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Reviewed by: Heather Maneiro, High School Librarian Title: A Drop of Venom Author: Sajni Patel Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Year: 2024 Good for Grades: 9-12 Genre/Type of Book: Fantasy
Content Warnings, or things that other School Librarians should be aware of: Sexual Assault Recommended for a school library: Yes Reason(s) for choosing the book: Cybils Speculative Fiction Review If you were tasked by the publisher with writing a short quote for the back cover of this book, what would it be: What makes a monster? Who decides?
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Review:
Manisha and her family are separated in a land torn by war. Manisha is sent away to serve as a priestess and tries her best dreaming of climbing the ranks as a priestess. Manisha knows that she is different from the rest, but does not understand why some do NOT want her to succeed. Manisha does not understand that it is her birthright, her heritage, her destiny, that makes her who she is. Manisha finds just one friend in the temple, Pratyush.
Pratyush, has also been separated from his family in the upheaval. Pratyush is the slayer of monsters. One would think, with such a title there would be praise and accolades. Pratyush soon realizes, however, that he is simply a hired gun. Pratyush’s joy is his time spent at the temple with Manisha and is determined that they should be wed.
A violent attack on Manisha in the temple; however, results in our star-crossed lovers being torn apart. Manisha is on the run and her true being (monster?) is finally revealed. Pratyush is then sent to slay the monster turning men to stone. But who is the true monster? Pratyush must decide.
Verdict: With little background myself in Indian lore, I probably missed a lot in this retelling. What I found especially fascinating was the different take from the different communities in the book on women and feminism. There are several depictions of sexual assault and it is a major theme in the book, so not appropriate for all readers and definitely should come with the trigger warning.
Number of party hats:
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