Xavier de Montepin (1823-1902) is the author of more than 60 adventure novels translated in Russia, which have not been published in our country for the last 75 years. The master of fascinating intrigue, dynamic plots, and skillfully constructed dialogue transfers the action of his works to an unusual setting. “Shiva’s Revenge” can rightfully be considered a colonial novel. The heroes of the book go through all the trials. Love and hatred, revenge and cruelty reign under the gloomy arches of ancient Indian temples and in the halls of magnificent palaces, events unfold against the backdrop of exotic nature and religious traditions. In the second book, the treachery and cruelty of Princess Jella - one of the main characters of the novel - reaches its highest limit. Rejected love collides with loyalty and fearlessness. And even the struggle for the freedom of her people cannot atone for the guilt of a woman who chose blind hatred and envy of her rival as a weapon.