Goddess of the River is a feminist fantasy that dives deep into Indian myths with much to say. The storytelling style wasn't keeping me engaged, but the plot and themes hit hard - focusing on strong women facing struggles and oppression. The discussion around duty versus justice set against a backdrop of Indian culture was a perfect setup for personal contemplation.

Admittedly, I struggled to get through it.  There were parts that were quite dark and others that slowed down completely, and I was having difficulty keeping track of all the characters.  But learning about Indian beliefs was eye-opening, and the way Ganga was portrayed was powerful. The book flows like a river, weaving through time and different lives, all while tackling deep topics like sacrifice and what it means to stand by your principles.

If you're into mythological fantasy that's not afraid to get philosophical and morally murky, I would highly recommend this. Patel's writing pulls you into a world filled with heartache, tough decisions, and a hefty dose of human complexity.

Thank you to NetGalley and Redhook Books for an advanced digital reader copy.  All opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.