A Spark of White Fire by Sangu Mandanna
Book Summary
In a universe of capricious gods, dark moons, and kingdoms built on the backs of spaceships, a cursed queen sends her infant daughter away, a jealous uncle steals the throne of Kali from his nephew, and an exiled prince vows to take his crown back.
Raised alone and far away from her home on Kali, Esmae longs to return to her family. When the King of Wychstar offers to gift the unbeatable, sentient warship Titania to a warrior that can win his competition, she sees her way home: she’ll enter the competition, reveal her true identity to the world, and help her famous brother win back the crown of Kali.
It’s a great plan. Until it falls apart.
Inspired by the Mahabharata and other ancient Indian stories, A Spark of White Fire is a lush, sweeping space opera about family, curses, and the endless battle between jealousy and love.
Book Details
A Spark of White Fire by Sangu Mandanna
Series: The Celestial Trilogy #1
Published September 11, 2018 by Sky Pony Press
Young Adult Fiction / Science Fiction / Space Opera
Ages 12 And Up, Grades 7 And Up
Hardcover, 320 pages
Source: Edelweiss
My Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars
Book Review
Get ready for a Young Adult Space Opera unlike any you have read before! Inspired by the Mahabharata, A Spark of White Fire by Sangu Mandanna is filled with capricious gods and goddesses, warring galactic kingdoms floating in space on vast spaceships, and a sentient warship named Titania that kicks-butt! Add to the mix a curse, an exiled princess, royal family dynamics, space-action and some swoon-worthy romance, and you have just the beginnings of this new epic series.
As a fan of mythology and science fiction, I was immediately intrigued by the idea that this book would take place in space while infusing the story with inspired elements from Indian myths and lore. The writing style is completely approachable and pure reading enjoyment.
Set against the lush, celestial backdrop of space, A Spark of White Fire introduces readers to the warrior protagonist, Esmae. A fierce new heroine who battles fate and bargaining gods in order to find her way back home to Kali.
“I’m a wild card, an unknown, and they will all be terrified.”
There is a star-crossed romance. It is the kind that is slowly being built up leaving you needing more. Readers will want to know will they or won't they. Everything seems to be standing in their way, yet you can't help but root for them.
The characters are all well developed with secondary characters that make for some very curious and fun reading. A sneaky trickster god and warrior goddess, an exiled prince, and a talking spaceship to name a few. All are more than what they seem and keep you guessing.
In the End
A Spark of White Fire by Sangu Mandanna completely swept me away. A fantastic series starter adding something unique to the YA. I definitely am planning to continue this series and highly recommend this to fans of mythology and readers who want something new and exciting in their read.
