Name of the Book: Dakini
Author of the Book: K. Hari Kumar
Genre of the Book: Horror
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
K. Hari Kumar is a bestselling Indian author, screenwriter and filmmaker. With an impressive track record of being one of India's top genre writers, his stories rooted in Indian folklore and mythology have captivated readers across the subcontinent.
K Hari Kumar's collection of horror short stories, India's Most Haunted - Tales of Terrifying Places, published by HarperCollins India is one of the highest selling horror story books in India. The Times Of India deemed it as a must-read horror book, and it was also listed in HarperCollins India’s hundred best books written by Indian authors.
In addition to his accomplishments in literature, K. Hari Kumar has made notable contributions to the world of cinema as a screenwriter and creative consultant. His novel The Other Side of Her received critical acclaim when adapted into the web series Bhram, featuring the talented Kalki Koechlin. As a filmmaker, he has directed two short films, a documentary, a music video and the cinematic trailer of his books. K. Hari is also an international award nominated photographer. His photographs have featured on covers of his books.
ABOUT THE BOOK
As a lover of horror and stories steeped in mythology, I was thrilled to pick up Dakini by K. Hari Kumar, a book that promises spine-chilling suspense and layers of deeper meaning. And let me tell you, this one delivered on every front.
From the very first page, Dakini transports you to the eerie, fictional village of Birpoor, where the myth of Kalibann ki Dakinia, bloodthirsty forest entity, hangs like a dark cloud over the lives of its inhabitants. The setting is hauntingly vivid, and Hari’s descriptive prowess makes you feel like you are standing in the middle of Kallu’s shop, hearing the sizzle of frying samosas, or walking through the shadowy forests where danger feels unnervingly close.
At the heart of this tale is Mamta, a Mumbai-based journalist investigating a series of unexplained deaths in the village. Mamta is not just a protagonist, she is a deeply human character with a riotous past that adds so much emotional weight to the story. As she navigates the villagers' growing paranoia and unravels the terrifying mystery of the dakini, her own internal battles make her journey all the more compelling.
One of the standout aspects of Dakini is how it seamlessly combines supernatural horror with sharp social commentary. While the dakini looms large as a terrifying presence, the story also explores real-world horrors like superstitions, the oppression of women, and the stigma surrounding single mothers. Mamta’s journey highlights the challenges faced by women in deeply patriarchal societies, adding an unexpected depth to what might initially seem like a straightforward horror story.
MY TAKE ON THE BOOK
What I found most impressive was Hari’s ability to build fear. It’s not about sudden jump scares or loud noises; instead, the terror seeps into you gradually. Line by line, scene by scene, you are drawn deeper into the mystery until the reveal hits you and when it does, it leaves a chill that lingers.
The climax, in particular, deserves a mention. Without giving away spoilers, I will just say that it’s rare for a book to surprise me, but Dakini did. The ending was satisfying, unexpected, and beautifully tied together the themes of the story.
The supporting characters also deserve praise. Inspector Pande, with his heroic arc, and Kuhu, whose situation mirrors the opening exorcism scene, are written with care and authenticity. Each character serves a purpose, contributing to the plot while reflecting the book’s deeper themes.
I also loved how the story drew from Indian mythology to create its chilling visuals. There were moments when I felt a sense of déjà vu, as if the imagery was pulled from a half-remembered tale from my own childhood. This familiarity made the supernatural elements even more unsettling.
If there’s one thing Dakini proves, it’s that K. Hari Kumar is a master storyteller. His ability to weave a gripping plot, rich characters, and powerful social commentary into one seamless narrative is truly commendable. This isn’t just a horror story, it’s a reflection of our society, our fears, and the dark truths we often ignore in the name of tradition.
My Final Thoughts
Dakini isn’t just a book, it’s an experience. It’s the kind of story that grips you, terrifies you, and makes you think. Whether you’re a fan of horror, mythology, or stories with strong social messages, this book has something for you. I found myself turning the pages late into the night, unable to stop until I knew how it all ended.
If you are looking for a story that’s as thought-provoking as it is terrifying, pick up Dakini. Trust me you won’t forget it anytime soon.
Would you dare venture into the dark forests of Birpoor? I did and it was a journey I won’t soon forget. So what are you all waiting for? grab your copy and enjoy this unforgettable journey.
BOOK DETAILS
Format: Paperback / Kindle Edition
Price: INR 280 / INR 266
Pages : 386
Publisher : Harper Fiction India
This Book is part of Blogchatter's #Book Review Program #TBR Challenge #BookChatter #2025
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