Madhurika Sankar

Madhurika Sankar is an Indian author and impact investor known for contributing to fantasy fiction and literary journalism. Her debut novel, Dustria, a dark and vibrant fantasy exploring magic, immortality and forbidden love, will be published in autumn 2024 by Canadian speculative fiction publisher Vraeyda Literary. She is also a frequent contributor to The Hindu, India's leading national newspaper, where her editorials reflect her incisive perspectives.

Madhurika Sankar was born in Chennai. She completed her undergraduate degree in engineering before earning a master's in biotechnology from Columbia University, New York. A commitment to science and social change has marked her academic and professional journey.

As an impact investor, she is associated with Vistari Ventures and focuses on ventures with transformative potential. Beyond her professional roles, she deeply loves music and plans to pursue a PhD in cancer biology, combining her scientific expertise with her creative passions.

Madhurika's writing career spans fiction and nonfiction. Her short stories and essays have appeared in notable literary magazines such as Litro, The Bangalore Review, Rock & Sling, The Bombay Review, and Visible. She describes her association with writing as a passion, while music is her lifeline.

Dustria, her highly anticipated debut novel, introduces a rich, fantastical world of warring kingdoms, treacherous immortals and a magical substance called sapphire that changes the lives of those who use it. The story follows Sula, a young surgeon seeking redemption, and Princess Radh, who embarks on a dangerous mission to rescue her kidnapped brother.

As their paths converge, love, betrayal and self-discovery themes unfold against a backdrop inspired by global folklore. The book's blend of immersive world-building and emotional storytelling will captivate speculative fiction fans.

Madhurika Sankar lives in Chennai.

Photo credit: www.madhurikasankar.com