A Kiss of Crimson Ash

By: Anuja Varghese

Narrated by: Prémika Leo, Lara Arabian, Varun Guru, Ali Kazmi, Anuja Varghese

Inspired by medieval India’s most epic love stories, this debut Romantasy blends rich storytelling, lush worldbuilding, and spice of every variety. Perfect for fans of Nisha J. Tuli and Tasha Suri.

Nandapore is a city of secrets and spellcasters where seduction reigns and a power-hungry king is never satisfied, plotting to unleash a weapon that has only lived in myth … until now.

To stop him, an ancient goddess seeks out a newly crowned queen, a heartsick prince, a common thief, and a courtesan with magic in her blood. Together, they chart a course through brothels, temples, taverns, and palaces, setting a trap for the empire’s most powerful men.

Linked by desire, destiny, and a dangerous foe, they each must decide ... What will they risk for a weapon worth dying for, and a love worth staying alive?

Critic reviews

“Two words: beautiful chaos. And I’m here for every second of it! A Kiss of Crimson Ash is the ultimate thrilling, clever, and swoony romantasy, following the epic journey of characters who feel as real as the rich and vibrant world that they move through. Every page left me highly entertained and very much impressed. Anuja Varghese is an incredible storyteller with a knack for punching you right in the heart.”—Thea Guanzon, New York Times bestselling author of The Hurricane Wars

"A seductive and magical romantasy from a wonderful new voice - a truly vibrant epic and erotic read.”—Tasha Suri, bestselling author of The Isle in the Silver Sea

"Deeply erotic and stunningly epic, A Kiss of Crimson Ash is intimately and unapologetically Indian, and a breath of fresh air in the fantasy landscape. Sure to keep you riveted, turning page by glorious page, this is a series to watch!"—Kritika H. Rao, bestselling author of The Legend of Meneka

"Set in a lush, dazzling world reminiscent of traditional epics, A Kiss of Crimson Ash combines political intrigue, complex relationships, and dangerous magic to craft an extraordinary tale about the power of love. Varghese is a stellar new voice in romantasy!"—Amy Leow, author of The Scarlet Throne

“A Kiss of Crimson Ash is a feat of richly layered storytelling, with deep complex characters who will stay with you beyond the page. It is my new favorite fantasy book of the year.”—Aparna Verma, author of The Phoenix King

"Full of compelling characters, enticing magic, and simmering sensuality, A Kiss of Crimson Ash is a brilliant new addition to the realm of Indian fantasy."—Tara Sim, author of The City of Dusk

"I loved getting tangled in this lush and twisty braid of magic, intrigue and desire. Varghese breathes new, and spicy, life into epic fantasy."—Davinia Evans, author of Notorious Sorcerer

"A story of love, betrayal and divine fury that grips cities and kingdoms across a great empire, A Kiss of Crimson Ash is a finely balanced book, by parts epic in scale and alluringly intimate, filled with heat and magic."

—Molly O'Neill, author of Greenteeth

"A Kiss of Crimson Ash lures you close with a story as sleek and dangerous as a serpent's coils, then intoxicates you with vibrant characters and sensual beauty. A smoldering debut!"—Lyra Selene, author of A Feather So Black

"A sizzling read that kept me up half the night buried in its pages. Varghese cleverly twists elemental magic through vitally relevant social issues and sprinkles it with delicious queer spice. The intricately lush world building carried me away until I could feel the sand between my toes and taste the yearning on the air with the incoming monsoon!"—Katharine J. Adams, author of Tonight, I Burn