“A Magic Fierce and Bright is a wildly imaginative story that takes the reader from the lush jungle to a grand palace hiding many secrets. The action doesn’t let up from the explosive beginning to the triumphant end. The magical world contained within these pages is a pure delight. I’ve never experienced anything like it!”

– Judy I. Lin, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of the Book of Tea duology 

“An adrenaline-fueled, action-packed, nonstop ride full of magic and danger, family and friendship, loss and triumph—and one sentient motorcycle that will steal your heart and race it to the finish line. With brilliant pacing, fantastic characters, and a wildly creative world, A Magic Fierce and Bright is a true winner!”

– Melissa Caruso, author of The Tethered Mage

"A Magic Fierce and Bright expertly blends science fiction and fantasy for an edge-of-your-seat adventure. I couldn't put down this debut, eager to follow Adya and her crew across India! Now that I have finished, all I can say is that I cannot wait for whatever Nayak gives us next, even if it means facing down colonialist vampires, terrifying mythic monsters, and a cat named Useless."

– George Jreije, author of Shad Hadid and the Alchemists of Alexandria

★ "Nayak's characters are realistic, intelligent, and lively, and the plot is exciting, complex, and fast-paced. The creative brilliance in the lush storytelling is outstanding, especially with the concept of technomancy—bringing dead technological devices to life and imbuing them with personality and purpose is a fascinating magic system unlike most in the genre. Nayak meshes his characters, his plot, and varied genres of sf, fantasy, and cyberpunk with skill and aplomb."

– Booklist, starred review

"[A] daring steampunk fantasy...[that] 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."

– Publishers Weekly

"A Magic Fierce & Bright is an adrenaline-charged fantasy steeped in Indian mythology with political intrigue, found family, and nonstop action...Hemant Nayak skillfully infuses fantasy with Indian folklore while deftly exploring the importance of community and the effects of war in his exhilarating debut. Suspenseful, tense action is effortlessly twined together with supernatural creatures, magical elements, and Indian mythology. Nayak also includes discussions of power (both magical and political) and the significance of working together. Whether it's Adya's mismatched crew becoming a found family as they help each other escape near-death experiences, or Priya wanting to join with other magical groups to defeat the British, community is at the forefront. This heart-pounding adventure is action-packed and entertaining."

– Shelf Awareness

"This breathless techno-fantasy adventure abounds in terrifying and electrifying thrills; the nonstop action...will keep readers riveted.

An exhilarating ride."

– Kirkus Reviews