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A review by coffeekitaab
Heart of Night and Fire by Nisha J. Tuli
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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
4.5
My first of Nisha J Tuli's books and certainly not the last!
Since the day she was born, Zarya has been trapped in a gilded prison by those closest to her. Her magic is forbidden, a dangerous secret—though nobody will explain why. Now she is ready to break free and live the life she has only known exists from romance books she has been given to kill time, over the years. We enter a world of blood drinking raskshasa, leadership and protection under the mighty Chiranjevi, Aazheri sorcerers, the alluring, seductive peri that play hard at night ...and the magic begins...
"For every brown girl who wanted to be the chosen one too.”
The story sucked me in from the first page - this is the POC representation I've wanted to see as a child finally becoming a reality. I loved the backstory being influenced and loosely inspired by South Asian culture and mythology and the various references dotted throughout. The first half was a slow build up (probably also caused by a hangover from the previous book I'd been reading) but I'm glad I pushed through because ultimately, the author is setting the scene so we can expect more books in this Universe (and which should *never* ever end). Zarya is a fierce no-nonsense FMC. Having been trained in sword wielding from a young age to protect herself and fight against the injustices, she also wears her heart on her sleeve, wanting to be accepted and loved for who she is. Yasen, the military commander, was annoying in the start- we are living the book through first person narrative - but I loved the way Zarya' friendship with him strengthens over time to a sibling camaraderie (found family tropes ftw!) We are introduced to the love interest, mysterious tall dark and handsome Rabin, late into the story but once her arrives my oh my, the fireworks! That second book is going to tip me ove the edge.
This story really does keep you on your toes and the mystery behind Zarya's identity, why she was kept hidden away, her own understanding and exploration of who she is, this new world around her, and her ability to draw magic from the elements, and wield powers, form new relationships but also not knowing who to trust, kept me hooked. After the mid point, I could not put this book down. Definitely a series to watch out for and would highly recommend for all romantasy lovers - read it for:
- POC representation /inspired by Indian mythology
- fierce strong female MC
- slow burn romance
- found family
- magic and secrets
- friendship and banter
Thank you @netgalley @secondsky Nisha J Tuli for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest unedited review! Can't wait to read the next!
Since the day she was born, Zarya has been trapped in a gilded prison by those closest to her. Her magic is forbidden, a dangerous secret—though nobody will explain why. Now she is ready to break free and live the life she has only known exists from romance books she has been given to kill time, over the years. We enter a world of blood drinking raskshasa, leadership and protection under the mighty Chiranjevi, Aazheri sorcerers, the alluring, seductive peri that play hard at night ...and the magic begins...
"For every brown girl who wanted to be the chosen one too.”
The story sucked me in from the first page - this is the POC representation I've wanted to see as a child finally becoming a reality. I loved the backstory being influenced and loosely inspired by South Asian culture and mythology and the various references dotted throughout. The first half was a slow build up (probably also caused by a hangover from the previous book I'd been reading) but I'm glad I pushed through because ultimately, the author is setting the scene so we can expect more books in this Universe (and which should *never* ever end). Zarya is a fierce no-nonsense FMC. Having been trained in sword wielding from a young age to protect herself and fight against the injustices, she also wears her heart on her sleeve, wanting to be accepted and loved for who she is. Yasen, the military commander, was annoying in the start- we are living the book through first person narrative - but I loved the way Zarya' friendship with him strengthens over time to a sibling camaraderie (found family tropes ftw!) We are introduced to the love interest, mysterious tall dark and handsome Rabin, late into the story but once her arrives my oh my, the fireworks! That second book is going to tip me ove the edge.
This story really does keep you on your toes and the mystery behind Zarya's identity, why she was kept hidden away, her own understanding and exploration of who she is, this new world around her, and her ability to draw magic from the elements, and wield powers, form new relationships but also not knowing who to trust, kept me hooked. After the mid point, I could not put this book down. Definitely a series to watch out for and would highly recommend for all romantasy lovers - read it for:
- POC representation /inspired by Indian mythology
- fierce strong female MC
- slow burn romance
- found family
- magic and secrets
- friendship and banter
Thank you @netgalley @secondsky Nisha J Tuli for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest unedited review! Can't wait to read the next!
Content Warnings
Minor: Violence, Alcohol, War, and Injury/Injury detail