We always say don’t judge a book by its cover, but I am guilty of doing it! Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t. With Dakini by K. Hari Kumar, I got lucky. The cover grabbed my attention, and the story inside turned out to be just as captivating. This horror tale based on Indian folklore had me staying up way too late, and that’s a big thing for someone who hits the bed by 09:30 P.M!
Journalist Mamta Mathews heads to a remote Himachal Pradesh village to investigate some strange deaths. Soon she realizes these deaths connect to her own nightmares. As Mamta digs deeper, she discovers an ancient curse involving a Dakini – a powerful female spirit from tantric traditions. The story jumps between present-day events and flashbacks showing how the Dakini was first summoned centuries ago through forbidden rituals. Now Mamta must face this supernatural entity before becoming its next victim.
Kumar really knows how to create a spooky atmosphere! Instead of going for cheap scares, he builds tension slowly–strange noises in the forest, cold spots in rooms, dreams that feel too real. By the time the real supernatural stuff happened, I was already completely hooked.
The way Kumar uses actual Indian tantric traditions makes this horror story feel authentic. He doesn’t just throw in cultural elements to make the story seem exotic–he actually explores their deeper meanings. This gave me something to think about long after I finished reading.
The misty mountains of Himachal Pradesh make for a perfect creepy setting. Kumar’s descriptions made me feel like I was right there with Mamta, feeling the cold mountain air and the growing sense of dread.
The middle part of the book drags a bit with some scenes that feel repetitive. I found myself wishing Kumar would just get on with the story during certain sections.
Some of the village characters who know about the tantric traditions could have been more developed. They mostly just show up to give warnings or explain things to Mamta, which felt like a missed opportunity.
Dakini is a refreshing horror story that stands out by using Indian mythology instead of the usual tropes. Mamta’s journey from skeptic to believer feels real, and the Dakini itself is fascinating – not purely evil, but dangerous in the way ancient powers can be when disturbed.
If you’re tired of the same old horror formulas and want something with cultural depth that still delivers genuine scares, grab this book! It’s perfect for readers who enjoy atmospheric horror that makes you think while it creeps you out. Highly recommended!
Wordsopedia Rating: 4.5/5
This book review is part of Blogchatter’s Book Review Program.