This book was not what I was expecting from the Rick Riordan Presents line of books. It is much darker and much more graphic. I believe it keeps true to the Indian mythology of Medusa and the actions that are portrayed are real world types of happenings but I didn’t expect it here. Beyond that, it had moments that were very engaging and moments that were just slow. Due to the graphic nature (rape, sexual mutilation, abuse, death, violence) I would recommend this for much other students. I will not be putting it in my elementary/middle grade collection.

When I first started this book, I knew it was going to be one that stuck with me long after I read it. The idea itself is audacious, but works wonderfully well. The trend of retelling myths but with a feminist twist is incredibly popular, but you don't see many being marketed towards young adults.

The main issue that I had with this book is the writing. Much of this is written like a middle grade book, but the content was very older YA or NA. This book is one of the first YA books under Rick Riordan Presents, which typically has books geared towards middle graders, which could explain some of the disconnect between the writing and the content.

Manisha's story is a powerful one for all young people to read. I loved that we alternated between Pratyush's and Manisha's POV and how Pratyush was in the present, while we were with Manisha as she was slowly learning about who she became. This book is an incredibly powerful read, and I can't wait to see more in this universe.

I have been looking for Medusa love in the mythological retelling scene and this is it! I loved the blend of Greek myth with South Asian culture. The world building was truly outstanding, especially from one of Patel's only fantasy novels. Over the course of events in this book, the reader is forced to ponder what is means to be good vs bad or considered a monster.
This is a tense and heavy read at times. I worry some will see the Rick Riordan imprint and think middle grade when it is in fact young adult. I think if the imprint produces more YA titles, that confusion stands less of a chance of happening.

Thank you to Disney/Rick Riordan Presents and NetGalley for the eGalley for review!

I want to give content warnings first. This story deals heavily with rape, abuse, and violent misogyny, and is also filled with gore, horror, death, depression, and anxiety. It is all age-appropriate, however, and these themes should not be taken out of context. I merely want to make sure readers are prepared going in.

As mentioned in the acknowledgements, this is a story about how a girl can be changed by violence--how an assailant can take a victim, twist her words, and make her the monster--but most of all, what it truly means to be a monster. It is a story about reclaiming one's power after it has been violently and horrifically stolen. It is about using that power to help others in similar situations. It is about challenging social norms and demanding justice.

It is also a story of love--self love, familial love, friendly love, romantic love... all the love. Whenever we're not subjected to the horrors of a violent patriarchy where a king and his cohorts want all who oppose him and his vision punished or slain, we're being treated to healing friendships, gentle compassion, and magnetic connection creating a deep desire to protect and care. While Manisha and Pratyush don't immediately fall into a star-crossed, Romeo and Juliet-esque relationship, they are drawn to one another and consider the other their ticket to freedom from their horrible lives. It is such a strong connection that it seems like literal destiny that they be together in one way or another. They easily converse and banter with one another and honestly, they're just adorable. It made the sap in me very happy.

Unfortunately they're separated after Manisha's rape by another man and subsequent "banishment" from the temple she's been living in. Pratyush is sent to slay her when she becomes the powerful serpent queen--only, he doesn't know it's her. Cue all the heart-wrenching irony and angst when they finally meet again.

Some things had me pause, however; there's a part where Manisha wonders about all the "what-ifs" and considers if this whole journey was the key to unlocking who she was meant to be. I don't particularly like the implication that her rape was necessary for her to become powerful and her true self, because it's too close to a justification for it happening at all. There's also a part where Pratyush's best friend Dev tells him that men can be violated too after Pratyush tells him the king wants to "breed" him to make more Slayers--yet that's the end of the entire conversation and this objectification of Pratyush is never again juxtaposed against Manisha's own or to comment on how misogyny affects all genders. I feel as though there may have been too much that Patel wanted to comment on and some of it was just loose thread by the end of the story as it fell to the wayside. We also don't know of the fates of some characters, though given that it's wide open for a sequel, we may circle back around to it.

Nevertheless, I hungrily devoured this book and I am definitely reading the sequel(s). The story's world is rich and vast, full of interesting settings and laced lovingly with Indian culture. If you can handle the hefty subject material, I absolutely recommend it.

A Drop of Venom is a blend of Eastern Indian mythology and the Medusa legend. Manisha is a nagin, a breed of people that have ties to snakes and venom in their blood. When the king attacks their people she is safely hidden away in a floating temple. Pratyush is the kingdom's last slayer, and is treated as property. He is commanded to kill all the monsters in the kingdom, even though it means taking the burden of their souls and memories into himself. He is sent to pay homage at the temple, where they meet and slowly fall in love-adjacent. Similar to Medusa's tale, Manisha is in a temple where touch is not allowed and she ends up violated by one of Pratyush's companions, unbeknownst to him. Thus, the monster that Manisha becomes is created.

First, I want to say that the world building was amazing. The different cultures and villages spread throughout the kingdom were very creative. Fire-breathing peacocks, warriors who ride rhinos, giant golden snakes that blend into the background? And the monsters? Honestly, pretty cool.

The story was hard to get into. It was very slow moving in the beginning, getting a full third of the way through before things started to pick up-- or did they? You start to get a split timeline, cataloging what happens to Manisha after she is thrown off the floating island in one timeline and the King sending Pratyush after this evil Nagin that is turning people to stone in another. While Pratyush's journey is full of danger and one adversary after another, Manisha's is slow and fraught with emotions that you would associate with rape - on repeat. While I understand that rape is a big deal, it's not really what I expected to be such a big focus of this story. I went in expecting a great fantasy, especially when it was endorsed by Rick Riordan, but things honestly fell a bit flat.

Oh, and heads up, if you didn't already know, this is looking like it will be at least a trilogy.

I was a little disappointed at the end because I didn't realize that it wasn't a stand alone book. It was also darker than I expected from a Rick Riordan imprint book, but considering it was a Medusa retelling it made sense. I really liked Pratyush and Manisha's relationship, and the world building was excellent.

2.5 stars. Overhyped. This will do well because of Riordan's fan base and media overhype. Not recommended to middle school teens due to the massive amount of sexual violence in the book. I think this is heavy-handed and could have been better edited. The instant love between the MCs was bleh and the action was poor as every character is overpowered and she gets her power after being raped and attempted murder? There are so many more fiercely feminist ways to do this and for the intended audience, I am not a fan which is surprising because I LOVE THE LORE and rep in this book.

Thank you Netgalley and Rick Riordan Presents for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

"A Drop of Venom" by Sajni Patel is a breathtaking and richly narrated retelling of the Medusa myth, infused with Indian mythology and presented in a captivating fantasy world. This unique blend of cultures and storytelling creates an immersive experience that is both exhilarating and thought-provoking. Before reading this book, I highly recommend reading the author’s note as well as the book triggers so that you are aware of what you’re getting into. It seems like Rick Riordan Presents is branching out into darker books, which is great; just be aware of the specific triggers and content warnings of this book before getting into it.

The story follows Manisha, a young woman modeled on Medusa, who flees from one dangerous world to another after a traumatic assault. As she navigates through a world filled with monsters and magic, she crosses paths with Pratyush, the Slayer of Monsters tasked with killing her. Their intertwined destinies lead to a complex and gripping narrative that explores themes of survival, trauma, and the search for redemption.

The world-building in "A Drop of Venom" is exceptional, drawing you into a vivid and immersive setting that feels both familiar and fantastical. I love Medusa retellings and have a retelling that also includes the incorporation of Indian mythology adds depth and richness to the story. I thought it offered a fresh perspective on a classic tale. From the floating temples to the dark forests filled with danger, every aspect of the world feels meticulously crafted and fully realized. The world-building is definitely the highlight of the book, and if Patel continues writing books in this specific world, I will definitely pick those up.

The characters in the novel are also well-developed and compelling, with Manisha and Pratyush both undergoing significant growth and development throughout the story. Their interactions are filled with both tension and complexity as they grapple with their own inner demons and the external forces that seek to tear them apart. While the romance between them may feel somewhat rushed, the emotional depth and complexity of their relationship still made me root for them throughout the entire book.

One of the standout aspects of the book is its exploration of darker themes, including SA and trauma. Patel handles these sensitive topics with care and sensitivity, never shying away from the harsh realities of being a woman in a world filled with danger and uncertainty. I, however, would not recommend this book to younger YA readers because of the prominence of these darker themes. I would say older high school students (and post-high school) would get the most out of this book.

Overall, "A Drop of Venom" is a powerful and compelling read that offers a fresh take on a classic myth. With its lush prose, intricate world-building, and complex characters, it is a book that will stick with me for quite awhile. The beautiful cover also is this a must-buy for the bookshelf.

*3.5-stars**

A Drop of Venom is a recent YA Fantasy release pitched as a retelling of the Medusa myth, steeped in Indian mythology, and happily, it is exactly that.

This story follows 16-year old, Manisha, whose naga people have seen their lives decimated because of the King's army. Manisha was sent to a holy temple to become a priestess, where it was believed she would be safe. But for girls, there's rarely any place that is actually safe.

We also follow 17-year old, Pratyush, who is a Monster Slayer and one of the greatest assets of the King. Yes, the very same King who has terrorized Manisha's people. When Pratyush and Manisha meet when he visits the Temple, sparks fly and both see in each other a glimpse of the peaceful life that could be possible. Unfortunately, for them both, fortune is not on their side.

Before their relationship even has a chance to get off the ground, tragedy strikes Manisha. A visitor to the temple, a General in the King's army, brutally rapes her and throws her off the side of the mountain into a churning den of vipers, where he expects her to die. But she doesn't die. In fact, she rises, stronger than ever, with a new set of unimaginable powers.

Pratyush's next assignment leads him on a hunt for a hideous monster said to be killing and maiming men in the countryside. Little does he know this very monster is actually the girl he wishes to someday marry.

I liked this story, I did. Please don't let my 3.5-star rating discourage you. Patel's writing is strong and I appreciate the tough topics that she examined, as well as the rich cultural influences that gave such depth and beauty to this tale. I loved the idea of a Medusa retelling and I loved watching Manisha regain her strength, power and new courage as the story got farther along.

For me though, I did have a bit of an uneven reading experience with this one overall. There were times I was so into it and then other times when I was bored. There's no better way to explain it. Additionally, at times I did find some of the plot elements difficult to track, and definitely felt the second half was stronger than the start. Also, I wasn't completely sold on the alternating perspectives.

We're mostly getting the story from Manisha's POV, so when we would randomly switch to Pratyush, I didn't care about him. I didn't feel like I had the chance to get to know him in the way that I got to know Manisha, so I sort of felt like it either should have been more equal in their narrative time, or he shouldn't have been a perspective we read from at all. I think I may actually have enjoyed this more if we just had Manisha's perspective.

With this being said, even though I have some slight nit-picky things I wasn't crazy about, this is still a good book. It actually seems like the kind of story, that if you're the right Reader, and you read it at the right time, it could be incredibly powerful for you. I can see that potential. This is a solid Fantasy story, with strong world creation and compelling ideas. I am definitely interested in reading more from this author in the future.

Thank you so much to the publisher, Disney Hyperion, Rick Riordan Presents and Disney Audio for providing me with copies to read and review. This definitely won't be my last Sajni Patel!

Oh boy, I don't know where to start with this one but this book is just fantastic. I love mythology retellings and Sajni Patel really gives Medusa a story worthy of her. I've read a lot of retellings from the women's POV recently -- those who are typically cast as monsters or side characters there to support a man -- and I honestly think this is my favorite of the bunch! I love that authors are giving these characters voices and highlighting the messed up way in which many *monsters* are made and how innocent people are cast as *monsters* through no fault of their own. This book really emphasizes the stigma of sexual violence and how often girls are told that it's their fault for any number of reasons rather than teaching boys that they shouldn't rape. It also addresses the shame people are taught to feel for being sexually assaulted and the idea that this -- or really sex in general, including consensual, for women -- makes them dirty or unworthy. I think Patel did a really great job addressing such difficult topics in a YA novel. A Drop of Venom mixes Greek mythology and South Asian mythology to create a beautiful, heartbreaking, fantastic story.

I love the way the story unfolds, showing how Manisha evolves and becomes a strong warrior seeking justice, while simultaneously showing Pratyush presently on the hunt for a monstrous snake woman. Both of them just want to be free and both fight monsters, though they have different perceptions of what makes a monster. The relationships Manisha builds with the women she meets on her journey are so genuine and the connection she has with Noni is beautiful. A lot of the story is about not judging based on how something looks from the outside or by listening to the words of people who are afraid of anything different from them and who treat others poorly just because they can. The characters are complex and the world building is wonderful. There are so many strong women in this story but also many who pit themselves against other women or just don't stand up for each other; the same goes for the men: some are bad and some are great, that's just life. I also love Ras and Dev and I'm glad that Pratyush has at least a couple good men travelling with him. I can't wait to see what's in store for Eshani in the next book!

I recommend looking up the content warnings for this book due to violence, depictions of abuse and sexual assault.

Thank you NetGalley, Disney Publishing Worldwide and Rick Riordan Presents for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was such an interesting blend between Greek mythology and Indian lore, and it definitely is not what I expected to be. But I absolutely loved it. Manisha is such a complex character and loved how strong she was even after all the bad stuff that happened to her. Which if you have triggers this might be one book you read the trigger list. I also loved, loved her family and cannot wait to read more about what happens to them in future books.

What a smash hit of a story! Filled with lots of action and a diverse cast of characters, kids and adults alike will be entranced by the story.

Loved the detail and descriptions in this book. The difficult subject matter was handled very well. I loved the story line between Manisha and Pratyush. Noni is an unusual "pet" but I liked her. It was good to see some strong women who were able to overcome adversity.

What a fantastic adventure! While it took me a few chapters to really get into this book, before I knew it, Patel had swept me up in her world of magic, monsters, and marvels. Both Manisha and Pratyush are complex characters who have interesting motivations. I didn't 100% buy their love story; it felt like it was both way too fast and, at the same time, slowly paced.

I did appreciate how balanced Patel was in her portrayal of both the heavy elements (and there are some DARK scenes), but also the fun and the light that kept it from being a slog of a read.

Thank you to Netgalley, Disney Publishing Worldwide, and Rick Riordan Presents for the ebook ARC. All opinions are mine alone.

Sajni Patel in her fantasy era was something I didn’t know I needed, but I’m so glad we got and I absolutely cannot wait for more.

This book had me hooked since the first chapter. I was so intrigued with the world building and it felt so refreshing seeing mythology words I was familiar with as a South Asian. I loved seeing Medusa’s story be combined with Indian mythology. There were so many powerful quotes in there and I just know I’m going to be thinking about this book for a long time.

Thank you to Sajni for sending me an eARC and Disney Books for the book box!

Things you’ll love:
-Badass fmc
-Fantasy retelling
-Dual POV
-Found family

Can’t wait for the next!

I am absolutely blown away by this. I expected to like it, but the reverence in which the story is treated and the delicacy in which sensitive topics are handled while still conveying righteous anger made this an absolute five stars for me.

A beautiful story about the anger of women which just a touch of moster x slayer romance. The blending of Medusa's story with Indian mythology made for such an engrossing world. And while it feels like Medusa's story, this one does have a happier ending.

This book is graphic. It's about as graphic as a YA can get and I highly recommend looking up content warnings for this book. There are numerous scenes that refence sexual assault, though the details are rarely (if ever) given when it comes to the assaults on women. There is some pretty real body horror and threats of sexual assaults on men that are given more thorough descriptions.

I would not recommend it to every teen, but for the right people this will be a powerful read.

First of all, thank you Netgalley and RR Presents for the e-Arc.

I don't know where to start since I have high anticipating of this book but I ended up falling hard to the ground.
From the description alone, this book surely has every potential fantasy books need. Myth, politics intrigue, romance and revenge. Cliche but good. I mean who on earth uninterested in retelling myth. Ok. certainly not me.

But then, the real deal happens.

I am only 13% into this then decide to dnf this book. No. I wont post this to my GR account or Social Media because i suspect highly chance that it happened on me alone. Because I have the high expectation and it turned out to be meh. The writing is the problem. The author intend to raising tense by making scenes, the vivid description. But to me, it more like a boring textbook than a story. Why not intense dialogues, dynamic banter? This book could have been better.

Second, the romance. Yes, the romance was the problem. It came like sudden light. Boom and it was there. I couldn't apprehend Manisha's thought. Why, Manisha? of all people and it was you with instalove?

Third, it was new, mixing India culture with Greek myth. India is rich with tales, so is Greek. But mixing them together? Not the best decision. It was like dipping my foot into a sea only to meet a river. It should be vast and magical, but it became so boring. Such a waste of tales.

A Drop of Venom is good. But certainly not for me. I give this 2 stars, only for the cover and idea

“Manisha blew out a breath, feeling the blood of her foremothers flow and burn in her veins like venom—powerful and present.”

Manisha and Pratyush are monster fighters….at least, they both believe themselves to be. Manisha spends years hidden on the floating mountains, climbing the ranks as a priestess for a religion she does not believe in. Her people were violently driven away, so Manisha hides in plain sight, blending in until her older sisters return for her. However, her plans change after a violent attack forces her from the floating mountains and into a pit of snakes. Manisha must find a way to survive alone, fighting off monstrous men using newfound abilities. Meanwhile, Pratyush, a monster “slayer” by profession, is struggling with his allegiance to the king. As a servant of the kind since childhood, violence is the only thing he knows. However, he sees the potential for change after he meets Manisha. Will his hope be crushed when he discovers that Manisha is the latest man-killing monster he has been assigned to hunt? A Drop of Venom forces readers to question the definition of “monster” and reconsider what it means to fight for good.

In this novel, Sajni Patel thoughtfully combines Greek mythology and Indian legends with hard-hitting messages about feminism, sisterhood, and justice. A Drop of Venom is an innovative and compelling Medusa reimagining that is unafraid to tackle difficult subjects. Readers should pay close attention to trigger warnings, as this book contains several depictions of sexual assault and violence. I thought Patel handled the subject matter gracefully, especially since Medusa’s suffering is often minimalized when people discuss her myth. I loved the overarching themes of empowerment and the healing strength of female friendships. While some of the different women that Manisha interacts with blend together a bit, the feeling of love and support prevails. Female friendships are not the only memorable relationships, though. I particularly loved the friendship between Pratyush and Dev, whose playful interactions lightened the mood of a heavy text. I appreciated how Pratyush’s voice shone through in their dialogues as well as the text itself. It can be difficult to transition between tones in dual-POV novels, but Patel excels at distinguishing the voices and timelines of the two main characters. I couldn’t put the book down as I watched their stories align! A Drop of Venom was an empowering way to kick off 2024, and I recommend this novel to mature teen or adult readers seeking a fast-paced, heartfelt story full of power, pain, and resilience.

The cover of this book maintains eye contact is such a strong way, and the story inside keeps it up. Def for a little older of readers cause of some of the content, but a great story!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the review copy of this title.

I really loved this story.