Ashok K. Banker

"Returning to Ashok K. Banker's brilliant #ownvoices, epic fantasy world of the Burnt Empire first introduced in Upon a Burning Throne, A Dark Queen Rises features Krushni and Karni, two women on quests to protect the innocent and bring down tyrants"--

A Dark Queen Rises

Rise as One

First of a new epic fantasy series inspired by an ancient Sanskrit epic and Indian mythology, Upon a Burning Throne evokes the expansive world-building and complex twists of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, N. K. Jemisin's Inheritance trilogy, and Ken Liu's The Dandelion Dynasty series.

Upon a Burning Throne

Sons of Sita

Stand as One

Rule as One

The Blind King's Wrath

Ashoka

The Epic Mahabharata - Book 1 - The Children of Midnight

The Forest of Stories

The Seeds of War

Returning to Ashok K. Banker’s Burnt Empire Saga for the climactic end of a series that the Los Angeles Times called “vividly evocative.”

Ravana is dead. The asura threat is ended. At last Rama is on the throne of Ayodhya; seeking only to live in peace with his beloved Sita. But their peace does not last long because evil never dies; it only changes form and shape. An old enemy breaks free of his subterranean prison to convey a shocking message. An army arrives at the gates of Ayodhya; led by a mysterious being bearing a terrible weapon. Is Rama truly following his dharma or being manipulated by a plot masterfully orchestrated by Ravana? This long-awaited seventh volume in Ashok K. Banker’s acclaimed Ramayana Series; soon to be followed by the eighth and final volume Sons of Sita; begins an enthralling two-part conclusion to the epic saga.

Vengeance of Ravana

The original Ramayana—a classic tale of war between absolute Good and Evil—was written 3,000 years ago by Valmiki, a reformed thief-turned-sage. Now, with breathtaking imagination, Indian novelist Ashok K. Banker has recreated this epic tale for modern readers everywhere. Rama has quelled the demon invasion and thwarted Ravana, and he has wed the enchanting Sita. But the prince's problems are far from over. For Rama has been challenged by Parshurama—a fabled warrior who has never been defeated. And should he survive, a greater crisis awaits him. With Sita and his brother Lakshman, the prince must travel into the dread forest of Dandaka-van, where he will be pitted against the survivors of Ravana's rakshasa hordes. And in the outlaw settlement of Chitrakut, surrounded by bloodthirsty demons, he must face 14 years of exile.

Demons of Chitrakut

The Original Ramayana Was Written Three Thousand Years Ago. Now, With Breathtaking Imagination And Brilliant Storytelling, Ashok K. Banker Has Recreated This Epic Tale For Modern Readers Everywhere Rama Has Finally Thwarted The Demonlord Ravana And Quelled The Demon Invasion. He Is Wedded To The Enchanting Sita. But The Young Prince S Problems Are Far From Over. For He Has Been Challenged By Parshurama, The Axe-Wielding Brahmin Who Has Never Been Defeated. And Should He Survive This Confrontation, A Greater Crisis Awaits Him. He Must Prepare To Face Fourteen Years In Exile Deep In The Heart Of The Forest In The Tiny Settlement Of Chitrakut, Where He Will Be Pitted Against The Vengeful Survivors Of Ravana S Rakshasas.

Roger Zelazny

John Joseph Adams

Charlie Jane Anders

E. Lily Yu

Maria Dahvana Headley

Meg Elison

Chris Kluwe

A. Merc Rustad

LIGHTSPEED is an online science fiction and fantasy magazine. In its pages, you will find science fiction: from near-future, sociological soft SF, to far-future, star-spanning hard SF--and fantasy: from epic fantasy, sword-and-sorcery, and contemporary urban tales, to magical realism, science-fantasy, and folktales. This month, our cover art comes from Reiko Murakami, illustrating a brand-new short story set in A. Merc Rustad's Sun Lords of the Principality series: "With Teeth Unmake the Sun." Our other original science fiction story, "Midway," by Tony Ballantyne, is about living life as an intergalactic wanderer. We also have SF reprints by Roger Zelazny ("The Engine at Heartspring's Center") and Sarah Micklem ("The Book Collector"). Our original fantasy stories include the second installment of Ashok K. Banker's Legends of the Burnt Empire series--and if family sagas are for you, you definitely won't want to miss this new story, "Son of Water and Fire." Meg Elison digs into family drama, too, in our second fantasy original, "Endor House," which is one witchy reporter's attempt to tell the story of a family of magical innovators. We also have fantasy reprints by Emily B. Cataneo ("The Emerald Coat and Other Wishes") and E. Lily Yu ("The Pilgrim and the Angel"). Our nonfiction lovers will enjoy our usual assortment of author spotlights, along with our book and media review columns. We're also excited to bring you a feature interview with Henry Lien, who is not only creating inspiring fantasy fiction for younger readers, but who once served as LIGHTSPEED's art director. We couldn't be happier for his success! For our ebook readers, we have an ebook-exclusive reprint of the fantasy novella "What There Was to See," by Maria Dahvana Headley, and an excerpt from Charlie Jane Anders' new novel, THE CITY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT.

Lightspeed Magazine, #104

Lightspeed Magazine, Issue 104 (January 2019)

The Original Ramayana Was Written Three Thousand Years Ago. Now, With Breathtaking Imagination And Brilliant Storytelling, Ashok K. Banker Has Recreated This Epic Tale For Modern Readers Everywhere. Rama, Soon To Be King Of Ayodhya, Crosses The Ocean To Wage His War Of Dharma Against The Rakshasa Forces Of The Demonlord Ravana. The Valiant Vanars And Bears Suffer Huge Losses When Ravana Unleashes His Iniquitous Sorcery On Them, Destroying Tens Of Thousands Of Rama'S Loyal Soldiers. Despite The Formidable Odds They Fight On Even As The Warfare Spirals Into A Maelstrom Of Unimaginable Carnage And Brutality. And Then, Ravana Does The Unthinkable. Hovering Over The Battlefield In His Flying Vehicle He Executes Sita In Full Public View, Right Before Rama'S Unbelieving Eyes. Rama'S Grief And Rage Know No Bounds And On This Cataclysmic Day He Finally Draws Upon His Ultimate Reservoir Of Brahman Shakti. Invoking The All-Powerful Dev-Astras, The Bow Of Vishnu And The Arrow Of Shiva, He Prepares For A Reckoning And A Victory Like No Other . . .

Ashok K. Banker

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