House of Rage and Sorrow by Sangu Mandanna
I received a complimentary ARC from the publisher, courtesy of Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review.
Book Summary
One kingdom. One crown. One family.
“Maybe it’s time the great House of Rey came to an end. After all, what are we now? Just a house of rage and sorrow.”
Esmae once wanted nothing more than to help her golden brother win the crown of Kali but that dream died with her best friend. Alexi broke her heart, and she vowed to destroy him for it. And with her sentient warship Titania beside her, how can she possibly fail?
As gods, beasts, and kingdoms choose sides, Alexi seeks out a weapon more devastating than even Titania. Past lives threaten the present. Old enemies claim their due. And Esmae cannot outrun the ghosts and the questions that haunt her. What really happened to her father? What was the third boon her mother asked of Amba? For in the shadows, lurking in wait, are secrets that will swallow her whole.
The House of Rey is at war. And the entire galaxy will bleed before the end.
Book Details
House of Rage and Sorrow by Sangu Mandanna
Series: The Celestial Trilogy #2
Published September 3rd 2019 by Sky Pony Press
Young Adult Fiction / Science Fiction / Space Opera
Ages 12 And Up, Grades 7 And Up
Hardcover, 336 pages
My Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars
Book Review
After being swept away by A Spark of White Fire by Sangu Mandanna, I could not wait to return to this exciting world of trickster gods, warrior goddesses, and galactic kingdoms floating in space.
Inspired by the Mahabrata and Indian mythology, A HOUSE OF RAGE AND SORROW is the second book in the Celestial Trilogy and did not disappoint. It has everything I love in a space opera!
What is so fun and unique about this YA series is how well Mandanna writes elements of fantasy and combines them with Sci-Fi.
There are complicated family dynamics, space battles, meddling gods and goddesses, tests and quests, plus, and unforgettable swoony romance. And, don’t forget about the sentient warship named Titania that kicks-butt.
House of Rage and Sorrow takes place after the heart-rendering ending of book one with readers desperate to know what happens next.
Esmae’s character really shines in this book even as she descends into darkness, her heart betrayed—only vengeance can satisfy her.
I love seeing what makes a morally grey character tick and Esmae is so fierce outwardly while hiding her vulnerability inside. I found myself sympathizing with her as the story progressed, her hurt and hate believable.
Her complicated relationships with family members, the court, and meddling gods have so many twists and turns, the pages fly by.
In also enjoyed the fact, that in this book, we have chapters from Titania. Sassy and smart, her perspective added some amazing details and backstory to the book. Her friendship with Esmae is a highlight of the story.
Max and Esmae’s growing relationship has all the hallmarks of star-crossed lovers and all the twists and surprises Mandanna creates for them, just makes it all that much more scrumptious.
A Spark of White Fire is a must-read for fans of the first book and is setting up for what is sure to be a phenomenal and epic finale! If you enjoy sci-fi and fantasy and looking for something original, you should pick this series up before the last book comes out in October 2020.
