THE LEGEND OF MENEKA by Kritika H. Rao Review

My Review:

This was a great epic journey. I have not read many Hindu love stories. Like most love stories there is someone involved that wants power. He is willing to use Meneka as a way to thwart his enemies. She is one target away from being released from her duties. The glossary was extremely helpful. I learned a lot of new words. I would love to see the Throne room and other places that the author described. This story had poison, portals, and forbidden love. I thought that the story was a little long, and could have been shorter. However, there was a lot of Hindu background to get through. I am giving this book a 3/5. I was given a copy, all opinions are my own.  

“Sensual and thought-provoking, a romantic fantasy unlike any other.” — Shannon Chakraborty

“Utterly intoxicating . . . whisking you off to a dreamlike world where every corner glitters with magic, and the sensual and the sacred collide.” — Thea Guanzon

Seduction is her weapon. Love is her destiny. 

Kritika H. Rao weaves a luscious, exhilarating fantasy inspired by one of the most famous romances in Hindu mythology— the story of a celestial dancer tasked with seducing a human sage, but when she finds herself falling for her mark, she will be forced to choose between loyalties and being true to herself.

Across the mortal and immortal realms, celestial dancers known as apsaras are revered for their beauty, allure, and enchanting magic. But Meneka knows that is not all they are. Trained as a weapon—a warrior—Meneka despises leaving each of her marks in thrall to her potent illusions. With every seduction Lord Indra, king of heaven, demands of her for his political gain, she craves her freedom more and more.

When a mortal sage’s growing powers threaten Indra’s supremacy in his own realm, Meneka seizes a rare opportunity. She strikes a deal—if she can seduce this dangerous man, Indra will allow her to forgo future missions. But upon meeting the sage, Kaushika, Meneka finds herself captivated by his energy, ignited by his empathy and passion, even though he challenges everything she’s ever known. Can she overthrow the man who is—little by little—stealing her heart, or is Kaushika seducing her instead? As war looms in the skies, Meneka must choose between her duty to protect her home, and the sage who is showing her what true love can mean. 

Romantic, spellbinding, and empowering, The Legend of Meneka breathes new life into Hindu mythology to weave a lustrous tale of a woman discovering the cosmic power within herself. Perfect for readers of Daughter of the Moon Goddess, Kaikeyi, and Circe, this first book in the Divine Dancers duology is a completely unputdownable adventure for lovers of romantasy and myth retellings.