The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri
In a world of crumbling empires and forbidden magic, The Jasmine Throne follows the unlikely alliance between a rebellious princess and a powerful priestess. Set in a richly imagined land inspired by Indian history and mythology, the novel explores themes of political resistance, faith, and identity. Malini, an exiled royal, is imprisoned for defying her fanatical brother, while Priya hides her magical heritage to survive. When their fates collide, they spark a revolution—and a deeply personal connection that challenges them both. Tasha Suri’s writing is lush and evocative, and her characters complex and bold, making this an essential read for fans of feminist epic fantasy.
Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi
When twelve-year-old Aru Shah lights a cursed lamp to impress her classmates, she accidentally unleashes an ancient demon—and freezes time. Turns out, Aru is a reincarnation of one of the Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata. Now she must embark on a magical quest across realms of Hindu mythology, armed with a talking pigeon and a celestial weapon. Roshani Chokshi weaves humor, adventure, and mythology into an exhilarating middle-grade fantasy perfect for fans of Rick Riordan. Full of heart and cultural depth, Aru’s story is both entertaining and empowering.
The Tale of Iśva Raman by Najeev Nadarajah
Fifteen-year-old Iśva Raman thinks he’s just trying to survive school—dodging bullies, enduring teachers, and hiding the strange flickers of energy only he seems to see. But when a demon attacks him during detention, demanding the mysterious “Seed,” Raman is thrown into a mythic battle that began long before he was born.
Taken to the hidden Temple of the Heart Spring, he discovers a secret legacy about the Cosmic Seed, a powerful artifact tied to the balance of the world. To protect it, Raman must train alongside other chosen youths, mastering elemental magic, battling rakshasas, hatching magical familiars, and surviving trials that test his courage and spirit.
The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi
Maya’s horoscope promises a life of death and destruction—until she’s swept into a political marriage and becomes queen of a mysterious kingdom where the laws of time and space unravel. Inspired by Indian folklore, The Star-Touched Queen is a lush, romantic fantasy about fate, love, and the power of stories. As Maya uncovers secrets hidden in her past and her new realm, she must make choices that could save—or doom—the world. Chokshi’s lyrical prose and vivid imagery elevate this tale into a dreamlike, haunting mythic fantasy.
Star Daughter by Shveta Thakrar
Sheetal has always felt caught between two worlds—human and celestial. When her star mother’s magic calls her back to the heavens, Sheetal is thrust into a glittering world of celestial courts, rivalries, and a deadly competition. To save her father’s life, she must win the contest using the power of her voice and her heart. Star Daughter is a magical coming-of-age story rooted in Hindu mythology and stardust, told with a lyrical voice and poetic beauty. It explores themes of identity, heritage, and self-acceptance in a fantastical setting like no other.
The Ivory Key by Akshaya Raman
In the crumbling kingdom of Ashoka, magic is mined like a precious resource—and it’s running out. Four estranged royal siblings must reunite to find the legendary Ivory Key, the only artifact that can restore magic to their kingdom. But each sibling has their own secrets, motives, and betrayals. This gripping YA fantasy blends Indian culture with mystery, political intrigue, and a fast-paced treasure hunt. Akshaya Raman delivers a layered narrative with complex characters, rich worldbuilding, and an emotional core rooted in sibling dynamics and legacy.
Hunted by the Sky by Tanaz Bhathena
Marked by a prophecy and hunted all her life, Gul has always known she was destined to bring down a tyrant. In a world inspired by medieval India and Persian mythology, she joins a group of rebels to seek revenge. But when she meets Cavas—a stableboy with his own secrets—their fates intertwine in unexpected ways. Hunted by the Sky explores power, destiny, and resistance through immersive worldbuilding and romantic tension. Bhathena’s storytelling balances magic and emotion, crafting a YA fantasy with both grit and grace.
The Tiger at Midnight by Swati Teerdhala
Esha is the legendary rebel known as the Viper. Kunal is a dutiful soldier bound by tradition. When their paths cross in a game of cat-and-mouse across a kingdom on the brink of war, both must confront the truths they’ve been raised to believe. Set in a lush world inspired by Indian history and Hindu mythology, The Tiger at Midnight is a tale of vengeance, forbidden love, and shifting loyalties. With dynamic action scenes and intricate political stakes, it’s the first in a thrilling trilogy that blends espionage with ancient myth.
The Serpent’s Secret by Sayantani DasGupta
Kiranmala always thought she was a regular sixth-grader from New Jersey—until demons crash her birthday and her parents disappear. Turns out, she’s an Indian princess from another dimension. With two princely sidekicks and a magical flying horse, Kiran journeys through Bengali folktales brought to life to save her family and world. The Serpent’s Secret is a witty, action-packed middle-grade adventure that combines mythology, humor, and heart. Sayantani DasGupta crafts a fresh, fearless heroine in a story that champions bravery and cultural pride.
The Serpent’s Secret by Sayantani DasGupta
Kiranmala always thought she was a regular sixth-grader from New Jersey—until demons crash her birthday and her parents disappear. Turns out, she’s an Indian princess from another dimension. With two princely sidekicks and a magical flying horse, Kiran journeys through Bengali folktales brought to life to save her family and world. The Serpent’s Secret is a witty, action-packed middle-grade adventure that combines mythology, humor, and heart. Sayantani DasGupta crafts a fresh, fearless heroine in a story that champions bravery and cultural pride.
The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi
In a darkly glamorous alternate 19th-century Paris, a diverse team of scholars, thieves, and outcasts plans a heist to retrieve a powerful artifact. Séverin, the ambitious leader, sees this as his chance to reclaim his birthright—but the secrets they uncover could change the world. The Gilded Wolves is a dazzling blend of historical fantasy, mythology, and steampunk, layered with puzzles and diverse perspectives. Roshani Chokshi delivers both intellect and emotion in this atmospheric novel that will appeal to fans of Six of Crows and The Da Vinci Code alike.
