The Spice Gate

DEBUT Amir was born to a life of enslavement. He is gatecaste and branded with the spicemark, so his only purpose in life is to carry spices through the gates that connect the eight kingdoms. Passing through a gate is like being torn apart, and Amir will do anything to prevent his younger brother from suffering the same fate. In pursuit of this goal, Amir is soon caught between the machinations of the abovefolk and the outlaws. Myth bleeds into reality, and he stumbles upon a monumental discovery that will irrevocably upset the balance of power. Inspired by Indian myths, this is an engrossing and adventurous debut. The complexities of the spice trade contribute to Srivatsa’s vast and rich worldbuilding, and the idea of spices as a source of power and magic is fascinating. Amir refuses to be bound by his caste and subjugation, and his struggle has significant emotional impact.