A Spark of White Fire

Named one of the best 25 space opera books by BookRiot!

The first book in a scifi retelling of the Mahabrahata. When Esmae wins a contest of skill, she sets off events that trigger an inevitable and unwinnable war that pits her against the family she would give anything to return to.

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.

Sangu Mandanna was four years old when an elephant chased her down a forest road and she decided to write her first story about it. Seventeen years and many, many manuscripts later, she signed her first book deal. She is the author of The Lost Girl, A Spark of White Fire and its sequels, and has contributed to several anthologies. She lives in Norwich, in the east of England, with her husband and kids.

Named to LITA's Hal Clement List of Notable YA, 2019

[*] “Sangu Mandanna seamlessly weaves science fiction elements with Indian mythology, creating a world that feels truly alive. Mandanna's characters are fully fleshed, especially the engaging and sympathetic Esmae. A Spark of White Fire is the first in a trilogy, and readers will be eager for the next installment.” —Shelf Awareness, starred review

“In this seamless fusion of fantasy and sci-fi, Sangu Mandanna combines a dazzling world with gripping, high-stakes family drama. An epic opening chapter.” —Samantha Shannon, New York Times bestselling author of The Priory of the Orange Tree and The Bone Season

"Sangu Mandanna's A Spark of White Fire is full of brilliant, complex characters against a compelling mythological canvas. It's full of love and gods, reversals and surprises. I loved it and can't wait for the next book." —Kat Howard, Alex Award-winning author of An Unkindness of Magicians

"A vivid labyrinth of lies and loyalties. Mandanna has built a dazzling world—you'll see stardust every time you close your eyes." —Olivia A. Cole, author of A Conspiracy of Stars

“A gorgeous marriage of science fiction and fantasy. Meddling gods, princesses in exile, and cities aboard spaceships. This is nothing like you’ve ever read before.” —Justina Ireland, New York Times bestselling author of Dread Nation

"If you’re looking for a spectacular and immersive read that you’ll want to finish in one sitting, A Spark of White Fire should absolutely be on your list. It's an incredible story, and it will be a difficult wait for its sequel." —SyFy Wire “This is a fast-paced, engaging tale sure to keep readers hooked with its twists and turns while they wholeheartedly cheer for Esmae . . . An incisive story nuanced by dilemmas about love, belonging, and conflicting loyalties.” —Kirkus ReviewsPraise for The Lost Girl:

“Both an interrogation of bioethics and a mesmerizing quest for identity, this debut succeeds through its careful development of the oh-so-human Eva and those around her. A provocative and page-turning thriller/romance that gets at the heart of what it means to be human.” —Kirkus Reviews

“The most honest portrait of grief and loss that I’ve read in a long time. Filled with heartache, love and things that would stir Mary Shelley’s ghost, this is a story not to be missed.”—Lauren DeStefano, New York Times bestselling author of the Chemical Garden trilogy

“Mandanna’s debut novel is lovely and at times heartbreaking . . . A thoughtful study of both a girl’s search for her identity and the human reaction to death.” —Publishers Weekly

"Sangu Mandanna's A Spark of White Fire is full of brilliant, complex characters against a compelling mythological canvas. It's full of love and gods, reversals and surprises. I loved it and can't wait for the next book." —Kat Howard, Alex Award-winning author of An Unkindness of Magicians

"A vivid labyrinth of lies and loyalties. Mandanna has built a dazzling world—you'll see stardust every time you close your eyes." —Olivia A. Cole, author of A Conspiracy of Stars

Praise for The Lost Girl:

“Both an interrogation of bioethics and a mesmerizing quest for identity, this debut succeeds through its careful development of the oh-so-human Eva and those around her. A provocative and page-turning thriller/romance that gets at the heart of what it means to be human.” —Kirkus Reviews

“The most honest portrait of grief and loss that I’ve read in a long time. Filled with heartache, love and things that would stir Mary Shelley’s ghost, this is a story not to be missed.”—Lauren DeStefano, New York Times bestselling author of the Chemical Garden trilogy

“Mandanna’s debut novel is lovely and at times heartbreaking . . . A thoughtful study of both a girl’s search for her identity and the human reaction to death.” —Publishers Weekly