{"product_id":"the-rise-of-the-celestials-a-divine-dancers-novel-isbn-9780063349230","title":"The Rise of the Celestials: A Divine Dancers Novel","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInternationally bestselling author Kritika H. Rao weaves a stunning tale of love, seduction, and betrayal in this enchanting and romantic conclusion to the Divine Dancers duology that started with\u003cem\u003e The Legend of Meneka\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAfter completing her dangerous mission to seduce Sage Kaushika—and unexpectedly finding love in the process—Meneka enjoys a fragile freedom. She now lives in the mortal realm with Kaushika, both learning to trust each other. Yet deep differences linger between them, and conflicting loyalties may still tear them apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe illusion of peace shatters when Meneka is abruptly summoned back to the City of Immortals by Lord Indra, who demands her help in facing a threat from the demonic realm. Meneka wants nothing to do with Indra’s schemes, but she can’t return to Kaushika unless she complies. If she fails, her immortal home will fall, Kaushika will be lost to her, and her very identity as an apsara will become forfeit. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo save all she loves, Meneka must navigate the darkest corners of the Immortal Realm, pursued by monsters and demons. But the greatest danger lies in a truth she cannot outrun—one that could shatter her bond with Kaushika forever. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis sequel to \u003cem\u003eThe Legend of Meneka\u003c\/em\u003e brings the celestial dancer’s saga to a thrilling conclusion, delving deeper into Hindu mythology as she faces an ancient threat—and confronts truths buried in her own heart.\u003c\/p\u003e | \u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\"Rise of the Celestials\u003c\/i\u003e is the stunning final installment of the Divine Dancers duology (after \u003ci\u003eThe Legend of Meneka\u003c\/i\u003e, 2025). Rao succeeds in bringing Hindu mythology to the forefront, creating a sweeping saga of forbidden love, a war between humans and gods, monstrous asuras, seduction, and betrayal. Romantasy fans looking for the above will be influenced by the apsara's spell. Perfect for fans of Katrina Kwan, Thea Guanzon, and Sophie Kim.\" - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eBooklist (starred review)\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Enthralling and highly imaginative. . . A richly crafted story.” - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eSue Lynn Tan, bestselling author of Daughter of the Moon Goddess, on The Surviving Sky\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eThe Legend of Meneka\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\" - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eRoshani Chokshi, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Tale of the Flower Bride\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Sensual and thought-provoking, a romantic fantasy unlike any other.\"  \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eShannon Chakraborty, New York Times bestselling author of The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eThe Legend of Meneka\u003c\/em\u003e is a lustrously beautiful mythic romance, both empowering and seductive.\" - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eTasha Suri, World Fantasy Award-winning author of The Jasmine Throne\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“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.”  - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eHannah Kaner, #1 internationally bestselling author of Godkiller\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“With sumptuous language and sultry, high stakes romance, this is a glittering gem of a book.” \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eHannah Whitten, New York Times bestselling author of For The Wolf\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Effervescent, passionate, and romantic, \u003cem\u003eThe Legend of Meneka\u003c\/em\u003e 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.”  - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eAmelie Wen Zhao, New York Times bestselling author of the Song of the Last Kingdom duology\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"A powerful and spellbinding reimagining,\u003cem\u003e The Legend of Meneka\u003c\/em\u003e 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.\"  - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eR. R. Virdi, USA Today bestselling author of The First Binding\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"The Legend of Meneka \u003c\/em\u003eis 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.\" - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eAndrea Stewart, internationally bestselling author of The Drowning Empire trilogy\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Lush, haunting, and utterly intoxicating, \u003cem\u003eThe Legend of Meneka\u003c\/em\u003e 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.” - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eThea Guanzon, New York Times bestselling author of The Hurricane Wars\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“An utterly compelling tale woven from hauntingly sensual prose that will transport readers to a fantasy world steeped in romance and intrigue.” - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eMolly X. Chang, USA Today and international best-selling author of To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“In \u003cem\u003eThe Legend of Meneka\u003c\/em\u003e, 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.” - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eEhigbor Okosun, #1 internationally bestselling author of Forged By Blood\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“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.” - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eBooklist (starred review)\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"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.\" - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eLibrary Journal\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“A thrilling read.” - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eWashington Post\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“A must-read for fans of mythological retellings and romantasy.” \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eManhattan Book Review\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“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.” - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003ePublishers Weekly (starred review)\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“A balanced blend of sensuous romance with deeply felt meditation on crises of faith.” - \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eLibrary Journal\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Harper Voyager","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48588067012837,"sku":"NP9780063349230","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9780063349230.jpg?v=1773961661","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/es\/products\/the-rise-of-the-celestials-a-divine-dancers-novel-isbn-9780063349230","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}