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wildfaeriecaps's review against another edition
5.0
This book has left me entirely too emotional for a coherent review. But know this: it is perfection - everything I could have hoped for. Sangu Mandanna is one hell of a writer and at this point I'll buy anything with her name on it.
emieinspace's review
5.0
A big thank you to Caffeine Blog Tours for allowing me to take part in this blog tour, and to Edelweiss and Sky Pony Press for this free e-ARC of the novel. This did not affect my opinion of this book and the content of my review in any way.
After the ending of A Spark of White Fire, the title of the sequel, A House of Rage and Sorrow, came to no surprise. It encompasses the ending of A Spark of White Fire while also setting the tone of the sequel flawlessly. Reading this sequel was an emotional experience, and page after page, the title made sense, sometimes obviously and sometimes in a very subtle manner. A House of Rage and Sorrow was honestly one of the best novels I’ve ever read.
A House of Rage and Sorrow picks up a few months after the ending of A Spark of White Fire, From the start, it is obvious the events of the first novel have had a long and lasting impact on Esmae and the world that surrounds her. But Esmae is determined, focused on this one goal.
From the first page, the writing is soft and fluid but is like a punch to the gut. It is deeply emotional in its softness, and almost quietness. Through it, Esmae’s voice resonates deeply, and I could feel every heartbeat and every heartbreaking emotions she was feeling. Grief is explored is a very thoughtful and honest way. The way Sangu Mandanna writes it touched me personally, and throughout the whole novel, I related to Esmae so much. The writing is masterfully-crafted: Esmae expresses her own sadness with words in her point of view, but the writing also shows you how deep it runs within her actions, how much it changed her as a person. I appreciated how Esmae was honest and acknowledged her pain and grief. The writing also has truly wonderful metaphors, creating an added layer to the world-building.
The plot was a bit slow to fall into place, but when it did, it was intense and with high stakes. The setup before it was perfect. It was an unexpected event that made complete sense. And that one act, that one moment has every thread of the story unraveling, almost like fate, while holding many twists and surprises. You have a general idea of the things that will be important down the line, but never how they will be important. I loved how everything was intertwined but nothing was as it seemed, which kept me on my toes for the whole story. Every action had its consequences, and every secret had a point. The story-telling was magnificent.
The fast pace in A House of Rage and Sorrow did not betray the character development or the emotional toll of the story in the slightest. It was the perfect balance of deeply emotional moments but with also some relief at times and humour in the dialogues. To me , it felt like a brilliant representation of depression and grief: sometimes, you’re able to smile and laugh in those moments when the pain is just a dull noise in the background, there, but muted. Maybe that is why it touched me so much, because I could see myself in the story.
And the characters are, of course, one of the best part of the story. You all know now how much I love Esmae, but Titania really shines through in this installment. Of course, she always had a special place in the story, the spaceship that started it all. Her personality grows even more, and so does her place in the story-telling. A few chapters are in her point of view, where she pulls us into the story and talks to us as if we were the spectators of an unraveling tragedy. It makes everything more intense. Her point of view also allows us a look into the other side of the story and of the conflict, building the other characters and builds suspense wonderfully. She really has her own, unique voice, at the heart of the story. Sybilla is, of course, a legend (as if she could be anything less), and her stubbornness and loyalty to Esmae and Max felt like a balm to the soul. Radha was an incredible character, and I loved that she was introduced, and her place in the story. I adored Max’s character development, we truly got to know him better in A House of Rage and Sorrow, it was beautiful.
A House of Rage and Sorrow was a phenomenal sequel to A Spark of White Fire, full of emotions, wonderful character development and an expanding world-building. I absolutely fell in love with this novel, and it is one that will stay with me for a very long time.
After the ending of A Spark of White Fire, the title of the sequel, A House of Rage and Sorrow, came to no surprise. It encompasses the ending of A Spark of White Fire while also setting the tone of the sequel flawlessly. Reading this sequel was an emotional experience, and page after page, the title made sense, sometimes obviously and sometimes in a very subtle manner. A House of Rage and Sorrow was honestly one of the best novels I’ve ever read.
A House of Rage and Sorrow picks up a few months after the ending of A Spark of White Fire,
Spoiler
with Esmae determined to destroy her twin brother Alexi.From the first page, the writing is soft and fluid but is like a punch to the gut. It is deeply emotional in its softness, and almost quietness. Through it, Esmae’s voice resonates deeply, and I could feel every heartbeat and every heartbreaking emotions she was feeling. Grief is explored is a very thoughtful and honest way. The way Sangu Mandanna writes it touched me personally, and throughout the whole novel, I related to Esmae so much. The writing is masterfully-crafted: Esmae expresses her own sadness with words in her point of view, but the writing also shows you how deep it runs within her actions, how much it changed her as a person. I appreciated how Esmae was honest and acknowledged her pain and grief. The writing also has truly wonderful metaphors, creating an added layer to the world-building.
The plot was a bit slow to fall into place, but when it did, it was intense and with high stakes. The setup before it was perfect. It was an unexpected event that made complete sense. And that one act, that one moment has every thread of the story unraveling, almost like fate, while holding many twists and surprises. You have a general idea of the things that will be important down the line, but never how they will be important. I loved how everything was intertwined but nothing was as it seemed, which kept me on my toes for the whole story. Every action had its consequences, and every secret had a point. The story-telling was magnificent.
The fast pace in A House of Rage and Sorrow did not betray the character development or the emotional toll of the story in the slightest. It was the perfect balance of deeply emotional moments but with also some relief at times and humour in the dialogues. To me , it felt like a brilliant representation of depression and grief: sometimes, you’re able to smile and laugh in those moments when the pain is just a dull noise in the background, there, but muted. Maybe that is why it touched me so much, because I could see myself in the story.
And the characters are, of course, one of the best part of the story. You all know now how much I love Esmae, but Titania really shines through in this installment. Of course, she always had a special place in the story, the spaceship that started it all. Her personality grows even more, and so does her place in the story-telling. A few chapters are in her point of view, where she pulls us into the story and talks to us as if we were the spectators of an unraveling tragedy. It makes everything more intense. Her point of view also allows us a look into the other side of the story and of the conflict, building the other characters and builds suspense wonderfully. She really has her own, unique voice, at the heart of the story. Sybilla is, of course, a legend (as if she could be anything less), and her stubbornness and loyalty to Esmae and Max felt like a balm to the soul. Radha was an incredible character, and I loved that she was introduced, and her place in the story. I adored Max’s character development, we truly got to know him better in A House of Rage and Sorrow, it was beautiful.
A House of Rage and Sorrow was a phenomenal sequel to A Spark of White Fire, full of emotions, wonderful character development and an expanding world-building. I absolutely fell in love with this novel, and it is one that will stay with me for a very long time.
charvi_not_just_fiction's review
5.0
FULL REVIEW ON THE BLOG
I JUST LOVED THIS BRILLIANT MASTERPIECE SO FREAKING MUCH!!!
Sangu Mandanna has a beautiful writing style that is very simple and elegant and pulls the reader into the story. I especially love how she ends each chapter and draws on various metaphors throughout the story.
This was definitely a blockbuster hit for me even though I’m numb and emotionally compromised right now. It’s okay, sacrifices were made and in the end, I regret nothing. This was a beautifully plotted book with great descriptions and breathtaking interpretations of Mahabharata. I’m not going to stop recommending it anytime soon so if you don’t want me breathing down your neck every moment just go pick A House Of Rage And Sorrow in Sept when it releases. Meanwhile, I’m just going to be staring in space now as I wait for the third book to be released. Just kidding, I wanted to make a space reference, in actuality I’m just gonna cry and pine after the third book in this series.
19/05/2021
How the hell did I write a review? I'm in shock and pain after the re-read despite expecting the plot twists. Oof. You'll all see me die when I read the next book.
16/06/2023
Why doesn't it hurt less when I re read?
I JUST LOVED THIS BRILLIANT MASTERPIECE SO FREAKING MUCH!!!
Sangu Mandanna has a beautiful writing style that is very simple and elegant and pulls the reader into the story. I especially love how she ends each chapter and draws on various metaphors throughout the story.
This was definitely a blockbuster hit for me even though I’m numb and emotionally compromised right now. It’s okay, sacrifices were made and in the end, I regret nothing. This was a beautifully plotted book with great descriptions and breathtaking interpretations of Mahabharata. I’m not going to stop recommending it anytime soon so if you don’t want me breathing down your neck every moment just go pick A House Of Rage And Sorrow in Sept when it releases. Meanwhile, I’m just going to be staring in space now as I wait for the third book to be released. Just kidding, I wanted to make a space reference, in actuality I’m just gonna cry and pine after the third book in this series.
19/05/2021
How the hell did I write a review? I'm in shock and pain after the re-read despite expecting the plot twists. Oof. You'll all see me die when I read the next book.
16/06/2023
Why doesn't it hurt less when I re read?
dhee_reads's review
5.0
"You are stronger than your ugliest truth and it doesn't have to be your truth forever." This entire book is just a permanent part of me. I think it's a younger part of me. But it feels alive in these pages. ( this is such a draft)
_christinacreads's review against another edition
2.0
Because I enjoyed A Spark of White Fire so much, I did immediately start and finish this one and unfortunately I did not enjoy it at all. I felt like the beautiful three dimensional characters I had grown to love were flattened so much they were neatly folded into a 1 dimensional box. I felt like the book trudged through until about 85%. The plot gave way to the singular emotion that the main character felt from the first page to the last and the lack of character growth disappointed me. Moreover the addition of Titanias POV to the narration added nothing for me and felt like a filler.
Watch the review of Book 1&2 on tiktok:
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRGAcy1N/
Watch the review of Book 1&2 on tiktok:
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRGAcy1N/
carolita1128's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
matchamaker's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This series is written with so much emotional resonance: the pain of family rupture, the collapse of a cherished dream, being flung by grief into recklessness, all contrasted by moments of glimmering hope, friendship, and love.
emiann2023's review against another edition
5.0
Oh god I loved this book. It is so raw and powerful and so god damn clever. There is so much in these pages that just twists my heart and yet, I understand Esmae. I understand entirely. And I adore everyone. Even, amazingly, Kirrin. I am so ready to read the last book, and also so very sad to let this incredible world go.
debchan's review against another edition
4.0
so maybe i was way harsh with the first book.
i don't hate max and esmae. they are way better in this book (maybe because we've already established they love each other instead of running in circled around each other). plus esmae's character? she really went from annoying mc to killer mc.
the way she.
another thing,.
one of my favorite things about esmae is the fact that she literally throws herself headfast into danger. like she will jump off a ship and plunge 50 feet out of the air onto solid ground and then be like "oh i wasn't expecting to be in a hospital" but also she gets super strategic and plans extremely well.
not sure how much i like.
titania best ship ever. i hope she gets.
plus
i feel like i can't review this book without spoilers. there's just a lot to uncover. but now we move on to the sole reason i'm reading this series.
the man, the myth, the absolute golden legend. alexi rey. you can't write a character who is arrogant, strong, a little bit evil, a little bit soft, and blond?? and not have me absolutely love him. not gonna lie, poor guy should back down because esmae doesn't want peace even offered up to her on a golden platter. the scene where he i would love an alexi point of view. i don't want to see how others view him, i want to be in his head and experience things from his perspective. also what's with the relationship between him and kirrin? like i'm sure they could be power couple if they wanted... please... i would love to read that. edit 5 hours later: i have confirmed that indeed kirrin is in love with alexi but the real question here is: is alexi in love with kirrin?????? i'm in need of answers
i don't hate max and esmae. they are way better in this book (maybe because we've already established they love each other instead of running in circled around each other). plus esmae's character? she really went from annoying mc to killer mc.
the way she
Spoiler
was like yeah even if everyone came back to life i would NOT be happy. like she really wants to go on fighting and screaming for the rest of her life which i can get behind. i mean, she can't kill alexi but who knows. she may get on board with that anytime soonanother thing,
Spoiler
what's weird is the double standards. it always seems like the badass assassin murderous main character will have no qualms killing people. but alexi killed ONE (1) person and she was like: unforgivable. it could be because rama was her best friend and she's not exactly the most rational person in the world but oh wellone of my favorite things about esmae is the fact that she literally throws herself headfast into danger. like she will jump off a ship and plunge 50 feet out of the air onto solid ground and then be like "oh i wasn't expecting to be in a hospital" but also she gets super strategic and plans extremely well.
not sure how much i like
Spoiler
the fact that max was literally a reincarnated god. he was literally varin? as soon as i read the character description of varin in the beginning that said he was not important AT ALL i was like hm yeah sure. but the fact that max = varin and he knew the whole time? smells suspiciously like the kane chronicles.titania best ship ever. i hope she gets
Spoiler
to be in some human form like she clearly wants to beplus
Spoiler
radha and sybilla? amazing. the scene where sybilla fails the test truth becuase she literally has no idea she's in love with radha. that's just iconic.i feel like i can't review this book without spoilers. there's just a lot to uncover. but now we move on to the sole reason i'm reading this series.
the man, the myth, the absolute golden legend. alexi rey. you can't write a character who is arrogant, strong, a little bit evil, a little bit soft, and blond?? and not have me absolutely love him. not gonna lie, poor guy should back down because esmae doesn't want peace even offered up to her on a golden platter. the scene where he
Spoiler
gets all sad and is like bear and i will be happy enough here on this deserted planet with no one else but ourselves becuase i just want a truce and peace. mandanna can just rip our hearts to shreds.alexperc_92's review
5.0
I received an e-ARC from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Review can be found on *Milky Way of Books*
The epic saga of Esmae's adventure continues in this thrilling sequel! Inspired by the Indian stories and mythology, Esmae has to face trickster gods, new danger and also her conflict between her true and adoptive family.
I enjoyed thoroughly this book! It felt small in length as I read it but the action was fast-paced and the secrets, betrayals, and revelations kept coming the one after the other! I also read Titania's POV and I believe that this will play a critical role in the final book. I also loved the romance; Max and Esmae are amazing together and the final moments tore my heart. Amba, the goddess also kind of redeemed for the first book. I seriously her the Rey family both for their hatred and curses but also for their pride and inaction in many of these chapters.
I don't know who or what will survive in the final book. There are many open battles and that final scene was also a kind of a cliffhanger!
The epic saga of Esmae's adventure continues in this thrilling sequel! Inspired by the Indian stories and mythology, Esmae has to face trickster gods, new danger and also her conflict between her true and adoptive family.
I enjoyed thoroughly this book! It felt small in length as I read it but the action was fast-paced and the secrets, betrayals, and revelations kept coming the one after the other! I also read Titania's POV and I believe that this will play a critical role in the final book. I also loved the romance; Max and Esmae are amazing together and the final moments tore my heart. Amba, the goddess also kind of redeemed for the first book. I seriously her the Rey family both for their hatred and curses but also for their pride and inaction in many of these chapters.
I don't know who or what will survive in the final book. There are many open battles and that final scene was also a kind of a cliffhanger!