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!

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!

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.

<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!

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!

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.