Long ago, in a golden age now almost forgotten, the world is ruled by glittering royal houses which trace their ancestry to the gods. But the fragile peace is crumbling and all omens point toward a catastrophic war. The rich and illustrious House of Kuru is in trouble. Two sets of cousins, united by blood and divided by greed, square off for the coveted succession.
Into the simmering animosity and court intrigue step an orphan whose skill with weapons leaves the princes breathless, a young queen rumored to be the daughter of a sacrificial fire, and a charming diplomat from a neighboring kingdom who some believe to be a god born on Earth.
In this vital and exuberant new vision of humanity's greatest epicthe Mahbhratakings and warriors, sages and scoundrels, storytellers and snakes, gods and humans, are all drawn together in a grand ceremony conducted by fatea ceremony that threatens to sacrifice the world.