Publishers Weekly
05/29/2023
Verma’s ambitious science fantasy debut, originally self-published as The Boy with Fire, kicks off the Ravence trilogy, introducing readers to a vast and fascinating world on the brink of war. Elena Aadya, heir to the desert kingdom of Ravence, must master her ancestral fire magic before her impending coronation. Leo Malhari, her father and reigning Phoenix King, wields propaganda and force to maintain his rule. Assassin Yassen Knight, seeking redemption after fleeing a failed assignment, returns to Ravence, his mother’s homeland, to serve the royal family. As Elena clashes with her father, and Yassen proves to be more than he appears, the princess uncovers a dark, generation-spanning secret about the origins of fire magic and learns the steep cost of power. Artfully blending high tech sci-fi elements with a magic system drawn from Indian culture and myth, Verma’s worldbuilding encompasses a sense of rich history and complex social dynamics. A satisfying slow-burn romance only enhances the political machinations. This exciting fantasy promises good things from the series to come. Agent: Lucienne Diver, Knight Agency. (Aug.)
From the Publisher
A captivating adventure from a gifted new voice.”—Peter V. Brett, New York Times bestselling author of the Demon Cycle
“The kind of book you sit down with to read one chapter and end up spending the whole day on. Come for the science fantasy worldbuilding and stay for the characters you just can’t get out of your head.”—Vaishnavi Patel, New York Times bestselling author of Kaikeyi
"A heady and seamless blend of sci fi and fantasy infused with Indian inspiration. An engrossing read that will have you quickly turning through the chapters."—R.R. Virdi, USA Today bestselling author of The First Binding
"The worldbuilding is seamlessly woven into the plot, alongside the threads of love, sacrifice, betrayal, and greed. There’s also a dash of enemies-to-lovers romance among the morally gray characters, who are both heartbreaking and inspiring. This is elegant and intelligent storytelling that starts out as conniving and treacherous intrigue and transforms into an exhilarating adventure without losing that touch of mystery. Perfect for fans of S.A. Chakraborty."—Library Journal
"A riveting page-turner...which will leave readers anxiously awaiting the next book."—Booklist
“Vast and fascinating.…A satisfying slow-burn romance only enhances the political machinations. This exciting fantasy promises good things from the series to come.”—Publishers Weekly
“Verma seamlessly blends fantasy with sci-fi.…A highly recommended read.”—Fantasy Hive
"The story is so captivating enough that it’s worth having to wait for the next installment. This is Aparna Verma’s first novel, but if it’s any indication of her future work, readers should be excited to discover what she has to offer."—Cosmic Circus
Library Journal
07/07/2023
DEBUT This epic sci-fi fantasy debut (originally self-published as The Boy with Fire) follows multiple characters, each of them willing to face the flames for their own ambitions and regrets. Yassen the notorious assassin, longing for home and redemption, defects from the bloodthirsty Arohassin. Princess Elena is desperate to be worthy of the Eternal Fire but can't harness the power of her lineage. King Leo clashes with old religion to protect his kingdom and his daughter despite an ominous prophecy. And a threat looms over them all—that their vengeful gods will rise again. In this novel heavily influenced by Indian lore, the glories of a lively desert landscape come to life in a world that is somehow both ancient and futuristic. The worldbuilding is seamlessly woven into the plot, alongside the threads of love, sacrifice, betrayal, and greed. There's also a dash of enemies-to-lovers romance among the morally gray characters, who are both heartbreaking and inspiring. VERDICT This is elegant and intelligent storytelling that starts out as conniving and treacherous intrigue and transforms into an exhilarating adventure without losing that touch of mystery. Perfect for fans of S.A. Chakraborty.—Andrea Dyba
DECEMBER 2023 - AudioFile
The powerhouse ensemble of Soneela Nankani, Deepti Gupta, Vikas Adam, and Akshay Kumar present this sprawling fantasy set in an Indian-inspired futuristic desert kingdom. Nankani delights as proud and prickly Elena Aadya, who is on the verge of assuming her country's throne--if she can master the unpredictable fire magic of her royal lineage. Disgraced assassin Yassen, portrayed with brooding perfection by Kumar, is caught between the mistakes of his past and the promise of a future he can earn only by building an uneasy trust with Elena. Adam's secretive and ruthless King Leo claims to seek a smooth transfer of power from himself to his daughter but may be withholding information key to her success. Gupta's steady tones provide brief but crucial world-building interludes. N.M. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine
Kirkus Reviews
2023-07-13
The time of succession has come for King Leo, monarch of the desert kingdom of Ravence.
With the neighboring Jantari threatening war and the radical group the Arohassin plotting regicide, the Ravence heir, Elena, will come into a lot of responsibility. Fortunately, Elena shows much promise; she has political acumen, dazzling wit, an unshakeable love for her people and the peoples' adoration in return. On nearly all accounts she is ready to assume the throne; she need only learn the magic of holding fire without burning to prove she is worthy of it. But her father will not teach her and might not have plans to step down after all, as he is shaken by the return of the Phoenix’s prophet, who will destroy everything in the desert and all the nonbelievers. As if that’s not enough for Elena to navigate and King Leo to ponder, enter ambitious political player Samson and retired Arohassin assassin Yassen, who each have motives of their own. The various points of view make it hard to know who is really pulling the strings, though one thing is clear: There is power in the burning flames of the desert fire and in the secrets held dear. This desert world is well developed, with the intricacies of a society, including religion, culture, and race, and the mythology of a phoenix rising supporting the themes of sacrifice, forgiveness, and resilience throughout each character’s point of view. The story is at its best when characters are faced with the edges of identity, colliding loyalties, and the unpredictable landscape of life.
Settle into the morally gray areas of a king’s broken heart, an assassin’s twisted mind, and a prophecy of destruction.
