Zili In The Sky Book Blog

23 September 2018

Review - A Spark of White Fire

A Spark of White Fire

by Sangu Mandanna

What they say: 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.

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I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!

What I say: If Star Wars and Firefly are westerns set in space then A Spark of White Fire is a reworking of Indian mythology set in space. The plot focuses on Esmae, the lost princess of Kali, who is ready to go home and claim her rightful place with her family.

We meet Esmae as she prepares to enter the leadership competition where the prize is the ultimate battleship Titania, blessed by the all powerful gods (still with me?). Whoever controls Titania will hold huge power and will become a key player in the civil war for the rulership of Kali.

On one side there's the mother who sent her away and her formidable twin Alexi, and on the other, her usurper uncle Elvar and his adopted son and heir Max. What I particularly enjoyed was the political intrigued combined with the mythology. There are a lot of 'greater good' choices to be made. Almost every character seems to be skirting pretty close to moral grey areas, to the point where there's no clear villains or goodies.

I liked seeing the different gods and goddesses appear and cause their own brand of mischief and carnage *ahem* general indifference and annoyance over the troubles of mortals.

I'm not entirely sure how I felt about the potential romance - I'm sure it won't be for everyone (don't worry no spoilers).

There's lots of space opera drama and battles, as well as cute friendly bonding moments, oh and a few tears...

The story ends on a huge cliffy so I cannot wait to see what happens next.

4 Stars in my Sky!

Review - For the Duke's Eyes Only

For the Duke's Eyes Only - School for Dukes #2

by Lenora Bell

What they say: If adventure has a name...it must be Lady India Rochester. The intrepid archaeologist possesses a sharp blade and an even sharper knack for uncovering history's forgotten women. Unfortunately, she has one annoying weakness: the dangerously handsome Duke of Ravenwood. Former best friend. Current enemy. And the man who dared to break her heart.

Daniel Bonds, the Duke of Ravenwood, is a thrill-seeking antiquities hunter who only plays by one rule: Never fall in love. He's in it for the fortune and glory. At least that's what he wants the world to think. He's sworn to hide his tangled web of secrets, especially from the one woman he cares about and will protect at any cost.

But when a priceless relic is stolen from the British Museum, the rivals must align forces. Racing to recover the stolen antiquity and avert an international disaster? All in a day's work. Avoiding their buried feelings? More and more impossible. For love is about to become the greatest treasure of all.

The grand adventure begins...now!

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I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!

What I say: I've been waiting for India's and Raven's story since I finished What a Difference a Duke Makes. Their grumpy banter is hilarious and intriguing, I just knew there had to be more to their story and Lenora Bell doesn't disappoint.

Lady Danger *ahem* Lady India Rochester is an heiress with a passion for archaeology. She refuses to be trapped by her gender and place in society. For her latest archaeological quest she needs access to the Rosetta stone - the problem is she can't do so as a woman and former friend turned rival Daniel, the Duke of Ravenwood stands firmly in her way...

India is equal parts daring and hilarious. She's one of my favourite historical romantic leads so far this year. She actually reminded me of a mixture of Downton Abbey's Lady Sybil Crawley and Evie from The Mummy.

Raven is an antiquity hunting playboy who has no intention of settling down. He's worked hard to cultivate his reputation and will never break his one rule to never fall in love.

Raven enjoys nothing more than teasing India, well other than the thrill of tracking down rare and expensive finds. India cannot stand the irresponsible playboy who squanders his ducal duties and misses her former childhood friend.

Their relationship is flirty, fun and often hilarious. I really wanted them to get their act together. There were times when I wanted to smack their heads together and give them a shake. I enjoyed the romance, action and 'Downton does Indiana' twist, with a few old friends on the side...

4 Stars in my Sky!

Out Now Should Read - The Wicked Ones

The Wicked Ones - Ghosts of the Shadow Market #6

by Cassandra Clare and Robin Wasserman

What they say: Celine Montclaire goes to the Shadow Market to escape. She would go anywhere in Paris, or the entire world, to escape the suffering she experiences at the hands of her family. She did not expect to meet Valentine Morgenstern there, or to have him promise her freedom and the heart of the man she secretly loves. On one condition, of course. At the Shadow Market, nothing is for free.

For more info...

Coming Soon - Shadow of the Fox

Yes Julie!!

Shadow of the Fox

by Julie Kagawa

What they say: One thousand years ago, the great Kami Dragon was summoned to grant a single terrible wish—and the land of Iwagoto was plunged into an age of darkness and chaos.

Now, for whoever holds the Scroll of a Thousand Prayers, a new wish will be granted. A new age is about to dawn.

Raised by monks in the isolated Silent Winds temple, Yumeko has trained all her life to hide her yokai nature. Half kitsune, half human, her skill with illusion is matched only by her penchant for mischief. Until the day her home is burned to the ground, her adoptive family is brutally slain and she is forced to flee for her life with the temple’s greatest treasure—one part of the ancient scroll.

There are many who would claim the dragon’s wish for their own. Kage Tatsumi, a mysterious samurai of the Shadow Clan, is one such hunter, under orders to retrieve the scroll…at any cost. Fate brings Kage and Yumeko together. With a promise to lead him to the scroll, an uneasy alliance is formed, offering Yumeko her best hope for survival. But he seeks what she has hidden away, and her deception could ultimately tear them both apart.

With an army of demons at her heels and the unlikeliest of allies at her side, Yumeko’s secrets are more than a matter of life or death. They are the key to the fate of the world itself.

For more info...

Whatcha Reading Wednesday - Strong

Ooh hello!!

Strong - Stage Dive #4.5 (1001 Dark Nights)
by Kylie Scott

What they say: From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kylie Scott comes a new story in her Stage Dive series…

When the girl of your dreams is kind of a nightmare.

As head of security to Stage Dive, one of the biggest rock bands in the world, Sam Knowles has plenty of experience dealing with trouble. But spoilt brat Martha Nicholson just might be the worst thing he’s ever encountered. The beautiful troublemaker claims to have reformed, but Sam knows better than to think with what’s in his pants. Unfortunately, it’s not so easy to make his heart fall into line.

Martha’s had her sights on the seriously built bodyguard for years. Quiet and conservative, he’s not even remotely her type. So why the hell can’t she get him out of her mind? There’s more to her than the Louboutin wearing party-girl of previous years, however. Maybe it’s time to let him in on that fact and deal with this thing between them.

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

Go to Goodreads for more info!