A Magic Fierce and Bright

In this daring steampunk fantasy from Nayak (The Ghost’s Tale), set four hundred years in the future, the world’s energy exists in infinite wells of swirling magic. Teenage Adya Sachdev, who can communicate with machines using that magic, lives deep in the jungle of Southern India, which is in conflict with colonizing British forces. Recently orphaned, Adya will do anything to keep her siblings alive. Adya’s twin Priya, meanwhile, desires to use her own technomancy to help the maharaja defeat the British; she soon abandons the family for her cause. When Adya learns that Priya is in danger, she teams up with an enigmatic thief; the maharaja’s runaway princess daughter, a sorceress; and a warlord’s prized sentient motorcycle to save her sister, even if it means fighting to the death. Rushed emotional beats result in somewhat shallow character development. Nayak nevertheless weaves an intricately built setting via plentiful sensorial description and sprawling worldbuilding. Ragtag found-family dynamics, discerning dialogue, tightly constructed action sequences, and all the explosive excitement of a Mad Max film further escalate this expansive tale about the triumphant bond of sisterhood. Ages 12–up. Agent: Jennifer Azantian, Azantian Literary. (July)