Review: Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove by Rati Mehrotra

Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove

by Rati Mehrotra

October 18, 2022

Goodreads Summary:

To learn what she can become, she must first discover who she is.

Katyani’s role in the kingdom of Chandela has always been clear: becoming an advisor and protector of the crown prince, Ayan, when he ascends to the throne. Bound to the Queen of Chandela through a forbidden soul bond that saved her when she was a child, Katyani has grown up in the royal family and become the best guardswoman the Garuda has ever seen. But when a series of assassination attempts threatens the royals, Katyani is shipped off to the gurukul of the famous Acharya Mahavir as an escort to Ayan and his cousin, Bhairav, to protect them as they hone the skills needed to be the next leaders of the kingdom. Nothing could annoy Katyani more than being stuck in a monastic school in the middle of a forest, except her run-ins with Daksh, the Acharya’s son, who can’t stop going on about the rules and whose gaze makes her feel like he can see into her soul.

But when Katyani and the princes are hurriedly summoned back to Chandela before their training is complete, tragedy strikes and Katyani is torn from the only life she has ever known. Alone and betrayed in a land infested by monsters, Katyani must find answers from her past to save all she loves and forge her own destiny. Bonds can be broken, but debts must be repaid.

Review

Going by the synopsis, I knew Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove, would be a book for me. I couldn't have been more right~ This Indian mythology-infused story was fast-paced and fulfilling.

A book rich in story-telling, I couldn't get enough. From gurukul training to monster slaying to war mediating, Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove contains an ample amount of twists and shocks. The betrayals and deaths hit hard but the smooth writing softens the blows somewhat.

I thoroughly enjoyed Katyani's character. She was courageous, resourceful and loyal. Even during the direst times, she was unfailing. "The dead would not become the living merely because she regretted her actions." (p. 272) Katyani's journey was such a worthy read. Although it was full of hardships, it also presented unexpected rewards.

At first glance, Katyani and Daksh's romance felt insta-lovey. However, I think the author did a great job building their relationship as the story progressed. The palpable chemistry between Katyani and Daksh made for some delicious moments. Despite her teasing nature, every interaction she had with him were notably meaningful or super sweet.

I cannot praise Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove enough! It's a fascinating story ripe with adventures and life lessons. Everyone needs a copy of this book in their life!

*I received an uncorrected bound manuscript of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not affected in any way. Any quotes included in my review were taken from the uncorrected bound manuscript I received.