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.

To Bargain with Mortals is a dark, enchanting fantasy that seamlessly blends myth, morality, and mortal desire. R.A. Basu crafts a world where gods and humans negotiate fate, and every choice carries weight. The protagonist’s journey is both intimate and epic, with high emotional stakes and complex character development. Basu’s prose is lyrical yet sharp, and the worldbuilding is immersive without overwhelming the reader. While some plot threads could have benefited from deeper exploration, the novel’s originality and philosophical undercurrents make it a compelling read. A thoughtful, atmospheric debut for fans of mythic fantasy with moral ambiguity.

I found this to be a very intelligent and satisfying read. Such a well written political fantasy with some creature comforts of an underdog turn fierce FMC. It was gripping and emotional, I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. I found it to be quite original with the balance of a few good tropes. Overall a great read! Thank you for the opportunity to review!

Amazing female empowerment, This is one of my top reads of the year. It Begins with a sheltered young girl who enjoys her luxurious life while naïve to the suffering around her. To becoming an adult who realizes how truly hard life is for those around her and learning from her past. Perfect! I can’t wait to continue this story.

To Bargain With Mortals: 2 Stars 💧🔥✨

This unfortunately was not for me. I think the plot of this book is incredibly intriguing and ultimately what initially drew me to request it on NetGalley.

My issue with this book ultimately came down to predictability, character development, and pacing. The beginning of this story starts off strong with quick pacing but as we settle into the narrative things start to lag. The plot itself never really had me on my toes or curious how things might turn out. Our characters felt rushed and underdeveloped. I wanted more out of the important relationship between Poppy and Hasan. The lack of development in the characters also made the text feel rather YA.

I wanna thank NetGalley and the author for allowing me to read this early and provide my honest review.

This was an engaging read: sharp, bold, and not particularly interested in subtlety. And honestly? That works. In a world on fire, sometimes you need a story that doesn’t whisper about colonialism and oppression but shouts. Sure, it’s a bit on the nose, but the nose deserves it. What makes this book hit harder is how deftly the author balances message with craft. The characters aren’t just vehicles for ideology; they’re raw, unpredictable, and at times delightfully unlikable. The world building is equally punchy, layered, lived in, and uncomfortable in all the right ways. It’s a universe that mirrors ours just enough to sting, with enough invention to keep you turning pages faster than your existential dread can catch up.

Thank you to Net Galley and Bindery Books for the ARC. I was drawn by the beautiful cover and the promise of political fantasy, but alas this book was too simplistic. Also, I am very familiar with India's history and the British Raj, so there was nothing new or interesting about this read for me, especially because the characters and dialogue are flat.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bindery Books and Skies Press for this ARC!

This was a highly anticipated read for me, and instead I found myself pushing through to give the author my earnest review.

Things I liked about it:
Set in a British India adjacent world, it captures the impact economic, cultural and emotional impacts colonialism has on its peoples.
It also explores the forceful and ethnic cleansing nature of Christianity, while using the traditional faith to create a unique magic system.
I liked that it did not shy away from the brutality and was an honest depiction in many ways.
It would have been incredibly easy to make this a forbidden romance, but instead the author made this wholesome with a supportive friendship. That may change in future books, but the foundation is there for that to happen.

Things I didn't like:
I expected adult writing, but found this sat more in the YA category.
The main protagonist was difficult to connect to, though I appreciate it would have been difficult to write someone that is simultaneously oppressed and privileged.
I found it incredibly predictable and some of the plot difficult to rationalise.
There was also a lot of convenience plotting, eg. a character that just showed up at the end to benefit the ending.

That about covers it. Still an interesting premise and world.
This is a promising debut, and I wish the R.A. Basu all the success in the future.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bindery Books for the ARC.

To Bargain with Mortals by R.A Basu is a historical fantasy that is focused on Poppy Sutherland, an isolated brown woman in the world of white royalty, and Hasan Devar, a gang leader called the Jackal, and the way their paths merge to create a revolution for the colonised nation of Viryana.

The world-building elements of this novel are what make it so great, heavy themes of colonisation and politics really immerses the reader in the book. The South-Asian inspiration reflected in the Viryana nation is reflected in the way the Gods and the culture is represented in the novel, and I see it as another strong point of the novel. Though I would have liked more focus on the Gods in the novel.

The relationships between characters are very complex and intriguing. The relationship between Poppy and Samina really showed Poppy's privilege in this world due to her position, but one she had not been able to see before in a society she felt like an outcast, their dynamic is interesting and is significant for Poppy's development. Hasan and his relationship with his brother Zeyar is one that really reflected the views of the colonised nation, with the contrast between Hasan's black and white perspective, and Zeyar's more morally grey view. I think that their dynamic is the one I enjoyed the most, along with Poppy's relationship with her parents, due to her struggle with people she loves being the oppressors of her people.

I think the pacing was the weakest part of the novel; some parts seemed too slow, and by the end, I felt certain events happened too fast, and I would have liked a timeline that felt more realistic.

Overall, I see To Bargain with Mortals as a strong and well-developed fantasy novel with in-depth worldbuilding and deeply flawed characters, and I am eager to read the sequel to see how Poppy and Hasan deal with future problems in toppling current power structures.

“Power isn't about doing what's right. It's about who decides what's right.”

I picked this ARC up because of its intriguing premise promising political intrigue, moral ambiguity, and a colonised nation struggling under an oppressive regime. There are so many themes here that I usually love: generational tension, questions of identity and privilege, the slow unfurling of mysterious magic.

But sadly, it just didn’t quite land for me. While I admired the ambition of the story and appreciated the world it was trying to build, I struggled to connect emotionally. The writing felt more YA in tone than expected, despite the adult categorisation, and I never fully clicked with the characters (especially the protagonist). She’s complex and flawed in ways I usually enjoy, but her internal conflict often felt detached rather than compelling.
The pacing was also uneven. It starts strong but began to lose me around the midway point, and I often found myself confused by the sheer number of characters and shifting perspectives.

There is a lot of promise in this debut. The magic system has interesting roots, the political commentary raises questions worth sitting with, and there are some brilliant lines scattered throughout. I just wish it had gone a bit deeper with its character work and world-building.

Not quite for me, but I’ll be watching this author’s journey. I think there’s something here that could really shine with time.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review; all opinions are my own.

This book had exactly all the elements I look for in a book, but unfortunately, for me, they didn’t mix well. I DNF 25%, I couldn’t connect with the characters, but I think the problem really was how it is being targeted for adults, but I found the characters -and the writing style overall- more fitting for a YA for way younger readers. It wasn’t a bad book, just not my cup of tea. I think the starting had a nice pace, I was interested, but not long after I just couldn't find myself interested or care for the characters, unfortunately.

To Bargain with Mortals marks a promising debut from R.A. Basu, offering an immersive world with rich political undertones that feel especially relevant. The worldbuilding is intricate and thoughtful, laying a strong foundation for what’s clearly a larger story. That said, much of this first book feels like groundwork for the sequel, and as a result, the plot itself felt a bit underdeveloped in places. While it may not fully stand on its own, it definitely sets the stage for a compelling continuation, and I’m curious to see where the series goes from here.

This book was very unique to me with it's magic system and the way the story was told. While it gives the air of a fantasy it is not fantasy heavy and leans more into the politics and government workings of the world we are in. The main character's history is interesting and the way she slowly uncovers her powers and abilities runs all throughout the book rather than the flash and bang of it just being there. The family conflict that runs through both characters lives was a good way to tie them together. It was a slow burn of a book, but I am excited to read the next one to see what happens next and how we expand on the magic system and world.

To Bargain with Mortals is a captivating blend of dark fantasy and myth, written in lyrical, evocative prose. R.A. Basu crafts a haunting world where bargains with powerful beings carry weighty consequences, and the lines between mortal and divine blur in fascinating ways. The atmosphere is rich and immersive, the characters are emotionally complex, and the story explores sacrifice, power, and fate with nuance and depth. It’s a story that lingers—both thought-provoking and beautifully told. Fans of emotionally driven fantasy with folklore elements will find this a standout read. A gripping and unforgettable debut. (4.5/5)

This was really good. Our FMC Poppy was hard to root for at first but i loved her character development. Our MMC Hasan however i loved him from the beggining and once the two met i was really locked in and flew through the book

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for early access to the e-ARC!

Yet again I have found myself drawn in by the Bindery siren call and once more I have found that I'm not particularly interested in their titles. I'm just not sure that I can get behind a book that has been curated and edited by an untrained individual. I know that book influencers are plugged into the zeitgeist and know what is popular at the moment, but that doesn't mean that they should suddenly be editors of books. I think a lot of the hype around Bindery books is due, in large part, to the massive social following these influencers have. I do believe in indie publishers and support them when I can, but most indie publishers generally have trained individuals acquiring and editing their titles.

I will no longer be requesting or reading Bindery books going forward. All the best to the influencers and the authors, but these are not for me.