Kritika H. Rao

The Surviving Sky

Enter a lush world of cataclysmic storms, planet-wide jungles, floating cities and devastating magic in this explosive new science fantasy, perfect for fans of N.K. Jemisin, Tasha Suri and Martha Wells. High above a jungle-planet float the last refuges of humanity—plant-made civilizations held together by tradition, technology, and arcane science. In these living cities, architects are revered above anyone else. If not for their ability to psychically manipulate the architecture, the cities would plunge into the devastating earthrage storms below. Charismatic, powerful, mystical, Iravan is one such architect. In his city, his word is nearly law. His abilities are his identity, but to Ahilya, his wife, they are a way for survival to be reliant on the privileged few. Like most others, she cannot manipulate the plants. And she desperately seeks change. Their marriage is already thorny—then Iravan is accused of pushing his abilities to forbidden limits. He needs Ahilya to help clear his name; she needs him to tip the balance of rule in their society. As their paths become increasingly intertwined, deadly truths emerge, challenging everything each of them believes. And as the earthrages become longer, and their floating city begins to plummet, Iravan and Ahilya's discoveries might destroy their marriage, their culture, and their entire civilization.

This Hindu philosophy-inspired debut science fantasy follows a husband and wife racing to save their living city—and their troubled marriage—high above a jungle world besieged by cataclysmic storms. High above a jungle-planet float the last refuges of humanity—plant-made civilizations held together by tradition, technology, and arcane science. In these living cities, architects are revered above anyone else. If not for their ability to psychically manipulate the architecture, the cities would plunge into the devastating earthrage storms below. Charismatic, powerful, mystical, Iravan is one such architect. In his city, his word is nearly law. His abilities are his identity, but to Ahilya, his wife, they are a way for survival to be reliant on the privileged few. Like most others, she cannot manipulate the plants. And she desperately seeks change. Their marriage is already thorny—then Iravan is accused of pushing his abilities to forbidden limits. He needs Ahilya to help clear his name; she needs him to tip the balance of rule in their society. As their paths become increasingly intertwined, deadly truths emerge, challenging everything each of them believes. And as the earthrages become longer, and their floating city begins to plummet, Iravan and Ahilya's discoveries might destroy their marriage, their culture, and their entire civilization.

In this dazzling sequel to the The Surviving Sky, Ahilya and Iravan risk everything—their lives, their culture, and their fragile marriage—in pursuit of the earth-shattering truth about their existence.
Two months have passed since Ahilya and Iravan learned the devastating truths behind the earthrages. As the cosmic creatures struggle to break into the world, and Nakshar's architecture disintegrates, the desperate council summons their sister ashrams to a Conclave, to discuss the future of life in the skies.

Ahilya, now a councillor, is determined to share the truth about the cosmic beings and the nature of Ecstatic trajection so she can liberate ordinary citizens and save the condemned architects. Her conviction has alienated her allies and created dangerous enemies. Only Iravan has a chance of persuading the Conclave that Ecstatics are not unstable, but he returns from the jungle struggling with his own Ecstasy. He has little control over his second-self, the primal falcon yaksha, and finds the Conclave hostile to his cause.

As strange, deadly storms break out, threatening refuge even in the skies, Iravan and the other Ecstatic architects face brutal reprisals. And with the barrier restraining the cosmic beings thinning, Ahilya and Iravan know they are running out of time to save everyone. Thrust into the center of the storm, both will have to confront what matters most to them, who they really are, and what it means for the future of humanity.

The Unrelenting Earth


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 threatens 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.

Romantic, spellbinding, and empowering, The Legend of Meneka breathes new life into Hindu mythology to weave a lustrous tale of a woman discovering the cosmic power within herself. This first book in the Divine Dancers duology is a completely unputdownable adventure for lovers of romantasy and myth retellings.

The Legend of Meneka

THE INSTANT INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER “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. Order the exclusive hardcover edition now featuring beautiful endpaper art! THE LEGEND OF MENEKA IS... "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

Kritika H. Rao

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