Spotlight on “The Unrelenting Earth” by Kritika H. Rao

by LitStack Editor

In The Unrelenting Earth, a dazzling sequel to the The Surviving Sky, Ahilya and Iravan risk everything—their lives, their culture, and their fragile marriage—in pursuit of the earth-shattering truth about their existence.

The Unrelenting Earth and author Kritika H. Rao

About The Unrelenting Earth

Two months have passed since Ahilya and Iravan learned the devastating truths behind the earthrages. As the cosmic creatures struggle to break into the world, and Nakshar’s architecture disintegrates, the desperate council summons their sister ashrams to a Conclave, to discuss the future of life in the skies.

Ahilya, now a councilor, is determined to share the truth about the cosmic beings and the nature of Ecstatic trajection so she can liberate ordinary citizens and save the condemned architects. Her conviction has alienated her allies and created dangerous enemies. Only Iravan has a chance of persuading the Conclave that Ecstatics are not unstable, but he returns from the jungle struggling with his own Ecstasy. He has little control over his second-self, the primal falcon yaksha, and finds the Conclave hostile to his cause.

As strange, deadly storms break out, threatening refuge even in the skies, Iravan and the other Ecstatic architects face brutal reprisals. And with the barrier restraining the cosmic beings thinning, Ahilya and Iravan know they are running out of time to save everyone. Thrust into the center of the storm, both will have to confront what matters most to them, who they really are, and what it means for the future of humanity.

Source: Publisher
Publisher: Titan Books
Publication Date: June 18, 2024
ISBN: 9781803365275

Praise for The Unrelenting Earth

The Unrelenting Earth is “[a] powerful, sweeping story; epic science fantasy at its best.”—Sunyi Dean, author of The Book Eaters

“Kritika H. Rao returns to the SFF scene with a fury in her sequel, The Unrelenting Earth. Intricate worldbuilding and a labyrinthine magic system weave together to form the foundation for a gripping plot filled with twists and turns, sky-high stakes (literally), and heart-breakingly relatable characters.”—M. J. Kuhn

The Unrelenting Earth is a powerful epic of heartbreak and hard-bought triumph, of anguish and enduring hope, woven with complex magic, intricate worldbuilding, and deeply felt humanity. A stratospheric  sequel that truly raises the stakes!”—Melissa Caruso, author of the Swords & Fire trilogy.

“The first novel of The Rages trilogy was a masterpiece of worldbuilding and creativity, and The Unrelenting Earth doubles down as Rao ratchets up the pace and the stakes. It does not suffer from “middle book syndrome” in the slightest. Rao is a phenomenal new voice and deserves a place alongside authors like Arkady Martine, N.K. Jemisin, and Adrian Tchaikovsky. I can’t wait to see how she wraps up this epic series!”—S.B. Divya

The Unrelenting Earth is “Riveting… Like Rao’s debut, The Surviving Sky, this is an instantly immersive epic that expands the boundaries of what fantasy can be. Hindu philosophy is integrated into a lush jungle world with complicated cosmic magic and an intricate architecture… A great pick for fans of Martha Wells or those who enjoy inventive sci-fi fantasy with emotional stakes.”—Library Journal

About Kritika H. Rao, Author of The Unrelenting Earth

The Unrelenting Earth
Adam & Alexandra Photography

Kritika H. Rao is a science-fiction and fantasy writer, who has lived in India, Australia, Canada and The Sultanate of Oman. Kritika’s stories are influenced by her lived experiences, and often explore themes of consciousness, self vs. the world, and identity. She currently lives in Calgary, Canada.

You can find and follow Kritika H. Rao on her website, and on Instagram.

Titles by Kritika H. Rao

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