A Journey Through Colonial Shadows: Review of To Bargain with Mortals (Reckoning Storm, #1) by R.A. Basu
From the moment I stumbled upon the advanced reader copy of To Bargain with Mortals, the debut fantasy novel by R.A. Basu, I felt an undeniable pull. Perhaps it was the promise of grappling with deep themes of colonialism and resistance that hooked me—it felt like a conversation I’ve been having in my own heart and mind. As someone who cherishes alternate universe fantasies, particularly those that mirror historical injustices, I knew this book would resonate with me. And it did, albeit with a few notable bumps along the way.
Centered around Poppy Sutherland, the adopted daughter of the viceroy of Viryana, the story emerges in a richly imagined world inspired by colonized India. Poppy is a compelling character, caught between two identities—the Welkish aristocracy she’s meant to belong to and the Virians from whom she is alienated. This inner conflict of belonging is portrayed beautifully, and it sparks conversations about privilege and empowerment that are both timely and necessary.
One of the standout themes in the novel is the critique of privilege and the depth of struggle. Poppy’s journey invites readers to reflect on what it means to really see the suffering of others, a reflection brilliantly articulated in lines like, “But just because you didn’t have it easy doesn’t mean that you didn’t have it easier than the vast majority.” R.A. Basu doesn’t shy away from exploring the uncomfortable truths of disparity, making these discussions a vibrant part of Poppy’s evolution.
However, while Poppy’s character development is striking, the book’s other main character, Hasan—the criminal leader known as the Jackal—left me a bit conflicted. As a character meant to embody moral ambiguity, he felt almost too polished for a feared criminal lord. I found it hard to reconcile how he held so much power yet maintained such a clear moral compass. This lack of complexity diminished my immersion in the narrative, leaving me wanting more depth in his revelations about the struggle and damage caused by his choices.
Yet, despite these critiques, I enjoyed the overarching plot. When Poppy’s engagement takes a treacherous turn, leading her into Hasan’s world, the stakes escalate, and the tension becomes palpable. Their interactions brim with tension and passion, especially as underscored in a scene where vulnerability pierces through the bravado of their initial encounters. These moments build anticipation for their complicated dynamic—a dynamic I’m eager to see unfold in future installments.
Basus’s writing style flows effortlessly, wrapping readers in a vivid atmosphere filled with tension, beauty, and hope. The dialogue sparkles, offering memorable exchanges such as, “The cost of revolution is always blood,” which resonates deeply, suggesting that change always demands sacrifice—not just from the oppressors, but from the oppressed as well.
In conclusion, To Bargain with Mortals is a gripping exploration of identity, colonialism, and the quest for belonging. It’s a must-read for fans of lush, politically charged fantasies, and for anyone interested in the nuances of privilege in the context of rebellion against tyranny. While there were moments I wished for deeper development, my overall enjoyment of the narrative leaves me excited for what comes next. I can’t wait for the sequel, and I sincerely hope we get more insight into the budding romance between Zeyar and Harithi—because who doesn’t love a little side drama with romantic tension?
If you, like me, are drawn to stories steeped in cultural depth and the battle for identity, grab a copy of To Bargain with Mortals. It’s a ride worth taking!
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