A Spark of White Fire

A Spark of White Fire was apparently inspired by the Mahabharata, which I've not read (aside from a single section of the Gita contained within it). While I can't comment on how faithful it is to that tale, Mandanna has done a great job of evoking the feel of myth – not only because this is a story with gods running around in it, but in every aspect, from rhythm and diction to character motivation and interaction. Despite the futuristic trappings, it feels wholly like an ancient story being sung into existence, and the contrast between those two aspects was delightful. Rarely is the title of “space opera” so well deserved.

One of the most enjoyable elements of the story is how well Mandanna blends the tightly personal family drama of royalty with the larger political stakes that that drama affects. These are people, ultimately, who are playing games and settling family squabbles in a way that will affect the lives of entire civilizations; however, they never appear capricious or uncaring to how their decisions affect others.

Overall, A Spark of White Fire does a fantastic job of melding its science-fiction and fantasy selves, and is an engaging start of a new epic.