The vast Burnt Empire has lost its emperor, but standing at the helm of the Krushans are the Dowager Empress Jilana and her stepson, demigod and devout Prince Regent Vrath. Two young princes, Adri and Shvate, are in line to rule, but simply being born into the family does not guarantee the throne. Any successor must sit upon the Burning Throne and survive the Test of Fire; those deemed unworthy will be devoured by flame. While Adri and Shvate pass the test and are declared heirs, so does another child, a female infant from an outlying kingdom, daughter of banished demonlord Jarsun. When the girl is denied by Jilana and Vrath, Jarsun vows to destroy the empire in war. As the young princes must prove they are capable heirs, for Adri is blind and Shvate, albino, the world around them prepares for a battle that will involve their families, land, mortals, and gods. Despite the heft of this nearly 700-page volume, readers will hardly be able to pull themselves away from the layered story lines and well-developed characters. VERDICT Banker (Awaken) launches a new epic fantasy series set in a vivid world inspired by India and the Middle East, mythology and monarchy, filled with enticing narration and action.—Kristi Chadwick, Massachusetts Lib. Syst., Northampton

Bestselling Indian novelist Banker's U.S. debut is an ambitious and highly readable, if slightly overlong, opening chapter in a new epic inspired by one of the oldest: the ancient Sanskrit Mahabharata. Half-brothers Shvate and Adri are heirs to the magical Burning Throne of the Krushan Empire. Their right to rule is called into question by disability—Shvate has albinism, and Adri is blind—and the machinations of their malevolent uncle, the demonic outcast Jarsun. In the resulting political unease, secret conspiracies and open rebellion threaten the Burnt Empire and its young princes. Banker (the Ramayana series) impressively depicts the loyalties and rivalries of a huge cast while moving his enormous story at cinematic pace through scales personal, political, and cosmic. The story features some memorably epic battles, including one against an entire living city that's been grotesquely transformed by magic. There's more setup for future conflicts than resolution, but readers familiar with Hindu mythology will find the foreshadowing enhances their anticipation of future installments. Fans of doorstopper epic fantasy will devour this tale of gods and princes. (Apr.)