A Spark of White Fire: Celestial Trilogy, Book 1

This one took me by surprise - my left cheek is still stinging from the wake-up slap. I sat on my shelf for a while because the description included the Mahabharat and people compared Esmae to Karna and Max to Duryodana and I was afraid of a sad ending. Might still end up being a sad ending for my now favorite characters, but Mandanna already has my heart on a lock down. Too late to avoid heartbreak.Reasons why this book is awesome- truly strong female character that is believable and not forced, not whiny or obsessed with a crush- amazing slow build enemies-to-lovers romance that does not overpower the book but actually adds to and is essential to the development of the plot and themes in the book. Also without toxic elements found in a lot of YA books .- complex characters, no simple heroes or villains- prose that are not bogged down with forced metaphors and run ons but to the point and devastating in the truth they reveal- parallels to great epic the Mahabharat which is cool when you realize it; but also it's its own story- well managed plot line and suspense, unexpected twists that have you looking back at the hints from beforeI can go on and on.- diverse charactersWhat is really frustrating is that this is not a more popular series (I'm looking at you - Lunar Chronicles, Throne of Glass, The Selection, The Winners Trilogy, Defy, Wraith Kings, Ash Princess). I've re-read this book and its sequel at least ten times because I'm still struggling to find good YA books. I'm not sure what to say - is it because the author is South Asian? Whoever the publicity person is needs a new job...

I really enjoyed this book! I thought the relationships were complex and deep and very well-done, which is very important to me-- believable romance, close friendships, and complicated family dynamics. The badass yet naive and conflicted female heroine was relatable. There were some great twists-- as I got closer to the end I could feel something big was coming and was worried it would fall flat. For me, at least, it didn't at all, I thought it really stuck the landing. Really looking forward to the next book!

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..

This is a highly mixed review. On one hand, the author did a decent job of worldbuilding. On the other hand, it's difficult to root for the main character because everything comes too easy to her. Her actions, for the most part, never had consequences.

I have to say that I was unexpectedly delighted by this book. I had been looking for YA fantasy/sci-fi novels about Southeast Asian characters and cultures for a while now. When I discovered that "A Spark of White Fire" was based on one of the most popular Indian epics I had to buy it. I wasn't sure where the story was headed but I was genuinely pleased! Esmae was a likable character and I loved that author put forward any struggle that she could've forward as a way to show us how she thinks. I really Max too, although he could've used a bit more development. Alexi is labeled as an antagonist by the end of the book, though not everything is black and white. He has justifiable motives but unjustifiable actions; also he's bisexual which is a nice addition. I also liked that Elvar wasn't just your typical king who was "just-plain-evil," he too is complex and somewhat grey.What I loved most was how the author conveyed the characters' emotions and the heaviness to their dialogues, especially with Kirrin and Amba. My only criticisms is that I wish that the book began with Esmae training with Rickard rather than it being mentioned that she trained with him. It's great that the author didn't do the whole "they got right on the first go because they're the chosen one" thing and actually explained that she trained, but I wish we could've seen that training rather than it being mentioned somewhat briefly.Can't wait for the next book.

This book is a siren among books, it drags you in, the moment you read the first chapter, and that is it, you're hooked. Your life? It's over.The characters are great, you love every single one of the cinnamon rolls, and even those that are hard to love, I at least appreciated the work that went into them. Mandanna fleshes out her characters so that those who are 'stars' feel intimate to a reader.There are so many complex familial relationships and it's what sets it apart from other Space Operas in my opinion [That and I've never read one inspired by the Mahabharata]. It feels real because of the relationships between characters and the romance though present, doesn't steal the spotlight from what Mandanna wants to convey to us.

I’m off to buy the next book in this trilogy. I hope they make this into a movie or series. Exceptional! I’m a huge fan of Nora Roberts and this writer is every bit as good.

This is for everyone not just young adults. The writing is lyrical and powerful and the description ‘a space opera’ truly encapsulates this book. The machinations of gods and men (and women), the torments of family relationships, the values of friendship and trust...Based on an epic (The Mahabharata), this book delivers those qualities and I can’t wait for the sequels.

From the first page I knew this was going to be special. Looking forward to reading the next in the series

Is a good book for Science fiction lovers.Enjoy.

A fast paced and engaging story set in a beautifully written science fantasy world!