A character-driven story with rich emotional bonds, especially between siblings and chosen family. Poppy and Hasan are well-developed, and Hariti quietly stole my heart. The themes of colonization and power added depth, though the physical world could’ve been more vivid. The romance is a slow burn with promise—I’m hoping for more in the sequel. A solid start with strong writing and clear POVs; I just missed that final wow factor that makes a book unforgettable. Still, I’m hooked enough to keep reading!

What a great start to this series! Poppy's struggles to fit into two worlds, both of which reject her make her an easy to cheer for MC and her connections with nearly everyone she meets make her one of my new favorites. The struggles with a society torn are also well written and thoughtful. If you like R.F Kuang, this is a lighter version of her writing style.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bindery for an eARC of this book!

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

I wanted to enjoy this one more than I did. I found it slow, and reading more YA than new adult as it’s targeted as. The world building could’ve used a little more depth and engagement. It was also hard connecting to our FMC, in the beginning I didn’t like her at all and I believe that made it harder for me to really vibe with her. Our MMC on the other hand I loved from the very start.

The overall themes of this book are heavy but it’s not something you see in a fantasy world that often which really pushed this to three stars.

I think with a little more time Basu could turn an okay book into a really great one.

If you're into fantasy but still want to have some serious topics like politics added to the mix, then this book is right up your alley! To Bargain with Mortals is an urban political fantasy that deals with colonialism and the consequences of those who are different aka ones who have the magic of old. It's a riveting tale that hooks you with its mythology, which is loosely based with Hindu mythos, and gets you till the end with its commentary on power struggles between the colonizer and the colonized.

The premise of the book hooked me in right away. The way the R.A Basu tackles themes of racism, colonialism and belonging are well done. I found that I connected with our MFC Poppy quickly and loved our MMC Hasan. I really enjoyed Hasan's story line and the interpersonal problems he faces in the book, at times I found it more interesting than the MS. I can't wait to read the next book as I hope we learn a bit more about the political system and how the magic system will come more into play.

Some areas I hope that could be improved in the next book would be the world building. I found the time period was hard to place besides the fact that the story takes place in a country which is most likely a stand in for India and England.

Finally I think the comps for the book are a bit off, I definitely think this book trends a bit more YA or new adult rather than Adult. The comps I would give would be: To shape a dragon's breath (but without the dragons), Blood over Brighthaven (for revolution story arc)

Overall, this is a great story about being caught between two worlds and struggling to feel accepted in either which is something a lot of people will connect with and enjoy reading about.

Thank you to Netgally and Bindery book for an eARC copy, all opinions are my own and honest views.

In *To Bargain With Mortals*, debut author R.A. Basu lights the first spark of what promises to be a politically charged, emotionally layered duology. Set in a fantasy world loosely inspired by colonial India, the novel deftly navigates themes of power, privilege, resistance, and the soul-deep scars of empire. This is a story of fire—divine and destructive—and the mortals who dare to wield it.

At the novel’s core are two seemingly opposing figures: Poppy Sutherland, the adopted daughter of the colonial viceroy, and Hasan, the feared leader of the Jackals, a revolutionary gang with divine fire running through their veins. Their first encounter crackles with danger and ideological friction—he, the embodiment of resistance; she, a woman raised in the halls of the oppressor but haunted by the liminality of her own identity. Brown-skinned but Welkish-raised, Poppy lives in the aching space between—never quite enough for either world. Her transformation from a passive pawn of empire into a woman who begins to reckon with power, complicity, and revolution is one of the novel’s central arcs.

Basu does not shy away from the brutality of colonial violence. From systemic starvation and forced labor to microaggressions and cultural erasure, *To Bargain With Mortals* wears its anger and urgency with pride. It’s a book that challenges readers to sit with discomfort, to confront hard truths, and to reject simplistic binaries. As one character reminds us: “The cost of revolution is always blood.”

That said, the novel’s greatest strength lies in its interrogation of intersectional oppression. Poppy’s moments of awakening are both painful and illuminating—not just for her, but for the reader. Her dialogues with Hasan and other Virians shine brightest when they call out her internalized bias and challenge her self-perception. At times, the messaging can be heavy-handed, but it's also clear that Basu *wants* readers to wrestle with these ideas rather than escape into fantasy. This isn’t a book where rebellion is symbolic—it’s lived, embodied, and borne with bloodied hands.

Hasan, on the other hand, is a more complicated creation—not quite the morally gray antihero one might expect from a gang leader. At times, he reads more like a revolutionary philosopher in disguise, noble to a fault, with his edges sanded down by idealism. While this makes him a powerful counterpoint to Poppy’s hesitant morality, it also blunts the realism of his character. He speaks of fire, but too often feels like smoke: poetic, impressive, but not always convincing.

Still, the romance between them is compelling in its tension. It’s not a sweeping love story—it’s a slow, reluctant thawing of two people forged by different fires. Their chemistry is built more on dialogue and ideological clash than physical longing, but that makes it feel earned. You root for them not because they’re meant to be, but because their growth demands it.

Stylistically, Basu’s prose is accessible and direct, occasionally elevated by moments of poetic clarity. The pacing is brisk, perhaps to a fault—certain emotional beats, particularly toward the end, feel rushed in favor of setup for the sequel. The world-building, too, flirts with brilliance but sometimes stumbles. The fusion of steampunk-like tech with a semi-Victorian aesthetic is intriguing but underexplored, and the elemental magic system hints at deeper lore that’s yet to be unearthed.

But what *To Bargain With Mortals* lacks in polish, it makes up for in passion. It is a book with teeth. With heart. And with questions it refuses to answer for you.

R.A. Basu has crafted a bold, unflinching debut that blends fantasy with anti-colonial critique, divine fire with human fury. Imperfect but important, *To Bargain With Mortals* will resonate with fans of R.F. Kuang, Saaba Tahir, and readers who prefer their fantasy grounded in the brutal poetry of resistance.

To Bargain with Mortals, the first book in the Reckoning Storm duology, immerses readers in the colonized nation of Viryana, where the adopted daughter of the Viceroy, Poppy Sutherland, must reconcile her dual identities—among the white colonial elite and her native brown-skinned heritage. Upon discovering her fiancé’s scheme to exile her, Poppy makes a daring escape at her own engagement party, only to be captured by Hasan Devar, a notorious gang leader known as the Jackal, whose family’s divine magic has been suppressed by colonial powers .

Basu’s debut is filled with richly imagined world-building and layered political intrigue. The magic system, subtly tied to cultural lore and religion, is woven thoughtfully into the narrative’s colonial themes. The story confronts challenging topics—colonization, classism, colorism, and resistance—through Poppy’s eyes, making her personal journey resonate deeply with themes of identity and belonging. Poppy evolves from a conflicted insider to a figure of resistance, while Hasan’s transformation—from feared criminal to reluctant ally—adds emotional depth.

However, this novel isn’t without its critiques. Hasan’s moral ambiguity lacked nuance early on, making his transformation feel abrupt. Also, the pacing slowed in the first half, heavy on dialogue and exposition, with certain revelations feeling predictable and the ending somewhat rushed.

To Bargain with Mortals delivers a thoughtful and compelling political fantasy debut. Its exploration of colonialism, cultural reclamation, and individual transformation makes for a captivating tale—even if its pacing and character transitions aren’t flawless. Fans of layered world-building, morally complex characters, and socially conscious fantasy will find much to admire here.

First off, I want to say thank you to Bindery Books for the eARC.

I really tried to get into this book, but I had a really hard time connecting with Poppy, the FMC. I found her character to not be very strong, despite her power. I see waht the author was trying to do with the book but it fell flat. I feel like if I had been able to connect more with Poppy, it would been rated higher for me.

To Bargain With Mortals is a fictional look at the perils of colonialism, racism, and entrenched belief systems. It delves into the ideas we inherit and the choices we have to grow from experience. Much of the book is action-packed and reads like a covert thriller as it weaves thought-provoking commentary on caste systems and the danger of replacing one oppressor with another.
Without giving anything away, then ending is a little dull. It feels like a modern allegory for our current political climate- lots of action, but in the end, the actual governing is pretty dry.
All in all, I enjoyed the book.

I've waited to write this review since I have some conflicting thoughts about this one. I loved the commentary on race, classism, cultural erasure, colonization, and poverty. We also got this commentary from multiple sides with multiple POV's (even though it was confusing at times who we were reading from). However, the writing felt more YA than adult fantasy. While the characters are supposedly older (19+), I kept imagining them as 15 given the way they spoke and handled situations. The dialogue felt stilted, unnatural, and childish. There was a lot of pointing things out for the reader instead of letting the reader come to the conclusion on their own. Also, we are supposed to believe that all of these things (like starting a revolution, a character coming to terms with her power despite YEARS of suppressing it and viewing it as an abomination, a character training to use her power, etc.) happened in, like, 3 weeks?! That does not seem feasible.

I enjoyed Hasan as a character - his impulsivity, the relationships with his brothers, and the strong ideals. I'm not sure how to feel about Poppy as she felt really contradictory. At times, she reads as super smart, is able to strategize, and clearly cares about her people while other times she makes questionable decisions and is selfish in her desire for her title. I wish we had more POV's with Samina and Harithi, as they seemed like much more intriguing characters than Poppy.

Thank you to Bindery Books, Skies Press, and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

To Bargain with Mortals is a rich, diverse story that threads and twines magic and politics into a colonised world. The FMC Poppy, our outcase heiress is a written incredibly well who is complexly “messy” but with a strong sense of what is right and how best to change the difficult world she lives in. Her flaws make her incredibly interesting to read and it’s refreshing to see someone sit in their bias and allow their feelings to be challenged and changed.

There was some excellent examples of difficult family dynamics with the Devar brothers and how differently they all approaching issues despite having the same upbringing.

There was some moments that felt entirely too easy so I do wonder whether book two will come out of left-field and blindside us all.

Thank you to Bindery Books and Netgalley for the review copy!

4.5 stars

When I saw this come up on Bindery's Instagram, I knew I had to request a copy based on the synopsis alone. This is the kind of book I've been looking for and I absolutely flew through it.

To Bargain With Mortals is the story of Poppy Sutherland, a Virian orphan who is adopted by the Viceroy of Viryana and his wife (who just so happen to be Welkish nobility and related to the royal family). After an incident forces Poppy to go to boarding school in Welkland, she returns to Viryana, a nation now on the brink of revolution and having to reckon with rediscovered powers and everything she thought she knew. Running along side this storyline is another, featuring a gang leader who has his own agenda to rescue his brother and use Poppy as leverage.

To Bargain With Mortals does deal explicitly with themes of colonialism and racism, and the way Poppy has to unlearn years of Welkish education when she returns to Viryana. She stubbornly clings to those ideals at the beginning of the book, but one of the things I appreciated with Poppy was her willingness to learn from those around her. She carries those lessons with her and to try and forge a better fate for Viryana, one that isn't supressed and at the mercy of colonial forces.

This is the first book in a duology and given how this one ends, I'm very curious to see where it goes next. To Bargain With Mortals is out on 28th October this year with Bindery Books and Emma Skies.

I had such high hopes for this story and unfortunately it just did not hit the story beats like I hoped it would. Giving this a 3 out of 5 stars.

What this story does do well is highlight the complexities of personal identity, especially by having Poppy and the Jackal be foils to each other in that both are from the same country but have VASTLY different socio-economic upbringings.

The magic system is really intriguing as it is tied to the local religion, but I feel like this aspect was not well fleshed out and I would have loved to learn more about it.

**⭐️⭐️⭐️.5**

Thank you to Bindery Books/Skies Press for the ARC.

I think this book has the potential to be really amazing. I enjoyed reading about South Asian representation as a POC. It was interesting to read about the colonialisation of India from the differing perspectives of the Poppy and Hasan.
The focus was definitely heavy on the court politics.
I think the characters were complex and watch them struggle and grow - when trying to navigate this world.
Overall, interesting and different.

R.A. Basu's debut, To Bargain With Mortals, the first book in The Reckoning Storm duology, offers a captivating journey into a world heavily inspired by colonized India. As a fan of R.F. Kuang, I was immediately drawn to the premise, and Basu delivers a rich narrative steeped in themes of colonialism, resistance, and cultural identity.

The story follows Poppy Sutherland, the adopted Virian daughter of a Welkish viceroy, leaving her caught between two worlds. Her determination to forge her own path leads her to an arranged marriage, only for her to uncover a betrayal and find herself kidnapped by the infamous criminal leader, Hasan, also known as the Jackal.

One of the book's greatest strengths lies in its insightful discussions on privilege and intersectionality. Poppy undergoes a crucial reality check, forced to confront her own sheltered upbringing and the vast disparities in struggles. Quotes like, "But just because you didn’t have it easy doesn’t mean that you didn’t have it easier than the vast majority," and, "You’re so used to being the most marginalized person in the room, you don’t know how to recognize that other people have it far worse than you," highlight the raw and necessary conversations woven into the narrative. It’s refreshing to see a fantasy novel tackle such important social commentary head-on.

However, where the book faltered slightly for me was with the character of Hasan. For a feared criminal lord, he often feels too morally "white," lacking the ambiguity I'd expect from such a figure. His faults seem minimal, and his reflections on the damage he's caused often felt forced, making him come across more like a hero in a criminal's shoes. Additionally, the lack of communication between Hasan and Zeyar, considering their roles in controlling an entire city, strained credulity.

Despite these minor quibbles, I thoroughly enjoyed To Bargain With Mortals. The world-building is immersive, and the exploration of resistance against an oppressive regime resonated deeply. Plus, there's a particular scene involving Zeyar and Harithi that had me absolutely squealing! "He laughed, placing one hand at the small of her back, pulling her toward him. The tip of her dagger pierced his skin, crimson staining his shirt, but he barely felt the sting as he leaned down and kissed her." I'm desperate for more of their story in the sequel!

Overall, To Bargain With Mortals is a promising debut that tackles complex themes with nuance and an engaging plot. I'm eagerly anticipating the next installment and can't wait to see what R.A. Basu has in store for us.

“To Bargain with Mortals” by Elizabeth Bear is a captivating blend of fantasy and philosophical inquiry that delves into the complexities of life, death, and the choices that define us. Set against a backdrop of richly imagined worlds, the narrative introduces readers to characters whose fates intertwine through intricate bargains and moral dilemmas. Bear’s prose is lyrical and immersive, vividly painting the landscapes and emotions of her characters.

The central premise revolves around the protagonist's struggle with her own mortality and the desires that bind her to her choices. As she navigates her relationships with both mortals and immortals, readers are drawn into a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be human. Bear skillfully balances moments of tension with quieter reflections on love, sacrifice, and the weight of existence.

One of the standout elements of the novel is Bear’s ability to create nuanced characters that resonate on multiple levels; their internal conflicts feel genuine and relatable. The pacing of the story is carefully crafted, allowing for a gradual build-up that keeps readers engaged. Overall, “To Bargain with Mortals” is a beautifully written narrative that not only entertains but also invites deep contemplation on the fragile nature of life. It’s a must-read for fans of speculative fiction who appreciate philosophical depth.

I had high expectations for this book and was not disappointed! I absolutely loved the world it’s set in—it’s completely different from anything I’ve read recently. The characters were extremely interesting, though I would have liked to get to know some of the side characters better. The beginning immediately caught my attention, and the ending was exceptional as well. However, I felt there could have been a few more plot twists throughout.

To Bargain with Mortals is a dense political story infused with mystical fantasy elements.

While the political consciousness of the oppressed often evolves through repeated struggle and resistance, that of the privileged is marked by a repetitive reinforcement of status quo narratives.

The world-building draws you into a reimagined, colonised Britain, presented with clear and unapologetic detail that makes the divide between groups impossible to ignore. You’re made to feel the resistance, belittlement, and desperation deeply throughout the narrative.

Poppy and the Devar brothers not only contrast sharply with one another, but they also reinforce the novel’s central themes. While I appreciated the dynamics between the characters, I felt these relationships were at times overshadowed, underdeveloped, and occasionally predictable.

Moreover, the fantasy elements—magic manifested through religious prayer and devotion—felt somewhat sparse. I was intrigued by the concept and eager to see the magic system explored in greater depth.

However, the ending was disappointing. Although the build-up was clear throughout the narrative, the conclusion felt rushed and dismissive, lacking a sense of anticipation for the next instalment.

Overall, if you enjoy politically charged fantasy novels, this one is worth your time. It requires patience and a genuine interest in political themes.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

To Bargain with Mortals is sharp, sweeping, and soaked in atmosphere. R.A. Basu delivers a beautifully layered fantasy where every decision drips with consequence, and power is never handed over—it’s taken, bartered, or stolen.

The writing is both lyrical and biting, the characters messy in the best way, and the emotional stakes hit hard. It’s a story about survival, identity, and what you’re willing to sacrifice to feel whole—or free.

The world feels lived in, the danger feels real, and the pull between duty and desire is unforgettable. Haunting, elegant, and utterly immersive.