Sangu Mandanna - A War of Swallowed Stars

Praise for

A HOUSE OF RAGE AND SORROW

Mandanna is an astute observer of human nature and a master of suspense.... Extraordinarily drawn characters and plot twists will keep readers hearts racing.

Kirkus Reviews , starred review

The high-stakes, lofty narrative reads like a mythology story of its own, as the lives of gods, mortals, and spaceships are intricately connected, setting up for whats sure to be a breathtaking conclusion.

Booklist , starred review

A rare gem of a sequel that manages to be even better than the first book! Each page drips with action and moral complexities, and plot twists that will both make and break your heart. Perfect for readers looking for sharp, smart, fast-paced fantasies, especially with fierce female leads.

Natasha Ngan, New York Times bestselling author of Girls of Paper and Fire

A thrilling sequel to Mandannas incredible A Spark of White Fire. A House of Rage and Sorrow takes a gorgeously rendered world of spaceship kingdoms, meddling gods, and galaxy-shaking prophecies and pairs it perfectly with an achingly intimate family drama. I cannot wait for the conclusion!

S. A. Chakraborty, author of The City of Brass and The Kingdom of Copper

Praise for

A SPARK OF WHITE FIRE

Named to LITAs Hal Clement List of Notable YA, 2019

Sangu Mandannas A Spark of White Fire is full of brilliant, complex characters against a compelling mythological canvas. Its full of love and gods, reversals and surprises. I loved it and cant 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.... Youll 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 youve ever read before.

Justina Ireland, New York Times bestselling author of Dread Nation

Sangu Mandanna seamlessly weaves science fiction elements with Indian mythology, creating a world that feels truly alive. Mandannas 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

If youre looking for a spectacular and immersive read that youll want to finish in one sitting, A Spark of White Fire should absolutely be on your list. Its 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 Reviews

Copyright 2021 by Sangu Mandanna

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without the express written consent of the publisher, except in the case of brief excerpts in critical reviews and articles. All inquiries should be addressed to Sky Pony Press, 307 West 36th Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018.

First Edition

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are from the authors imagination, and used fictitiously.

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10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data available on file.

Cover illustrations by iStock

Cover design by Kate Gartner

Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-5107-3380-0

Ebook ISBN: 978-1-5107-3383-1

Printed in the United States of America

for Juno,

the smallest and brightest star in my sky

The Key Players of this Saga

(Plus Some Vaguely Relevant Extras)

by Titania

SENTIENT SPACESHIPS

TITANIA , a magnificent creation who needs no introduction.

HOUSE REY OF KALI

ESMAE REY, princess of Kali. Eldest child of King Cassel and Queen Kyra. She won me in a competition, became my friend, and got very, very angry.

MAX REY, crown prince of Kali. Adopted son of King Elvar and Queen Guinne. Commander of the Hundred and One. Also the reincarnated god Valin. Its complicated.

ELVAR REY, the blind king of Kali. Brother of the deceased King Cassel. Usurped the throne from his nephew Alexi, though one could argue that was because he was denied his inheritance in the first place. Also complicated.

GUINNE REY, queen consort of Kali. Ambitious, generous, and ruthless in equal measure. She has a boon from the gods that shes been holding on to.

CASSELA REY, former queen consort of Kali. Grandmother of King Elvar, great-grandmother of Esmae. She cursed Queen Kyra a long time ago, which, one could argue, is what started the whole mess.

ALEXI REY, exiled prince of Kali. Esmaes twin brother. Esmae thought he killed her best friend, but it turned out it wasnt him. Still, hell do anything to get his crown back, including betray his sister.

ABRA REY, exiled prince of Kali and the youngest child of King Cassel and Queen Kyra. Better known as Bear. Because hes cuddly.

KYRA REY, queen consort of Kali before her exile. King Cassels widow. She is so terrified of the curse Queen Cassela placed on her that she almost killed her own daughter. Three times.

CASSEL REY, former king of Kali. Definitely dead.

THE NOT-REYS OF KALI

SYBILLA BLOOM, second-in-command of the Hundred and One. Essentially a sister to Max. Cantankerous. Wearer of stompy, spiky boots. I think she has Feelings for Radha.

SEBASTIAN RICKARD, war commander to the monarch of Kali, Esmaes former teacher, and the greatest warrior who has ever lived. He betrayed his student Ek Lavya a long time ago, which is also something one could argue is the cause of this mess.

LEILA SAKA, senior general of Alexis army and Queen Kyras closest confidante. As loyal as she is ruthless.

ILARA KHAY, senior general of Kalis army. An exacting and compassionate teacher, determined to get the best out of Esmae.

LAIKA, a warrior of Kali and a close friend of General Khay. Also a raksha demon who can turn into a lion at will. Its very cool.

SEBASTIAN RICKARD THE SECOND, the elder Rickards grandson. A sweet, eager boy devoted to his grandfather.

JEMSY, HENRY, and JUNIPER ROSE, three young members of the Hundred and One.

THE ROYAL FAMILY OF WYCHSTAR

DARSHAN KARN, king of Wychstar. Father of Rodi, Ria, Rama, and Radha. Also the reincarnated Ek Lavya. He is the man who created me, so that he could have his revenge on Rickard.

RADHA KARN, the youngest princess of Wychstar. She knows nothing of battle but is braver than many warriors. She wounded Rickard on her fathers orders. Shes a loyal friend to Esmae, Max, and Sybilla.