We Shall Be Monsters BY Tara Sim

In this darkly atmospheric fantasy that blends Frankenstein with Indian mythology, Kajal grapples with guilt and desperation after her attempt to resurrect her sister, Lasya, goes horribly wrong. Consumed by grief and unwilling to accept her loss, Kajal's selfish act transforms Lasya's soul into a bhuta—a vengeful, murderous spirit. Facing imminent death for her sister's rampage, Kajal is offered a chance at redemption by two strangers: she must resurrect the kingdom's fallen crown prince to aid in overthrowing a tyrannical usurper.

Driven by desperation, Kajal reluctantly agrees, only to discover that the boy she resurrects, Tav, is not the true crown prince. Now bound by their shared peril, Kajal, pragmatic and scientific, joins forces with Tav, a reluctant warrior, to uncover the real prince's whereabouts before their deception is exposed.

Armed with only her scalpel and her undead dog, Kutaa, Kajal races against time. Failure means not only her own demise but also unleashing Lasya's fury on herself, the true culprit of her sister's death. Together, Kajal and Tav navigate a treacherous world where political intrigue and magical forces collide, unraveling mysteries that test their resolve and redefine their notions of guilt and responsibility.

Monica Agarwal's narrative is richly layered with themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the consequences of playing with life and death. "Frankenstein meets Indian mythology" in this compelling tale that challenges perceptions of heroism and villainy, offering a haunting exploration of the monsters we create and the depths of human ambition.