Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review. This was the first book I've read by R. A. Basu, and it definitely won't be the last. The story was intriguing, the world building complex and the characters kept you on the edge of your seat wondering what they were going to do next.
While there was a lot to remember, the complex story made sense as it played out and every character had an important role. The magic system and political system were intricately linked, which is a concept I love, and the fact that each character had to make sacrifices for their end goals made it all the more heart wrenching. I loved this story and will definitely be recommending it.

Wow, this book was amazing. It had everything I love in a great Fantasy; an easy to understand magic system, an underestimated FMC, a violent, hot-headed MMC and a strong political system. This story left nothing on the table and I had such a great time with this book.

All of the characters in the story are so flawed and imperfect, especially Poppy and Hasan. Even through I found myself rolling my eyes or sighing out loud at some of the decisions these characters made I still found that it made sense for the story and I understood their motivations. The character growth for Poppy especially was so great, There were moments throughout this story were I found myself unsure of if I wanted Poppy to succeed, which made it all the more powerful when I was fully rooting for her in the end. And Hasan's relationship with his brothers is so complex and emotional, some of the scenes between Hasan and Zayar were so tense I found myself gripping my ebook a little too aggressively. The author did such an incredible job of living in this gray area with all of their characters, nothing was black or white and even the oppressed Viryans experienced discrimination amongst each other. No side was without fault.

The magic system was awesome, and I LOVED the idea of having to sacrifice something in order to procure power. It's such a simple concept but it was turned into such a powerful moment for Poppy in the story. And the political system was so well fleshed out, I loved all of the intricacies between the first families, second families, and the Viryans. It was so complex but so well thought out, and I never once felt like I couldn't keep track of who was what or where. It was all explained so well.

If you love fast-paced fantasies with strong character growth, powerful magic and a complex but easy to understand political system I would highly recommend picking up this book, I can't wait to purchase a physical copy when this is published!

To Bargain With Mortals is a historical fantasy, heavily steeped in themes of racism, colonization, and the characters’ own internal biases.

It is about Poppy Sutherland, who is just returning from seven years away from her home. She was sent away to gain an “education” by her adoptive family because of a transgression she committed, and we learn later as readers. Her goal is to secure her place within Welkish society.

It is also about the Devar brothers, mainly Hassan, the youngest of the group. They are part of the Virian natives who have been colonized by Welkland. They use their magic and privilege as heads of a gang, to mainly further their own pursuits.

I really loved the world and magic system. More than anything though this was character driven, and each character had an arc of growth and change that makes sense for where they started and where they end up. Poppy‘s growth is especially beautiful to see because she has to come to terms with how she sees herself as never really being part of either world due to her upbringing.

The flow of this worked really well, I was never bored and there was always enough going on to keep me interested in what was going to happen next. I also enjoyed that there is not a cliffhanger at the end of this. If not for some loose ends, this could almost be a standalone. And those are always the best books to read when you know it is part of an unfinished series. I am excited to see more from this world and from this author.

Feeling conflicted and I need to gather my thoughts.

I admit I rarely pick up fantasy books because the issues of the world sit heavy on my mind. It’s hard to escape. So when I do pick one up, I know my notes will be long because my thoughts just pick up on many things. What do I want from a fantasy book? In a fantastical world showcase the arduous fight it takes for characters to make change for equality, visibility, and the truth.

To Bargain with Mortals had good intentions but struggled with execution. I really appreciated the commentary on classism, race, cultural erasure, genocide, poverty, colonization and so much more. But it lacked bite. I didn’t find Poppy to be a lead that I could cheer on, Hasan was intriguing, and the number of side characters were good but this could’ve been left out to strengthen the clear leads. I really struggled with Poppy, truly I tried but felt the side female characters to be stronger despite limited page time.

Don’t get me wrong I liked this book but certain things for me need to be reworked. I would move around certain narratives, character arcs, and emotional intensity. Giving this 3.5 stars.

My thanks to Bindery Books for the digital arc.

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC copy of the book!

I absolutely devoured this book and had trouble putting it down. This is a fast-paced fantasy with a well constructed world and a heavy emphasis on the politics within the world. The characters were written very well and had so much depth to them that developed over the whole course of the book. I am very much looking forward to the next installment and getting into more of the worldbuilding.

“You don’t have to have the same experience as someone to feel for them, only the desire to understand.”

I absolutely ate this up. It was one of those “I stayed up all night reading this story” for me. Poppy is character arc goals, and I honestly just want to be her when I grow up. I absolutely loved watching her experiences and the experiences of others change her from page to page. I, too, was chanting “Poppy! Poppy! Poppy!” alongside the Virians. Right now we need empathy more than ever, and this really gave me hope. “Poppy already had power-and with it, a responsibility to care for those without.” WE ESPECIALLY NEED EMPATHY IN PLACES OF POWER.

And when we don’t see the change we want in the world, we should recognize we’re the majority and do something about it. “ Will you risk mutiny? Those are your workers, your servants, your farmers. No amount of formal education or leadership experience can make up for the loyalty of the people. You are in the minority, and you would do well to remember it.”

I’ll probably think of more coherent things to say soon, but just add it to the TBR. If you liked Jade City, Babel or Blood Over Bright Haven, you will love To Bargain with Mortals. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book. Fingered crossed for a little Hasan & Poppy situationship. I REALLY hope the Savana and Altan story was beautiful foreshadowing.

This book was everything I wanted it to be and more. To Bargain with Mortals is a strong and unique addition to the fantasy genre. I'm already absolutely desperate to read the sequel.

Poppy is such a fierce and complicated protagonist. I completely fell in love with her and her quest to understand her identity and carve out a place for herself in the world.
Hasan is impulsive and so so stubborn, but his love for his family and his people guides so many of his actions that you can't help but love him.

The world-building in this is fantastic. It's inspired by a colonized India, with the magic system adding additional layers of complexity to the existing systems of oppression. The magic system that R.A. Basu has created is so unique, and one of my favorite parts of the story was the history lessons and explanations of how it works.

My eternal gratitude to Bindery for the opportunity to read and review this early. I loved it so much.

To Bargain With Mortals is a South Asian fantasy that centers on Poppy Sutherland, a young woman adopted by a colonial viceroy, who struggles to find her place between the Welkish colonizer society she's been brought into and the colonized Virian community she's been pulled away from. This story explores the different layers of power and oppression, and how to tear them down.

Poppy and Hasan, the oddly idealistic crime lord Poppy crosses paths with, are both deeply flawed characters whose prejudices and over-simplified moral convictions are continually challenged throughout the story. Poppy, having been raised within Welkish noble society, has sympathy for the suffering of the Virian community, but still has a tendency to view herself as the ultimate victim of Welkish racism. Hasan believes firmly in fighting Welkish rule and returning power to the previous rulers of Viryana—his own caste. Like Poppy, he fails to recognize the suffering of those below him in status and the ways he participates in that harm. Both of them are challenged repeatedly, and those call-outs were some of the most satisfying moments in the book.

It's realistic that neither Poppy nor Hasan suddenly unlearn their prejudices from a few lectures, and both have moments that it feels they backslide into their more aggravating habits. As realistic as it may be, I was frustrated by Poppy's continued fixation on her "birthright" to hold colonial power. I have no doubt that this will be challenged in the second installation of this duology, but I was surprised how much the arc of this book relied upon electoral politics to challenge colonial oppression.

The resolution felt like it came together a bit too smoothly to me. It portrayed a willingness by Welkish colonizers to compromise with or concede to the people they've colonized, even for a moment, that felt a bit unrealistic. Ultimately, I appreciate the themes of this story and what it was trying to do, even if the narrative didn't come together perfectly for me. Many of my criticisms may be a product of not having seen the full story arc, and I'm curious to see where it goes in book 2.

I received an ARC from netgalley in exchange for a review.

I absolutely LOVED this book. I thought that the characters, specifically our main character Poppy, were really well developed, and even over the course of this one installment grew and developed tremendously. You can really feel and understand Poppy's struggles, and I loved the way the author handled the balance between Poppy's hardships as minority in a majority-white space not being brushed aside and acknowledging the more difficult and systemic struggles her people have faced. I loved the political maneuvering, as well as the tense relationships between the characters. I'm also a sucker for books exploring dysfunctional and complex familial relationships, and there was definitely a lot of that lol. I can't wait for the sequel!

This book took me on an emotional journey! Prepare to cry! I loved the FMC in this, I love when the main character is underestimated and ends up proving everyone wrong! On top of that, the FMC and other characters were relatable and extremely well written! I can’t wait to get my hands on a physically so I can annotate it!

<i>Huge thanks to Bindery and Netgalley for sending me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.</i>

I really enjoyed this! It's got everything that a great fantasy needs: an interesting magic system, an underestimated but powerful female main character, a hot-headed but just male main character, and a people ready to rise and stand up to those who have colonized and exploited them for centuries.

I think what I appreciated the most with this book is that nothing is black and white. No side is perfect here, because even the Virians have had issues with discrimination and exploitation among themselves, long before the white oppressors arrived. So, to work together and cause actual change, they have to better themselves and admit their faults on various levels.

Another excellent part of the reading experience was watching the characters grow and develop. In the beginning, Poppy is ruled by fear and self pity so much that she doesn't recognize her privilege and only sees her own victimhood as important. But she learns, and meets new people, and listens to their stories, and learns about her own powerss and where they come from—and she changes her ways. The same goes for Hasan: by the end, the hot headed gangster whose only idea and response to everything is violence tries his hand at diplomacy and working for the good of his people without any personal gain. It was lovely to see!

I'm very excited to read the sequel and see where these characters end up. There were a lot of loose ends here that also intrigue me. And let's face it: we're all waiting for the Hasan & Poppy romance!

I'm so happy I got the chance to read this before release, what an honor! Please add it to your TBRs if you love fast-paced fantasy books with realistic characters, great world-building, and important commentary on colonization, racism, and oppression. It's impressive that it's only a debut novel!

To Bargain with Mortals by R.A. Basu masterfully intertwines magic, politics, and identity in a colonized world. The story follows outcast heiress Poppy Sutherland and gang leader Hasan Devar as their paths collide, sparking a revolution. With rich world-building, gripping themes, and unforgettable characters, this first book in the Reckoning Storm duology is a must-read for fantasy enthusiasts.

My favorite books are the ones where I don't even know what words to write in a review because feelings can be difficult to translate.

Poppy is such a unique character, one who strays from the typical heroine stereotypes. She is smart and brave, but she is also flawed and naive, and we get to watch her be confronted by her own bias and grow from it. Character development for the win!

The Devar brothers are a perfect example of family dynamics. And while I adore Hasan and disagreed with Zeyar's bargain, I understand them both. Looking forward to seeing all three brothers together again.

The layered racism in this book really adds depth to the typical "good vs evil" story. I loved the slow reveal of the relationship between vasudhakt and daivyakt as we learned the different points of view. One of my favorite parts in the book was the vasudhakt maid chewing out Harithi.

I do hope Richard makes another appearance. I felt his exit was a little too easy given how much power he had and the entire plan to blackmail Poppy. His exile seemed to be more of plot convenience, so I hope we haven't heard the last of him (if for no other reason then so Poppy can get her revenge).

Lastly, I GREATLY appreciate the book not ending on a cliffhanger. It makes me excited for the next book but not frustrated at being left on the edge.

To Bargain with Mortals is an enthralling blend of fantasy and politics that grips you from the first page and does not let go. Set in the colonized nation of Viryana, this novel masterfully explores identity, power, and rebellion through the compelling journey of Poppy Sutherland and Hasan Devar.

Poppy is a protagonist who immediately steals your heart due to her strength, intelligence, and her fierce ambition. Born poor, but adopted into nobility, Poppy has spent her life caught between two worlds, never full accepted by high society yet disconnected from the people of her native land. What makes Poppy's journey so powerful is that she not only fights external oppression, but she must also confront her own internalized biases. Raised with the Welkish ideas, she struggles to see herself as a true leader of her people. But as the story unfolds, Poppy transforms in someone who does not just seek to sit back and follow the rules, instead she seeks a revolution.

When her AWFUL fiance threatens her future (WE HATE YOU RICHARD), she makes a daring escape, where she crosses paths with Hasan Devar, the enigmatic and ruthless Jackal. With his family's divine magic and unyielding spirit, he is a force to be reckoned with, making him the perfect balance to Poppy's strategic mind.

Basu's world-building is rich and immersive, seamlessly weaving in themes of colonialism, resistance, and the cost of power. This novel is beautifully written, with prose that is both poetic and sharp, which enhances the emotional weight of the character's struggles. The stakes are high, the twists are exhilarating, and the ending is tied together nicely.

If you love historical fantasy with depth and revolutionary intrigue, To Bargain with Mortals is an absolute must-read.

To Bargain with Mortals by R.A. Basu is a breathtaking, emotionally charged fantasy that weaves together politics, magic, and the complexities of identity in a colonized world. This book is the first in the Reckoning Storm duology, and it’s an absolute powerhouse of a story. Set in the colonized nation of Viryana, it follows Poppy Sutherland, an outcast heiress caught between two worlds, and Hasan Devar, the infamous gang leader known as the Jackal. Their paths collide in a way that’s both explosive and deeply moving, setting the stage for a revolution that could change everything.

What makes this book so extraordinary is its depth. Basu doesn’t shy away from exploring heavy themes like colonization, identity, and the weight of inherited histories, but she balances these with moments of hope, resilience, and even tenderness. The world-building is rich and immersive, and the political intrigue keeps you on the edge of your seat. But it’s the characters who truly steal the show—their struggles, their relationships, and their determination to fight for a better future are incredibly moving.

I don’t think I could love a book more than this one. It made me incredibly emotional at times, but it also left me in awe of its brilliance. The way Basu crafts her story—with such care, nuance, and heart—is nothing short of phenomenal. If you’re looking for a fantasy that’s as thought-provoking as it is gripping, To Bargain with Mortals is an absolute must-read. I can’t wait to see where the Reckoning Storm duology goes next!