Thank you to NetGalley and Harvest House Publishers for the ARC to read and review.

My girls enjoy books with foreign settings, so I knew this one would be a hit. While not quite what I was expecting it did keep our interest and we enjoyed following Rea in her quest. Lots of side trails to get lost in and fun for those who enjoy something a little different than the everyday "princess" story. I will look forward to the next installment!

If you are looking for a new Middle-Grade Fantasy Series this Summer, you’ll want to pre-order this story now.

The night that Rea and her twin brother turn twelve, everything changes for them. They live in Darjeeling, India, near a tea plantation, and when Rohan goes missing on their 12th birthday. But he isn't in Darjeeling; he is held captive in the land beyond the banyan tree, Astranthia. It is up to Rea and her best friend Leela to find and save Rohan and maybe find out the secrets Amma has kept hidden from her.

Astranthia itself is amazing, and if your kids are wanting or currently studying botany, I feel like this book would be the perfect fictional tag along to that. The descriptions of this new world are beautiful, and there is the bonus of reading about India's beauty. As a teacher who reads aloud, I appreciate the glossary with pronunciation included of unfamiliar vocabulary.

This really is the total package, lots of rabbit trail opportunities, and a new amazing fantasy series all rolled into one. Five Stars.

After her brother disappears Rea and her friend Leela travel to a magical land to try to find him. During her search she discovers that she is from a magical land called Astranthia and she is a royal princess. She also learns that she has magical blood and in order to save her brother and her friends she must fully come into her nectar power to defeat the evil queen. This is a fast paced read that takes readers on incredible journeys where they will learn about sacrifice, loyalty, and the power of friendship. This is the first book in a series. This is an excellent read and captured my attention from the beginning. Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this story. I especially liked the main character and how relatable she was and the friendship between her and Leela.

This is such a fun, imaginative book -- I can't wait to read it with my daughter in a few years! Rea is a charming character, and I absolutely love the world created by Doshi. Sometimes I feel a bit of a disconnect reading MG titles as an adult, but this one worked so well for me, and I think readers of any age will enjoy it!

It is great to see an Indian protagonist in middle grade fiction. Rea and her family live in Darjeeling.

This book is good for the girl who goes to another world, finds out she's a princess, and saves the day. I know many are comparing it to Narnia, but other than this basic narrative and a brother and sister relationship, the overlap ends for me. The characters are complex and likeable, and the story is thoroughly enjoyable. There are lots of pieces to get to saving the day, and plenty untied knots at the end for the next installment.

My one complaint is that the fantasy world here almost screams Disney movie. Which is good for a target audience of people who grew up on this, but seems odd with the Darjeeling setting. Why not a British, American, Canadian, etc protagonist of Indian heritage if the fantasy world is thoroughly British? When I was dropped onto Darjeeling, I fully expected some Indian flavors for the fantasy, but instead I got imps named Thistlewort, Tinkerbell-like fairies, and the like. I'd recommend it for children who are growing out of chapter books and into things like Narnia, Bridge to Terebithia, or Redwall. Those adults who are still in love with Disney princesses will also enjoy it. But I'm neither of those audiences, so will be passing on the next installment.

I would give this book 5 stars simply because the prose is beautiful and the imagery transports you and any book that can do that gets an automatic 5 stars from me! Aside from that though, I love that it's OwnVoices and that it's set in Darjeeling, India. The heroine, Rea, is brave and determined and the relationship between her and her brother is greatly depicted. I love that there are more middle grade books coming out that are representing other cultures and giving viewpoints from other perspectives and I'm happy to say that Rea and the Blood of the Nectar has earned it's spot in the ranks!

Sometimes a book can be good but you just aren't the right reader. That's the case with Rea and the Blood of the Nectar.
It has beautiful descriptive writing, I loved that it was set in India. It's nice to have poc middle grade main characters, touching on a different culture is refreshing. The themes around friendship and family were well done, and I loved the magical world, there was mystery and suspense and so much magic.
I'm not quite sure why this book didn't work for me, I think it was the pacing. It felt rushed in places, yet dragged in others.
I do think it's a book that deserves to be read, a book that kids will enjoy.

Thank you NetGalley for this advanced copy. I enjoyed the fantasy and magic, beautiful floral descriptions, and adventure! This book appeals to many girls who feel they aren't valued in South Asian cultures. I think the quote "Life does not always go according to plan and one does not always get what one wants. But you make the best of what you have," should be highlighted on the cover of the book. I did object to one expletive (dumb***), and I think the author could have used a different word in its place. The glossary at the end is a good idea as well. I already can't wait for the sequel!

Beautifully written. Amazing story. Characters you want to root for. The plot kept my attention the whole time. I really enjoyed Payal's writing style. Their prose was well paced and well written.

This is a fantastical and imaginative book. I loved following Rea's journey through Astranthia and the troubles and hardships she faces. There are so many layers and secrets which I loved figuring out. This book is perfect for readers ages 9-12.

Here's what my 13-year-old had to say: "I liked the action, mystery, characters, and world of Astranthia. Very unique story. I've never read anything like it."

For me, I probably most enjoyed the references to Indian food and culture entrenched throughout this book. I'm happy to say I learned a lot! The mystery of the sacred som kept us guessing. The action was seriously intense. The world building was wholly unique and fantastical. The characters of Rea and Leela and her friends in Astranthia like Xeranther and Thubian were varied and distinct. The Queen is a villain we can all love to hate, and yet she had angles to her I won't spoil... I can definitely see a series in Astranthia.

Payal Doshi's depth of imagination is vibrant in this fantasy portal story for anyone looking to immerse themselves in a world outside of our own.

why did I not have this when I was 10?

Rea and the Blood of the Nectar is definitely an amazing fantasy that proudly cherishes Indian culture whilst also introducing us to a world full of magic along with a brave young protagonist and amazing female friendship.

This book follows Rea, a 12-year old girl whose twin brother, Rohan goes missing on their 12th birthday. But he isn't in Darjeeling, he is held captive in the land beyond the banyan tree, Astranthia. It is up to Rea and her best friend Leela to find and save Rohan, and maybe find out the secrets her Amma has kept hidden from her.

“The mind is a mysterious place. In its vast and many corners are hidden pieces of knowledge. When we sleep, they float up in the form of dreams. They can be wild, have a mind of their own, and lead us to places. They can carry messages or warnings. If they recur, one must heed them.”

I LOVED this. Everything from the beautiful setting of Darjeeling (which is a well-loved hill station in West Bengal, India you need to visit ASAP after this pandemic because it is just gorgeous!), to the brilliant fast-paced world-building, was lovely. Did I mention that this book was also unapologetically Indian?

Rea was an amazing protagonist. She was brave until the very end and did not hesitate to take huge steps just for her brother Rohan, who didn't really treat her well before he mysteriously disappeared.

The descriptions of Astranthia was spectacular. I loved how original the world was which made me eager to learn more about it!

Overall, this is a great #ownvoices debut which I highly recommend!

Representation: Completely Indian cast
Trigger Warnings: Bullying, mentions of blood, absent parent, kidnapping.

I wanted to like it. It just took me too long to get what was going on. Some of the characters didn't interest me.

Rea and the Blood of the Nectar is a brilliant OwnVoices middle grade fantasy that starts off in Darjeeling, India before the adventures spills out into the magical realm of Astranthia. The excellent world building conveys a vivid detailed picture of the settings and draws you into the fast-paced scenes. This not only has an engaging and gripping plot but has extremely well-depicted and multi-layered main and supporting characters. Payal Doshi has done such a fantastic job with her debut novel - I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series!

Thank you to the author and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of this wonderful book which I will definitely be recommending and gifting to others when it comes out in May 2021.

Life is not easy for twins Rea and Rohan. Their small home in Darjeeling, India houses both the siblings and their Amma and Bajai, and they all must work hard to earn enough money to survive. As their twelfth birthday approaches, Rea begins to notice a growing distance between her and Rohan, especially when she overhears special birthday plans that do not include her. Despite warnings from their Amma, Rea and Rohan both sneak out to usher in their birthday with a midnight game of cricket. When Rohan does not come home, however, Rea finds herself on the greatest adventure of her life, discovering secrets and strength that will change her forever.

Based in a small town in Darjeeling, India, Rea’s story incorporates the sights, smells, sounds, and tastes of her home. Beautifully rich, descriptive language makes each new setting palpable for readers, painting vivid images throughout the story. Readers will find inclusions of Indian words and concepts blending seamlessly into the narrative; however, a glossary and pronunciation guide at the end of the book help readers better understand potentially unfamiliar words and learn more about Rea’s reality. Filled with puzzles and colorful characters, this story engages readers from beginning to end. A blend of reality and fantasy creates a dynamic backdrop against which Rea begins to emerge as an independent young woman. Rea’s complex emotions and relationships are especially recognizable for middle grade readers and provide guiding messages embedded within a fictional framework. The first in its series, this book by debut author Payal Doshi is a necessary addition to libraries serving middle grade readers.

@Thanks NetGalley for giving me the access to read this wonderful story. It was such an emotional journey. I loved every line of this book. I give 4 stars to this wonderful book.

This is one of those stories that stayed with me after I turned the last page. I miss Rea and Rohan, and wish I could visit Astranthia again.

In this compelling MG fantasy adventure by Payal Doshi, Rea and her twin brother, Rohan, live with their mother and grandmother in Darjeeling, India. On the night of their 12th birthday, their mother and grandmother warn them to stay in the house, but Rohan slips out to meet his friends, and Rea follows him, bringing along her friend Leela. When Rohan goes missing, Rea blames herself and together with Leela set off to find her brother. Following advice from a fortune teller, they enter the magical world of Astranthia, where they come up against the evil, Queen Razya. I really enjoyed this story, and I look forward to reading more from this author.

I would definitely recommend this story to fantasy lovers who enjoy a quest rich in detail and adventure, filled with magic, where good strives to triumph over evil. Suitable for Gd. 4-6

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book.

With thanks to NetGalley and Mango and Marigold Press for an early copy in return for an honest review.

What an action packed adventure/fantasy! I absolute love stories with a strong sense of setting and that is definitely the case with Rea and the Blood of the Nectar - both in the real world Darjeeling, India and the magical Astranthia. Rea is a strong female main character and I love what she learns about friendship and family along her journey to find her kidnapped twin brother.

While I would recommend this more for upper MG (for vocabulary and some of the content), this is an #OwnVoices debut you don't want to miss!

Twins Rohan and Rea Chettri live with their Amma and maternal grandmother, Bajai, in Darjeeling. On the cusp of their 12th birthday, Rea is upset that her mother always seems to favour her brother over her. It’s bad enough that Rohan has more free time and less responsibilities than she does. Rea also finds out that Rohan, who rarely has any time for her these days, plans to celebrate their special day with a midnight cricket match played with his new friends.

When Rohan fails to return home after the cricket match, Rea can’t escape the thought that something bad has happened to him. In her nightmares, she keeps getting a message from Rohan that says, Find me or I die. Yet, strangely Amma and Bajai make no effort to look for him, acting as if they truly believe that he has gone forever.

Then Rea’s nightmares lead her and Leela deeper into the forest. Seeking the help of a local woman, Mishti Dadi, who knows magic, they are led through a portal that leads them into an enchanted world, Astranthia.

But the land is also home to the dreadful Queen, Razya. Will Rea and Leela be able to save Rohan? Or will they be trapped in this land forever?



The book was well written, creating the right kind of imagery with the description and the riot of colour. There was just enough detail to pull you into the story. The description of the phantom bus in Rea’s dream reminded me of Harry Potter in the Knight Bus.

The descriptions of Sanober forest and the fantastic kingdom of Astranthia evoked an otherworldly atmosphere. The author did a truly fantastic job with the world building.

It felt good to read an Indian story with an Indian protagonist, where young Indian kids might have the leisure of being able to understand things without an explanation. The smattering of Indian words that peppered the narrative were fun to read.

Even though I’m no cricket fan, I enjoyed reading about the midnight match. It had the right blend of action, emotion and pace.





But beyond this, I had issues with parts of the writing. There were many awkward sentence constructions. Rea wanted to tell Amma she didn’t care and that she was welcome for helping her on a day when she had an extremely important plan to carry out.

Possessives were another problem. For ex, Meet outside our houses at 11.45 pm for Rohan and my birthday cricket match.

And

her and Rohan’s bedroom

And

Or does your intelligence match that of a six-year-old’s?



Another problem lay in the wide use of multi-syllabled words, unrequired in middle grade fiction. The Queen cachinnated in loud chuckles. Not only does the word, cachinnated, call attention to itself, it’s not something a middle grade child would be aware of. There are many such words strewn throughout the book, that make one feel that the author relied a little too much on her thesaurus.

The author has come out with a strong story. The indiscriminate use of big words weakens the prose.

At one point, Rea is described as having spots-clouding-your-vision anger which sounds colloquial and leads us straight out of the story. There were also several proofing issues in the Kindle edition that needed looking into.





Among the characters, we don’t really get a chance to get to know Rohan too well. But Rea gets an opportunity to emerge out of her own shadow and grow as an individual. At the beginning, she has no friends and is an average student at school, picked on by the mean girls. Feeling unloved by her mother and alienated from her twin brother, she makes for an unlikely hero.

I liked Leela from the beginning. Her act of rushing to Rea’s house from the principal’s office is a hoot. She is a solid friend, who takes her friendships seriously even though Rea doesn’t return the friendship for a long time. She lives up to a friendship that doesn’t yet exist in Rea’s eyes. The subplot of Rea being unable to reciprocate Leela’s loyalty and friendship was interesting.

Leela and Xeranther give Rea a much-needed lesson about friendship and loyalty.

This kid, Leela, deserves her own place in the sun. Her own mother forgets her name and no one in her very large joint family even notices that she’s been gone for three days – she’s a story waiting to be told.

It also seemed a little odd that no one from the village raised a hue and cry about the missing boy. In a real world, somebody ought to have complained to the police, unless that is a reflection on our society and how self-involved we have become.

One last issue. Towards the close, Xeranther reassures Rea, We are going to get him (Rohan) out, adding, I have an idea. But he doesn’t do anything about the rescue. Did the author forget?



Despite these issues, I liked the book, and I hope the author will come back with just as smashing a story for the second book in the series.