Force of fire

*Starred 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. Grades 5-8. Copyright 2021 Booklist Reviews.

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) Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly.

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) Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly.

A descendent from a long line of demons who build interspecies relationships to fight tyranny works competitively to control her dangerous fire-breathing skills, before a Serpentine Governor’s charming son enlists her help to defeat a growing rebellion. Simultaneous eBook.

A descendent from a long line of demons who build interspecies relationships to fight tyranny works competitively to control her dangerous fire-breathing skills, before a Serpentine Governor's charming son enlists her help to defeat a growing rebellion.

From New York Times bestselling author Sayantani DasGupta comes the story of a demon who must embrace her bad to serve the greater good.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?