I have such a love for retellings and mythology in general. Although, I haven't read Ramayana to compare it to, I can say for a story I did not know, this book has led me to want to read the classic in the future!

"I was born on the full moon under an auspicious constellation, the holiest of positions - much good it did me." This book was so beautifully written and has so many quotable parts to it. Kaikeyi is the only daughter of seven kids and raised in Kekeya. She was raised on stories of the gods, but her prayers go unanswered. She's determined to make the world a better place for women and future generations.

I really enjoyed the fact that there was court politics that Kaikeyi and the sister-wifes were involved in and seeing what came into fruition throughout the story and at the end. Kaikeyi definitely has her faults, but what she chooses to do with her powers she feels is better for all the people despite the major outcomes that occur. I loved the magic aspect and the different gods in this book. I loved the fact that Kaikeyi can be seen as asexual as well, where she loves Dasharath deeply even if she doesn't desire him like other women desire men. Also, their relationship was one for the books from the beginning, he absolutely revered Kaikeyi, often seeking her council in major decisions and including her in wars, and creating a spot on his council for the kingdom. Let alone the work she did with the Kauslaya and Sumitra.

Overall, I really loved this book from start to finish!! I would highly recommend this to others looking for mythology/classic retellings with a strong, independent woman, court intrigue, romance and relationships between characters, gods, godstouched, and god forsaken destinies.

Disclaimer: I received Kaikeyi as an ARC and I'm voluntarily leaving this review.