Added comment later on: The following is a more of a list than a coherent text, be aware XD.

The way that this book explored themes of faith, entire peoples being tied to a faith to their prosperity or detriment, destiny vs. free-will, queerness in a world of heteronormativity, a matriarch fighting for survival against the ancient patriarchal society, living with grief. The fire symbolic for the faith, where it stood for their power in their sacrifice, but discovering that Malini's power does not merely lie in her sacrifice but in her decision-making and her will to survive and be selfish - in the best way possible, to fight for what you long for. The exploration of sacrifice in terms of "hollowing" themselves for the gods, as worship - Priya willing to hollow herself in order to save her people and Malini. The love of a mother with Padma and Bhumika. Being hollow in more ways than one, also in Rao. Confronting internalised homophobia, and admitting tenderness in form of love.

Also, the moment when Malini in the end dares to look back at Priya and she is actually there reminds of the Orpheus and Eurydice tale and how he cannot help but look back. Looking at your love, is all they yearn for and Malini is also scared but then makes sure Priya is actually there. Beautiful moment.

I know I'm just listing stuff at this point but I thought Tasha Suri tied together these themes with the characters so beautifully. So, to end this comment with more eloquence than I can put together, I quote Suri that sums up this book and my feelings about it:

" I remember a dream of garlanding you and I think - I think it is more powerful and strange than any crown. To live without masks. To swim through rage and grief and rise, alive, on the other side." (p. 488)