Shveta Thakrar Book order (chronological)

From critically acclaimed author Shveta Thakrar comes a contemporary fantasy about two teens—one a believer in magic yearning for belonging, the other a skeptic seeking escape—who become entangled in a world of court intrigue within a forest ruled by yakshas, mystical woodland spirits from Hindu and Buddhist folklore. Plant-loving Ridhi Kapadia, once friends with popular Nilesh Batra, now wanders her local woods, blending natural perfumes and wearing flower crowns, longing for acceptance in the enchanted realm of the yakshas. Meanwhile, Nilesh, reeling from the revelation that his parents' perfect marriage is a façade and facing suspension from school, unexpectedly finds himself at Ridhi's doorstep. When a yakshini offers him the magic he once mocked, he eagerly accepts. In retaliation, Ridhi strikes a deal with noblewoman Sulochana: she will help restore Sulochana's reputation in exchange for becoming the yakshini she desires and learning the secrets of the trees. However, when Nilesh becomes trapped in the yakshas' realm, Ridhi discovers that the forest may hold dark truths that threaten their future, revealing a story woven with thorns and challenges they must confront together.

A lush tapestry of dreams, myth, and magic—perfect for fans of Holly Black, Roshani Chokshi, and Margaret Rogerson. Seven years ago, Tanvi was spirited away to the subterranean realm of Nagalok, where she joined the ranks of the dream human children freed of all memory and emotion, who collect mortal dreams for the entertainment of the serpentine, immortal naga court. But when one of Tanvi’s dream harvests goes awry, she begins to remember her life on earth. Panicked and confused, she turns to the one mortal in Nagalok who might be able to Venkat, the dreamsmith responsible for collecting the dream runners’ wares and shaping them into the kingdom’s most tantalizing commodity. And as they search for answers, a terrifying truth begins to take shape—one that could turn the nagas’ realm of dreams into a land of waking nightmare. From the author of the Indie Next selection and Andre Norton Award finalist Star Daughter , this stand-alone contemporary fantasy, inspired by the nagas and garudas of Hindu mythology, is full of slow-burning romance, haunting intrigue, and shimmering magic.

Sheetal Mistry, a rising high school junior who is half-star, half-human, must win a competition in the starry court to save her human father.