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Kaliya Sahni #5
Legends
Everyone has something to fear.
I fear going home.
Over a century ago, I left my homeland and my people. I’ve never gone back. I’ve deprived myself of the community for a variety of reasons, both good and bad. I made the decision, regardless of the consequences, and never looked back.
Now, I don’t have a choice and Raphael is coming along for the ride. Politics, revelations, mating, and responsibility all point to the inevitable. I need to make the long trip home. Back to the place I spent my childhood. Back to the place where my family died. Back to the land of my nightmares.
Back to India and the legends it holds.
But I’m not the girl who left decades ago. I’m one of those legends.
My name is Kaliya Sahni and fear will no longer hold me back.
I fear going home.
Over a century ago, I left my homeland and my people. I’ve never gone back. I’ve deprived myself of the community for a variety of reasons, both good and bad. I made the decision, regardless of the consequences, and never looked back.
Now, I don’t have a choice and Raphael is coming along for the ride. Politics, revelations, mating, and responsibility all point to the inevitable. I need to make the long trip home. Back to the place I spent my childhood. Back to the place where my family died. Back to the land of my nightmares.
Back to India and the legends it holds.
But I’m not the girl who left decades ago. I’m one of those legends.
My name is Kaliya Sahni and fear will no longer hold me back.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2021
164 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
About the author
K.N. Banet
36 books715 followersAuthor of the Jacky Leon series, Kaliya Sahni series, and Everly Abbott series, along with standalones that belong in the same world as all of them!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
February 10, 2022
4.5/5.0
WELP! This series finally hit that sweet spot! Kaliya and Raphael are working together and their relationship is growing and strengthening. I actually really appreciate how the author doesn’t suddenly make everything perfect between them, however. Kaliya is a broken person - as is Raphael, both in different yet similar ways. So we still get to see them struggle, but at least they are honest, open and working so very hard to figure things out - together.
This installment is a bit more reflective than previous books in the series. It fits perfectly, however, because much of the focus is on Kaliya traveling home to India to confront so many of the problems that have shaped who she is. It is beautifully done, allowing tremendous growth and understanding while still allowing her room to grow. That isn’t to say there isn’t any action! It does come with a vengeance, along with a few twists and turns that were truly surprising. Be forewarned, though, there are places that can be real tear-jerkers and more than a few unwanted deaths.
SO, while Jacky Leon is still my favorite series, this one is shaping up to be every bit as worthy as any Ms. Banet has written!
WELP! This series finally hit that sweet spot! Kaliya and Raphael are working together and their relationship is growing and strengthening. I actually really appreciate how the author doesn’t suddenly make everything perfect between them, however. Kaliya is a broken person - as is Raphael, both in different yet similar ways. So we still get to see them struggle, but at least they are honest, open and working so very hard to figure things out - together.
This installment is a bit more reflective than previous books in the series. It fits perfectly, however, because much of the focus is on Kaliya traveling home to India to confront so many of the problems that have shaped who she is. It is beautifully done, allowing tremendous growth and understanding while still allowing her room to grow. That isn’t to say there isn’t any action! It does come with a vengeance, along with a few twists and turns that were truly surprising. Be forewarned, though, there are places that can be real tear-jerkers and more than a few unwanted deaths.
SO, while Jacky Leon is still my favorite series, this one is shaping up to be every bit as worthy as any Ms. Banet has written!
November 19, 2021
So K.N. Banet almost always writes exactly what I always want to read. But this book didn't really work for me. It didn't feel like any of the other books in the series.
The others are jam-packed with excitement and intrigue and protagonist-propelled action, but this was info-dumping dialogue until about 70%, when the story felt like it actually started.
Now, I'm pretty much a ride-or-die K.N. Banet fan, and this is the second-to-last book in Kaliya's story, so I HAD to read it, but it didn't seem to really fit with the others in the series. Still excited for the last one, though!
The others are jam-packed with excitement and intrigue and protagonist-propelled action, but this was info-dumping dialogue until about 70%, when the story felt like it actually started.
Now, I'm pretty much a ride-or-die K.N. Banet fan, and this is the second-to-last book in Kaliya's story, so I HAD to read it, but it didn't seem to really fit with the others in the series. Still excited for the last one, though!
April 8, 2022
Well ... I mean, I'm not going to repeat all the reasons I don't like Kaliya, because I've done that in previous reviews. Suffice to say that she's still that person, and I still don't like her. She's still making silly errors, and is iron-clad in believing only she knows the right thing and no one else really gets a say.
She finally, in this book, does grow a little as a character, repairing some things that have been broken for a century (literally - she's 119 years old), and realizing that her perceptions of people were a bit flawed.
She also becomes the master of failing upwards, because the end of this book was just shocking to me. I will never understand why, honestly - there's a lot more to a ruler than being able to fight, and her people skills are subpar, at best. In no universe does she deserve to, nor is capable of, solo-ruling a people. She got crowned because she's powerful, and certainly not because she's a good ruler.
I liked Adhar a lot, and I was sad for how his story ended. I feel like Kaliya can't do what he does, and she frankly needed him there to temper her...because the stuff he does, she utterly sucks at. With the understanding they had come to, and with him backing her so solidly, I don't understand why the story really had to go there. I liked the beautiful balance they were striking between the modern and the traditional, and I think that was what was allowing Kaliya to - FINALLY - grow.
Aamir was a dick. But I felt like there was a path for growth there, and he didn't get it. He and Saranya deserved better.
But the overall story was great. Threads were picked up and disappeared though - what about Rama, for example? - in a somewhat weird way. I hope they play out in the final book. And I hope we get an explanation for Garuda and the rakshasas. It's a cool story, but is pretty hand-wavy right now, and I need to know how this makes sense. And I really need to know why the rakshasas took a such a hard - and illogical - left turn. Garuda must be capable of gifting golden rainbows of magical orgasms and neverending power and riches, or something, to convince so many people to follow him to their inevitable doom. Mahar, Devika, and now the entire species of rakshasas? Why?
Tentative 4 stars, assuming there will be a why.
There had better be a why.
She finally, in this book, does grow a little as a character, repairing some things that have been broken for a century (literally - she's 119 years old), and realizing that her perceptions of people were a bit flawed.
She also becomes the master of failing upwards, because the end of this book was just shocking to me. I will never understand why, honestly - there's a lot more to a ruler than being able to fight, and her people skills are subpar, at best. In no universe does she deserve to, nor is capable of, solo-ruling a people. She got crowned because she's powerful, and certainly not because she's a good ruler.
I liked Adhar a lot, and I was sad for how his story ended. I feel like Kaliya can't do what he does, and she frankly needed him there to temper her...because the stuff he does, she utterly sucks at. With the understanding they had come to, and with him backing her so solidly, I don't understand why the story really had to go there. I liked the beautiful balance they were striking between the modern and the traditional, and I think that was what was allowing Kaliya to - FINALLY - grow.
Aamir was a dick. But I felt like there was a path for growth there, and he didn't get it. He and Saranya deserved better.
But the overall story was great. Threads were picked up and disappeared though - what about Rama, for example? - in a somewhat weird way. I hope they play out in the final book. And I hope we get an explanation for Garuda and the rakshasas. It's a cool story, but is pretty hand-wavy right now, and I need to know how this makes sense. And I really need to know why the rakshasas took a such a hard - and illogical - left turn. Garuda must be capable of gifting golden rainbows of magical orgasms and neverending power and riches, or something, to convince so many people to follow him to their inevitable doom. Mahar, Devika, and now the entire species of rakshasas? Why?
Tentative 4 stars, assuming there will be a why.
There had better be a why.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2021
This was extraordinarily good!
I adore Banet's Tribunal series' but I think this book made it my favourite. It had absolutely everything in it.
The premise of the story is Kaliya returning to her people in India for a very overdue meeting, where she is forced to hash out her complicated past with them. Alongside this is her establishing her relationship with Raphael and dealing with the fallout from the events of the previous book.
The mythology and world building is so emmense and I love the uniqueness of the nagas. As always, the side characters were expertly drawn and I really enjoyed getting to know them and their culture and relationships. A lot of the first two thirds of the book is dealing with this, and then in the final third it all goes crazy.
Such a huge roller-coaster of emotions in that final half. I am absolutely loving where the book ended and so excited for the final book.
This series is spectacular and you really just start from the begging. And then go read the Jacky Leon series! And then Servant of the Blood. Banet is an amazing writer.
I adore Banet's Tribunal series' but I think this book made it my favourite. It had absolutely everything in it.
The premise of the story is Kaliya returning to her people in India for a very overdue meeting, where she is forced to hash out her complicated past with them. Alongside this is her establishing her relationship with Raphael and dealing with the fallout from the events of the previous book.
The mythology and world building is so emmense and I love the uniqueness of the nagas. As always, the side characters were expertly drawn and I really enjoyed getting to know them and their culture and relationships. A lot of the first two thirds of the book is dealing with this, and then in the final third it all goes crazy.
Such a huge roller-coaster of emotions in that final half. I am absolutely loving where the book ended and so excited for the final book.
This series is spectacular and you really just start from the begging. And then go read the Jacky Leon series! And then Servant of the Blood. Banet is an amazing writer.
September 19, 2024
4.5 stars.
Look, I have a hard time on the stars for this series. Kaliya is pretty unlikeable and the relationship she's building with Raphael isn't the healthiest thing I've seen. She's combative and argumentative. She's a bit self-righteous and doesn't hesitate to tell everyone "I told you so".
However, the story is REALLY compelling. I haven't studied Hindu mythology but this story comes from a very different perspective in mythology, one that I haven't seen before. I would be curious how folks from South Asia think about how well the author represented the mythology.
I love Raphael. And the scenes where all the babies sleep on him because he's like a warm rock... adorable.
Look, I have a hard time on the stars for this series. Kaliya is pretty unlikeable and the relationship she's building with Raphael isn't the healthiest thing I've seen. She's combative and argumentative. She's a bit self-righteous and doesn't hesitate to tell everyone "I told you so".
However, the story is REALLY compelling. I haven't studied Hindu mythology but this story comes from a very different perspective in mythology, one that I haven't seen before. I would be curious how folks from South Asia think about how well the author represented the mythology.
I love Raphael. And the scenes where all the babies sleep on him because he's like a warm rock... adorable.
December 2, 2021
3.5 Stars 👏🏻 (I had trouble with reading and rating this book)
For now, I will say that I liked the book, I really did, but it was not a light, action-packed novel, but the most emotionally heavy and challenging of all Kaliya's books so far. Cheers.
Let me start with the fact that it took me quite some time to find the strength to read this one. Not because I got bored of the series or because I don't like Kaliya. She's actually one of my favorites. No. If you haven't read Royal Pawn, I suggest you don't read the incoming spoiler. For those of you who've read the latest Jacky Leon novel, and my heart just couldn't take it. I had to push myself to start reading this. I won't say it cheered me up completely. There was still that heavy cloud over my mind at the end of this book, especially with everything that happens to Kaliya and the rest of the nagas. I've never felt so tenderly towards a tiny snake (you'll understand what I mean when you read it). But, K.N. Banet has a way of immersing you into each MC's story, simply because their stories are well-written, filled with intrigue and action, the universe she has created is solid and the characters are crazy, problematic, particular, abused/hurting, but with a big heart, a strong mind and a soul that's just perfectly multicolored 🙇♀️
In this installment, we finally see Kaliya back to her native land, surrounded by her own species (though not necessarily her "people"). Slowly, she comes to terms with what happened to her, who is/isn't at fault, who her real enemies are and how she has changed and matured. Kaliya is not the same person who fled India a century ago, but then again, neither are all of her people the same. Some are her allies, once they get to know the present Kaliya. Some are unfriendly or against her, simply because a person can't be loved by everyone (thankfully, none of the heroines in Banet's books are Mary Sues!😌😅). Through it all, her mate is by her side, their relationship also progressing. There are confrontations and Kaliya gets to actually fight the enemy that has been hunting nagas to extinction for centuries, but it is not resolved yet (Banet mentioned there will be one last book to close Kaliya's story). When our heroine returns to the US, she's not alone and she has been through a lot. We will see how it turns out in the last book.
For now, I will say that I liked the book, I really did, but it was not a light, action-packed novel, but the most emotionally heavy and challenging of all Kaliya's books so far. Cheers.
November 26, 2021
Disappointing
I didn’t really enjoy this volume of Kaliya’s story. The first 70% was basically an angry, dysfunctional family reunion and I found it a complete slog to get through. I get that Kaliya has valid reasons for resenting her extended family, but for me it’s really hard to relate to her because she is so forcefully confrontational in every single interaction she has with them. She makes excuses and allowances for herself that she would never make for the people in her life and the self righteous attitude is getting on my last nerve. I don’t like the way she treats her mate either. I feel like she constantly talks down to him and tries to “correct his behavior” like you would with a child. She definitely doesn’t treat him like an equal. I think the reason it got to me so much in this volume was because so much of the book is spent in her head, analyzing her relationships and interactions with all the people in her life. She does acknowledge her faults and mistakes from time to time, but she plays the victim a lot makes concessions for her behavior that others don’t get.
I didn’t really enjoy this volume of Kaliya’s story. The first 70% was basically an angry, dysfunctional family reunion and I found it a complete slog to get through. I get that Kaliya has valid reasons for resenting her extended family, but for me it’s really hard to relate to her because she is so forcefully confrontational in every single interaction she has with them. She makes excuses and allowances for herself that she would never make for the people in her life and the self righteous attitude is getting on my last nerve. I don’t like the way she treats her mate either. I feel like she constantly talks down to him and tries to “correct his behavior” like you would with a child. She definitely doesn’t treat him like an equal. I think the reason it got to me so much in this volume was because so much of the book is spent in her head, analyzing her relationships and interactions with all the people in her life. She does acknowledge her faults and mistakes from time to time, but she plays the victim a lot makes concessions for her behavior that others don’t get.
November 22, 2021
Book 5 takes a step back from the high octane action of the first 4 books, opting to slow down and sneak through the incredibly thick plot, only to land in a mire only Kalyia really saw coming.
Going home to India has been a trip long in the making, one that we take a front seat to witness - while learning the reasons behind her actions, their actions, and secrets aplenty. Mates are met, betrayals exposed and a truth revealed that will, quite literally, devastate an entire people.
It’s intense, yet methodical. This is not a quick page Turner as the action flows, rather, it’s actually a story that demands attention - no matter if it’s between interpersonal drama, or the very real struggles Kaylia faces with her mate.
It’s beautiful, and pivotal - setting the stage for the closing scenes to come. The past has always haunted her, and now they’ll all know why.
Going home to India has been a trip long in the making, one that we take a front seat to witness - while learning the reasons behind her actions, their actions, and secrets aplenty. Mates are met, betrayals exposed and a truth revealed that will, quite literally, devastate an entire people.
It’s intense, yet methodical. This is not a quick page Turner as the action flows, rather, it’s actually a story that demands attention - no matter if it’s between interpersonal drama, or the very real struggles Kaylia faces with her mate.
It’s beautiful, and pivotal - setting the stage for the closing scenes to come. The past has always haunted her, and now they’ll all know why.
November 29, 2021
This was my least favorite book of the series but I understand it needed to happen to further the story. Kal and Raph head to India and there were a LOT of characters to follow. It was well done but beware to anyone who puts this book down halfway and doesn't come back for a while- its easy to forget who is who.
Its a slow read, not a lot of steam and lots of unfolding of reincarnation and Indian culture/history. Interesting but long. They made peace only to be attacked, and found an ancient enemy. They fought, lots of good people died and then they escaped to Arizona. Loved the baby snake angle.
Its a slow read, not a lot of steam and lots of unfolding of reincarnation and Indian culture/history. Interesting but long. They made peace only to be attacked, and found an ancient enemy. They fought, lots of good people died and then they escaped to Arizona. Loved the baby snake angle.
June 2, 2022
4.5 - A rich and powerful story of growth, acceptance, heartache, love and the weight of the past. This was not a fast read, but such a good one. The author portrayed the gravity and consequences of the past, but also the hope for the future of the Nagas. As a race they have been through so much and Kaliya's return is so well done. You absolutely feel it all. It was raw at times and heartbreaking, but Kaliya is the hope and strength for the future of her her people.
Have tissue ready near the end.
Have tissue ready near the end.
November 18, 2021
Kaliya and Raphael are going to India. Kaliya hasn't been back since she run away a 100 years go, but it's time to face her past. While there, she gets closure with the other nagas and she finally finds out who was the enemy behind the attack that killed so many of her people.
The next book in the series will come out next May, and I have no idea how I can resist until then.
The next book in the series will come out next May, and I have no idea how I can resist until then.
January 9, 2022
Legends was pretty good. I enjoyed the heroine and hero together, and I liked getting to see more of the heroines people. This story was sad at times, and I'm a little bit worried about what may happen next.
November 20, 2021
Legends, the fifth book of the Kaliya Sahni series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). This book started out slow for me, so much time dedicated to greetings and dominance displays. That said, the pace picked up and things started to happen, making this another Banet-thrill-ride. Excellent twist at the end.
March 4, 2023
Kaliya and Raphael are going to India. Kaliya hasn't been back since she run away a 100 years go, but it's time to face her past. While there, she gets closure with the other nagas and she finally finds out who was the enemy behind the attack that killed so many of her people.
The next book in the series will come out next May, and I have no idea how I can resist until then.
The next book in the series will come out next May, and I have no idea how I can resist until then.
November 12, 2021
I received an ARC of this book.
WOW!!! What a ride, I think this book is the best one yet in Kaliya’s series. I could not put it down. It was fun to read, a lot of excitement, character growth, some tears. This was everything I was hoping for and more from Kaliya’s return to her homeland. I am very much looking forward to the final book in her story!
WOW!!! What a ride, I think this book is the best one yet in Kaliya’s series. I could not put it down. It was fun to read, a lot of excitement, character growth, some tears. This was everything I was hoping for and more from Kaliya’s return to her homeland. I am very much looking forward to the final book in her story!
November 16, 2021
Woah, and now for something.... just a little different?
This was pretty epic. I was so excited to go to India and explore a little bit more of Kaliya's history and past. It felt like a pivot to the usual sides of Kaliya. The action was a little slower, but the tensions stayed high and were a little more political with all the moving around and plotting.
This is probably the first time I got real mad at Kaliya for being so avoidant though as this book is set 5 months after the previous and Kaliya and Raph felt a touch rocky, emotionally speaking. But I also get it, if they had hashed out their dramas off to stag left between books we would have missed all that yummy emotional goodness that usually happens. I still feel like they have a growing journey to go, but they do have one book left and I have so many questions left!!
I really enjoy the way Kaliya thinks, she always nuts out her own brain and comes to these moments of realization. Just think what a therapist could do :P But more seriously I really enjoy how there doesn't feel like wasted speech or thought in these books, everything relates to something. everything moves the story along and there isn't any waffle thrown in for padding and it all illuminates something interesting about the characters and such.
It was so interesting to see so many new characters and what more important is that they all felt like distinct people and didn't blend into one. ok, maybe one or two of the Naga that didn't talk much blended together but all the wives were interesting.
Have to say, I did feel the feelings in this book and I had some tears. which mind you isn't a spoiler because I equally cry at happy and sad moments. I really enjoyed the chats with Sorcha and about her, went a long way in soothing my ruffled feathers from the last book, I don't know if that was there because it was there or it was aimed at all of us bend outta shape readers hahaha but I did appreciate the moments of reflection.
I'm going to be sad to see Kaliya and Raph go, I can't believe the next book is the final one!
This was pretty epic. I was so excited to go to India and explore a little bit more of Kaliya's history and past. It felt like a pivot to the usual sides of Kaliya. The action was a little slower, but the tensions stayed high and were a little more political with all the moving around and plotting.
This is probably the first time I got real mad at Kaliya for being so avoidant though as this book is set 5 months after the previous and Kaliya and Raph felt a touch rocky, emotionally speaking. But I also get it, if they had hashed out their dramas off to stag left between books we would have missed all that yummy emotional goodness that usually happens. I still feel like they have a growing journey to go, but they do have one book left and I have so many questions left!!
I really enjoy the way Kaliya thinks, she always nuts out her own brain and comes to these moments of realization. Just think what a therapist could do :P But more seriously I really enjoy how there doesn't feel like wasted speech or thought in these books, everything relates to something. everything moves the story along and there isn't any waffle thrown in for padding and it all illuminates something interesting about the characters and such.
It was so interesting to see so many new characters and what more important is that they all felt like distinct people and didn't blend into one. ok, maybe one or two of the Naga that didn't talk much blended together but all the wives were interesting.
Have to say, I did feel the feelings in this book and I had some tears. which mind you isn't a spoiler because I equally cry at happy and sad moments. I really enjoyed the chats with Sorcha and about her, went a long way in soothing my ruffled feathers from the last book, I don't know if that was there because it was there or it was aimed at all of us bend outta shape readers hahaha but I did appreciate the moments of reflection.
I'm going to be sad to see Kaliya and Raph go, I can't believe the next book is the final one!
November 29, 2021
Not her best but a great series
No action and it was out of sync with the were cat series. And come on by the third "eagle cry" let alone the 10th I knew it wasn't an eagle. Its a great series but in this one she lost all her bad ass. And decided to manipulate for feminism in her family. Which of course was instantly accepted because whats 1000 years of tradition compared to explaining how its really been wrong in about a dozen words. Then her crowning achievement of making peace after totally misreading the situation for a month, falls apart 2 days later and everybody dies. Its like the author spent 4 books thinking "i have to get her back to India. Then couldn't think of anything to do with her once she got there.
No action and it was out of sync with the were cat series. And come on by the third "eagle cry" let alone the 10th I knew it wasn't an eagle. Its a great series but in this one she lost all her bad ass. And decided to manipulate for feminism in her family. Which of course was instantly accepted because whats 1000 years of tradition compared to explaining how its really been wrong in about a dozen words. Then her crowning achievement of making peace after totally misreading the situation for a month, falls apart 2 days later and everybody dies. Its like the author spent 4 books thinking "i have to get her back to India. Then couldn't think of anything to do with her once she got there.
April 22, 2022
Awful and disappointing. There was so much dialogue dumping. The plot was stagnant for the majority of the book. Kaliya was annoying and had no redeeming qualities. She shuts Raphael out and treats others horribly. Raphael went back to his not-having-any-personality as well.
And don't get me started on the Indian setting. I knew going into this that I would have to give some leeway to the author and I had no issues with doing so. But it was like the bare minimum research was done. The author describes every other setting in the series but somehow India gets barely any description. And the thematics of sexism and culture amongst the nagas was poorly handled.
I don't believe that writers shouldn't write characters from other cultures but this was a primer on what not to do.
And don't get me started on the Indian setting. I knew going into this that I would have to give some leeway to the author and I had no issues with doing so. But it was like the bare minimum research was done. The author describes every other setting in the series but somehow India gets barely any description. And the thematics of sexism and culture amongst the nagas was poorly handled.
I don't believe that writers shouldn't write characters from other cultures but this was a primer on what not to do.
February 15, 2025
4.7 this one really hit. also emotionally. crying a lot rn wow omg 😭 one more
November 16, 2021
This book is so amazing - exciting, heart-wrenching, sentimental - all rolled into one. "Home, bittersweet, home". Although the physical action isn't as spread out in this book as in the previous ones, there are plenty of machinations and plots going on to keep you satisfied, so don't get discouraged. When it "strikes", it just keeps coming. And coming. Then comes again, in a constant barrage of non-stop action. I had to re-read these sections of the book several times so I could visualize all of the action because there was so much going on, all of it amazing and brave and heart-wrenching.
As this book begins, Kaliya knows that she has to finally return to India and reclaim her heritage as the female leader of the Nagas, now that she has discovered from whom she is reincarnated - her namesake, the original demon serpent, Kaliya . There are so few nagas left, but things look promising because there have been several new babies born recently, including a new female naga, now only the second one alive, with whom Kaliya instantly bonds. Of course Rafael comes along, as her partner, both so she can introduce him to her people and to help her with any "damage control" necessary. Kaliya hasn't seen any of the elder nagas since she fled her home when she was 14, and she knows that the other adult male nagas are very old and still very resistant to the idea of her as their female leader since the "purge" occurred and so many nagas murdered - the event which led Kaliya to become the Tribune assassin she is today. Kaliya knows that she also has to face the wrath of the raksashas for killing not only their leader, but also his wife and sons who later came to avenge his death, and let's not forget her search for the mysterious "sponsor" who bankrolled this centuries long quest to kill all the nagas and who wanted to kill Kaliya personally, instead of allowing Mehar (the raksasha King from Reborn) or the treasonous witch Devika to kill her themselves.
In the previous books, I didn't really like Adhar, the 3000 year old male leader of the nagas, who she ran from over a century ago, still burning with the rage to find and kill those responsible for the deaths of her family, and almost the entire naga race. Not to mention Nakul, Kaliya's uncle who was the worst serial killer ever known in the supernatural world. Kaliyah both resents and is relieved that Nakul is given respite from execution because there are so few nagas, and this inner conflict is just one of the mental and emotional challenges she faces with her return to India. However, this book shows us different sides of these two men, which I really enjoyed. As we all know, Kaliya is used to dealing with conflicts through physical fights, so navigating through the machinations of the elder nagas, trying to figure out who is her supporter and who wants to get rid of her is a new threat about which she has to tread carefully. She can't use her assassin skills to solve these hurdles.
I don't like to "spill the tea" in my reviews, so I won't go futher into the story. Suffice it to say that I truly enjoyed seeing the softer side of Kaliya - the side that has figured out that every conflict doesn't have to end in a physical fight (although that bites her in the butt). The ending is Unbelievable - I didn't see ANY of it coming. Sometimes, as a reader, you think you know where a storyline is going - trust me, you don't with this book. I read it in one sitting, staying up late, throwing off my sleep pattern - and it was so worth it! Now I can't wait for the final Kaliya ending in the last book!
As this book begins, Kaliya knows that she has to finally return to India and reclaim her heritage as the female leader of the Nagas, now that she has discovered from whom she is reincarnated - her namesake, the original demon serpent, Kaliya . There are so few nagas left, but things look promising because there have been several new babies born recently, including a new female naga, now only the second one alive, with whom Kaliya instantly bonds. Of course Rafael comes along, as her partner, both so she can introduce him to her people and to help her with any "damage control" necessary. Kaliya hasn't seen any of the elder nagas since she fled her home when she was 14, and she knows that the other adult male nagas are very old and still very resistant to the idea of her as their female leader since the "purge" occurred and so many nagas murdered - the event which led Kaliya to become the Tribune assassin she is today. Kaliya knows that she also has to face the wrath of the raksashas for killing not only their leader, but also his wife and sons who later came to avenge his death, and let's not forget her search for the mysterious "sponsor" who bankrolled this centuries long quest to kill all the nagas and who wanted to kill Kaliya personally, instead of allowing Mehar (the raksasha King from Reborn) or the treasonous witch Devika to kill her themselves.
In the previous books, I didn't really like Adhar, the 3000 year old male leader of the nagas, who she ran from over a century ago, still burning with the rage to find and kill those responsible for the deaths of her family, and almost the entire naga race. Not to mention Nakul, Kaliya's uncle who was the worst serial killer ever known in the supernatural world. Kaliyah both resents and is relieved that Nakul is given respite from execution because there are so few nagas, and this inner conflict is just one of the mental and emotional challenges she faces with her return to India. However, this book shows us different sides of these two men, which I really enjoyed. As we all know, Kaliya is used to dealing with conflicts through physical fights, so navigating through the machinations of the elder nagas, trying to figure out who is her supporter and who wants to get rid of her is a new threat about which she has to tread carefully. She can't use her assassin skills to solve these hurdles.
I don't like to "spill the tea" in my reviews, so I won't go futher into the story. Suffice it to say that I truly enjoyed seeing the softer side of Kaliya - the side that has figured out that every conflict doesn't have to end in a physical fight (although that bites her in the butt). The ending is Unbelievable - I didn't see ANY of it coming. Sometimes, as a reader, you think you know where a storyline is going - trust me, you don't with this book. I read it in one sitting, staying up late, throwing off my sleep pattern - and it was so worth it! Now I can't wait for the final Kaliya ending in the last book!
November 22, 2021
Amazing....freaking amazing 👏
I don't normally leave reviews or comments about the books I read but after finishing this one..I knew that I absolutely had too. I'm actually at a loss for words and even now I'm trying to put my thoughts and feelings into writing this review... so here it goes...
I have read so many books over the years that I lost count and can't remember many of them..I have also had to read many books over again because I didn't remember reading them in the first place.. But this series will definitely stick with me for life. I can honestly say that this series is now my number one favorite ever. The first 4 books were awesome and amazing but book 5 was special... I couldn't stop reading it. I read it everyday and everywhere...even at work(which is a big no no lol) I couldn't put it down. I have already read it for the second time and I have NEVER done that with a book before. Yes, I have reread books over the years like I mentioned earlier but I have never read one back to back like I just did with this one. K.N. Banet is a genius writer and I have literally begged each and every one of my family and friends to read/listen to this series. I usually have an issue with people listening to books because I have always been against it but I have people in my life that will only listen to books. I wanted them to experience this series so bad that I'm overlooking the whole audio thing..lol
Anyways, to the people out there reading this and are considering reading this series.. YOU WON'T REGRET IT! I know without a doubt that you will absolutely love and enjoy every single second of your journey in the life of Kaliya Sahni and her adventures and her trials. Don't hesitate..read NOW!! 😁😁😁
I don't normally leave reviews or comments about the books I read but after finishing this one..I knew that I absolutely had too. I'm actually at a loss for words and even now I'm trying to put my thoughts and feelings into writing this review... so here it goes...
I have read so many books over the years that I lost count and can't remember many of them..I have also had to read many books over again because I didn't remember reading them in the first place.. But this series will definitely stick with me for life. I can honestly say that this series is now my number one favorite ever. The first 4 books were awesome and amazing but book 5 was special... I couldn't stop reading it. I read it everyday and everywhere...even at work(which is a big no no lol) I couldn't put it down. I have already read it for the second time and I have NEVER done that with a book before. Yes, I have reread books over the years like I mentioned earlier but I have never read one back to back like I just did with this one. K.N. Banet is a genius writer and I have literally begged each and every one of my family and friends to read/listen to this series. I usually have an issue with people listening to books because I have always been against it but I have people in my life that will only listen to books. I wanted them to experience this series so bad that I'm overlooking the whole audio thing..lol
Anyways, to the people out there reading this and are considering reading this series.. YOU WON'T REGRET IT! I know without a doubt that you will absolutely love and enjoy every single second of your journey in the life of Kaliya Sahni and her adventures and her trials. Don't hesitate..read NOW!! 😁😁😁
November 26, 2021
So much happens in this one, that thinking back on it, it's hard to believe it's only one book.
The meeting in India was huge, Kaliya reluctant to go home, it's been so long and to face the rest of her people. It was amazing the amount of knowledge we learned about the nagas, but it was also a bit boring. At times it felt like an info dump, what helped alleviate that was Kaliya talking to the mates of the other nagas, giving the women her whole attention and letting them know she thought what they did was important, even if it was getting them meals. Her thinking was so modern, it kinda shocked some of them, but most welcomed her thoughts and changes she wanted to make.
It was also great to see how everyone reacted to all the babies. Most of the time it was great, the one time it wasn't, it really wasn't, but Kaliya let everyone know how out of control their actions were.
The sharing of knowledge between the nagas was good. I liked that they started with the events where Kaliya's family was killed and came to the present. Everyone had time to talk about why they did what they did, it helped getting it out in the open. It also helped Kaliya when dealing with her enemies. I thought that went well, but almost too easy and sure enough it came back to bite them all.
The battle at the end was brutal, so harsh, so many dead that didn't need to be. The decisions that Kaliya made in the aftermath were the only one she could have made. I also really liked how her people backed her, as shown by the change in leadership. But it the quiet actions by Kaliya and Rafael that will be the start as they lead their people to the future, that will matter the most.
The meeting in India was huge, Kaliya reluctant to go home, it's been so long and to face the rest of her people. It was amazing the amount of knowledge we learned about the nagas, but it was also a bit boring. At times it felt like an info dump, what helped alleviate that was Kaliya talking to the mates of the other nagas, giving the women her whole attention and letting them know she thought what they did was important, even if it was getting them meals. Her thinking was so modern, it kinda shocked some of them, but most welcomed her thoughts and changes she wanted to make.
It was also great to see how everyone reacted to all the babies. Most of the time it was great, the one time it wasn't, it really wasn't, but Kaliya let everyone know how out of control their actions were.
The sharing of knowledge between the nagas was good. I liked that they started with the events where Kaliya's family was killed and came to the present. Everyone had time to talk about why they did what they did, it helped getting it out in the open. It also helped Kaliya when dealing with her enemies. I thought that went well, but almost too easy and sure enough it came back to bite them all.
The battle at the end was brutal, so harsh, so many dead that didn't need to be. The decisions that Kaliya made in the aftermath were the only one she could have made. I also really liked how her people backed her, as shown by the change in leadership. But it the quiet actions by Kaliya and Rafael that will be the start as they lead their people to the future, that will matter the most.
January 22, 2022
This is a review for the first four books of the series. I went through this very bingeable series in the past few days. I have come to really trust Banet's writing by this point. First off, I really like the grounding in mythology and race and appreciate that it isn't an all white cast. Learning more about the different types of supernaturals is fascinating.
I also really like hiw fast paced things are compared to the Jacky Leon books. It's very fun to just blaze through it all. I really like Kaliya's characterization. She's a bit off an asshole and does stupid things but she's just so likeable. I loved how she makes mistakes for a reason, and not just for the sake of creating conflict to pad the plot (eg her being hot and cold with Raphael 'for his own book' and then the disaster that happened, proving that she wasn't just being a bit of an asshole but had legitimate reasons for becoming the way she is).
I found Raphael's character pretty well-done as well. In the first three books, I found him to kind of lack personality (like Gabriel from Emily in Paris) and I was honestly kind of disappointed. After he goes to the compound though, the strangely muted personality makes a lot of sense and his character really comes through. That was quite a nice bit of character writing there.
Very much enjoyed how the series is about Kaliya's growth as a person and her evolving relationships. I especially love Cassius and her relationship. It's just wonderful.
I did find some of the installments to have a bit of a weird pace, slow in the first half and breakneck in the second (esp 5).
But overall, I've really grown to love these characters and am super hyped to read the last installment in the series.
I also really like hiw fast paced things are compared to the Jacky Leon books. It's very fun to just blaze through it all. I really like Kaliya's characterization. She's a bit off an asshole and does stupid things but she's just so likeable. I loved how she makes mistakes for a reason, and not just for the sake of creating conflict to pad the plot (eg her being hot and cold with Raphael 'for his own book' and then the disaster that happened, proving that she wasn't just being a bit of an asshole but had legitimate reasons for becoming the way she is).
I found Raphael's character pretty well-done as well. In the first three books, I found him to kind of lack personality (like Gabriel from Emily in Paris) and I was honestly kind of disappointed. After he goes to the compound though, the strangely muted personality makes a lot of sense and his character really comes through. That was quite a nice bit of character writing there.
Very much enjoyed how the series is about Kaliya's growth as a person and her evolving relationships. I especially love Cassius and her relationship. It's just wonderful.
I did find some of the installments to have a bit of a weird pace, slow in the first half and breakneck in the second (esp 5).
But overall, I've really grown to love these characters and am super hyped to read the last installment in the series.
April 11, 2022
This was a series that I started a while ago and stopped because I got to the end of the published books. Just the other day I saw that one of my Goodreads friends was reading the series and had commented on one of my reviews of a previous book. That made me decide to look up the series to see if there were now more books out. Luckily, there were.
When I started this new book, I reread my reviews and reminded myself that this series had a very unlikeable female MC. I have to admit though that in this book, I think our protagonist has matured quite a bit and I didn’t find her as unlikeable as I did before. Maybe it was just me or possibly she actually WAS nicer.
Kaliya and Rafael are taking a trip back to India for Kaliya to finally face her family and the clan that she ran away from over 100 years ago. To me, this was a journey of growth and of learning to face the people who did so much damage to her younger self. She always thought that she did not have what it took to be a leader, but we find out that she is actually a pretty good leader.
Lots of things happen and there is a lot of action near the end of this book. Without going into spoilers, let's just say that this trip did not end in any way that they expected it to. What we did get to see was the strengthening of her relationship with her mate Rafael, and the EXACT reason why their pairing was so important.
The ending sets up the next book which is supposed to be the finale for this series. Even though it had been a while since I read the first 4 books, it was extremely easy to slip back into this world and continue on their journey.
I am looking forward to seeing how things turn out in the next book.
When I started this new book, I reread my reviews and reminded myself that this series had a very unlikeable female MC. I have to admit though that in this book, I think our protagonist has matured quite a bit and I didn’t find her as unlikeable as I did before. Maybe it was just me or possibly she actually WAS nicer.
Kaliya and Rafael are taking a trip back to India for Kaliya to finally face her family and the clan that she ran away from over 100 years ago. To me, this was a journey of growth and of learning to face the people who did so much damage to her younger self. She always thought that she did not have what it took to be a leader, but we find out that she is actually a pretty good leader.
Lots of things happen and there is a lot of action near the end of this book. Without going into spoilers, let's just say that this trip did not end in any way that they expected it to. What we did get to see was the strengthening of her relationship with her mate Rafael, and the EXACT reason why their pairing was so important.
The ending sets up the next book which is supposed to be the finale for this series. Even though it had been a while since I read the first 4 books, it was extremely easy to slip back into this world and continue on their journey.
I am looking forward to seeing how things turn out in the next book.
December 3, 2021
There was no other rating I could give this book except a 5. When I started this book I thought the most emotional thing would be courtesy of a spoiler from the Jacky Leon series that I knew about, but was I wrong.
It has been an incredible journey to see Kaliya and the slow introduction to the world of the Nagas. I started the series a bit irate the author didnt see Kaliya was a traditional male name but THAT was answered by the third books and became clear in the 4th. The author based this book primarily in india and did her research. Except for a few names that were wrongly based (like Aamir isnt a Hindu name and I just cannot fathom a Rakshasa King known as Mahatma, Mahatma isnt a name its a title).
Anyway very minor issues, overall the story of the Shesh Naag and Garuda was handled well and recreated beautifully for this genre.
However that is the overall arc of the story, not this book. This book was heart wrenching at best in the end. We got to know so many characters so well and loved them and then lost them. It was a hard book for I expected it to end differently but this end was also perfect.
The story was well crafted and I cannot wait until Book 6 in May.
It has been an incredible journey to see Kaliya and the slow introduction to the world of the Nagas. I started the series a bit irate the author didnt see Kaliya was a traditional male name but THAT was answered by the third books and became clear in the 4th. The author based this book primarily in india and did her research. Except for a few names that were wrongly based (like Aamir isnt a Hindu name and I just cannot fathom a Rakshasa King known as Mahatma, Mahatma isnt a name its a title).
Anyway very minor issues, overall the story of the Shesh Naag and Garuda was handled well and recreated beautifully for this genre.
However that is the overall arc of the story, not this book. This book was heart wrenching at best in the end. We got to know so many characters so well and loved them and then lost them. It was a hard book for I expected it to end differently but this end was also perfect.
The story was well crafted and I cannot wait until Book 6 in May.
November 22, 2021
So, Kaliya is going home… Or rather to the place that once upon a time was her home, because as of now her home is in American desert not somewhere deep within Indian forests. Nevertheless, after the things that happened in Reborn Kaliya knows she has to confront her past and her small naga family, while doing everything to keep everyone safe from the mysterious enemy. But homecoming is never easy, especially after a century of rapid changes…
Legends takes the readers on a journey to the heart of a nearly extinct naga community hidden deep within the Indian forest. There are many new secondary characters that need to be properly introduced, so for the most part it’s not the fast -paced and action-packed book, but vibrant and fascinating portrait of an isolated and endangered society of nagas. Only few of them are left and apart from Kaliya only one of the group is female, and a child to boot. The years of separation made them bitter and wary of Kaliya’s actions, so there’s much to explain and talk through.
It has been some time since I became so invested in the newly-introduced side characters. For me the highlight of the book is the proper introduction of Adhar, male counterpart of Kaliya. Till this book he’s been seen solely through protagonist’s memories and a few video calls. Of course, we still see him through the eyes of Kaliya, but I really liked him in this novel. Such a wholesome and dependable leader. We also get to see more of Nakul, who we first met a few books ago. There are also other male nagas, but I think their mates stood out more. So much potential and so much strength in human characters. Just delightful.
As for the story. It mainly focuses on interpersonal relationships within naga community, so not that much action this time. But it's just a long silence before the devastating storm… So much happens in a very short time and it’s equally spectacular and heartbreaking...
But never mind that, finally all the main players are here and one can get ready for the culmination point!... At least I think so, but there are still very interesting possibilities which were only hinted in this book and I’m really looking forward to see them explored in the last part of the series.
ARC in exchange for the honest review.
Legends takes the readers on a journey to the heart of a nearly extinct naga community hidden deep within the Indian forest. There are many new secondary characters that need to be properly introduced, so for the most part it’s not the fast -paced and action-packed book, but vibrant and fascinating portrait of an isolated and endangered society of nagas. Only few of them are left and apart from Kaliya only one of the group is female, and a child to boot. The years of separation made them bitter and wary of Kaliya’s actions, so there’s much to explain and talk through.
It has been some time since I became so invested in the newly-introduced side characters. For me the highlight of the book is the proper introduction of Adhar, male counterpart of Kaliya. Till this book he’s been seen solely through protagonist’s memories and a few video calls. Of course, we still see him through the eyes of Kaliya, but I really liked him in this novel. Such a wholesome and dependable leader. We also get to see more of Nakul, who we first met a few books ago. There are also other male nagas, but I think their mates stood out more. So much potential and so much strength in human characters. Just delightful.
As for the story. It mainly focuses on interpersonal relationships within naga community, so not that much action this time. But it's just a long silence before the devastating storm… So much happens in a very short time and it’s equally spectacular and heartbreaking...
But never mind that, finally all the main players are here and one can get ready for the culmination point!... At least I think so, but there are still very interesting possibilities which were only hinted in this book and I’m really looking forward to see them explored in the last part of the series.
ARC in exchange for the honest review.
November 17, 2021
Legends is the penultimate book in the Kaliya Sahni series. This series, set within the larger tribunal archives universe, has been wonderful. This installment finds Kaliya reckoning with her past and her position as ruler of the nagas. I, for one, love the political machinations of this book as well as the unclear relationship status between Kaliya and her mate, Raphael. I really appreciate how the author embraced the shades of grey in a mated pair’s journey. It’s not a matter of them just being immediately attracted and obsessed or reluctant mates who despise each other. Kaliya and Raphael have love for each other and an undeniable connection but is that enough? Do their lives make sense together? We do get answers to that in this book but there is still a lot left up in the air in anticipation of the final book in the series.
As a note on the whole Tribunal Archives series, the different timelines of the different series interweave, creating a compelling, larger, non-linear narrative. While some may decry spoilers, in reality while we may know someone’s fate, there is still more to learn about them as a character in the series taking place earlier chronologically.
November 16, 2021
Legends has Kaliya partaking on a pretty terrifying journey emotionally, physically, and mentally. She returns to her homeland to become the leader the Naga needs and meet the remaining Naga and their families where we have THREE babies, one a nagini who brings their total number to two. Kaliya and Raphael navigate through this journey as a solid team and handle all challenges tossed at them… with a cost. I cannot say anymore because I’m barely containing posting spoilers, just read the book - read the series if you haven’t! It will take on you an emotional journey that will make you cry. If those tears are happy or sad…. You’ll have to read to find out.
To KN Banet, every time I think I have a favorite book, you always seem to top it. I have devoured every book you’ve put out but Kaliya has such a special place in my heart. Thank you for the tremendous world building, character development, and phenomenal story lines. You are among the greatest writers in my opinion!!!
To KN Banet, every time I think I have a favorite book, you always seem to top it. I have devoured every book you’ve put out but Kaliya has such a special place in my heart. Thank you for the tremendous world building, character development, and phenomenal story lines. You are among the greatest writers in my opinion!!!
November 16, 2021
This is definitely my favorite book in this series!
We are in the fifth book of Kaliya Sahni's series, and this is definitely my favorite one to date. So much happens in this book! We get to go to India, and get tons of background on the nagas, we meet several new characters who are all a little colorful in their own ways, and we get lots of Rafael in this book. Kaliya & Raphaels relationship is growing and maturing beautifully, which I love. We also finally find out who was behind her family's deaths! I'll repeat, so much happens in this book! We've only got one book left until this series is complete, so I'll be impatiently waiting for it.
I know I've said it before but it bears repeating. If you haven't started reading this series yet, or any of Kristen's other amazing series in the Tribunal Archives universe, then you are definitely missing out on some fantastic stories.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy (ARC) of this book.
We are in the fifth book of Kaliya Sahni's series, and this is definitely my favorite one to date. So much happens in this book! We get to go to India, and get tons of background on the nagas, we meet several new characters who are all a little colorful in their own ways, and we get lots of Rafael in this book. Kaliya & Raphaels relationship is growing and maturing beautifully, which I love. We also finally find out who was behind her family's deaths! I'll repeat, so much happens in this book! We've only got one book left until this series is complete, so I'll be impatiently waiting for it.
I know I've said it before but it bears repeating. If you haven't started reading this series yet, or any of Kristen's other amazing series in the Tribunal Archives universe, then you are definitely missing out on some fantastic stories.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy (ARC) of this book.
November 16, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Talk about growth! Kaliya has always been a difficult character. Her life has been filled with tragedy and anger from the start. She has slowly become the best version of her self. This is not a book you should pick up with out starting with the first. It is an amazing journey K.N. Banet has taken her readers on with this character. This series is full of old gods and legends from India. The world building is off the charts. I cannot recommend this series strong enough. This is by far my favorite book of the series. It's filled in so many questions about Kaliya and her family. It swings from heart stopping moments to sever tragic. I simply love this book. Seeing a character grow and become something great in such a believable way in an urban fantasy is far and few between. DO NOT miss this.
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