We Shall Be Monsters by Tara Sim

In this captivating blend of Frankenstein and Indian mythology, Kajal wrestles with guilt and desperation as she attempts to resurrect her sister, Lasya. Consumed by grief and unable to accept her loss, Kajal defies all moral boundaries, risking everything to bring Lasya back from death's grasp.

However, her well-intentioned act goes awry when Lasya's soul transforms into a bhuta—a vengeful, wraith-like spirit wreaking havoc that leads to Kajal facing a death sentence. Salvation arrives unexpectedly in the form of two strangers who offer her a chance at redemption: if she can resurrect the kingdom's fallen prince, Tav, she will earn her freedom.

Desperate to save herself, Kajal reluctantly partners with Tav, only to realize that he is not the crown prince as she believed. Together, they embark on a perilous journey to uncover the true heir, navigating a treacherous landscape of political intrigue and rebellion against a tyrannical ruler.

Kajal, pragmatic and scientific-minded, finds herself paired with Tav, a warrior more comfortable with swords than books. Armed with little more than a scalpel and her undead dog, Kutaa, Kajal must race against time to correct her mistake and prevent Lasya's bhuta from exacting further vengeance—especially if it turns on Kajal herself, blaming her for its existence.

Monica Pal’s "The Crown of Ghosts" promises a richly atmospheric fantasy steeped in moral dilemmas, where the true monsters are not the mythical creatures, but the consequences of one's own actions. This darkly imaginative tale challenges Kajal to confront her flaws and unearth the hidden truths behind her sister's transformation, weaving together elements of mythology and suspense to create a narrative that is both haunting and thought-provoking. ❤️📚❤️