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jebecky's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
3.0
emms_across_formats's review against another edition
2.0
Plot holes you can drive big trucks through.
Supposedly brilliant people making dumb ass decisions.
Why do they live on spaceships but fight with swords and bow and arrows? Wouldn't, IDK, lasers or light sabers, or something scifi appropriate be what high tech space dwellers would use?
Kill off the only character that is moderately interesting.
The absurd and absolutely unnecessary romance with her COUSIN. IDC that he's adopted, it's weird. Are we in some futuristic space setting or back in the olden days when prince and princesses married to keep the line pure?
It's painfully YA, and reads like it was written by a teen.
I'm honestly baffled that this book got so many good reviews. It's not even a matter of taste, this is a terrible book.
TLDR - Book = Bad
Supposedly brilliant people making dumb ass decisions.
Why do they live on spaceships but fight with swords and bow and arrows? Wouldn't, IDK, lasers or light sabers, or something scifi appropriate be what high tech space dwellers would use?
Kill off the only character that is moderately interesting.
The absurd and absolutely unnecessary romance with her COUSIN. IDC that he's adopted, it's weird. Are we in some futuristic space setting or back in the olden days when prince and princesses married to keep the line pure?
It's painfully YA, and reads like it was written by a teen.
I'm honestly baffled that this book got so many good reviews. It's not even a matter of taste, this is a terrible book.
TLDR - Book = Bad
vidhi26p's review against another edition
4.0
“It’s so difficult to remember that I can’t trust them. I mustn’t ever trust them.”
This was such an exciting read! A retelling of the classic Mahabharata tale told in the depths of the stars, it was fun falling into this novel. I appreciated the attempts to stay with the spirit of the original story, but I do believe I enjoyed this as much as I did only because I knew the tale it was based off. If taking that familiarity away, I would suggest this was a mediocre space tale at best, with limited world building and bland character development. While wildly fun to read, it felt more like a fluffy read than a seriously remarkable one. Disappointing climax and overall lackluster plot aside, a fun read to anyone looking for a new twist on a classic tale.
This was such an exciting read! A retelling of the classic Mahabharata tale told in the depths of the stars, it was fun falling into this novel. I appreciated the attempts to stay with the spirit of the original story, but I do believe I enjoyed this as much as I did only because I knew the tale it was based off. If taking that familiarity away, I would suggest this was a mediocre space tale at best, with limited world building and bland character development. While wildly fun to read, it felt more like a fluffy read than a seriously remarkable one. Disappointing climax and overall lackluster plot aside, a fun read to anyone looking for a new twist on a classic tale.
fairytales's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed this and I like Sangu Mandanna’s writing. Great narrator. I think retellings one is not familiar with can take a bit to get into but it was well worth it. As someone who hasn’t read many space/celestial set books, I think this eased me in and made me more interested in reading more in this genre. Esmae and Max were complex and Rama, and Titania were a delight..
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, War, and Ableism
Minor: Death
jewbitche's review against another edition
4.0
Oh now
This was most enjoyable honestly.
My apparent innate knowledge of Indian epics made this extra enjoyable but that ending was really something wasn't it.
This was most enjoyable honestly.
My apparent innate knowledge of Indian epics made this extra enjoyable but that ending was really something wasn't it.
ryrichard28's review against another edition
4.0
This book was such a pleasant surprise!
Premise
Esmae is stuck living in the shadows of her world with so much to offer and yet her value is unnoticed. She’s a servant, with only a select few who know that she's a princess in hiding, and decides to claim her stake in the politically shifty landscape when she publicly wins a contest for the most powerful warship in existence. Tired of being undervalued, she enacts her plan to win back her brother’s crown and reclaim her place within the family who threw her away.
The setup:
This story makes me think of Greek mythology in space. Gods exist in her world, though they try not to intervene but act more as viewers to the story. Kind of like the Greek gods in their douchy indifference to the plights of puny humans. They basically pick their favorites and sit by with popcorn, though at least our heroine has one that actually cares for her. The gods are supposed to be references to Indian stories, but since I'm unfamiliar with Indian mythology, it reminded me instead of the Greeks.
Esmae has been watched over her entire life by Amba, the war goddess. Amba tries to guide Esmae away from trouble, but Esmae is tired of being without a family and living as a nobody. She wants the spotlight. She wants people to see her potential. She’s been trained in secret, so skill-wise, she’s a badass. Her primary skill is her aptitude for strategy, and she’s confident she can win the war that’s brewing. She ignores Amba's advice and throws herself into the political game.
Warning, spoilers ahead!
The girl and the politics:
Esmae wins the contest for the sentient warship Titania and uses it as leverage to implant herself in her uncle’s household as a double agent. Her uncle took the crown that should’ve belonged to her brother, and then exiled her family. He’s universally hated. But the situation isn’t as black-and-white as it seems. Her uncle was unjustly denied his own birthright, and so he believes he deserves the crown — his claim isn’t entirely wrong, but her brother Alexi still has an equally valid claim.
Even though her uncle is paranoid and anxious, and really wasn’t built for the responsibilities required as a ruler, it’s hard not to be sympathetic towards him when he welcomes Esmae back home and gives her the family she’s always wanted. Though she enters her uncle's house determined to win the crown for her brother, she can't help seeing the gray areas of the situation and tries to find the middle ground. Turns out the "good guys" aren't entirely good, and the "bad guys" aren't straightforward either. Yay, complexity!
I like Esmae, but she has so much room for growth. Initially, it feels like she's a child playing dress-up. She imagines herself in a bigger role, and ignores the advice of those around her to push herself into the big leagues. She's strong, but she's overconfident. She's not ready for the game she's playing. This does make her relatable, though. She's a mixed-bag character. Too cocky, too naive, but also skilled and clever; it's a great initial heroine recipe. I think she'll grow into the main-player role and become that fierce contender, and I'm looking forward to it.
The boy:
And the adopted son of her uncle, Max isn’t what he appears either. He’s known as the jealous prince who helped his father usurp the throne, and he’s just as hated. But he loves his parents, and without his intervention, things would be much worse for Esmae’s brothers. Like Esmae, he’s been overlooked his whole life — hence the jealousy he has for Esmae’s brothers — but he’s trying for the best outcome for the most people as well. I love the gray-ness of his character.
This is kind of a stretch, but he reminds me of Cardan from The Cruel Prince. Not as dark, but the "jealous prince" descriptor first implanted that thought, and the fact that he's so misunderstood just cemented that comparison in my head even further. He's an underdog, but still in a position of power. And the protag hates him. Just to disclose my bias, I will read ANYTHING where there's a character that can be compared to Cardan.
The romance:
There’s a hate-to-love arc for Esmae and Max that has a teensy bit of steam and a lot of future potential. This is one of my favorite tropes, so by default, I can't help but root for this ship. There’s a deeper story to Max which is pretty easy to figure out on the hints they give you. Not exactly in romance territory yet, but it's headed there (it has to be!).
The plot:
This book has a spiral shape to it –– Esmae is essentially swirling down the path she’s created, and though she’s warned what will happen, she’s determined to prove the gods wrong and forge a happy ending. There is definitely some negative foreshadowing for the future books, and it seems that the story will get a lot darker before there’s some light, but I’m looking forward to watching it all unfold.
Esmae's story brings up the destiny versus free will debate. The gods are telling her that if she makes the decisions that she wants to make, the outcome will be disastrous. But she is determined to make a different outcome. It's a tad frustrating watching her play into the hands of fate, and at times she seems presumptuous for believing that she can achieve her goals, but at the same time you're still rooting for her to prove destiny wrong.
In the end, Esmae is betrayed by those that should love her, though still beloved by the gods who watch her story. Even though the gods favor her, it doesn't really help her get what she wants. She's not place her on a pedestal; she works for her recognition. Though she tries to overcome her moral compass to win back her family, she sees the gray areas on both sides, and tries to come to the best solution.
But when she’s surrounded by people that don’t care about those that’ll be sacrificed in a gigantic war and just want power, it’s inevitable that she’ll be hurt in the process. They don't want the best solution; they want her to choose a side, and want to use her for what they can do for her. Her good intentions end up isolating her, but it also brings out her strength. She goes from naive optimist to betrayed and defiant heroine, and I love it. When those that are supposed to love her betray her, it *sparks a white fire* that will burn the universe (title drop!).
I'm so excited to read the future novels! This feels like a great beginning; unfinished, but promising.
Premise
Esmae is stuck living in the shadows of her world with so much to offer and yet her value is unnoticed. She’s a servant, with only a select few who know that she's a princess in hiding, and decides to claim her stake in the politically shifty landscape when she publicly wins a contest for the most powerful warship in existence. Tired of being undervalued, she enacts her plan to win back her brother’s crown and reclaim her place within the family who threw her away.
The setup:
This story makes me think of Greek mythology in space. Gods exist in her world, though they try not to intervene but act more as viewers to the story. Kind of like the Greek gods in their douchy indifference to the plights of puny humans. They basically pick their favorites and sit by with popcorn, though at least our heroine has one that actually cares for her. The gods are supposed to be references to Indian stories, but since I'm unfamiliar with Indian mythology, it reminded me instead of the Greeks.
Esmae has been watched over her entire life by Amba, the war goddess. Amba tries to guide Esmae away from trouble, but Esmae is tired of being without a family and living as a nobody. She wants the spotlight. She wants people to see her potential. She’s been trained in secret, so skill-wise, she’s a badass. Her primary skill is her aptitude for strategy, and she’s confident she can win the war that’s brewing. She ignores Amba's advice and throws herself into the political game.
Warning, spoilers ahead!
The girl and the politics:
Esmae wins the contest for the sentient warship Titania and uses it as leverage to implant herself in her uncle’s household as a double agent. Her uncle took the crown that should’ve belonged to her brother, and then exiled her family. He’s universally hated. But the situation isn’t as black-and-white as it seems. Her uncle was unjustly denied his own birthright, and so he believes he deserves the crown — his claim isn’t entirely wrong, but her brother Alexi still has an equally valid claim.
Even though her uncle is paranoid and anxious, and really wasn’t built for the responsibilities required as a ruler, it’s hard not to be sympathetic towards him when he welcomes Esmae back home and gives her the family she’s always wanted. Though she enters her uncle's house determined to win the crown for her brother, she can't help seeing the gray areas of the situation and tries to find the middle ground. Turns out the "good guys" aren't entirely good, and the "bad guys" aren't straightforward either. Yay, complexity!
I like Esmae, but she has so much room for growth. Initially, it feels like she's a child playing dress-up. She imagines herself in a bigger role, and ignores the advice of those around her to push herself into the big leagues. She's strong, but she's overconfident. She's not ready for the game she's playing. This does make her relatable, though. She's a mixed-bag character. Too cocky, too naive, but also skilled and clever; it's a great initial heroine recipe. I think she'll grow into the main-player role and become that fierce contender, and I'm looking forward to it.
The boy:
And the adopted son of her uncle, Max isn’t what he appears either. He’s known as the jealous prince who helped his father usurp the throne, and he’s just as hated. But he loves his parents, and without his intervention, things would be much worse for Esmae’s brothers. Like Esmae, he’s been overlooked his whole life — hence the jealousy he has for Esmae’s brothers — but he’s trying for the best outcome for the most people as well. I love the gray-ness of his character.
This is kind of a stretch, but he reminds me of Cardan from The Cruel Prince. Not as dark, but the "jealous prince" descriptor first implanted that thought, and the fact that he's so misunderstood just cemented that comparison in my head even further. He's an underdog, but still in a position of power. And the protag hates him. Just to disclose my bias, I will read ANYTHING where there's a character that can be compared to Cardan.
The romance:
There’s a hate-to-love arc for Esmae and Max that has a teensy bit of steam and a lot of future potential. This is one of my favorite tropes, so by default, I can't help but root for this ship. There’s a deeper story to Max which is pretty easy to figure out on the hints they give you. Not exactly in romance territory yet, but it's headed there (it has to be!).
The plot:
This book has a spiral shape to it –– Esmae is essentially swirling down the path she’s created, and though she’s warned what will happen, she’s determined to prove the gods wrong and forge a happy ending. There is definitely some negative foreshadowing for the future books, and it seems that the story will get a lot darker before there’s some light, but I’m looking forward to watching it all unfold.
Esmae's story brings up the destiny versus free will debate. The gods are telling her that if she makes the decisions that she wants to make, the outcome will be disastrous. But she is determined to make a different outcome. It's a tad frustrating watching her play into the hands of fate, and at times she seems presumptuous for believing that she can achieve her goals, but at the same time you're still rooting for her to prove destiny wrong.
In the end, Esmae is betrayed by those that should love her, though still beloved by the gods who watch her story. Even though the gods favor her, it doesn't really help her get what she wants. She's not place her on a pedestal; she works for her recognition. Though she tries to overcome her moral compass to win back her family, she sees the gray areas on both sides, and tries to come to the best solution.
But when she’s surrounded by people that don’t care about those that’ll be sacrificed in a gigantic war and just want power, it’s inevitable that she’ll be hurt in the process. They don't want the best solution; they want her to choose a side, and want to use her for what they can do for her. Her good intentions end up isolating her, but it also brings out her strength. She goes from naive optimist to betrayed and defiant heroine, and I love it. When those that are supposed to love her betray her, it *sparks a white fire* that will burn the universe (title drop!).
I'm so excited to read the future novels! This feels like a great beginning; unfinished, but promising.
wildfaeriecaps's review against another edition
5.0
This book was amazing. Spectacular. Phenomenal. To be honest with you, I lack the words to encompass how I feel about it.
It has been a very long time since a book has affected me like this one did. It wasn't the same as being caught up in the action (though I was). Or being emotionally attached to the characters (look, I cried at a very specific thing that happened to someone but I refuse to spoil it for you!). How do I explain this? I am familiar with the Mahabharata. Like, I know the story. Who lives and who dies and all about the war to come. And yet.. throughout this *masterfully written* novel I did not feel confident in my knowledge. I could not, at any point, tell you with certainty what was going to happen. In the moments where I was not reading, I was reeling. It was like a whole new set of cogs had been added to my mind and they would not. stop. turning.
I adore this book. It is everything I could have asked for and more. This book has caused me to finally stop and consider myself honestly. I guess I do like science fiction after all. The biggest questions, however, remains: how will I survive without book two until September when it's released? I just don't know..
It has been a very long time since a book has affected me like this one did. It wasn't the same as being caught up in the action (though I was). Or being emotionally attached to the characters (look, I cried at a very specific thing that happened to someone but I refuse to spoil it for you!). How do I explain this? I am familiar with the Mahabharata. Like, I know the story. Who lives and who dies and all about the war to come. And yet.. throughout this *masterfully written* novel I did not feel confident in my knowledge. I could not, at any point, tell you with certainty what was going to happen. In the moments where I was not reading, I was reeling. It was like a whole new set of cogs had been added to my mind and they would not. stop. turning.
I adore this book. It is everything I could have asked for and more. This book has caused me to finally stop and consider myself honestly. I guess I do like science fiction after all. The biggest questions, however, remains: how will I survive without book two until September when it's released? I just don't know..
charvi_not_just_fiction's review against another edition
5.0
THIS BOOK HAS LEFT ME WRECKED OMG
How do I even write a review?
I'm just gonna leave this space after saying that this is hands down the best sci-fi book I've ever read. It made me feel every emotion there possibly could be, from laughing to sobbing and so much more in between. I love each and every character because they are so well written and developed and are freaking masterpieces, including Titania the badass battleship. Also, every author needs to take inspiration from this book when it comes to worldbuilding. IT WAS ABSOLUTELY STUNNING AND SO EASY TO UNDERSTAND!
I just-
I can't. I love this book too much to even formulate words to praise it.
12 May 2021 ~
I'm wrecked omg. Esmae can step on me, I just wanna see her thrive, cause chaos and rule the universe
How do I even write a review?
I'm just gonna leave this space after saying that this is hands down the best sci-fi book I've ever read. It made me feel every emotion there possibly could be, from laughing to sobbing and so much more in between. I love each and every character because they are so well written and developed and are freaking masterpieces, including Titania the badass battleship. Also, every author needs to take inspiration from this book when it comes to worldbuilding. IT WAS ABSOLUTELY STUNNING AND SO EASY TO UNDERSTAND!
I just-
I can't. I love this book too much to even formulate words to praise it.
12 May 2021 ~
I'm wrecked omg. Esmae can step on me, I just wanna see her thrive, cause chaos and rule the universe
dhee_reads's review against another edition
5.0
"And yet, I am what I am, and what I am is fury. I can’t let it go. I can’t forget. I hear it growling under my skin." This story was devastingly good. I'm with Esmae. I am calling for blood. I cannot fathom who our girl will become after that ending.
The writing is wonderful --dramatic and deft when it needs to be. This book is gem. I slept on it for too long. Don’t do the same.
The writing is wonderful --dramatic and deft when it needs to be. This book is gem. I slept on it for too long. Don’t do the same.
_christinacreads's review against another edition
4.0
A Spark of White Fire by Sangu Mandana is an action-packed, plot-driven space opera novel about family, politics, and war written in the same beautiful prose that you find in her other novel, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches.
This is a soft Sci-Fi retelling of the Mahabrahata, which is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India. Considered to be the longest poem ever written, it narrates the struggle for sovereignty between two groups of cousins.
We follow Esmae, who as an infant was sent away by the queen. She grew up in another land, isolated from her family with only the goddess Amba as her sole confidant. When the King of Wychstar offers the gift of a sentient spaceship named Titania to a warrior who can defeat a single, seemingly impossible challenge, Esmae leaps at the chance to reunite with her family.
In this book there are powerful but limited gods, magic and curses, a strong, independent female main character, and a very interesting war-averse talking warship
Esmae is quite the interesting character. Her longing for family and her desire to belong is her main driving force. Throughout the book we see her trying to truly understand the difference between the family you were born into, and the family that you choose to belong in. She’s strong but vulnerable, loyal to a fault, and unnervingly compassionate.
The book’s secondary characters are vivid and Sangu has a way of presenting them where we able sympathize and understand why Esmae’s enemies had made the choices they did. There is great representation for both people of color and the disabled. Definitely my part of the book was the intense family dynamics.
Surprisingly, I did find the romance element to be a little on the weak side considering I was blown away by the gentle grumpy-sunshine romance in The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches. The first book, in my opinion, would've been fine without the addition of a love interest at all.
I thought the world building was gentle but very interesting. It’s founded on space, gods, the magic of gods, and fixed points in time. Sangu does throws you into the deep end - and tugs you along for the ride. Although I will admit that the fact that it’s set in space is really just there for the heck of it. This could've been set under a mountain or in a secret underwater society and the soul of the book wouldn't change.
The book’s strength is the plot and the way the characters interact with one another around the plot. There's a heady mix of political intrigue, family drama, action scenes, gut punching betrayal. If you are very familiar with the Mahabharata you may find it a tab bit predictable but it’s still good nonetheless.
Nonetheless, I would definitely recommend A Spark of White Fire to anyone who’s in the mood for a YA fantasy/space opera with a brown FMC.
Watch the review on tiktok:
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRGAcy1N/
This is a soft Sci-Fi retelling of the Mahabrahata, which is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India. Considered to be the longest poem ever written, it narrates the struggle for sovereignty between two groups of cousins.
We follow Esmae, who as an infant was sent away by the queen. She grew up in another land, isolated from her family with only the goddess Amba as her sole confidant. When the King of Wychstar offers the gift of a sentient spaceship named Titania to a warrior who can defeat a single, seemingly impossible challenge, Esmae leaps at the chance to reunite with her family.
In this book there are powerful but limited gods, magic and curses, a strong, independent female main character, and a very interesting war-averse talking warship
Esmae is quite the interesting character. Her longing for family and her desire to belong is her main driving force. Throughout the book we see her trying to truly understand the difference between the family you were born into, and the family that you choose to belong in. She’s strong but vulnerable, loyal to a fault, and unnervingly compassionate.
The book’s secondary characters are vivid and Sangu has a way of presenting them where we able sympathize and understand why Esmae’s enemies had made the choices they did. There is great representation for both people of color and the disabled. Definitely my part of the book was the intense family dynamics.
Surprisingly, I did find the romance element to be a little on the weak side considering I was blown away by the gentle grumpy-sunshine romance in The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches. The first book, in my opinion, would've been fine without the addition of a love interest at all.
I thought the world building was gentle but very interesting. It’s founded on space, gods, the magic of gods, and fixed points in time. Sangu does throws you into the deep end - and tugs you along for the ride. Although I will admit that the fact that it’s set in space is really just there for the heck of it. This could've been set under a mountain or in a secret underwater society and the soul of the book wouldn't change.
The book’s strength is the plot and the way the characters interact with one another around the plot. There's a heady mix of political intrigue, family drama, action scenes, gut punching betrayal. If you are very familiar with the Mahabharata you may find it a tab bit predictable but it’s still good nonetheless.
Nonetheless, I would definitely recommend A Spark of White Fire to anyone who’s in the mood for a YA fantasy/space opera with a brown FMC.
Watch the review on tiktok:
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRGAcy1N/