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The legend of Meneka Cover Image Book Book

The legend of Meneka / Kritika H. Rao.

Rao, Kritika H., (author.).

Summary:

Across the mortal and immortal realms, celestial dancers known as apsaras are revered for their beauty, allure, and enchanting magic. But Meneka knows that is not all they are. Trained as a weapon--a warrior--Meneka despises leaving each of her marks in thrall to her potent illusions. With every seduction Lord Indra, king of heaven, demands of her for his political gain, she craves her freedom more and more. When a mortal sage's growing powers threaten Indra's supremacy in his own realm, Meneka seizes a rare opportunity. She strikes a deal--if she can seduce this dangerous man, Indra will allow her to forgo future missions. But upon meeting the sage, Kaushika, Meneka finds herself captivated by his energy, ignited by his empathy and passion, even though he challenges everything she's ever known. Can she overthrow the man who is--little by little--stealing her heart, or is Kaushika seducing her instead? As war looms in the skies, Meneka must choose between her duty to protect her home, and the sage who is showing her what true love can mean.

Record details

  • ISBN: 9780063349186 (hardcover)
  • Physical Description: x, 357 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm.
  • Edition: First edition.
  • Publisher: New York : Harper Voyager, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, [2025]

Search for related items by subject

Subject: Dancers > Fiction.
Imaginary places > Fiction.
Immortalism > Fiction.
Magic > Fiction.
Man-woman relationships > Fiction.
Genre: Fantasy fiction.
Novels.

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Available copies

  • 1 of 1 copy available at Tsuga Consortium.

Holds

  • 0 current holds with 1 total copy.
Show Only Available Copies
Location Call Number / Copy Notes Barcode Shelving Location Status Due Date
Lakeshore Branch FIC Rao 31681010403103 FICTION Available -
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  • Baker & Taylor
    Meneka, a celestial dancer trained as a warrior, is tasked with seducing the mortal sage Kaushika to protect the heavens, but as her attraction to him deepens, she must choose between loyalty to Lord Indra and the possibility of true love.
  • HARPERCOLL

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    Order now and receive this gorgeous hardcover featuring exclusive endpaper art!

    “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 

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