The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
charliebnl's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Thank you to @NetGalley and @secondsky publishers for this gifted book! When I realised the publication date was September 15th, the same day I picked it up, I was initially stressed. But let me tell you, this book did not disappoint.
Heart of Night and Fire is a Fantasy Romance inspired by Indian and South Asian culture. It tells the story of Zarya, a young woman who has spent her life confined to a coastal cottage under the watch of a mysterious man. Her life takes a turn when he disappears, freeing her from her captivity.
Initially, I thought the book might fall into common tropes, but Nisha navigates them skillfully. As someone who doesn't usually read Fantasy Romance, I found myself pleasantly surprised at every turn. I eventually stopped trying to predict the story and simply let myself be swept away.
Nisha's storytelling is captivating, and I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment in this quartet. If you enjoyed series like "An Ember in the Ashes" or "The Daevabad Trilogy," this book is definitely for you. It's now available in bookstores, and if you're in South Africa, keep an eye out as it should be arriving soon.
Heart of Night and Fire is a Fantasy Romance inspired by Indian and South Asian culture. It tells the story of Zarya, a young woman who has spent her life confined to a coastal cottage under the watch of a mysterious man. Her life takes a turn when he disappears, freeing her from her captivity.
Initially, I thought the book might fall into common tropes, but Nisha navigates them skillfully. As someone who doesn't usually read Fantasy Romance, I found myself pleasantly surprised at every turn. I eventually stopped trying to predict the story and simply let myself be swept away.
Nisha's storytelling is captivating, and I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment in this quartet. If you enjoyed series like "An Ember in the Ashes" or "The Daevabad Trilogy," this book is definitely for you. It's now available in bookstores, and if you're in South Africa, keep an eye out as it should be arriving soon.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Death, War, Classism, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, and Slavery
Moderate: Blood and Misogyny
what_karla_reads's review
adventurous
dark
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
4.5/5 stars
1/5 spice
I was intrigued from the start and was never bored. I loved the world building and the clear explanation of the magical system that was unfolding.
Tropes:
Elemental magic
Chosen one
Indian mythology
Single POV
Cliffhanger
Anyone who loves a "chosen one" story will love this. I found that the Indian mythology inspiration is what made this story really jump off the page. In this instance (since I listened to the audiobook), the narrator brought every character to life, and it all sounded so colorful and rich in culture. I can't wait for the next book where I can see how the magic develops within Zarya but also the building tension between her and Rabin. This isn't closed door because there is some spice (just some self- pleasuring for the FMC), but it's more of a slow burn between her and the love interest... so chances are there will be more in the next book. I don't know, though... one can hope lol
Overall, I highly recommend for fantasy romance fans with the "chosen one" trope and diverse characters. It does end on a tiny cliffhanger...
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for the ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.
Trigger/Content warnings:
Violence, injury, fighting, minor sexual content
1/5 spice
I was intrigued from the start and was never bored. I loved the world building and the clear explanation of the magical system that was unfolding.
Tropes:
Elemental magic
Chosen one
Indian mythology
Single POV
Cliffhanger
Anyone who loves a "chosen one" story will love this. I found that the Indian mythology inspiration is what made this story really jump off the page. In this instance (since I listened to the audiobook), the narrator brought every character to life, and it all sounded so colorful and rich in culture. I can't wait for the next book where I can see how the magic develops within Zarya but also the building tension between her and Rabin. This isn't closed door because there is some spice (just some self- pleasuring for the FMC), but it's more of a slow burn between her and the love interest... so chances are there will be more in the next book. I don't know, though... one can hope lol
Overall, I highly recommend for fantasy romance fans with the "chosen one" trope and diverse characters. It does end on a tiny cliffhanger...
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for the ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.
Trigger/Content warnings:
Violence, injury, fighting, minor sexual content
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual content
eliandherbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I truly loved this book and cannot wait for the next book in the series!
In "Heart of Night and Fire", we follow Zayra, who has been trapped in a cottage her entire life. When she can finally escape, she finds herself in the city of Dharati. However, the city is threatened by attacks that are only getting worse, risking the life of all those inside its walls. Throughout the book, Zayra fights to save the city and discovers her magical abilities.
This book is, I believe, the first book I've read that is based on South Asian mythology. I greatly enjoyed the mythological aspects of the story and how they were intertwined with the world.
In the beginning, for around the first half of the book, the world building is heavy, so the plot progresses slower. The world building is truly beautiful however, and sets a very promising basis for the books to follow. So, if you're snuggling in the first half - please push through! There are so many intricate details of the world, the different queendoms and magic users. The magic system is also well thought out, although it might get a little confusing at the beginning. Tuli also takes great care in describing clothing and meals, which I also enjoyed, as they helped to bring out not only the setting, but also a lot about the characters.
The characters were also well thought out and felt real. Their relationships also progressed nicely throughout the book, so I was able to connect with multiple characters and started rooting for them. They are not without their flaws, though this only adds to their realistic feel. The 'found-family'-trope is a focal point of the book. Again, I found this to be beautifully done, the characters had authentic connections and their relationship progression did not feel rushed.
This is definitely (speaking for this first book only) a slow-burn. I'm a little picky with romantic fantasy books, as I feel like the romance can easily take away from the fantasy plot or the world building. That is certainly not the case with this book, it's an epic fantasy with a subplot of romance (though I suspect this part may get a bigger role in the following books). The tension was well executed and I'm excited to see where their relationship is going!
There were two things I was a little concerned about whilst reading the book, though I am happy to report that these concerns were unfounded!
1) for a majority of the book, Zayra only has male friends. These relationships are well done, but I was a little scared that this would go into the direction of her being "not like other girls" or "being unable to be friends with women, because xyz". These types of friendship always seem (internally) misogynistic, so I'm very glad that this was not the case in the book! Not only does Zayra form a close friendship with another woman, she also against stereotypes such as "you cannot be friends with the opposite gender". Again, I can only praise the friendships in this book!
2) my second concern was the LGBTQIA+-rep. Though this was not heavy in the book, there is a gay character that plays a large role! The representation felt very natural and is also shown on page without any shame, which I appreciated. Yesen is very close with Zayra, so I was a little afraid that he would become a stereotypical portrayal of the "gay best friend", but that is not the case!
The only thing I might've wished for was a little more diversity in the characters, e.g. disability rep.
Long story short: While I was a little slow reading the first half, I ate the second half up! I loved the world, the magic system and the characters and am really excited for the second book! Again, this is definitely a fantasy book, not a romance with a slight element of fantasy. The writing was beautifully done, easy to read and kept me really involved. There were many twists in the story. Some, I saw coming, others I did not. However, all of them were well done and the book really kept me guessing what would happen next and how some characters and elements were connected.
Thank you so much to Second Sky and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC for this book in exchange for an honest review, I was truly honored to have been able to read this book ahead of its release.
In "Heart of Night and Fire", we follow Zayra, who has been trapped in a cottage her entire life. When she can finally escape, she finds herself in the city of Dharati. However, the city is threatened by attacks that are only getting worse, risking the life of all those inside its walls. Throughout the book, Zayra fights to save the city and discovers her magical abilities.
This book is, I believe, the first book I've read that is based on South Asian mythology. I greatly enjoyed the mythological aspects of the story and how they were intertwined with the world.
In the beginning, for around the first half of the book, the world building is heavy, so the plot progresses slower. The world building is truly beautiful however, and sets a very promising basis for the books to follow. So, if you're snuggling in the first half - please push through! There are so many intricate details of the world, the different queendoms and magic users. The magic system is also well thought out, although it might get a little confusing at the beginning. Tuli also takes great care in describing clothing and meals, which I also enjoyed, as they helped to bring out not only the setting, but also a lot about the characters.
The characters were also well thought out and felt real. Their relationships also progressed nicely throughout the book, so I was able to connect with multiple characters and started rooting for them. They are not without their flaws, though this only adds to their realistic feel. The 'found-family'-trope is a focal point of the book. Again, I found this to be beautifully done, the characters had authentic connections and their relationship progression did not feel rushed.
This is definitely (speaking for this first book only) a slow-burn. I'm a little picky with romantic fantasy books, as I feel like the romance can easily take away from the fantasy plot or the world building. That is certainly not the case with this book, it's an epic fantasy with a subplot of romance (though I suspect this part may get a bigger role in the following books). The tension was well executed and I'm excited to see where their relationship is going!
There were two things I was a little concerned about whilst reading the book, though I am happy to report that these concerns were unfounded!
1)
2) my second concern was the LGBTQIA+-rep. Though this was not heavy in the book, there is a gay character that plays a large role! The representation felt very natural and is also shown on page without any shame, which I appreciated.
The only thing I might've wished for was a little more diversity in the characters, e.g. disability rep.
Long story short: While I was a little slow reading the first half, I ate the second half up! I loved the world, the magic system and the characters and am really excited for the second book! Again, this is definitely a fantasy book, not a romance with a slight element of fantasy. The writing was beautifully done, easy to read and kept me really involved. There were many twists in the story. Some, I saw coming, others I did not. However, all of them were well done and the book really kept me guessing what would happen next and how some characters and elements were connected.
Thank you so much to Second Sky and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC for this book in exchange for an honest review, I was truly honored to have been able to read this book ahead of its release.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and War
Minor: Sexual harassment
bellebookcorner's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
“Sometimes our destiny is not what we would have chosen. We can either seek to change it or learn to live with it.”
Read this book if you love;
• South Asian Mythology
• Found Family
• Slow Burn Romance
• Badass FMC
• Grumpy x Sunshine Friendship
• Hidden Magic
The story starts with a strong opening, introducing out badass FMC - Zarya with a battle scene. Zarya’s journey starts when her guardian suddenly missing along with the magic that keep her from getting out of her small cottage.
It was exciting following Zarya in discovering the world outside of her cottage.
It was beautiful, enchanting, magical, alive but what she didn’t know it was also dark and dangerous.
Both main and secondary characters are well developed and very likeable.
I really like Zarya’s character and her curiosity in exploring something new. I absolutely love the friendship between Yasen and Zarya, I love seeing their never ending bickering.
The pacing takes a slow turn since the first half part was about introducing the world building and the people with different powers.
But, I pushed through and things finally started to get a lot more interesting as the monsters got more active in attacking the city and also when Rabin (the mysterious hot character) started to appear more often.
Even though the possible main love interest wasn't introduced until the last few chapters, there's still romance throughout the story.
But, I’m hoping to see more development between Zarya and the possible main love interest (Rabin) in the sequel. I can feel the tension between the two of them is gonna be off the charts!
Overall, this is a great opening for a new fantasy series. Very enjoyable, entertaining and well written as well.
I’m absolutely in love with the world building and the characters, I wish I have the 2nd book now.
I’m looking forward to read the next book to know what happens next and to know more about Rabin!
I received an advanced review copy for free through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and War
Moderate: Abandonment
annamay1021's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Thank you to the author and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I cannot believe more people aren't talking about Nisha and her books!! I am a HUGE fan of the first 2 Artefacts of Ouranos books, so I was thrilled that I got selected for an advance copy of Heart of Night and Fire. The South Asian mythology and culture in this book is unmatched!!! I love how the author put her own spin on a lot of mythology (I believe) the typical white reader won't know about. Reading on a Kindle was great because I could easily search terms that were unfamiliar to me.
The imagery was beautiful, and I adored the world building in this book. I did feel at times that there wasn't a clear direction, and sometimes it was difficult to keep up with the characters and the different types of characters. But this may be because I am unfamiliar with South Asian mythology, and so I love being stretched in this way!
Cannot wait for more of her books to come out in the coming years!
I cannot believe more people aren't talking about Nisha and her books!! I am a HUGE fan of the first 2 Artefacts of Ouranos books, so I was thrilled that I got selected for an advance copy of Heart of Night and Fire. The South Asian mythology and culture in this book is unmatched!!! I love how the author put her own spin on a lot of mythology (I believe) the typical white reader won't know about. Reading on a Kindle was great because I could easily search terms that were unfamiliar to me.
The imagery was beautiful, and I adored the world building in this book. I did feel at times that there wasn't a clear direction, and sometimes it was difficult to keep up with the characters and the different types of characters. But this may be because I am unfamiliar with South Asian mythology, and so I love being stretched in this way!
Cannot wait for more of her books to come out in the coming years!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and War
Moderate: Abandonment
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