A Kiss of Crimson Ash
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?
About
Anuja Varghese
Anuja Varghese (she/her) is an award-winning writer of literary fiction, fantasy, and erotica/romance – and combinations of all three – where women of color get leading roles!
Her debut novel A KISS OF CRIMSON ASH is the first book in a lush new romantasy trilogy inspired by medieval India, following a naïve young queen, a heartsick prince, a streetwise thief, and a courtesan with magic in her blood who join forces with an ancient goddess to challenge the empire’s most powerful men. Pitched as Dungeons & Dragons x Bollywood’s most epic love stories, AKOCA was released in early 2026 with Penguin Random House Canada, Orbit US, and Orbit UK.
JUST ANNOUNCED: A CURSE OF EMERALD FLAME – book 2 in the Games of the Goddess series, coming June 2027!
Latest News & Events
Garden of Literary Delights Oct 4, 2pm Kabir Centre for Arts & Culture,
SMITHS FALLS LITERARY FESTIVAL Sept 19, 1pm – Fiction Panel Sept 20, 1pm – Fantasy Panel The Station