Rubinite: The Cursed One

by Haritha Sivakumar

Rudra is a headstrong, inspiring young woman and the founder/CEO of a magazine. Behind her success and seemingly perfect life though, is a dark secret. One of the writers at her magazine, Agastya, and his sister, Bhumi, become witnesses to this secret. Despite their differences, Rudra and Agastya work together to protect her secret. Meanwhile, Rudra’s guardian angel, Marky, seems to be falling in love with Bhumi. Will they be able to save Rudra and her secret?

Unknown Binding

Published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Dr. Aiswarya Suresh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rubinite : The Cursed One 📚

- Haritha Sivakumar

🔖 ”Rubinite: The Cursed One” by Haritha Sivakumar is a unique fantasy novel that stands out because it takes place in Kerala. Unlike typical fantasy books set in distant lands, this story blends Indian mythology with modern life, creating a fresh and exciting experience for readers.

🔖 The main character, “Rudra”, is a strong and determined woman who runs a successful magazine. However, she carries a deep secret that she must protect at all costs. She is both powerful and vulnerable, making her a fascinating character to follow.

🔖 “Agastya”, one of the writers in her magazine, becomes an unexpected ally. He is intelligent, observant, and loyal, standing by Rudra as she faces challenges. His bond with her adds depth to the story.

🔖 “Bhumi”, Agastya’s sister, is lively, curious, and full of warmth. She shares some touching moments with “Marky”, Rudra’s guardian angel.

🔖 “Marky / Markandeya” is a mysterious and powerful presence in the story. As a guardian angel, he is protective, wise, and always watching over Rudra. He carries a deep sense of duty, but at the same time, there is a quiet sadness in him, as if he has secrets of his own. His growing bond with Bhumi adds a gentle touch of romance and emotion to the story.

🔖 The book is full of mystery, with each chapter revealing something new. The way the author blends Indian folklore into the plot makes it even more special. Kerala’s beautiful landscapes also bring the setting to life, making it feel both magical and real.

🔖 One of the best things about this book is that it leaves behind some unanswered questions, making readers eager for the next part. The mystery lingers in your mind long after finishing the book.

🔖 As a reader, I am especially eager to explore more about Alarmathi and Markandeya. Their stories are rich with depth and mystery, adding a unique charm to the tale. I look forward to uncovering their journeys in second part. I am also curious about what happened to Alar and how their fates are intertwined.

[Sree Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ Book Review ✨

🌟 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

A mermaid living among humans, a vethal sworn to protect her, and two unsuspecting humans caught in their whirlwind lives…
(And guess what? This is only Part 1!!)

Rubinite: The Cursed One by @haritha is what I’d call a grounded fantasy—a captivating blend of magic, mythology, and familiarity. Set against the lush backdrop of Kerala, this book has everything a fantasy lover (or even a non-fantasy reader like me!) could ever want.

🏞️ A familiar and refreshing setting? ✔️ (Kerala, my heart!)
🧜🏻‍♀️ Unique and gripping storyline? ✔️
🔤 Simple yet compelling language? ✔️
💎 Relatable, well-written characters? ✔️
💥 An unexpected, jaw-dropping ending? ✔️

Here’s why this book stole my heart:

What I Loved:

✅ The Kerala setting: It was refreshing to explore a fantasy grounded in a familiar landscape, instead of the usual foreign locales.
✅ The concept: A mermaid story woven with twists, mythology, and folklore? Absolutely phenomenal!
✅ The characters: The four main characters were so well-crafted and different from my own expectations. I loved every one of them!
✅ The pairings & setups: The unusual relationships and the epic fight scenes gave me chills and goosebumps. 🔥
✅ The ending: THAT ending! Intriguing, intense, and a cliffhanger that has left me desperate for Part 2.
✅ Indian mythology & folklore: The incorporation of desi elements made this such a unique and magical read.
✅ The pacing: With each chapter, the story got more addictive, turning it into a real page-turner.

What I Didn’t Like:

❌ Nothing. Absolutely nothing. (Except the agonizing wait for the next part—@haritha, I’m begging you!)

Perfect for fans of:

🧜🏻‍♀️ Enemies-to-Lovers
🏞️ Forbidden Love
🧜🏻‍♀️ Mermaid Mysteries
🏞️ Fantasy Fiction
🧜🏻‍♀️ Greed, Revenge, and Redemption
🏞️ Unusual Friendships
💎 Desi Magical Fantasy

If you’re craving a fantasy story steeped in Indian culture, mythology, and mind-blowing twists, Rubinite: The Cursed One is THE book for you. Even as someone who rarely reads fantasy, I was hooked from start to finish.

Thank you so much, @haritha, for sending me a copy of this gem. It was a magical ride, and I’m eagerly waiting for Part 2! Please don’t keep us waiting too long! 🥺✨

[Nivetha Kannan · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Rubinite, the first book in the Cursed Series, we are introduced to Rudra, a young mermaid. She is struggling with the complexities of the painful reality of being half-human. Her existence feels like a curse; torn between two identities. A tragic incident that has happened to her when she was just four has traumatized her. This sense of not truly belonging anywhere drives the emotional heart of the novel, where Rudra's loneliness and yearning for acceptance are palpable and deeply relatable.

But the stakes of her story are raised even higher by the presence of an antagonist who revels in her suffering. A sinister figure, someone with a deep personal vendetta, watches Rudra closely, his obsession with her life growing to dangerous extremes. He does not simply want her to suffer; he longs to witness her death. His cold, calculating pursuit of her makes the story feel even more perilous, turning her journey into a race against time. The tension between Rudra's emotional struggle and this malevolent figure's desire for her destruction propels the plot forward, creating a layered narrative of both internal and external conflict.

The author’s world-building is rich and immersive, bringing to life a fantastical underwater world full of mystical creatures and ancient traditions. But it is Rudra’s emotional depth that truly drives the story. Her internal battle with her identity is heartbreaking and relatable, and readers will feel her hurt and isolation as she longs for a place to call home.

Rubinite is a beautifully written, emotionally charged fantasy novel that will resonate with readers who enjoy complex characters and high-stakes plots. It is a haunting tale of self-discovery, betrayal, and the struggle to find one’s place in a world that seems determined to tear them apart. With a fierce, vulnerable protagonist and a sinister villain bent on her destruction, this series is sure to captivate fans of both fantasy and emotional drama.

[Aarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first desi fantasy I’ve read and it completely pulled me in with its unique blend of mythology, magic and mystery.
The story follows Rudra, a fierce and inspiring CEO hiding a dark secret, Agastya - the writer who stumbles upon it and Marky - Rudra’s protector, who shares an intriguing dynamic with Agastya’s sister, Bhumi.

🔥 What I Loved:
✔️ A half-mermaid FMC?
Yes, please! Rudra’s character was fierce, bold, and layered with complexity.
✔️ Bhumi was another standout—strong in her own way and an anchor in the chaos.
✔️ Marky - The Vethal - His unwavering support for Rudra while having his own budding story with Bhumi was such a wholesome touch!
✔️ A suspenseful plot with secrets, supernatural elements and an engaging writing style kept me hooked.
✔️ The mix of Vethals, Mara (grim reapers) and other mythological aspects made this such a fresh fantasy read.

The ending left me with so many questions, and I NEED the second part please! What’s next for Agastya and Rudra? Will we get more of Marky and Bhumi? I can’t wait to find out!

[Sheandherkindle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This read was an amazing experience for me our own desi mermaid story in the modern times having connection with ages ago and this is just the first part.

Rudra is a mermaid disguised as a Normal girl keeping her identity a secret from everyone around her but she has some enemies who will hunt her down , Will she be able to survive, or will she succumb to the threats? Thankfully, she has her protector, Marky, by her side, along with Bhumi, a friend who feels like a sister, and Agastya, who becomes a witness to her supernatural existence..
I especially loved the character of Marky , being a protector to both Bhumi and Rudra. The chemistry between Bhumi and Marky was fantastic, and I found myself wishing for a similar dynamic between Agastya and Rudra.
There are still some secrets left to be uncovered, particularly regarding Marky’s past as Markandeya, which I hope will be explored in the next installment.
Overall I enjoyed reading this book , the action sequences were the cherry on top especially during the climax.
Eagerly waiting for the next part 🙌 hope it comes out soon .

[Harshi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect beginners friendly fantasy novel. This book is about Rudra, a half mermaid, and her secrets unveiling throughout the journey. The story goes on as the Rubinite stone becomes the main plot runner of the book.
Rubinite stone is the heart of a dead mermaid. The unending greediness of humans to attain wealth and power becomes the main motive for the antagonists in the book. The movement from past to present in between the plot makes it much more interesting and intriguing.
There were some editing errors in the sentences. Other than that this is a quick, engaging, fantasy novel that can be read in a go. Perfect for beginners looking for a Fantasy novel.
🤍✨

[Anisha Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a half-mermaid, half-human living in secret among humans. But when a dangerous criminal escapes from jail and starts targeting her, and things get intense. I loved the twists and turns. Getting a friendly feel with Rudra.

[Manali · Rating 4 out of 5]

An episodic tale, appearing in each issue of BeTales Magazine, episode wise

Full review here: https://wp.me/p6XQyB-3Oq

My Rating: 4/5