Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy

Ten Incarnations of Rebellion by Vaishnavi Patel is a first person-POV historical set in an alternative Mumbai in the 1960s. Kalki’s father is a member of the resistance against Britain’s rule and has instilled in her a deep desire to fall in his footsteps even after he disappears. As she and her best friend, Fauzia, work for the Indian Liberation Movement, Kalki is more willing to do whatever it takes, even if it results in death and destruction.

The worldbuilding is based on what might have happened if Britain had used strategies in Indian that they used in other colonies to suppress rebellion. As acknowledged by Vaishnavi Patel, it is also based on the reality that while India’s movement for independence was largely nonviolent, that didn’t mean everyone agreed and that violence never happened. Bombay has been burned and rebuilt in Kingston and the lines across geography, caste, and faith have remained. If you have a strong background knowledge in India’s socio-political climate and the actions of colonizations against those they are colonizing, it should feel quite solid and realistic, including the outlawing of Queerness and the drafting of Indian men, leaving Kingston to the women.

Fauzia and Kalki have a complicated love story that really shows the clashing of different ideologies within a movement. Fauzia knows much sooner that she is Sapphic, falling for Kalki and confessing only for Kalki to reject her. Instead of pulling away, the two remain friends and Kalki slowly starts to develop romantic feelings. The two have very different ideas of what the ILM should be doing as Fauzia doesn’t believe that the ends justify the means if they involve violence in any way while Kalki is more willing to kill the British to free India. Both hold firmly to their convictions, but Kalki slowly starts to understand where Fauzia is coming from and asks herself if she’s putting India on the right path.

There is a lot of frank discussion around violence in this book and how normalized it is. As a young woman, Kalki witnesses a sexual assault in progress and it is very specifically mentioned how common it is for British men to hurt Indian women. There’s a bombing gone wrong with horrific consequences and we see what those consequences are. At no point is the book arguing against rebellion and resistance, the plot is very much in favor of these things, but it’s also in favor of remembering that the most vulnerable members of society can get caught in the crossfire and just because you have an option doesn’t necessarily mean you should take it. It also sheds light on complexity in ways that are realistic because not only do good characters do despicable things, but despicable characters do good things, including things that assist in the resistance instead of opposing it.

Content warning for depictions of violence, homophobia, racism, and assault.

I would recommend this to fans of books centering resistance and rebellion and readers looking for a book that clearly states the world we live in is full of complicated people

I absolutely love Patel’s writing. It is all consuming and draws the reader right into the story.

This one dragged just a little in the beginning, but I was quickly pulled into this world. I love these characters so much and the story itself was compelling, heartbreaking, and hopeful.

I will read anything Patel writes.

I like alternate history books: they are imaginative and thought-provoking. "Ten Incarnations of Rebellion" is both of those things, raising issues about colonialism and its effects on native cultures.

It's the 1960s, and India has been under British rule for decades. The restrictions imposed on the Indians have created a climate of unrest. Resistance groups have sprung up, some militant, others non-violent. Kalki Divekar, whose father has been away fighting for freedom, has decided to form her resistance group in her hometown of Kingston. Together with her two closest friends, Kalki begins sewing the seeds of a non-violent movement, designed to harass the British rulers and their Indian collaborators. By working in the British governing hierarchy, they initially sought to disrupt plans. However, as the movement grew, the goals changed, and their once non-violent activities now incorporate sabotage that imperils all their lives.

The interweaving of historical fact and speculation makes this an engrossing read. It is well-researched and doesn't shy away from the injustice done to the Indian people while under British rule. It deals with the morality of the oppressors as well as the power of resistance. The characters are well-drawn, and their situations are believable. 4/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and Ballantine Books, for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is June 3, 2025.

This is the second book of Ms. Patel’s that I have had the pleasure of enjoying and it was definitely a wonderful read.

The plot follows Kalki, a young woman born into a version of India where the country had not yet one its independence from the British. Overtime she forms a group of women who find ways to fight in the rebellion for independence. This story is filled with diverse characters that are full of life, dreams, and complicated emotions, which makes them completely relatable despite the plot being set in a time and place that is more specific. Ms. Patel also does not shy away from creating characters who could be easy to dislike for their beliefs or decisions, simply because the story would not be nearly as rich without them.

The layers that Ms. Patel weaves together to create all the unique aspects of life in Kingston and the surrounding area create a world that is bursting with culture and life. Whether this means the more disheartening elements of caste, poverty, and abuse of power or more joyful components of a wedding ceremonies or traditional family activities, the world in which Kalki and her friends and family live in is one that is easy for the reader to immerse themselves in and believe that every bit is real.

The most unique facet of the way this book is written is Ms. Patel’s inclusion of cultural lore. The stories themselves are fascinating and allow the reader to learn something new about this culture alongside enjoying the plot of the book. However, it is the way that the stories are integrated into that plot that is the most genius part. Sometimes a story is used during one character comforting another, sometimes it correlates with a memory of Kalki’s past, or even to relate to a lesson learned within the plot. It provides a seamless transition that does not feel out of context or jarring.

One thing that I might recommend is for the reader to start with the author’s note, in addition to the preface, at the end before enjoying the story itself. It does a great job at setting the scene as an alternate history to the real way things played out in India. It also does a wonderful job at reminding the reader of how colonialism is applicable in the broader world.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to enjoy this book.

I have been an ardent fan of Vaishnavi Patels work, with Kaikeyi being a firm favorite. Her lyrical writing melded beautifully with the epic mythology thenes she picked. This read, was a sharp left turn for me, from an expectations perspective.

Vaishnavi combined the ignominy of subjugation and the angst of familial bonds, both found and inherited, in a time of change. Her tone captures the rawness of emotions and the undercurrent of fear, hopelessness and the need for fulfillment among youth whose ambitions have been repressed. The tale is a beautiful panorama of the Indian freedom movement, where the existing heroes were dealt with by the British. Vaishnavi weaves threads of patriotism, acceptance, forgiveness and freedom as tangible as the angst of the lead, Kalki, her growth and the confluence of societal and political impetus that drive her.
I thoroughly relished the tale and the interspersed references to the dasavatar or the ten reincarnation that Vishnu took to preserve goodness on earth. While looking at morality and death surrounding a leaders choices and the consequences actions of rebellion bring, Vaishnavi spins a bold and flawed etching that hits closer to home truths and the prevailing tensions. This book is a must read for anyone who enjoyed Poppy War and An ember in the Ashes. While magical systems may be missing, the writing and tone deals a mellifluous and lyrical ebb to this tale of the freedom struggle.
The tale follows Kalki Divekar, daughter of a ILM rebel, and fervent believer of freedom, in her quest for aiding the freedom movement despite being relegated to lowly roles due to her nationality and her gender. The research undertaken to bring out this nuanced tonality to the menu meter out to folks is beautifully executed. Assisting Kalki, akin to three musketeers, are the compassionate Fauzia and the downtrodden Yashu. Their paths to individual glory and their collective planning form the basis of this gripping tale!

Many thank yous to Netgalley and Random House Publishing for the ARC!

A lovely historical fiction set in India and showing a possible future where India didn't gain independence from Britain. I knew very little about this history going in, and I think it would be beneficial to the reader to have some knowledge. But overall, this was a good work of fiction that kept me engaged and interested. Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for an advanced copy.

This alternative history of Indian independence is so excellent. This is a book that really sneaks up on you. The storyline feels somewhat straightforward but what keeps you interested are the characters’ difficult choices.

This book grapples with rebellion and resistance in such satisfying ways, engaging with questions that matter. Like, when is nonviolent resistance not enough? When does violent resistance go too far? How can empire be brought down without further oppression of the vulnerable? And even, when is it acceptable to forgive?

At the same time though, it’s the furthest thing from academic or impersonal. This is a human story that pulls you in and does not let you go.

Ten Incarnations of Rebellion imagines a world where India was never independent from British rule. I was not previously familiar with the history surrounding these events, and I didn’t feel like that knowledge was needed in order to understand what was happening in the story.

I thought the characters were the shining star of this novel. I loved everything about Kalki. She was intelligent, headstrong, and determined in her beliefs and fight for freedom. She was realistically flawed and realized her shortcomings. I also really enjoyed the thought of little things building up and becoming a full blown rebellion. I also loved that it leaned into the fact that is the women and the workers who are the backbone of society and have the ability to make the most change.

I think my only real complaint was how nicely the ending seemed to tie up. I’m not sure if I was expecting a grand, epic ending, but I was expecting more. I liked the reveal that came at the end, it just felt like something was missing.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to NetGalley for sending this my way - I can honestly say that I would never have picked this one up on my own. This is a great story of growth, grief, and perseverance. I wasn’t really interested in Indian culture, but now I find myself curious about it - surely that is the hallmark of truly great writing.

I think the author’s note is a great summarization of the thesis of this novel:

“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. Instead, it is interested in examining the sacrifices and strength necessary to achieve independence, the selfishness and selflessness that go hand in hand in revolution, and the necessity of building coalitions across differences and dismantling indigenous forms of oppression.”

If this were a work of non-fiction, Patel could have made this point and done it well. As a fictional narrative, however, this book fell flat for me. She reports her story rather than narrating it in a fluid manner that would draw you into the book. The characters are well fleshed-out, and I ultimately appreciate where their stories ended, but the journey to the end was a slog. Drawing comparisons to the ten incarnations of Vishnu was a good idea in theory as well, but felt forced to me.

I was disappointed by this book — I have previously really enjoyed Vaishnavi Patel’s feminist retellings of Hindu mythology (my favorite being Kaikeyi) and was hoping a different direction in storytelling would be even better. Here’s hoping her next work fills this space for me instead.

A big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A speculative historical fiction if India would have never gained independence from England. Khalki grew up the daughter of a rebel and is struggling internally with if she should follow in her father’s footsteps and attempt to rise up against the English or obey the law and continue on with her quiet life.

This book was interesting and well-written. It for sure made me want to know more about India gaining independence and also more about the stories of Vishnu, since the ten chapters are reflective of this story as well.

Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this ARC!

An alternate history of India freeing itself from colonial rule featuring a cast of strong young women who lead the rebellion against the British in their city. Great world-building and interweaving of myths.

I'm pretty sure I felt literally every emotional, multiple times, while reading this book. This was such a moving story. I absolutely loved the female characters. They were so strong, resilient, and brave! I teared up at moments. This truly got to me. Kalki and her father are truly amazing characters. Kalki's character to development through her trials and triumph was a beautiful thing to watch unfold. So moving, so good in so many ways! easily 4.5 stars!!

I received this ARC from Random House Publishing (Ballantine) to read/review. All of the statements above my true opinions after fully reading this book.

This was such an interesting and thought provoking read. I’ve really enjoyed Vaishnavi Patel’s books and writing in general. I do think I enjoyed the second half of the book a little more because the story moved faster, but everything in the first half was so necessary to get us emotionally invested in the characters.

This book made me feel like I was on the edge of too much reality.

The story was based on what could have happened in India in the early 1960s if the British were still in charge. It took place in a community called Kingston with stiff curfews and a huge divide between the people.

A young girl, Kalki Divekar, followed her father’s footsteps and became a rebel who used all of her strength and support to fight for freedom. The story started when she was 19 trying to cope. Each chapter advanced her age a year with life lessons until she turned 29. She found inspiration from her parents and a few close friends.

The author did a vast amount of research to write the stages of this young girl’s life putting a significant amount of thought into the plot to make it seem believable. Pieces of history were incorporated with the fear of government control not only in India but other places.

However, for me it was deeply disturbing. I kept putting it down just thinking about how quickly change can happen with a government using tactics of fear and violence. Readers got more of an understanding of India’s dark history in the Author’s Notes and how the movement for independence was finally won.

My thanks to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of June 3, 2025.

4.5 ⭐️

Ten Incarnations of Rebellion presents an alternate history of the Indian Independence - what if the Indian Independence Movement did not achieve liberation in 1947? What would the British colonizers have done then? This book presents a version of India still under British rule in the 1960s.

Kalki, our MC, embodies the spirit of the colonized. She is angry, fierce, and desperate for freedom. Taking after her father, she solely has eyes for an independent India.

This novel portrays brutal colonization tactics that the British used on new people after losing India (but speculating their implementation in British India). It also portrays flaws of Indian systems that have been carried on despite the British regime: discrimination by caste and Hindu vs. Muslim rhetoric. This is a fictional story that shows us the harsh realities of imperialism, propaganda, and internal division.

There were so many times when I was angry with Kalki. Among a group of selfless people, she was the selfish one, not in the way that was entitled, but in a way that was impulsive and inconsiderate of her loved ones. I felt so bad for her family and friends. She becomes more aware of this flaw over time, but it doesn’t stop her from rushing to do what she thinks she needs to do anyway. In the last chapter, I got so mad at Kalki’s inability to set aside her emotions while acting that I could not rejoice at their victory.

I suppose that was the atmosphere Patel was trying to create: rebellion is not flawless, and liberation is not all sunshine and rainbows.

Overall, this is such a compelling story. The story was structured so well, and I could see how each chapter truly was a new incarnation of rebellion.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House - Ballantine Books for this ARC!

What would India be like if British rule extended into the 1960s? This novel imagines what present day Mumbai would be like if British rule continued and its citizens created a rebellion to fight for independence.

The idea of this novel is intriguing, especially as every chapter concludes with a story connected to Hinduism. But the first half is bit of a slog and the second half contained nonstop action. I liked the book, but the execution had its flaws. 3.5 stars.

3.5/5 ⭐️
Ten Incarnations of Rebellion is a bold and imaginative collection that explores resistance and power through myth and history. Vaishnavi Patel brings strong themes and vivid prose, especially when highlighting divine and feminine rebellion. While some stories shine, others feel a bit rushed or disconnected. Overall, a creative and thought-provoking read, even if it doesn’t always fully land.

This alternate version of history is incredibly well-crafted and shows the love that the author has for those who lived through real world events that inspired the book. The depth of the characters makes you feel for them in a way that makes you want to be fighting alongside them while also mourning the losses they go through. A grand, sweeping story in the way that Vaishnavi Patel always executes immaculately, while also being on what feels like a smaller scale, but with no less heart.

3.5 stars

This book was intricately well-researched, full of fantastic complex characters and intricate sociopolitical issues. Our main three characters represent a wide collection of different identities: demisexual Hindu woman, lesbian Muslim woman, and low caste woman. By having a main cast that spans across identities that include sexuality, religion, and caste (as well as gender, though mostly in the sense that they are not men), it allowed Patel to organically bring up issues specific to certain identities that often get overlooked in times of change.

Our three main characters also provide a really nice balance of temperaments and ideologies. Kalki is the stereotypical rebel: hotheaded and action-oriented with a strong sense of justice. Fauzia is an organizer, more forward-thinking and good at bringing people together. Yashu is the one who stands her ground on bringing justice and equality for all, but also most willing to get her hands dirty.

My major gripe with the book is honestly just the long chapters. When each chapter is 30-40 pages, it gets pretty agonizing. I understand why that specific format was used, but it dramatically hindered my reading experience.