Rise of the Celestials

Kritika H. Rao is a speculative and children’s fiction author, who has lived in India, Australia, Canada, and The Sultanate of Oman. Whether writing for younger audiences or adults, Kritika’s stories are influenced by her lived experiences, and explore themes of self vs. the world, identity, and the nature of consciousness.

“Enthralling and highly imaginative. . . A richly crafted story.” — Sue Lynn Tan, bestselling author of Daughter of the Moon Goddess, on The Surviving Sky"The Legend of Meneka is a celebration of all that makes a story truly, wildly, and ecstatically epic. Rao's prose hums with starlight and her dazzling reimagining deftly blends ancient philosophy with the story of a woman emerging into her own power. As befits a retelling of one of the most celebrated celestial nymphs in Hindu myth, this book is nothing short of resplendent." — Roshani Chokshi, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Tale of the Flower Bride"Sensual and thought-provoking, a romantic fantasy unlike any other."  — Shannon Chakraborty, New York Times bestselling author of The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi"The Legend of Meneka is a lustrously beautiful mythic romance, both empowering and seductive." — Tasha Suri, World Fantasy Award-winning author of The Jasmine Throne“Sultry, powerful, and deeply felt, this is a wondrous tale of two lovers on opposing sides of a growing war between the human and the divine. Meneka is a driven and cunning protagonist who embodies all the strength of feminine intelligence and power, and I was entirely drawn into the world that Kritika H. Rao unravels out of ancient Indian myth and literature. Rao's writing is utterly compelling, and I believe she will continue to be a powerful figure in speculative fiction.”  — Hannah Kaner, #1 internationally bestselling author of Godkiller“With sumptuous language and sultry, high stakes romance, this is a glittering gem of a book.” — Hannah Whitten, New York Times bestselling author of For The Wolf“Effervescent, passionate, and romantic, The Legend of Meneka is a brightly-burning flame of a tale set in a world gleaming with magic and helmed by a woman on a journey to self-discovery. With prose that reads like hymn, Rao beautifully brings to life Indian mythology in a novel sure to set fire to the fantasy landscape.”  — Amelie Wen Zhao, New York Times bestselling author of the Song of the Last Kingdom duology "A powerful and spellbinding reimagining, The Legend of Meneka brings the story of the legendary apsara from Hindu legends to new and vivid life. Kritika H. Rao displays a deft and well-studied hand, composing a sweeping romantic tale re-examining the role of the temptress."  — R. R. Virdi, USA Today bestselling author of The First Binding"The Legend of Meneka is seductive and sensual, an utter delight, with the yearning turned up to eleven and the choices difficult and heart-wrenching. Rao deftly weaves together romance, conflict, and magic, transporting readers to a world that glitters as surely as the blood in an immortal’s veins. This is a downright feast of a book, and its heat will linger on your tongue." — Andrea Stewart, internationally bestselling author of The Drowning Empire trilogy“Lush, haunting, and utterly intoxicating, The Legend of Meneka reimagines an ancient tale without losing sight of what makes it timeless. Kritika H. Rao’s writing is a feast for the senses, elegantly whisking you off to a dreamlike world where every corner glitters with magic, and the sensual and the sacred collide. With its themes of divinity and humanity and passion and power, this is an unforgettable story that leaves you aching for Meneka as she is torn between two realms and tries to snatch a star-crossed love back from the jaws of doom.” — Thea Guanzon, New York Times bestselling author of The Hurricane Wars“An utterly compelling tale woven from hauntingly sensual prose that will transport readers to a fantasy world steeped in romance and intrigue.” — Molly X. Chang, USA Today and international best-selling author of To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods“In The Legend of Meneka, Rao weaves a heartstopping, magical adventure as tantalizing and complex as its eponymous heroine. Filled with electrifying twists, radiant passion, and seductive tension that will keep you at the edge of your seat, this book is bound to enchant.” — Ehigbor Okosun, #1 internationally bestselling author of Forged By Blood“Interwoven with Hindu mythology, the first of Rao’s Divine Dancers duology is as captivating as the apsara’s dance within. Fans of Sue Lynn Tan, Axie Oh, and Sabaa Tahir will be anxiously awaiting the finale of this retelling.” — Booklist (starred review)"The novel’s pace is defined by the slow-burn romance, and the characters have layered motivations and make naturalistic choices. The cliffhanger ending opens the way for chaos in the sequel. . . . A balanced blend of sensuous romance with deeply felt meditation on crises of faith." — Library Journal“A thrilling read.” — Washington Post“A must-read for fans of mythological retellings and romantasy.” — Manhattan Book Review“The fascinating magic system draws deeply from the Hindu pantheon while the gripping plot never lets up on the treachery, betrayal, and steamy scenes between Meneka and Kaushika. Romantasy readers won’t want to put this down.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)“A balanced blend of sensuous romance with deeply felt meditation on crises of faith.” — Library Journal