Sadly a DNF for me. I think it may have been a case of right book wrong time but I didn't get lost in the story straight away and life is too short for books that don't hook you straight away.

Savage Beasts by Rani Selvarajah is available now.

For more information regarding Rani Selvarajah (@Rani_writes) please visit her Twitter page.

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Unfortunately this was not a book that I really enjoyed. The characters were flat and juvenile to me. The love between Meera and James was too quick with no real basis for it. It reminded me of high school where my friends were immediately in love, without knowing what it meant. Thank you to Net Galley and Harper Collins UK for the digital ARC. This is my personal review, my own words and I am truly sorry that I don't feel that I can recommend this book to others.

I loved this book! A very fresh-feeling iteration of the popular Greek myth retelling, Savage Beasts recasts Medea as Meena, an Indian princess during the verge of the British colonisation of India. Savage Beasts skilfully brings Meena to life through the events of Apollonius' Argonautica and Euripides' Medea. The historical setting lends an even more tragic and brutal air to Medea's tale. Author Rani Selvarajah does a fantastic job of creating narratives appropriate to the eighteenth-century setting to fulfil elements of the Medea myth; I was especially impressed by the episodes in the Cape of Good Hope and on Ceylon, which touch on parts of the story that are easy to omit.

The writing is pacey and lyrical, although at points the novel feels as though it is repeating other works; Medea's tale looms large in literature though, and I do find this generally happens with retellings. I thought the historical setting was very effective, requiring a realist approach that I find doesn't often work with myths such as Medea's that have so much magic and involvement of the gods. Here, Selvarajah leaves just enough ambiguity to keep the story enjoyable without needing to stick too closely to either a fantastical or rationalised version. A great book for fans of Medea, Greek myth or even historical fiction.

Thank you to the publisher and to Netgalley who provided an ARC for an honest review.

I was rather disappointed with this book. It is purported to be a retelling of the tale of Medea and I can see where the overall plot echoes come from but I didn't really warm to the story.

Savage Beasts by Rani Selvarajah is a Medea retellings set in Calcutta in the 1750s. The introduction of Indian culture into this classic myth was unique and interesting. I enjoyed watching the saga play out and I liked seeing how the author interpreted the different parts of the Epic. Trigger warnings for graphic violence, racism and bigotry, and SA. Unfortunately I couldn't give it a higher rating because I didn't feel like the characters really lived up to their potential, especially Meena. She seemed more resigned to her fate than powerful.

Set in 1757 where Calcutta is on the brink of war with the East India Company quickly advancing. Meena, desperate to escape her gilded cage meets James Chilcott and falls under his spell. Savage Beasts is a Greek myth retelling of Medea but set in 18th century India. The British East India Company is a clever setting for Meena and James' fateful tale. Savage Beasts does not shy away from the dark themes of the original tale as Rani translates the often brutal tale of Medea that has captivated readers for hundreds of years. An imaginative retelling of the Greek classic that will appeal to readers of Indian history during British colonisation and lovers of mythological retellings.

I thought that I had an idea of the story of Medea, but I was proved very wrong after reading this heart-breaking and powerful retelling.

One important thing to note is that the author has moved the story from Greece into India and set it during the start of the colonisation by the British. As a result we have the character Meena in Calcutta in 1757, the daughter of the Nawab of Bengal.

When Meena is introduced to us she is a very naieve character, and I found her to be far too trusting of people. though she definitely grows throughout the book and does become a lot stronger and an advoace for herself and her son. I didn't find her to be a fierce as I would expect Medea to be, but I was pleased at her growth.

The story itself is not an easy read - there are some very heavy topics explored here. I enjoyed the setting change from Greece to India, and I thought it was a very fresh take on a retelling. The writing wasn't the strongest for me, as things did feel a little too modern at times, but I am so pleased that Medea has gotten some love finally!

3.5 rounded up.

Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for an ARC of this book.

Savage Beasts is a powerful and truly compulsive read from Rani Selvarajah that revisualises the tell of Medea in 1757 India and beyond.
Our story commences in Calcutta, in a time of great turbulence as the East India Company is advancing on Bengal and the Nawab is facing potential ruin. His daughter Meena falls in love (or perhaps under the spell) of one of the leaders of the company, one James Chilcott, nephew of Sir Peter, is a leader of the organisation.
In order to effect an escape, the young lovers, commit some terrible acts and are soon faced with little choice but to flee for their lives.
Over the next few years, their love and relationship will tested to the absolute utmost and they will discover just how much they are truly willing to do for love.
Throughout the story, we are constantly confronted with the horrible, racist attitudes towards Meena. Especially in England, she is treated as alternatively as a novelty and as a savage beast - one to be tolerated, but never as a proper member of the family or society. It is this very attitude that drives Meena to commit such shocking acts and yet, I cannot dislike our anti-heroine as she constantly wins my support. How can we not sympathise with someone who is continually confronted with the abuses towards her homelands and fellow people?
I loved this story, I sympathised with Meena much as I cried out to her not to take certain courses of action. Her driving force to survive at all odds is impressive as Meena realises that she can only truly rely on herself.

I'm a fan of the mythological retellings. This one was a retelling of Medea from Greek mythology with some very significant changes to the storyline and setting. However, if you know the myth well, you can see the similarities and the heartbreak.

First of all, it was a beautifully written novel. The words flowed and were simply lyrical at times. Yet, it was also brutal and graphic because that is what the character's experience was and the only way to do it justice was to describe it accurately as such.

The main character, Meena is a the daughter of the Nawab of Bengal. As a princess one would think her life was one of privilege but it was actually one where she was abused frequently by her brother and father. Her life was anything but easy. All of this made her susceptible to James Chilcott, the nephew of her father's enemy. When James pursues Meena, she is flattered and quickly falls for him. The actions she takes in order to be able to escape with James will haunt her for the rest of her life but it's not something she can contemplate at that point because she's desperate.

Meena starts the story as a naive young woman and finishes it as a strong and vindictive woman who is capable of just about anything. Life teaches her that the only person she can truly rely on is herself and she acts on it.

As far as this being a Medea retelling - - the storyline was altered enough that I truly didn't make comparisons between this story and that one. So, I found it to be a good book.

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: The narration was really lovely. It added to the overall atmosphere of this book and made it so much easier to absorb myself in. The narrator's voice really made me feel like I was listening to Meena. Well done. 4 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley for early copies of both the ebook and audiobook. I voluntarily chose to review both of them and the opinions contained within are my own.

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins for the digital galley in exchange for my honest review.

I wasn’t immediately drawn in by the story or the characters, but I’d like to give the story a second chance in the future.

DNF at 10% + Netgalley requires a number rating so I’m recording a neutral 3 stars because I didn’t spend long enough with it to truly judge its rating.

I loved the setting of this story. Being transported to 18th century India and learning more about the devastation they faced. The descriptions of the scenery, the food and the beautifully traditional sari's were exquisite.

To begin with I felt that Meena was a little too trusting and struggled to believe in her romance with James. As the story progressed I began to admire her strength in character, especially as she faced betrayal after betrayal.

My favourite part of the story was Meena's gift with healing people and what she learnt from her Aunt. I was pleased to see that part resurface from time to time but I would have liked more of it.

A beautifully story about trust, family and devastation. I'm now intrigued by the myth of Medea.

A cleverly crafted retelling of the story of Medea from Greek Mythology. It is not a story I am familiar with, so I looked it up before reading, and it made the novel more understandable, enabling me to appreciate the journey the author took me on more fully.
Set in the late eighteenth century, it explores the ravages of colonisation and the vulnerability of the indigenous people. It also shows how women were exploited by the colonists and the men within their society. Meena's viewpoint shows the horrors she experiences and witnesses, which resonates. Her determination to regain power over her destiny in the face of betrayal and prejudice is illuminating. It is a graphic story reflecting the Greek tragedy it references, but every action reinforces a point the author is making. Although historical fiction, the dialogue is contemporary, making this easy reading but slightly unsettling in the eighteenth-century setting.
Well-researched and politically astute, this is a compelling and thought-provoking tale. I liked the historical detail, the references to mythology, and the devastating portrait of Meena's life, both poignant and shocking.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

“Zeus, do you hear how I am mocked, rejected, by this savage beast, polluted with her children’s blood?”, Euripides, ‘Medea’.

My thanks to HarperCollins U.K. One More Chapter for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Savage Beasts’ by Rani Selvarajah.

This impressive debut novel is a reimagining of the Greek myth of Medea. However, the author has moved the story in time and place to the Indian subcontinent during the eighteenth Century.

Calcutta, 1757. Meena is the neglected and abused daughter of the Nawab of Bengal. It is known that the East India Company, led by the fearsome Sir Peter Chilcott, is poised to make war on Bengal.

Meena enjoys disguising herself and slipping away from the palace to watch ships arriving from around the world. One day she sees a handsome stranger disembarking from a ship named the Argo. Meena is immediately taken with him, especially when she hears his demand to be presented to the Nawab. He is James Chilcott, the nephew of Sir Peter, and when he meets with the Nawab he claims that he wants to betray the company . . . for a price.

Obviously Rani Selvarajah changes aspects of the myth. There is no Golden Fleece though there is a golden treasure. Like King Aeëtes of Colchis, the Nawab is a tyrant and the story from there mirrors the classic myth. Like Medea, Meena falls in love with James and assists him. They escape from Calcutta and head to Ceylon, where they meet with Meena’s beloved aunt Kiran, who cleanses them of their sins as Circe did in the original myth.

With hopes for a new life they sail first to the Cape of Good Hope and later to England. However, by then Bengal has fallen and been plundered by the East India Company. I won’t say more to avoid spoilers though those familiar with Medea’s story will have some indication of its direction.

In her Author’s Note, Rani Selvarajah writes of her decision to retell Medea’s story against the tragic backdrop of the early days of the colonisation of India, initially by the East India Company. She highlights the attitudes of the British overlords though also reflects that Meena’s reception in England mirrors injustices that “are emblematic of a society that is brutal towards a foreign woman, whether in the mythic Age of Heroes, 5th century Athens, the rise of British colonialism, or today.”

Certainly Meena’s father, the Nawab, and her brother are nasty pieces of work and she does fall very quickly in love with James. Yet both of these aspects of the story are in keeping with the original myth, though the insta-love there was facilitated by Hera, seeking to aid Jason.

Overall, I found ‘Savage Beasts’ a well crafted, imaginative retelling of this classic myth that held my attention throughout.

Highly recommended.

I absolutely loved the premise and concept of this myth retelling of Medea. It’s a layered tale that parallels well with the brutal era of the British Empire and colonialism.

What I was hoping for was a rich historical fiction giving us a look into 18th century India, but what I got was a story that seemed contemporary in tone and unrealistic for what it was.

I struggled most with the instant declarations of love between the two main characters and ended up not finishing beyond 30%. A Nawab’s daughter betrays her country for a foreigner she barely knows for less than what seemed like 72 hours? It felt like Bridgerton when expecting Jane Austen. And it left me a bit disappointed.

The author clearly has a writing gift, and I hope to read more of her work, but this one just wasn’t for me.

6.5/10

First of all, It is important to mention that Savage Beasts is the first book by Rani Selvarajah, and I am happy to see it and wish her success...

but

there are butS...

Unfortunately, without the audio version, I would have dropped this one. While I won't offer criticism, the retelling of Medea set in 18th-century India during England's attacks didn't quite capture my interest.

I have said before for a few other books, I don't enjoy a feminist retelling that the magic and gods are removed from it, it is not a myth anymore. I want magic elements and mythical characters!

As someone with this point of view, I found the plot's aspects unbelievable. It's hard for me to follow and sympathize with Meena, an abused daughter who seeks happiness from James, an Englishman stranger, and turns back to her family, flees Calcutta and... well, we know the tale of an unfaithful husband, unhappy life and madness.

The characters were unlikable, and the conversations were odd. Although there are some strong points, but were not bold enough. The only notable aspect is Aunt's big cat and the knowledge of poisons that weren't exceeded.

I may recommend this one to general fiction readers, historical fiction or multicultural readers, wasn't much mythological!

Thanks to HarperCollins UK via NetGalley for giving me a chance to read Savage Beasts by Rani Selvarajah. I have given my review solely based on my personal viewpoint and completely honest.

When I got the invitation to grab an arc for this book in my email I didn't hesitate. I saw that it was a Greek Mythology retelling and there was no way I was gonna say no. I have to admit that maybe it would have been a good idea to read the rest of the blurb too. I'm currently dealing with a lot of stuff and we're mostly working on getting my stress levels down. This book might have not really helped when it comes to that. But I'm still glad One More Chapter gave me this arc.

This is the kind of book where not being able to read it in one sitting is a compliment. The book is raw. The book is confronting. And in true Greek fashion the book does evolve into a drama in the last few chapters. And yet I also think that the book is a must read. It explains the colonial era much better than any history book can do. It's thought-provoking and it's not sugar coating what the European countries have done across the world during what the Dutch still call "the golden century".

And of course the tale of Medea, and Jason, is perfect as a backbone for this story. Medea is one of the many misunderstood and abused women you will read about in Greek Mythology. She leaves her home for a guy only to eventually be cast aside. And then the Gods orchestrate her dramatic ending. The moment the young English James falls in love with Indian Princess Meena the question is not if it will end badly. The question is how badly it will end.

Because of my knowledge of the original tale I had issues rooting for the romance. I don't think we're supposed to root for it. We mostly have to understand why Meena eventually does what she does. And I did understand. Because the author does a great job building up towards that one moment Meena decides that enough is enough. I personally think she held on for a very long time. I was fuming with rage for quite some time already before Meena snapped.

Maybe not the most fun book you'll ever read, but for sure one of the most important books you'll ever read.

"While men had their swords, a woman's weapon was her words. A woman needed to know how to speak and put her point across, even when they refused to listen."

Against the turbulent backdrop of 18th century Calcutta, war is brewing as the East India Company rises in power under the formidable leadership of Sir Peter Chilcott.

Meena, daughter of the Bengali Nawab, lives in a sheltered but abusive home and longs to escape. When she encounters James Chilcott, nephew of the enemy, who represents change and the potential of love, Meena finds herself growing increasingly entranced by his charm and must discover quickly what she is willing to sacrifice in the name of love.

Rani Selvarajah translates the captivating and brutal tale of Medea that has so much allured readers for centuries beautifully into the time period of the British Colonisation of India.

Rich, vivid and filled to the brim with descriptive storytelling, Savage Beasts does not shy away from the dark themes of the original tale through the exploration of historical events relevant to the time period such as oppression, racism and the impact of colonisation.

A fearless and powerful novel, Meena's development in love and the sensation of powerlessness is heart-rending and one that will be sympathised with by many modern readers.

Savage Beasts is a retelling of the Greek Mythology Medea. I was hoping to really enjoy reading this book but alas I did not.

I felt the characters in this book flat from the very start and I didn’t like the Insta love trope. I was hoping for a build up love attraction between Meena and James.

I ended up DNFing just after 17% where I felt very uncomfortable from a scenario where the FMC was labelled a “piece” by a crewmate of James. This is something I wouldn’t expect from a mythology story.

Thank you One More Chapter and Netgalley for the digital copy of Savage Beasts for reviewing purposes.

"...Jans is always hungry. Not as much as Frederick here ..."
"'Jans'? Why have you given them such strange names?" Meena asked as she stroked the boar behind its ears. He turned his head and nestled his face in her hand.
"They're Dutch names. They're the names of the former occupiers of this place," said Kiran.
"You named the boars after the Dutchmen who lived here?"
Kiran chuckled. "Something like that..." [loc. 2299]
A retelling of the story of Medea and Jason, transposed to seventeenth-century India and, later, South Africa and England. Meena is the daughter of the Nawab of Bengal. She lives in luxury and privilege, but is made miserable by her abusive brother. One day, sneaking out to the docks, she encounters James Chilcott, nephew of Sir Peter Chilcott of the East India Company. James tells Meena he has been sent to infiltrate the palace but has decided to betray his uncle's cruel plans. Will Meena help him? Flattered by his attention, and strongly attracted to this handsome Englishman, Meena arranges a meeting between James and her father, and subsequently flees with him (and with a great deal of gold). They seek help from Meena's aunt Kiran, living in exile in Ceylon: but she dislikes James and tries to warn Meena against him. Meena, though, is in love -- and pregnant -- and James has vowed that they're as good as married.

The colonial setting highlights the ways in which Meena is demonised, dehumanised, and treated, despite her royal birth, as a 'savage beast'. Even in Bengal she's abused by her male relatives: once she reaches the Cape of Good Hope, it is made very plain to her that she has no place in colonial society, much less the refined balls and shopping expeditions enjoyed by her English peers.

There were some fascinating ideas here, and the basic premise drew me in: but unfortunately I didn't feel that either Meena or James were consistently characterised. Meena in particular, though far from stupid, seemed constantly surprised by the prejudice she encountered. I couldn't reconcile her independence and strength with her continued attempts to repair her failing relationship with James. James himself seemed two-dimensional: having seduced Meena and persuaded her to leave Bengal with him, he seemed uninterested in behaving with kindness, let alone love, towards her.

I didn't find Savage Beasts as enjoyable a read as I'd hoped: knowing the myth of Medea well, I was intrigued to see how Selvarajah would explore her character and her actions, especially the later parts of the myth (see Euripides). Meena seems to have less agency than her mythological counterpart, though she does enact some of the more violent episodes, in sometimes-unexpected ways. I found the writing uneven, with some jarring phrases: Meena is 'gobsmacked' at one point, and James later accuses her of 'morose paranoia'. I found it hard to imagine Meena saying 'okay, now we can finally get to the crux of the matter'. It's not just dialogue, either: though there are some lovely descriptive passages, much of the prose is flat and repetitive.


Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the advance review copy, in exchange for this honest review. UK publication date is 25th May 2023.

3.5 stars

I was transported to India, through Ceylon and to the Cape of Good Hope as we follow Meena on her journey- as she grows as a character and as a woman.
Meena is a captivating character - fearless in a world dominated and controlled by men, she fights for her rights and survival.
I wasn’t very aware of the details of the myth of Medea, but could enjoy the descriptions of Meena’s home and journey.