I was very reluctant to read this book at first - speculative fiction about an India that did not gain independence from the British made me feel odd in some way. But I am so glad that I did read this book! There is so much research and care in this work that I would argue that it is Patel’s best work yet! I can see the growth in her writing from Kayeiki (which got a shoutout in this book!) to now.

This book touches on colonization, imperialism, the right of colonized lands to become sovereign, and the cost of independence. Because once the yoke of oppression is fully lifted, then comes the power vacuum in which a nation can either devolve or evolve into a country that protects its people. I think most Westerns know that India’s independence came about as the result of a lot of “peaceful” and “nonviolent” movements that ceased upon the creation of India and the Partition. However, what is not known to many are the freedom fighters of the 1910s and beyond, who were laying the foundation for freedom and independence at least thirty years prior to India being a sovereign nation. Therefore, this novel highlights the work of a conglomerate group of freedom fighters into a smaller unit, the Indian liberation movement.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and its message is highly relevant for today as we still address the impact colonization and willful ignorance have on our global history. I also loved the layout of this novel by allowing readers to see ten glimpses of life through the eyes of freedom fighters, all tied to various myths in Hindu mythology, going from animal to half man/half animal stories, then warriors, kings, and gods themselves. This preserves the beauty of Indian mythology and storytelling, two gifts our culture has that have enticed millennia (something the British tried to take away from us). My special thanks to NetGalley, the publishers, Ballantine books (random house publishing group), and the author for this advanced reader copy in exchange for a fair and honest review!

2.5 stars.

This was incredibly hard for me to get through. I was so bored throughout the whole book. I have loved the authors previous work but this one just seemed to be written differently. It’s like it’s not even the same author wrote the book. The writing was just so clunky and didn’t have a smooth flow. Another issue was that too many concepts (classism, injustices of imperialism, war, suppression of one’s sexuality, etc) were touched upon that they didn’t each have their own time dedicated to it.

The concept of this book sounded so cool and interesting but was a let down for me


Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review

3.5⭐️s rounded up. I really liked the storyline and concept of a dystopian India in the 1960s, if they had not gained their independence from the British. It had some impactful threads on fighting for freedom, taking life-threatening risks, benefits and consequences of violence vs non-violence, etc. I also really loved the friendships and loyalty the women had, and that they stood up despite so much against them. That they were selfless in fighting for each other and their people even to their own detriment, but understood the importance of *being* better than their oppressors if they wanted a better world, rather than matched retaliation and justification.

What I struggled a little with was the writing style. It was very narrative-based with arguably most of the book being Kalki’s contemplation, flashback memories and rumination. I didn’t feel invited into their struggle or fight so much as looking at it from the outside, removed from the story. It was hard to be invested in what was going on consistently outside of *wanting* to be invested because of the value of the story.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.

Kalki Divekar grows up a daughter of Kingston—a city the British built on the ashes of Bombay. The older generation, including her father, have been lost to the brutal hunt for rebels. Young men are drafted to fight wars they will never return from. And the people of her city are more interested in fighting one another than facing their true oppressors.

I am typically not a fan of Science Fiction but this one was a pretty good book. I would recommend it to the anyone that doesn't really enjoy the sci-fi genre.

Ten Incarnations of Rebellion is a novel I will think about for a long time to come. Following the main character Kalki, the reader is transported to a different timeline- 1960s British-occupied India. As the world seems to crumble around her feet, Kalki rises to start a new chapter Kingston’s independence movement with the goal of gaining self-rule.

If you are looking for a book with strong female characters, this is it. The main characters will have you rooting for their victories and amazed by their sacrifices. Despite having the weight of their country on their shoulders, Patel navigates the way through the young characters’ naïveté and idealism wonderfully.

Despite the settings and themes of this book being linked to a certain location and time-period, I guarantee you will find yourself noticing the similarities between this story and the current political climate. My only hesitation on this book comes from its character-driven narrative. I absolutely loved the focus on the people, but the novel itself had such a sweeping and intense plot line that almost seemed secondary. I would’ve liked a little more “showing, not telling,” but that really just comes down to personal preference.

Ten Incarnations of Rebellion is an easy 4.25/5 for me. I highly recommend picking up your copy when this book releases on June 3, 2025! Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this ARC.

This is a very powerful look at how the small sparks of rebellion can fan into flames of change. This book takes a look at a history in which India's rebellion against the British colonizers failed. Kalki, the protagonist, has grown up under the thumb of the British her entire life, but her father, one of the members of the failed rebellion, instilled in her that same knowledge that got him potentially killed. The story chronicles 10 different snapshots of Kalki's life, focusing on the different ways of rebelling. How the most important part of any rebellion is community.

The one critique I have, though, is the integration of the Dashavatara. Each chapter ends with a telling of the story of the avatar of Vishnu mentioned in the chapter title. However, I think the way they were integrated felt a little hamfisted in some instances and slightly choppy in others. I think there was a way to make them feel a little more organic to the chapter, rather than tacked on at the end.

Other than that, though, this was a difficult, but powerful read. It looks at the devastation of colonization, the power of community, and the lows and highs of rebellion.

Vaishnavi Patel could write a math textbook and I would read it cover to cover.

Ten Incarnations of Rebellion is an absolute masterpiece that follows Kalki, a young woman living in an alternate version of India that has not yet escaped British control. Told in 10 chapters, one for each year of her life, we see Kalki revive and become increasingly involved in the Indian independence movement. Her father had been active and introduced her to his beliefs before he disappeared, presumed to be dead. The story focuses on the power of women as oft ignored leaders of revolution and how, with their "inferior" social status, they were able to navigate the process of undermining a colonial power. Patel does not shy away from the harsh reality of independence movements and explores betrayal, loss of loved ones, and the internal conflict Kalki feels when deciding between pacifism and more violent methods. Even through the dark moments, female relationships ground the story and we are able to see the heart and emotions behind the struggle. Patel also incorporates stories from
Hindu and Buddhist beliefs and uses these to parallel the lives and actions of the characters.

This book gripped me from the very beginning and I know that I will be thinking about it for a long time. It is impossible to ignore connections to political situations throughout the world and Patel handles this complex story with great skill. Without a doubt, one of the best books that I will read this year.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

This book was incredible. I don't think I've ever read a story like that. I was pulled in the minute I started to read. And the moment I passed the halfway point? I couldn't put the book down anymore.

This story is heartbreaking and so so interesting. It makes you think about a lot of things, that can be difficult to think about. It's about rebellion in India, in an alternate timeline where the independance didn't happened at the time it did in our reality. The story takes real life event, tactics and politics and rework them. It tells the story on how this independance could have happened, how it could have gone. It's awful, brave and sad and hopeful.
It's the first book of Vaishnavi Patel I read and I fell in love with her writing style. Goddess of the River is on my shelves and I can't wait to pick it up now. I loved everything about Ten Incarnations of Rebellion. The way Kalki's lofe is intertwined with so many different stories: her parents, her Uncle, her best friends, and more. It really added important perspectives to her story. I loved that every aspects of Kalki was intertwined with her need for a resistance. Every actions she took where linked to her emotions and her story and her relations.
I also loved that every chapter had a story about Hindi culture to serve as a lesson to Kalki and to parallel what happened to her.

I loved this book, it destroyed me. I recommend it to everyone. I think it's a really important and interesting story.

I devoured this book in 3 days. I wasn’t sure if I could handle a book about an oppressed community right now with the state of things, but following the story of Kalki was inspiring and powerful and I was sucked in from the first chapter. This story had the perfect balance of resilience and perseverance without too deep into despair or pain that it feels like you can’t find a way to dig yourself out. I thoroughly enjoyed this and loved feeling immersed in this world of rebellion even for just a short while.

This is an alternate history novel based on the idea that the British did not give up control of India. Told in ten chapters showing important moments in Kalki's life, it shows her fight to help liberate India. This novel was very political and I'll be honest, that this really wasn't the novel for me. I did find it difficult to read at times. There was an interesting twist at the end which did redeem it a little for me. I also thought the message was good but I did struggle a little to push through and read this. I thought the author did a great job and probably very realistic of what life would have been like in more modern times under British control. It also delved into the caste system and that impact on India. Although this was not my cup of tea, I think those that enjoy books about India and alternate histories would find this an interesting read.

Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for this ARC.

Vaishnavi Patel never misses! I finished my ARC of her third book yesterday evening, took a quick break to finish crying (it was that good!), and then immediately ran to Goodreads to give this incredible book 5 stars.

This is my third time rating her work 5 stars. She is such a talented writer and through her work, I've really found a connection back to the stories I used to constantly request my grandmother and father to repeat to me when I was younger.

📖 The Premise:

Set in an alternate timeline in which India never gained freedom from the British, this book follows Kalki and her best friends as they spearhead the Indian independence movement in Kingston, a British-controlled city built on the ruins of Bombay.

Each chapter captures a formative moment in Kalki's life as she strives to balance survival, stealth, meaningful impact, and heroism, mirroring the Dashavatara—the ten avatars of Vishnu, the Hindu god who protects and preserves the universe.

What I Loved:

✨ The complexity of Kalki: From the family dynamics she was born into, to the way that she loves her friends, to the intensity of her desire for freedom and the sacrifices that are forced upon her to strengthen her cause, her characterization is masterfully executed this book.

✨ The exploration of whether revolution against oppressors can truly be accomplished without violence. This book delves into that question in a way that reminds me of Babel by R.F. Kuang.

✨ The Dalit perspective: This is the first book I’ve ever read that explores life in India as a member of the marginalized Dalit community, who have historically faced discrimination and been forced into menial jobs.

When people say that reading helps develop empathy, this is the kind of book they are talking about.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC!

This is a deeply sobering story about an imagined version of the fight for Indian independence from Britain. It was very beautiful and touching. The world and the story overall was incredible to read. Overall, I did not like the book quite as much as Patel's other works, specifically because it was hard to connect with the characters, but I still enjoyed it. If you are a fan of books about colonialism and rebellion, similar to Babel by R.F. Kuang, this is a great book to read.

I am quickly becoming a very big fan of Vaishnavi Patel. I actually enjoyed this book so much i preordered a physical copy!

This book. There is something magical about everything Vaishnavi Patel writes—it always resonates with me. I’m blown away by how she blended so many genres in this novel and made it work seamlessly. There’s alternate history, mythology, coming-of-age, and commentary on gender identity and colonialism, all wrapped into one.

My first thought when reading this was dismay at the fact that it was only ten chapters long—it didn’t feel like enough. The premise was ambitious: each chapter would represent a significant moment in the protagonist Kalki’s life, paralleling one of the ten avatars of Vishnu. Overarching it all was an alternate history where India never gained independence from the British Empire, and Kalki’s quest to make freedom a reality in her lifetime. That’s a lot of story to tell in ten chapters, and I worried it might feel rushed.

But I should know by now—Vaishnavi Patel is masterful at unfolding a narrative.
Kalki is surrounded by a diverse and richly developed cast of characters, many of whom represent marginalized groups in present-day India. Her friends are women, Dalits, Muslims, the elderly, and the young—united by rebellion and a shared goal of freedom. I especially appreciated how the book explored British colonial tactics of "divide and conquer" and the harsh realities faced by Dalits, to the extent that some believed British rule might be preferable.

One of my favorite parts was the author’s note: *“Ten Incarnations of Rebellion is not interested in proving that the British Empire was a project of violence and terror. It accepts that as a historical fact.”* Not enough people recognize the extent of the damage the British did to India. They invited a man unfamiliar with the land to draw arbitrary lines on a map, leading to the largest mass migration in history. Thousands died, and the subcontinent has never been the same.

This book enraged me at times because I know many of the colonial tactics described were based on real events. The characters were so engaging that I had to pace myself—I wanted to devour it in one sitting, but I also wanted to savor the world and live with these characters for a while longer.

Alternate history timelines don’t always work, but this one absolutely did. I was fully immersed in the story and highly recommend it.

This novel by Vasihnavi Patel follows a young woman named Kalki as she navigates life in a fictional India that did not gain independence from Britain.

We witness Kalki grow throughout a time where it dangerous not only to be a woman or Indian, but also to be a dreamer. Kalki longs for a just and free India and you witness her fire a spark, stoke the flames and eventually engulf everything to reach her goal.

Something that still resonates with me after reading this novel is the idea of forgiveness and what is and is not considered a forgivable deed.

As a subplot, I appreciate the author touching on what is still a tense relationship between religious groups in South Asia.

Additionally, the pattern of sentences at the start of each chapter are definitely memorable and well executed. They were simple, yet bold and expressive.

I do wish we were able to go more in depth into some of the characters and their relationships with one another, but do still value the ones we were presented with in this novel.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Amazing story. Had me hooked from the beginning. The empowerment. Watching our FMC trying to fight for a world she has never seen, incredible.

Thank you, Penguin Books and NetGalley, for the opportunity to read this book.

I almost feel that Vaishnavi Patel has written herself as the character of Kalki, our main character, who is a warrior in every respect, and I could bet she is a lot like our author.

The book imagines an India that never got its independence and was still under the yoke of British rule and Mumbai (renamed Kingston in the story) is cut off from the rest of India with the inhabitants trapped in an abusive relationship with the British overlords. Inside this terrible situation simmers rebellion.

First the rebellion starts small and grows tentacles over time. Kalki, her friends, her lover, her father, a long-time exiled rebel, and various networks clandestinely form a start to disrupt life in Kingston. Momentum builds with terrible consequences.

I don’t want to give the story away so I will not add more details. I found some of the story hard to even feel. Having been a student of India and traveled there many times, I know that society there is conservative, even under British rule. There is a lesbian theme in the book, that would be hard to imagine as the risk was so great under British rule and is still difficult today. Some of the ways that the different religions crossed seemed unreal.

I don’t want to pick apart aspects of the book, but for my reading, it detracted. I think it is an interesting book, and worth reading.

Patel is a great storyteller and this is another great story. The dichotomy between the stories of the incarnations Vishnu and the evolution of Kalki from a quiet girl living under British rule in India to a full blown rebel is both compelling and relatable as she struggles through her own transformation.
I will gladly read anything Vaishnavi Patel writes.

Review of Advance Reader’s eBook Copy

Kalki Divekar, with memories of time spent with her father when she was five years old, sets out to start a revolution, a liberating movement that will finally give India freedom from British rule.

Can Kalki inspire those around her? Does a rebellion have any chance of success?

And what might be the cost of such a move?

=========

This narrative, an alternate history, revolves around the British rule in India. Here, British rule is firmly in place in the 1960s and Kalki Divekar is determined to do her part to bring freedom to India. With each chapter focused on one year in Kalki’s life, readers follow her from an idealistic nineteen-year-old to a sadder, wiser twenty-eight-year-old.

Strong, believable characters, an intriguing premise, and some surprising revelations all work together to keep the pages turning. As Kalki becomes the leader of a group of rebels, she finds her life devoted solely to the rebellion.

With emphasis on friendship as well as on power, justice, and revolution, this is a story for readers who enjoy historical fiction and/or the “what if” thoughts that lead to speculation on just how different things might be “if only.” Above all else, the telling of this tale is a story of hope and the true meaning . . . and the cost . . . of freedom.

Recommended.

I received a free copy of this eBook from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine / Ballantine Books and NetGalley
#TenIncarnationsofRebellion #NetGalley

I was given the opportunity to read and review Ten Incarnations of Rebellion by Vaishnavi Patel, and it was a captivating experience. Set in an alternate history where British colonial rule never ended, the story follows Kalki, a young woman leading a rebellion against the empire in 1960s India. The narrative blends historical fiction with rich cultural references, including Hindu mythology, making the revolution both a personal and spiritual journey for Kalki and her companions. While the themes of sacrifice and the price of freedom were powerful, some parts felt rushed, and I longed for deeper exploration of the world Patel created. Still, it’s a thought-provoking and emotional story that would make a great discussion starter. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to review this ARC.