The Legend of Meneka: A Novel

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“I would let you teach me, rule me, ruin me. I would let you vanquish me, if that is what you wanted, Meneka. If you asked.”

I was trained to seduce.

They call us apsaras—celestial dancers, conjurers of beauty and illusion. But I know the truth: we are weapons, wielded by gods. Every time I enchant a mortal, every time I leave them aching and bewitched, it’s not for love. It’s for power. For my lord Indra, king of the heavens.

And I have played my part well.

When a mortal sage named Kaushika rises in power, threatening Indra’s throne, I am sent to stop him the only way I know how. One final mission, Indra promises, and I will be free. But Kaushika is not what I expected. Fierce. Compassionate. Unshakably human. And suddenly, I’m not sure who is luring whom.

Until I meet my match.

The more I learn about his world, the more I begin to question my own. As war brews between gods and mortals, I must choose—stay loyal to the realm that made me, or risk everything for the chance to shape my own destiny.

And I’m the one who begins to fall.

I was designed to charm rulers and distract sages. But I won’t be a pawn in their games any longer. I will rewrite the rules.

Bestselling author Kritika H. Rao weaves an empowering tale of identity, rebellion, and cosmic power inspired by Hindu mythology, perfect for lovers of romantic fantasy and mythic retellings.

"A thrilling read." — Washington Post

“A feast for the senses.” — Thea Guanzon, New York Times bestselling author of The Hurricane Wars

“Sensual and thought-provoking.” — Shannon Chakraborty, New York Times bestselling author of The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi

"A heart stopping, magical adventure." — Ehigbor Okosun, #1 internationally bestselling author of Exiled by Iron

“A glittering gem of a book.”— Hannah Whitten, New York Times bestselling author of The Foxglove King

"Nothing short of resplendent." — Roshani Chokshi, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Tale of the Flower Bride

Tropes:

• Mythological retelling inspired by Hindu literature
• Empowered female protagonist
• A MMC who worships her
• Enemies to lovers
• 'I came here to end you but I fell for you instead'
• Slow burn spicy romance
• Gods vs mortals
• Illusion magic woven with dances
• Philosophical debates and challenging each other’s beliefs