The Legend of Meneka” by Kritika H. Rao is a fresh and captivating retelling of the Hindu myth about the celestial dancer Meneka, known for her seductive powers and complex role between gods and mortals. Unlike traditional versions, this story dives deep into Meneka’s own thoughts and struggles, portraying her not just as a weapon of seduction but as a layered character with doubts, desires, and a strong will.

The book blends romance, fantasy, and mythology beautifully with a slow-burning enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Meneka and the mortal sage Kaushika, who challenges her beliefs and loyalty to Lord Indra. The writing is engaging and emotional, balancing sensuality, political intrigue, and themes of devotion and self-discovery. It’s refreshing to see the myth explored through a feminist lens, with nuanced characters and a queernorm vibe. The worldbuilding is rich and immersive, making it accessible even to readers unfamiliar with Hindu mythology.

I was fascinated reading about Hindu mythology and overall enjoyed the plot and character relationships. However, the book could have been more descriptive in my opinion. I couldn't really picture the setting. Apart from that, solid read and i will be picking up the sequel.

The Legend of Meneka promises an alluring mix of Hindu mythology and romantasy, reimagining the iconic tale of Menaka, the apsara sent to seduce the sage Vishwamitra. Kritika Rao sets the stage beautifully: celestial realms brimming with dazzling imagery, Indra’s manipulative politics, and a heroine caught between duty and desire. The premise sounds irresistible for fans of mythological retellings.

Where the novel shines is in its lush, lyrical prose. Rao has a gift for painting scenes that feel both sensual and celestial, immersing the reader in the world of apsaras, sages, and divine wars. I also appreciated how the story attempts to reclaim Menaka’s voice, transforming her from a tool in the service of Indra’s politics into a woman grappling with questions of agency, freedom, and self-worth. Themes of love as rebellion and divinity as nuance make this more than just a myth retelling; it’s a commentary on choice and identity.

That said, the book struggles with pacing and character depth. Some parts crawl with lengthy inner monologues, while others rush past crucial relationship development. Meneka and Kaushika’s romance, central to the story, often feels more told than shown. There are moments of spark, but the chemistry sometimes falls flat, leaning more on lust and destiny than on organic tension or emotional build-up. I found it underwhelming.

In the end, The Legend of Meneka is a book of contrasts, beautifully written but unevenly executed, ambitious in scope but inconsistent in delivery. It felt like a missed potential.

Thanks to the publisher for gifting me the Netgalley ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Legend of Meneka by Kristina Rao is a novel inspired by Ancient Indian Hindu mythology. It’s the first book in the Divine Dancer’s duology series and a retelling tale of the Apsara Menaka and Sage Vishwamitra.

A story of heroism, enchanting celestial magic, seduction, beauty love, desire, spiritual growth, heartbreak and destiny. Meneka, a celestial dancer of Lord Indra’s (immortal God) court and heaven makes a deal with him if she can seduce a human mortal sage called Kaushika he will grant her wish of freedom to prove her devotion to Lord Indra an immortal God.

Meneka is a fierce, powerful and determined FMC and rises against impossible odds to save her world.

The story is written in very poetic language and in Meneka’s POV and it felt narrated at times. There was also alot of constant inner monologue /turmoil and I found that quite frustrating as a reader and the pace was too slow. The writing is very lyrical and poetic and I did struggle to connect with the characters.

The story has very intricate, beautiful imagery and detailed world-building describing the immortal worlds.

I did struggle with connecting with Meneka’s character when she first meets the sage Kaushika especially when she kept calling him “arrogant” and there wasn’t any context behind that apart from the fact that he wasn’t giving in to her beauty, or giving her attention.

The one chapter representation of the God Shiva’s scene was ethereal and beautifully written.

It is worth noting that this book includes a lot of traditional Sanskrit (ancient language of Hinduism) words and at a times I felt quite lost and was referring back to the glossary for the meanings and for this reason the story can be quite complex to follow, especially if you are not familiar with ancient mythological Hinduism culture and the meaning of the Sanskrit words from Hindu scriptures. However the author has included a glossary with a list of some of the Sanskrit words and meanings and I think it could’ve been expanded to include more cultural words to help readers understand better.

If you like ancient Hindu mythological stories with immortal God’s and sages then I think you’ll find this book appealing.

Tropes
Hindu Inspired Mythology
Enemies to lovers
Forbidden romance
Powerful FMC
Celestial magic
Intricate Hindu mythological World building
Hindu Gods and Wars
Betrayal
Spice

I thought I would really enjoy this but it just didn’t work for me. While the mythology was interesting the characters felt flat to me. I was especially disappointed with the romance especially as this was a romantasy and so it was a focus of the story.
I didn’t feel like there was a real connection between them and why they fell in love. I just wanted something more.
The ending has intrigued me though with the plot twist as we finally had answers but I feel like it came too late and didn’t have the impact it should have.

The Legend of Meneka is a definite must read. I loved the culture of the book and the mythology that is retold. The world building was perfect and the romance was just the right about. I will without a doubt be picking up more from this author.

Loved the world building and how author has created Meneka’s Character. The book is really enchanting and filled with the art of seduction, love, desire, devotion and realising self worth. There is so much more to the story. I would say this is inspired by the hindu mythology.

Meneka is the apsara of the Indra’s court and she is his weapon as well which he use against his enemies. Meneka mastered the power of seduction but she no longer wanted to do what Lord Indra has been asking her to do. She just wanted to stay in his kingdom but he ask her to prove her devotion and loyalty. He sends her on one more mission. But things don’t go as she planned and it seems to be impossible for her. The world building and character development were good.

Thanks to the Publisher.

This was a really enjoyable read based on Hindu mythology. I loved reading about the different characters and following Meneka’s journey on her latest mission. It was beautifully written and I’m really looking forward to reading more by the author!

"I am not sure you need approval. Least of all mine. It has always been about your own.”
Being Hindu, I love reading Indian mythological retellings and to be honest, I didn’t know anything about Menaka being sent to seduce the sage Vishwamitra and I loved that a story was being told from the perspective of the female as these viewpoints historically tend to be lacking.
It was a beautiful tale of Meneka tiring of her duties as apsara, enticing those who do not revere Lord Indra as he feels they should and subsequently leaving them in a state of despair, unable to persuade others to follow their path away from Indra. She resolves to ask for her freedom. Indra possessing a deep sense of pride as well as other virtues and vices, sends her on a final task where other more experienced apsara’s have not returned, and therefore failed in accomplishing what they were sent to do.
She forms bonds slowly amongst those at the ashram and in doing so, realises that she is more than the power she receives from Indra, that she Is able to drive the greater good. That she can guide Kaushika (a.k.a. Vishwamitra) on a path that would spare many.
The writing was beautiful and evoked such deep, complex emotions. The world was complex and simple, the austerity of the ashram conveying the depth of the devotion to their abilities.
Pick this book up for a pathway into lesser know Hindu mythology (especially to those of us not living in India) which will pique your interest in the mythology from which this deviates to an extent. You’re sure to find it as fascinating as I did.
Thank you to HarperCollins UK and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this

I really enjoyed this book. I liked the romance, I liked the setting and I liked the way it all unfolded. It was really cool to read.

I read a lot of books inspired by different cultures, but this one really struck me as one that could only come from the Hindu culture. Obviously as a retelling it is part of the Hindu mythology, but also the way the Kaushika interacted her. As a teacher but also constantly learning from her. All of them, seeking enlightenment. All these teachings are so intrinsic to Hinduism and I just really enjoyed seeing that playing out in the book.

With other books with seduction plots, I have found they can be a little lacking in action, but with the threat of war, this one was filled with plenty of action and tension.

This is the second book I’ve read from this author and I’m definitely gonna read more.

Celestial beauty and divine intrigue should be intoxicating. That was my thought when I picked up Kritika H. Rao’s “The Legend of Meneka”. Meneka is an apsara, a celestial being who uses her powers of seduction to quash enemies. Now, she is weary of being Indra’s pawn, and she bargains for her freedom by targeting the sage Kaushika, whose power threatens the divine order. What follows is a cocktail of Indian mythology, romance, and a display of magical prowess as Meneka and Kaushika engage in a tense, push-pull dance around each other.

Mythology is clearly close to Rao’s heart and it’s where her writing shines. The celestial politics, the looming war between sages and gods, the intricate hierarchies of divine power are all elements are rendered with vivid detail and a reverence for the source material. I loved Indra’s character in particular - a king clinging to supremacy, his demands wrapped in paternalistic condescension.

Meneka and Kaushika, the two protagonists in the novel, though were not as compelling. Meneka’s mind is in turmoil as she tries to balance duty versus desire, and obedience versus selfhood. Yet, it didn’t hit me powerfully enough as it’s mostly narrated rather than lived. The sensual passages feel performative, and could have benefited from more heart.

Kaushika, unfortunately, fares no better. For much of the novel, he is less a character than an archetype: the enlightened sage, the untouchable ascetic. Again, as with Meneka’s inner world, his supposed magnetism is told, not shown, leaving Meneka’s growing attachment to him baffling rather than inevitable.

Due to this, their dynamic engaged me inconsistently. I wish Rao had devoted a little more agency and voice to her characters, including the minor ones.

That said, “The Legend of Meneka” is not a bad book. Rao’s prose is polished, her worldbuilding is intricate, and she clearly loves and knows her mythology.

This is a fast-paced, lyrical exploration of Hindu mythology, which does enchant in places.

A spellbinding rendition of love and betrayal evocative of intense longing and unfulfilled desires; exquisite and seductive in its prose, rich and detailed in its tapestry of characters while captivating in plot and thought-provoking in its knowledge and lore. I highly recommend it.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

I really liked the infusion of Hindu mythology in this novel, though there was sometimes a little too much philosophy for me! But I enjoyed the unique concept and liked the way the romance storyline unfolded. I'll definitely read the next installment.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free ARC in exchange for a review.

I devored this book! I didn't realize it was a retelling based on a very famous Hindu legend, but I loved it nevertheless!

Meneka is a deep, introspective, and interesting main character with a fascinating perspective. Kaushika, her MMC, is a perfect foil with a his own path and beliefs to grapple with. .Together, the story Rao weaves is just so engrossing.

The world-building of both swarga and the mortal realm is complex, yet accessible. There is a glossary of terms at the back of the book, but honestly, the writing was so good, you were able to grasp the concepts quickly and move on in your understanding.

I absolutely loved the story, especially the representation of Shiva.

The ending... I'm not as sure on. I didn't totally understand what was happening with <spoiler> Shachi and why Meneka suddenly was okay with being commanded again, when the whole book seemed to be her journey out of that, and her bravery in leaving it even if it ruined her. </spoiler> but I enjoyed it enough that I will pick up the next book and hope it all becomes clear.

Four stars!

I really enjoyed this romantasy, I loved the style of writing and the sense of place. The story felt infused with a deep mythology that I really appreciated and fell into.

For me the romance was a little bit underwhelming compared to the sense of place and the lushness of the story. I enjoyed the couple but it took me a while to fall completely in love with them and their relationship.

In this lush reimagining of Hindu mythology, Kritika H. Rao brings to life the story of Meneka, a celestial dancer trained not just in seduction but in war and deception. Serving the will of Lord Indra, she ensnares powerful mortals for his political gain—until one mission changes everything.

🔥 A deadly deal – To gain her freedom, Meneka must seduce a rising sage, Kaushika, whose power threatens the gods themselves.
💫 An unexpected love – Drawn to his passion and strength, she begins to question her loyalty to heaven.
⚔️ A battle of fate – As war looms, she must decide: stay true to her celestial duty or embrace the love that could change her destiny forever.

Perfect for fans of:
✔️ Mythology-infused fantasy like Kaikeyi & Circe
✔️ Romantic tension & powerful heroines
✔️ Stories of self-discovery & defying fate

With enchanting prose, political intrigue, and epic romance, The Legend of Meneka is the first in the Divine Dancers duology—a mesmerising journey into the heart of legend and love.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

I'm not sure how to feel about this one. It was very much okay, with pretty but easily readable prose and a fast-paced storyline. But I kept wanting more, as none of it was really drawing me in. I especially didn't connect with the romance, because I couldn't feel their connection or why they'd feel so strongly about each other. Since this is a romantasy, that did make the book harder to enjoy. I didn't dislike this in any way, but I guess I have to conclude that it wasn't really for me.

Thank you to Harper Fiction and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book for review.

I'm currently awake at 2.30am bawling my eyes out after finishing this absolutely incredible and truly captivating tale.
The Legend of Meneka is a retelling I won't forget in a hurry. The characters felt so real and I shared their emotions throughout this tale. Kritika has such a beautiful way with words and her story telling is magical.
I loved Meneka from our first meeting, the way she was constantly battling her inner turmoil on the path to discovering who she is meant to be. Kaushika being the antithesis to Meneka's beliefs when she first embarks on her mission made me distrust him too. However, I absolutely loved their character development together. The way we peeled back layers and learned more as Meneka and Kaushika got to know each other was exquisitely written.

I grew up with tales of Lord Shiva, Goddess Shakti and Lord Indra. For me, it was really cool to see the stories my parents told me in childhood brought to life in a new way now.

I loved this book! It made me feel so many emotions but more than that, it unlocked nostalgia and helped me reconnect not only with my culture but also, my younger self. This was a truly wonderful readand I cannot recommend it highly enough!

It's so refreshing to read a romantasy novel inspired by a different culture, and I really enjoyed learning more about Hindu mythology. However, I struggled to connect with the characters and the story. Since it's told from Meneka's POV, her constant doubt and repetitive inner conflict made the narrative feel frustrating at times. While there was slow burn, the romance didn’t feel engaging enough for me and I couldn't really enjoy it.

"You are whoever you wish to be, Meneka."

I was not familiar with the original legend before reading this book, so I'm not sure if it's present there or not.. but I was immensely impressed by Meneka's character growth. from someone who was dependent on others for validation, yet struggling with her devotion to the same people, she just became her own person, embracing her identity. she was both someone I could relate to, but also an unlikeable narrator at times. and I really liked this duality of her. after her bestie almost died, my girl's main priority was to present herself as supper for the broody sage in the next room. and you know what? hell yeah.

what I struggled with a bit was the worldbuilding and getting used to the historical context in the beginning, so this made me "work for it" a bit harder, especially in the beginning. nonetheless, I will be reading the next book as well.