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A review by wendy327
The Dream Runners by Shveta Thakrar
3.0
I received a free copy from Harperteen in exchange for an honest review.
Shveta Thakrar’s The Dream Runners offers a unique glimpse into South Asian mythology, specifically the war between garudas and nagas.
Tanvi is a dream runner. As a human in Nagalok, her role is to return to Prithvi, the human world, and collect dreams from humans for the nagas who are unable to dream themselves. However, Tanvi’s world begins to unravel when she starts to remember her life before her initiation, a rite that stole her memories and feelings. Now Tanvi must turn to Venkat for help. Venkat, also human, cares deeply for the dream runners under his care. As a dreamsmith under the tutelage of Lord Nayan, his adopted father, he works to create objects that have the power to reshape Nagalok. But as Tanvi and Venkat embark on answers, they are thrust into an unexpected conflict, which threatens the distribution of power.
As a reader, I must admit that I don’t know much about the mythology mentioned in this book. The first few chapters felt like dunking my head underwater as I was thrust into this world. Even though I ran to Google a great deal initially, I began to enjoy the world that Thakrar created, even if I didn’t understand every aspect. And the world is certainly interesting, though I felt some aspects were underexplored, such as the Night Market and the gateways that allow travel between Prithvi and Nagalok. This was also true of the magic system. For example, the rules seemed unclear at points and objects of convenience seemed to pop up when needed, such as the glowing fireflies and the communication seeds. Delving more into the world of Nagalok and the Night Market, where many of these items were obtained, may have clarified some of the ways that magic operates.
As for the characters, I found both Tanvi and Venkat irritating in initial chapters. Tanvi was so single-minded that it was difficult to relate and Venkat was incredibly naive. However, as they embarked on their journey throughout the novel, I found myself enjoying my experience getting to know them both and seeing them grow. As Tanvi began to regain her memories, it was easier to empathize with her confusion and pain. Venkat’s loss of his family helped humanize him and it is clear that Lord Nayan and Nagalok offered him the love and connection that he had lost. Finally, supporting characters, like Nitya and Asha were appreciated as they provided friendship and sisterhood to both Tanvi and Venkat.
Overall, though I had the antagonist figured out pretty early, I found the The Dream Runners to be an interesting read. Even though this is my first experience reading Thakrar’s work, I hope to explore more of her novels and learn more about South Asian mythology and culture.
Shveta Thakrar’s The Dream Runners offers a unique glimpse into South Asian mythology, specifically the war between garudas and nagas.
Tanvi is a dream runner. As a human in Nagalok, her role is to return to Prithvi, the human world, and collect dreams from humans for the nagas who are unable to dream themselves. However, Tanvi’s world begins to unravel when she starts to remember her life before her initiation, a rite that stole her memories and feelings. Now Tanvi must turn to Venkat for help. Venkat, also human, cares deeply for the dream runners under his care. As a dreamsmith under the tutelage of Lord Nayan, his adopted father, he works to create objects that have the power to reshape Nagalok. But as Tanvi and Venkat embark on answers, they are thrust into an unexpected conflict, which threatens the distribution of power.
As a reader, I must admit that I don’t know much about the mythology mentioned in this book. The first few chapters felt like dunking my head underwater as I was thrust into this world. Even though I ran to Google a great deal initially, I began to enjoy the world that Thakrar created, even if I didn’t understand every aspect. And the world is certainly interesting, though I felt some aspects were underexplored, such as the Night Market and the gateways that allow travel between Prithvi and Nagalok. This was also true of the magic system. For example, the rules seemed unclear at points and objects of convenience seemed to pop up when needed, such as the glowing fireflies and the communication seeds. Delving more into the world of Nagalok and the Night Market, where many of these items were obtained, may have clarified some of the ways that magic operates.
As for the characters, I found both Tanvi and Venkat irritating in initial chapters. Tanvi was so single-minded that it was difficult to relate and Venkat was incredibly naive. However, as they embarked on their journey throughout the novel, I found myself enjoying my experience getting to know them both and seeing them grow. As Tanvi began to regain her memories, it was easier to empathize with her confusion and pain. Venkat’s loss of his family helped humanize him and it is clear that Lord Nayan and Nagalok offered him the love and connection that he had lost. Finally, supporting characters, like Nitya and Asha were appreciated as they provided friendship and sisterhood to both Tanvi and Venkat.
Overall, though I had the antagonist figured out pretty early, I found the The Dream Runners to be an interesting read. Even though this is my first experience reading Thakrar’s work, I hope to explore more of her novels and learn more about South Asian mythology and culture.