The story starts off with the Princess Malini’s world burning and being exiled from her kingdom and then imprisoned by her zealot brother. She is held in the temple, Hirana, which has its own magic and secrets. She is being poisoned and not allowed any visitors except for her guard, so as to make her more amiable to her brother’s wishes.

At the temple, Malini meets Priya, a maidservant who isn’t who she seems to be. She’s hiding a secret, and Malini very desperately wants to know what it is and use it to escape. At first Malini scares Priya to do what she wants, or at least that’s what she thinks. Priya, unbeknownst to Malini, is making waves in her own way. By secretly giving cure for an unbreakable curse to those that need it, by providing shelters to the unfortunate and the biggest of all? By planning to over take the rule of Parijat’s brother to bring back the magic and land to her people and to Ahiranya.

Supporting Priya in her efforts is Bhumika, a highborn who has immense magic and only wishes to see that her people are treated fairly and with respect. Although married to one of the highest generals in the Parijat’s army, she has a voice of her own and isn’t afraid to amplify it.

The book is written in multiple-POVs, but the story is driven by the three women and their extremely unique and individual voices. Each POV provides a different side to the long-fought war. It’s incredibly empowering to watch these women fight and command forces to win back what was once theirs.

I’d recommend this book to anyone looking for:
Morally grey women wreaking havoc and burning down everything
Empowering women who know their magic and powers
A brilliant fantasy build within an intricate magical world
An epic Indian-based fantasy novel with people who you can relate to at the soul level ✨

I’ll definitely be looking out for the rest of the books in this trilogy ♥️

My favorite quote:

« Malini wanted to explain that being monstrous wasn't inherent, as Priya seemed to believe it to be. It was something placed upon you: a chain or a poison, bled into you by unkind hands »