall something a bit more well-developed and focused other than what felt like a vehicle for a cheesy romance with some light fantasy and magic elements.
Rating: 2.25/ 5, rounding down to 2.
July 5, 2023
This (audio)book ATE!! I loved the world, the characters, the banter, the action, the terrifying moments with the mythical monsters. We love a FMC who is the one teasing all of the time!
October 21, 2022
3.5
Thank you so much to Wednesday books for my ARC and a finished copy!
Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove is a pretty impressive attempt on putting a twist on Indian medieval stories that are heavily influenced by Indian mythology and folklore. As a person who grew up listening to these stories every single day and watching numerous movies, it is no surprise that I was incredibly excited to read this book. I really loved how the brought so many elements of Indian mythology into the plot especially in regards to action scenes or the descriptions of the demons that are infesting the kingdoms, the political intrigue, manipulations and secrets, all these made the book a fast paced page turner. I am sure the FMC Katyani will be loved by many readers for her fierce nature, she is really fascinating to read because woman in mythology are not often portrayed as strong, forward thinking warriors, her portrayal is which is something I really appreciated in this book
However I do have few complaints in regards to fleshing up of the plot and the romance. I believe a bit more definitive magic system and ascertaining rules to how the magic works in the world would have helped the plot immensely, the elemental magic which I believe is the core of the system in this book is very vaguely labelled as spiritual power. If it is explained on how one attained this or how only some people are able to manifest/wield this power, it would have taken the experience up by several notches. In all the stories of Indian mythology, spiritual/elemental power is attained after one finishes years of rigorous penance, in my humble opinion, a little dive into the background would have helped generic audiences that aren't familiar with Indian based mythology or folklore. There was also a subplot about certain bonds between people and I felt like it wasn't fully explained how or why these bonds are forged?and the fact that it is a rare thing?
The romance also felt a little premature and dragged out, another issue I had was the usage of not so medieval language at times, there were several modern slangs that sometimes took me out of the said time period but I am aware that this might not be an issue for all the readers.The book itself has immense potential and the way it ended as a finished/standalone is something is also good that there were no cliffhangers left, Overall it is an enjoyable quick read that reminded me of childhood stories my grandfather used to tell me every night before bed.
If you were ever a fan of Amar chitra katha, Chandamama kathalu, vikaram-bethal stories, you would have fun reading this book!
Thank you so much to Wednesday books for my ARC and a finished copy!
Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove is a pretty impressive attempt on putting a twist on Indian medieval stories that are heavily influenced by Indian mythology and folklore. As a person who grew up listening to these stories every single day and watching numerous movies, it is no surprise that I was incredibly excited to read this book. I really loved how the brought so many elements of Indian mythology into the plot especially in regards to action scenes or the descriptions of the demons that are infesting the kingdoms, the political intrigue, manipulations and secrets, all these made the book a fast paced page turner. I am sure the FMC Katyani will be loved by many readers for her fierce nature, she is really fascinating to read because woman in mythology are not often portrayed as strong, forward thinking warriors, her portrayal is which is something I really appreciated in this book
However I do have few complaints in regards to fleshing up of the plot and the romance. I believe a bit more definitive magic system and ascertaining rules to how the magic works in the world would have helped the plot immensely, the elemental magic which I believe is the core of the system in this book is very vaguely labelled as spiritual power. If it is explained on how one attained this or how only some people are able to manifest/wield this power, it would have taken the experience up by several notches. In all the stories of Indian mythology, spiritual/elemental power is attained after one finishes years of rigorous penance, in my humble opinion, a little dive into the background would have helped generic audiences that aren't familiar with Indian based mythology or folklore. There was also a subplot about certain bonds between people and I felt like it wasn't fully explained how or why these bonds are forged?and the fact that it is a rare thing?
The romance also felt a little premature and dragged out, another issue I had was the usage of not so medieval language at times, there were several modern slangs that sometimes took me out of the said time period but I am aware that this might not be an issue for all the readers.The book itself has immense potential and the way it ended as a finished/standalone is something is also good that there were no cliffhangers left, Overall it is an enjoyable quick read that reminded me of childhood stories my grandfather used to tell me every night before bed.
If you were ever a fan of Amar chitra katha, Chandamama kathalu, vikaram-bethal stories, you would have fun reading this book!
dnf
December 10, 2024I’ve been fighting to actually read this but my interest is so low. It’s not the books fault—I just can’t do more trope-y fantasy right now. I might come back someday but the premise just didn’t hook me this time so I’m shelving it
June 28, 2022
~I received an ARC of this book through a Good Reads giveaway~
Katyani is an orphan who was magically bound, then adopted by the Queen and her family. Now adopted sister and bodyguard to the royal family she accompanies her brothers to seek further enlightenment and training. While struggling to adhere to the strict rules and expectations, she meets Daksh, younger son to the guru. And it turns out, she enjoys trying to find chinks in his aloof armor. But Katyani and her brothers are called back from there training by the queen with news of impending war. Soon, Katyani's world is turned upside down, forcing her to question everything she's ever known.
I read the majority of this book in two days and I loved nearly everything about it. The characters were really intriguing and I loved the relationships between them all, both established and developing. There is such a level of love and respect between Katyani and her family, but similar feelings end up developing between her found family as well.
It does fall into to certain tropes, such as the two lead protagonists butting heads, or the form that her betrayal takes. But these tropes exist for a reason, and I think they serve the story well.
I also found some of the language, such as an odd word or phrase, did not fit in with the setting of this story, but at the end of that day, it didn't really affect the immersion too much.
I also really loved that the author trusted the audience to be able to follow the mythology. Even though this is not a pantheon I have a lot of personal knowledge in, I had very little trouble following along.
I'd recommend this book to those who love fantasy, mythology, action-adventure, and intrigue.
Katyani is an orphan who was magically bound, then adopted by the Queen and her family. Now adopted sister and bodyguard to the royal family she accompanies her brothers to seek further enlightenment and training. While struggling to adhere to the strict rules and expectations, she meets Daksh, younger son to the guru. And it turns out, she enjoys trying to find chinks in his aloof armor. But Katyani and her brothers are called back from there training by the queen with news of impending war. Soon, Katyani's world is turned upside down, forcing her to question everything she's ever known.
I read the majority of this book in two days and I loved nearly everything about it. The characters were really intriguing and I loved the relationships between them all, both established and developing. There is such a level of love and respect between Katyani and her family, but similar feelings end up developing between her found family as well.
It does fall into to certain tropes, such as the two lead protagonists butting heads, or the form that her betrayal takes. But these tropes exist for a reason, and I think they serve the story well.
I also found some of the language, such as an odd word or phrase, did not fit in with the setting of this story, but at the end of that day, it didn't really affect the immersion too much.
I also really loved that the author trusted the audience to be able to follow the mythology. Even though this is not a pantheon I have a lot of personal knowledge in, I had very little trouble following along.
I'd recommend this book to those who love fantasy, mythology, action-adventure, and intrigue.
June 5, 2022
This YA fantasy set in an alternative Indian setting delivers on all the aspects it promises on the tin, and more!
Despite the huge cast of characters, Mehrotra has done a sterling job of making each memorable, especially the fiery heroine, Katyani, stuck between two worlds, almost a royal, not quite a servant, bound by her loyalty, but also a code of ethics all her own.
The setting is wonderfully evoked—from the monsters and magic to the trees and palaces, from the royal splendour to the relative austerity of the gurukul. Having grown up on much of the mythology alluded to, it was easy for me to arrive at the nuances that are so beautifully evoked. For those unfamiliar with the canon, the glossary and a smidge of googling will make things smooth. Nowhere is the pace sacrificed for the explanations, and a curious reader can easily look up any unfamiliar references without losing the flow of the story.
The flirtation between Katyani and Daksh adds to the tension, and provides much-needed light relief amid the political intrigue, the darkness and the monsters.
Overall, the story was like being in the inside of a different world—I started with a few pages, hoping to read a little each day, but finished it in three sittings. For teenagers and adults who like exotic reads, this will be quite the treat, and I see myself gifting the paperbacks for a quite a few teen birthdays!
Thank you Netgalley and St Martin's Press/Wednesday Books for letting me read and review this book. I hope there’s a sequel in the works, because I’m absolutely ready with my money for Mehrotra’s next set in the same world.
Despite the huge cast of characters, Mehrotra has done a sterling job of making each memorable, especially the fiery heroine, Katyani, stuck between two worlds, almost a royal, not quite a servant, bound by her loyalty, but also a code of ethics all her own.
The setting is wonderfully evoked—from the monsters and magic to the trees and palaces, from the royal splendour to the relative austerity of the gurukul. Having grown up on much of the mythology alluded to, it was easy for me to arrive at the nuances that are so beautifully evoked. For those unfamiliar with the canon, the glossary and a smidge of googling will make things smooth. Nowhere is the pace sacrificed for the explanations, and a curious reader can easily look up any unfamiliar references without losing the flow of the story.
The flirtation between Katyani and Daksh adds to the tension, and provides much-needed light relief amid the political intrigue, the darkness and the monsters.
Overall, the story was like being in the inside of a different world—I started with a few pages, hoping to read a little each day, but finished it in three sittings. For teenagers and adults who like exotic reads, this will be quite the treat, and I see myself gifting the paperbacks for a quite a few teen birthdays!
Thank you Netgalley and St Martin's Press/Wednesday Books for letting me read and review this book. I hope there’s a sequel in the works, because I’m absolutely ready with my money for Mehrotra’s next set in the same world.
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