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scifiandgaultier's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
tortello_alla_zucca's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Probably the best fantasy book I've ever read.
I have rarely read books with characters this complex, and their relationships with each other are explored in such depth that this alone makes the book worth a reading.
The magic system is on the simpler side, which perfectly complements the story, since the magic isn't its focus - the people are.
I truly cannot find a fault in the entire book.
I have rarely read books with characters this complex, and their relationships with each other are explored in such depth that this alone makes the book worth a reading.
The magic system is on the simpler side, which perfectly complements the story, since the magic isn't its focus - the people are.
I truly cannot find a fault in the entire book.
sarita_reads_books's review against another edition
5.0
Easily has to be in my top three books of this year and we’re only in February and one of my favourite books I’ve read. My perspective on this retelling is one with out me having read/ had any prior knowledge to the Ramayana so this is my first introduction to this myth and the characters with in it.
I absolutely adored the way that Vaishnavi Patel wrote her characters, especially the women. Kaikeyi was so well nuanced and such an interesting character that goes through such impressive development through out her life. He strength comes from her mind and her desire to help others, my favourite thing about her was that she became a leader to help other women who were not so advantageous. I cried a little seeing the way her presence and her actions were having such positive effects on the women around her it was so gratifying to read. Her relationship with the two queen sisters was beautiful and soft which only brought me so much pain at the end when her relationship was ruined with Sumitra
I absolutely adored the way that Vaishnavi Patel wrote her characters, especially the women. Kaikeyi was so well nuanced and such an interesting character that goes through such impressive development through out her life. He strength comes from her mind and her desire to help others, my favourite thing about her was that she became a leader to help other women who were not so advantageous. I cried a little seeing the way her presence and her actions were having such positive effects on the women around her it was so gratifying to read. Her relationship with the two queen sisters was beautiful and soft which only brought me so much pain at the end when her relationship was ruined with Sumitra
lookafteryourbet's review against another edition
It’s not that this book is bad, or even that it wasn’t for me, I just wasn’t reading it at the right time
libraryofmoss's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
What a novel! Past me put this book on hold and I was a good 1/3 way through when I realized it was a retelling of characters from the Ramayana, of which I am familiar but obviously not expert. Kaikeyi is so relatable, strong, and inspiring, and her actions so righteously justified. Her admiral qualities are balanced by the resistance and heat she takes every step of the way. These stories and characters are not part of my culture/background and honestly I find it pretty bold how strongly the gods’ blatant hatred for women’s independence is written. I can imagine not everyone is going to be a fan of that take. I found it really powerful and I was on the edge of my seat through the whole epic tale.
geckobookcooks's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
weyheyitsrachel's review
adventurous
hopeful
informative
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Such a fascinating read!
I knew nothing about Kaikeyi or the Ramayana going into this one - Hindu mythology was something I had never studied - and I ending up truly loving it! The author does have a note before the story starts explaining how Kaiyeki came to be and what this reimagining is based on. It's super helpful to understanding the story!
One thing I absolutely enjoyed about this was the little anecdotes of various myths, gods, and goddesses that Kaiyeki "tells" to the reader. I particularly loved the scenes with the Sarasvati River.
Now this book was a bit of a slow burn for me. I found Part 1 to move very slow since it was explaining Kaiyeki's childhood and building up to the actual action packed story that was coming later on.
The author did a great job with this story! If you're into mythology and are looking for a fresh take/reimagining of Kaiyeki and her part in the Ramayana, then this is one to try!
I knew nothing about Kaikeyi or the Ramayana going into this one - Hindu mythology was something I had never studied - and I ending up truly loving it! The author does have a note before the story starts explaining how Kaiyeki came to be and what this reimagining is based on. It's super helpful to understanding the story!
One thing I absolutely enjoyed about this was the little anecdotes of various myths, gods, and goddesses that Kaiyeki "tells" to the reader. I particularly loved the scenes with the Sarasvati River.
Now this book was a bit of a slow burn for me. I found Part 1 to move very slow since it was explaining Kaiyeki's childhood and building up to the actual action packed story that was coming later on.
The author did a great job with this story! If you're into mythology and are looking for a fresh take/reimagining of Kaiyeki and her part in the Ramayana, then this is one to try!