Despite being heavily influenced by the ancient epic Mahabharata and other Indian lore, there is nothing quite like Mandanna’s novel – A Spark of White Fire is an absolutely unique, genre-defying gamechanger in YA.

- Perfectly seamless blending of fantasy and science fiction elements!
- Intricately developed world-building nicely integrated with Indian mythology!
- Meddlesome gods and goddesses, and celestial weapons blessed by them!
- Flawed, morally ambiguous characters of color!
- Family complexities and character relationships!
- Compelling plot with political scheming and fighting against the tides of destiny!
- A thrilling, satisfying conclusion that sets up the sequel very nicely!

Overall, A Spark of White Fire is wonderfully imaginative, culturally rich, and fascinatingly complex. It goes without saying that I absolutely enjoyed it! With a flawed heroine who grows stronger in the face of adversity, complex characters that are more than what meets the eye, a compelling plot with themes of family politics, betrayal, and loyalty, A Spark of White Fire is a brilliant space opera no one should miss out on.

Trigger/Content warning:

Spoiler

Death; themes of war; parental abandonment; murder.

Disclosure: I received a physical ARC of A Spark of White Fire from Samantha Shannon from Twitter. Thank you so much!

Rating: 5 stars
* Read the rest of this review in my natural habitat!