A War of Swallowed Stars Read online

  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 what’s 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 Mandanna’s 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 LITA’s Hal Clement List of Notable YA, 2019

  “Sangu Mandanna’s A Spark of White Fire is full of brilliant, complex characters against a compelling mythological canvas. It’s full of love and gods, reversals and surprises. I loved it and can’t 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―. . . . You’ll 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 you’ve 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. Mandanna’s 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 you’re looking for a spectacular and immersive read that you’ll want to finish in one sitting, A Spark of White Fire should absolutely be on your list. It’s 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 author’s imagination, and used fictitiously.

  Sky Pony Press books may be purchased in bulk at special discounts for sales promotion, corporate gifts, fund-raising, or educational purposes. Special editions can also be created to specifications. For details, contact the Special Sales Department, Sky Pony Press, 307 West 36th Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018 or [email protected].

  Sky Pony® is a registered trademark of Skyhorse Publishing, Inc.®, a Delaware corporation.

  Visit our website at www.skyponypress.com.

  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. It’s 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 she’s 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. Esmae’s twin brother. Esmae thought he killed her best friend, but it turned out it wasn’t him. Still, he’ll 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 he’s cuddly.

  KYRA REY, queen consort of Kali before her exile. King Cassel’s 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, Esmae’s 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 Alexi’s army and Queen Kyra’s closest confidante. As loyal as she is ruthless.

  ILARA KHAY, senior general of Kali’s 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. It’s very cool.

  SEBASTIAN RICKARD THE SECOND, the elder Rickard’s 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 tha
n many warriors. She wounded Rickard on her father’s orders. She’s a loyal friend to Esmae, Max, and Sybilla.

  RAMA KARN, the murdered younger prince of Wychstar. He was Esmae’s best friend until Queen Kyra, disguised as Alexi, killed him in a duel.

  RODI KARN, crown prince of Wychstar. A charming, merry young man.

  RIA KARN, the elder princess of Wychstar. I don’t know much about her, other than she travels a great deal and was expecting a baby the last time Radha mentioned her.

  IMMORTALS

  AMBA, war goddess. The last-born child of Ness, who became his eldest child when she slew him and saved her devoured brothers and sister.

  KIRRIN, god of tricks and bargains. Amba’s brother. One of the gods who helped King Darshan build me. It was his idea to create me because he wanted me on Alexi’s side. That didn’t work out for him.

  SUYA, sun god. Amba’s brother. A little too much like his father.

  TYRE, a god of justice. Amba’s youngest brother.

  THEA, a goddess of hearth and home. Amba’s sister.

  ASH, the destroyer. One of the three ancient gods of the old world. Uncle of Amba, Valin, Kirrin, Tyre, Thea, and Suya.

  BARA, the creator. One of the three ancient gods of the old world.

  NESS, the third of the three ancient gods. The cruel, pitiless father of Amba, Valin, Kirrin, Tyre, Thea, and Suya. Devoured five of his children before Amba, who survived, killed him and saved them.

  SORSHA, the last of the great beasts. Cursed with an insatiable hunger. Amba’s adoptive sister. Kirrin set her loose on the world.

  DEVAKI, a great beast. Sorsha’s mother. Saved Amba from Ness, raised her, and was cursed with his dying breath. Long dead.

  OTHER MORTALS

  AMBA, former war goddess. The last-born child of Ness, who became his eldest child when she slew him and saved her devoured brothers and sister. It’s confusing. Lost her immortality when she saved Esmae’s life.

  KATYA, crown princess of Winter.

  RALF, king of Winter.

  DIMITRI, Katya’s husband and prince consort of Winter.

  MIYO SAKA, queen of Tamini and great-aunt of Leila Saka.

  VALENTINA GOMEZ, prime minister of Shloka

  SHAY, ruling princess of Skylark

  FANNA, the new queen of Elba. Esmae assassinated her father. I kind of helped.

  Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  Chapter Forty

  Chapter Forty-One

  Chapter Forty-Two

  Acknowledgments

  CHAPTER ONE

  Esmae

  Arcadia burns beyond the yellow trees, but I’m cold.

  My blood has turned the snow beneath me red. My tears have frozen on my eyelashes. The blood is from my head, which hit the trunk of a tree. My left leg keeps twitching, but I can’t make it stop. I can’t even make it bend at the knee. Somewhere in the distance, a night bird screams a warning.

  I don’t know how long I’ve been out here. Too long, probably. Titania and Sybilla expected me to come out the other side of the woods forever ago, but I never made it that far. The earpiece, my only tether to them, is lost somewhere in the snow. It flew out of my ear when the explosion flung me into the trees.

  I have been almost murdered more times than I can remember, most recently by my own mother, so I have to admit, I didn’t expect to die like this. So quietly. So alone. With so little drama.

  It’s a bit disappointing.

  Then I hear the crunch of footsteps in the snow. And a long, slender figure crouches beside me.

  “This is an unexpected surprise,” says Leila Saka, my brother’s general and my mother’s most trusted friend.

  Her knife glints silver and gold, reflecting the fires of Arcadia.

  “I’ll make it quick,” she says, and adds, almost kindly, “You know this is for the best.”

  Maybe it is.

  CHAPTER TWO

  Titania

  High above Kali, six gods assemble in a boy’s tower. Well, four gods. Two of them are not gods anymore.

  There’s Suya, the sun god, a handsome man with his arms crossed over the gold sun that hangs around his neck. There’s Thea, soft and pretty, black-skinned and roundcheeked, curled into her seat like a cat. Kirrin, a boy of blue. Tyre, blond and quiet, leaning on the wall in the corner. Then there’s Amba, of course, a beautiful woman sitting very straight in a chair. She’s the picture of grace, but her brown skin is ashy, her dark hair has lost that otherworldly sparkle it always had, and the tiny beads of sweat at her hairline are an indication of just how difficult it is for her to stay upright. And finally, there’s Max, a young man with black hair and eyes so dark it’s impossible to tell what he’s thinking.

  I think this is how Esmae would have described them, if she were here.

  But Esmae is not here.

  It’s been thirty-six days since that night in Arcadia. I shouldn’t be able to miss a person. I’m a machine.

  And yet I miss her. No, it’s not just that. I am worried about her, too. I don’t really understand human emotions, and I certainly don’t understand why I feel them so keenly, but I’m sure this is anxiety.

  Where is she?

  I can search every database connected to the galactic network, even the most secure. I can detect thermal signatures and heartbeats. My system can scan an entire planet in minutes. I am Titania, the greatest starship ever built, unbeatable and indestructible and very, very excellent. And yet, somehow, I cannot find Esmae.

  The data points to one conclusion, of course. If I cannot find her, if I cannot find any trace of her thermal signature or heartbeat, that suggests she does not have either anymore. Hard data does not lie.

  So why, then, do I refuse to accept that? I think it’s called hope. And hope is human. Hope is stupid.

  I am a machine.

  Meanwhile, in the tower, the gods are silent, little more than statues in one of their temples. This is not unusual for Tyre, in the corner, but I can tell it’s difficult for Thea. Her cherubic face is worried.

  Amba loses patience first. “I get more gray hairs with each moment we sit here,” she says.

  Suya, the golden sun god, chuckles. The others look at him. He uncrosses his arms and raises his hands defensively. “What? Wasn’t it a joke? Because our sister is mortal now?”

  Amba narrows her eyes at him before saying, “I assume you haven’t forgotten we’re all almost out of time?”

  “How could I?” Suya’s smile fades. “Do you think I’m not aware every moment that that monster is out there hunting for me?”

  “Don’t call her that,” Max snaps.

  “Sorsha is Amba’s sister, which makes her our sister,” Thea says more gently.

  “And,” Max goes on, “she’s h
unting you because you murdered her mother. You remember her mother, don’t you, Suya? The one who saved Amba from our father? You know the only reason Sorsha has to live with her terrible curse is because Devaki saved Amba and Amba saved the rest of us.”

  “The rest of us?” says Suya incredulously. “You’re not one of us. Valin’s been dead for a hundred years.”

  “Suya,” Thea pleads.

  “Stop it,” Amba snaps. “Suya, keep your mouth shut if you have nothing helpful to contribute.”

  “Ah, of course, it’s always my fault,” Suya says bitterly. “Let’s pretend this was my doing, shall we?” He grinds his teeth. “We are all running out of time. Stars have gone out. Soon, it’ll be our sun. And that impending doom is not because I accidentally killed Devaki. It’s because they—” here he points at Max and Kirrin “—made the mistake of falling in love with two mortals and helped them—”

  “Sorsha was a mistake,” Kirrin cuts in. “My mistake. I would never have released her if I hadn’t been certain I could keep her in check. I was wrong. I was reckless with her life, and with every life in the galaxy. I hurt Amba. And I am sorry. If I could take it back, I would. But I can’t.”

  “Exactly.” Tyre pushes himself off the wall. “If we survive this, Suya, we’ll have centuries to fight with Kirrin about his foolishness. For now, we need to focus on Sorsha. Amba, can we get her back to Anga?”

  Amba’s hands twist in her lap. Thea lays one of her own hands on Amba’s and squeezes gently. Amba looks up at Tyre. “No,” she says. “Not unless she goes of her own free will, which she won’t. I was the only one who had the power to force Sorsha to go back to Anga. I have no power now.”

  “And we can thank a mortal for that, too,” Suya seems unable to resist pointing out. “Arcadia is ash. The laws of righteous warfare were broken. And in the midst of that chaos, the only god who could have stopped Sorsha before she devours our galaxy lost her immortality. How much harm do the twins have to do before you turn your backs on them for good?”

  Kirrin smiles beatifically. “We’ll be sure to let you know if that threshold is ever reached.”