Author: Namita Kumari
Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Romance
Publisher: Namita Kumari
Book Release Date: May 29, 2026
Pages: 216
Source: This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: She has worn a thousand shapes and never wanted to keep a single one.
Soma is a Naga princess — a shapeshifter of the deep waters, ageless and unknowable, meant to be alone forever. Kaundinya is a yogi from the far mountains of India, who gave away everything he owned and crossed a sea with nothing but a dream of her. When he lands on her shore at the edge of the ancient world, neither of them is built to survive the one thing they find in each other: being truly known, and not wanting to be anywhere else.
For eleven stolen days, in the warm green dark, they are simply, secretly happy — talking late, laughing like fools, learning the shape of each other in the firelight. But loving her is quietly spending the powers it took Kaundinya a lifetime to gather. And loving him will cost Soma every shape she has ever worn, until she is only one woman: mortal, ageing, with a single life to give.
The world was never going to let them keep this. And something old and patient at the bottom of everything offers them a mercy — stop loving, and it will never hurt at all.
They choose each other anyway. Out loud, eyes open, knowing exactly what it will cost — and whether, when the time comes to pay, they can do it not in sorrow, but gladly.
Drawn from the real founding legend of Funan, the 3rd-century kingdom that became Cambodia, The Serpent's Longing is a lush, aching standalone romance for readers of Madeline Miller's Circe — a mythic love story about being fully known, and the courage to give up everything for it, gladly.
My Review: The Serpent’s Longing is a retelling of the legend of the founding of Funan. Princess Soma is the daughter of the Naga king. She is a shapeshifter and always believed that she was meant to be alone. It all changes when she meets Kaudinya, a lonely Brahmin who crossed the sea to find the woman of his dreams. The two begin to spend time together and slowly fall in love. However, Princess Soma realizes that she must make a devastating choice to become a lonely Naga Queen and live without love or to live with love and lose him eventually. Which path will Princess Soma choose?
I really like Princess Soma. She is a very powerful princess. She is chosen to become the next Naga queen and can assume the shape of a thousand forms. However, Princess Soma is very lonely. She is also vulnerable. She loves Kaudinya not only because he provides companionship but also because he loves her for who she is. As Princess Soma grows in love, she becomes a stronger person. She is willing to fight for love even if it costs her dearly. I also love her relationship with Kaundinya. He was strong and steadfast in his love with Princess Soma. He encouraged her, and he let her choose what she desired most. Therefore, I found their love story to be very compelling, and I wanted to know their ending.
Overall, this book is about love, sacrifices, and grief. The message of the book is to never regret that you have lived. I found all of the other characters to be well-developed, realistic, and morally grey. I had never heard of the legend of the founding of Funan before. Therefore, I found Mrs. Kumari’s world-building very confusing at first. However, I loved the writing style! I thought it was very evocative and lyrical! It made me want to do more research on this ancient myth! I also found the setting of ancient Cambodia to be very refreshing, especially since I have never read a book with that setting! The Serpent's Longing is perfect for fans not only interested in Asian mythology but also for fans of the romantasy genre! This book is also perfect for fans of A Song to Drown Rivers, Kaikeyi, and Devayani!
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
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