Dance Upon Demons in Vaishnavi Patel’s New Contemporary Fantasy

We Dance Upon Demons by Vaishnavi Patel

Vaishnavi Patel, New York Times bestselling author of Kaikeyi, returns with a heart-pounding new standalone contemporary fantasy novel, We Dance Upon Demons.

A Contemporary Fantasy Rooted in Reality

Set in the present day following the events of the pandemic and the most recent political turmoil, We Dance Upon Demons introduces us to Nisha — a burnt out reproductive healthcare worker who finds herself face-to-face with demons — literally and figuratively.

Each day, Nisha faces a never-ending battle with protestors outside her clinic, law enforcement refusing to take threats to the clinic seriously and a dangerously charged political climate ready to explode — not to mention her depression that makes just getting out of bed a daily fight. In an attempt to escape for a bit, Nisha finds herself in front of a statue in the Indian art section of her favorite local museum during a break from work. Between one moment and the next, she comes to and finds herself on the ground, the statue having beckoned her to reach out and touch it, and now a strange new power is coursing through her body.

Soon enough, Nisha begins to see demons — those who seem to want to help and those who want her power for themselves — and is faced with a new fight against an enemy that it seems only she can see. Will she be able to save her clinic from the demon-powered movement desperate to see it closed? Will she sacrifice everything for those she cares for? Will she come into her power before it’s too late? As Nisha faces attacks from friends and foes alike, she must determine who she truly is and if she has what it takes to stand firm for all that she believes in: not just for those around her, but for herself too.

In We Dance Upon Demons, Patel has crafted an incredibly potent, timely story that speaks to our current moment. We can see so much of today’s struggles and societal challenges in what Nisha faces, and in her writing, Patel not only brings the finer points of the reproductive healthcare fight into the light but also makes it incredibly human. Even the smallest moments of Nisha interacting with patients arriving at the clinic for a wide range of needs are told in powerful ways — the smallest of details making the characters, who are only present for a line or two, into relatable, recognizable human beings. They could be anyone you know — they could be you — and Patel’s writing does each and every one of them justice.

Hope, Humanity and Power

One of the things I loved about this book is that, while Patel is addressing heavy themes throughout — from reproductive healthcare to depression, racism to trauma — she has woven it together into a story that still maintains its hope. Despite the darkness, there is light. Despite the demons, there are good, kind people who are ready to dance upon those demons. Even on her darkest days, Nisha finds moments of truth, moments of enlightenment from the women who came before her and moments of connection with the demon whose power she now finds in her possession.

The fantastical elements of demons and magic that are incorporated are interesting, especially as Nisha learns how to use her new power — a power to lift the veil of ignorance — and the religious and cultural touchpoints infused into the narrative breathe an especially vibrant life into the tale. There are also great moments of humor and relatable scenes between Nisha and her mother, her coworkers, her former love and other friends and family that are such honest, beautiful depictions of relationships. This is a book that strikes a chord in your very soul as you read it. It’s powerful. It’s moving. It’s a piece that will stay with you long after the final page.

If you love a book with a passionate female lead, contemporary fantasy set in today’s world, demons with intriguing magic and a powerful journey of discovering your power, then We Dance Upon Demons is for you!