Force of Fire

The Fire Queen #1

By: Sayantani DasGupta

Narrated by: Ulka Simone Mohanty

Pinki hails from a long line of rakkhosh resisters, demons who have spent years building interspecies relationships, working together to achieve their goal of overthrowing the snakey oppressors and taking back their rights. But she has more important things to worry about, like maintaining her status as fiercest rakkhosh in her class and looking after her little cousins. There is also the teeny tiny detail of not yet being able to control her fire breathing and accidentally burning up school property.

Then Sesha, the charming son of the Serpentine Governor, calls on Pinki for help in defeating the resistance, promising to give her what she most desires in return - the ability to control her fire. First she'll have to protect the Moon Maiden, pretend to be a human (ick), and survive a family reunion. But it's all worth it for the control of her powers...right?

©2021 Sayantani DasGupta (P)2021 Scholastic Inc. All rights reserved.

Delightful, with excellent depth of narrative

The backstory for Pinky (who we first met in the Kiranmala stories) is delightfully told in this Kingdom Beyond novel. Although this is a middle grade novel, the skillful handling of colonialism and suppression of native voices is a thought provoking discussion point for young people.

“Amazing, amazing!”

“Really amazing story and if you like this I recommend the Aru Shah series.” Sahana, age 9