Deepa’s Reviews > To Bargain with Mortals > Status Update

I can’t believe Zeyar used that stupid name. I am relieved on one count. I was predicting the worst. The dad. Casteism discussions.

Compelling and captivating. engaging once it has hit its stride. 5 star for sure

Samina confronting Poppy about her inability to see the marginalization beyond herself. I really like that villagers aren’t all in agreement which god protected them and how it varies by locale, tradition, and person.

Love 🚗 chase.

Hasan and his brothers and their crew meetings—I love when our insurgents actually hold meetings. How does one manage a syndicate without meetings??? I love all the internal strings in their relationships but what’s probably working most is the urgency surrounding Paranjay’s disappearance. This was the hook that got my attention most

Poppy’s side:

- I see Poppy’s story heading the way of Robin in Babel.
- A bit of Hesina from Descendants of the Crane ( my fav part mentioned in blurb Jackal’s den )
- with a mixture of CL Clark’s Unbroken with regard to whole return into world of politicking hell maybe even the ambitious goal setting .
- and dash of Rowenna Miller’s Torn in terms of prose/world/setting idk about the vibes but maybe

It’s reminding me a lot of Babel x Empire of Sand x And the Sky Bled.

Her pov of I gave up so much to withstand this school that I refuse it to be in vain is interesting for sure. I like the Jackal pov quite a bit more. It’s the least unlikely choice — I have a character type and I’m generally loyal. low key I just call it angry boy or girl on a warpath. The vengeance types. are they scorpios??? meandering