Review by Booklist Review
This fourth book in the Kingdom Beyond universe follows the rakkhosh Pinki, a fire-demoness, as she struggles to keep an eye on her bumbling trio of younger cousins and deal with cute boys, human and demon alike. On top of it all, she still hasn't learned how to control her powerful fire, and after the nefarious snakes who rule the kingdom offer to solve her problem in exchange for help against the brewing resistance--which she has actively avoided participating in--she must find a way to get out of the deal and help the humans she's been trained to hate. With masterful storytelling--supplemented by lively interior illustrations--and memorable characters, the story revolves around the question of legacy and how to make decisions for yourself regardless of what others expect. DasGupta anchors it all in Pinki's sassy, spirited voice and more unforgettable world building inspired by Bengali folklore; the book is replete with flawlessly timed comic relief, fast-paced action and adventure, and more than enough romance and mystery to keep the pages turning. With everything from a ghost army to cute but cursed boys to flying crocodiles, the least strange things about this universe are the demons and monsters, and readers will delight in the world as they know it being turned on its head.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
DasGutpa (the Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond series) brings to life concepts from Bengali folklore through Pinki, a rakkosh--demon--student at the Ghatatkach Academy of Murder and Mayhem, located in the fantastical Kingdom Beyond. Forced to be a "solitary diva-loner type" by other students' taunting her about her full scholarship, Pinki pushes down her angry feelings and focuses on being a star student in her demonic classes--only controlling her fire-breathing powers eludes her. Unlike the rest of her family, she views with pessimism the rakkosh resistance against the Empire of Serpent Overlords, which has colonized the Kingdom Beyond, preventing the rakkosh from enjoying traditional cultural pastimes. Pinki's unconventional first meeting with Prince Sensa, the son of the Serpentine Governor, does not inspire hope, but he offers her a deal: if she steals him a weapon he needs to quash the resistance, he will help her learn to control her fire. Pinki's acceptance leads her into a journey that forces her to reassess her own priorities and loyalties. Though the novel at times leans on dialogue over description, making it difficult to visualize the complex world, its dramatic action and fast-paced plot propel the story line at breakneck speed, while its engagingly cynical heroine and hints of romance make for an entertaining read. Ages 8--12. Agent: Brent Taylor, TriadaUS. (May)
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Kirkus Book Review
In a world where serpents have colonized humans and demon rakkhosh alike, fire rakkhoshi Pinki goes on a quest for belonging and freedom. This follow-up to The Serpent's Secret (2018) returns readers to the fantastical land of the Kingdom Beyond Seven Oceans and Thirteen Rivers. Despite being the daughter of legendary freedom fighters, Pinki is not sure she can identify with the rakkhosh resistance. She also doesn't have any friends, something made worse by the fact that she cannot control her powers, sometimes wreaking havoc. When she accidentally sets fire to her school, a humiliated Pinki is persuaded by the evil serpent prince Sesha to steal moonbeams from the Moon Mother that he claims will power a superweapon and defeat the resistance. In exchange for this treachery, Sesha offers Pinki control over her powers. Pinki's quest to help Sesha and control her own fire leads her to befriend several interesting people, including Moon Maiden Chandni. Ultimately, the reluctant heroine must decide where she belongs in her people's fight for independence from the snakes. DasGupta's carefully crafted characters are convincing, and the fast-paced narrative will keep readers thoroughly engaged. The novel draws inspiration from Bengali folktales, Hindu epics, and India's fight for independence from the British; most importantly, it highlights the innate power of linguistic and cultural diversity and heritage. Passionate, thought-provoking, and riotously funny. (author's note) (Fantasy. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
