3.9 AVERAGE

miriamsbookshelves's profile picture

miriamsbookshelves's review

5.0

“A city of magic. A passion born in dreams. A secret that will set their world aflame.”

Y’allllllllll. I am obsessed with this book. Nisha just doesn’t miss! I read this so fast, and I didn’t want to put it down.

Zarya is a fantastic FMC. She’s a badass, she says what she’s thinking, and she pushes past her fears to get what she wants and do what she thinks is right.

This is definitely a slow burn, but I can already tell that the payoff is going to be so worth it. The tension is fantastic, and the friendships made me feel warm and cozy. I loved all of the characters, I feel very protective of them, and if anything ever happens to Yasen I will cry like a baby.

The mythology in this story just felt so rich and intriguing! I’m dying to learn more about the world. Also, I’ve never been so hungry reading a book before. Those food descriptions, my God.
maggiemaysbookslays's profile picture

maggiemaysbookslays's review

3.0
adventurous challenging slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I had a fun time reading this. Lots of unique magic and mythical creatures/monsters you don't see all the time. Loved the setting and the story was also fun. Curious to see where we go from here. 
It did feel like it was a bit slow to start but once we got into things my attention was grabbed. 
Would recommend if you want a slow(ish) burn fantasy romance with a unique setting.

givingyouthemomlook's review

4.0

3.5 stars
Holy world-building, Batman. I feel like the subsequent books will have more enjoyable plots just due to how much had to be set up in this first installment. This one felt very much like a tease in many ways, so I’ll definitely be reading the next one when it’s released.

pandachi88's review

4.0
adventurous funny mysterious 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: No

What a book! I was hooked! And I need the sequel like a rakshasa needs blood. Nisha has built such a rich image of this fantasy world with vivid descriptions of the fashion and the food - oh my gosh the food! This book made me hungry! Literally and figuratively

morallygraypages's review

3.0

Rating: ☆☆☆

Firstly, I need to appreciate the Indian cultural representation in this entire book. From the costumes to the food, every detail was phenomenal and relatable as an Indian myself. I could vividly imagine the splash of colours, the aroma of food, sparkling fashion, and the hierarchical architecture. This felt like a story in MY universe with the dedication hitting right at home.

Secondly, THE COVER
jlreadstoperpetuity's profile picture

jlreadstoperpetuity's review

4.0

This was a rollercoaster for sure. I haven't read as many Indian myth as I would've liked but safe to say, I was a given a glimpse in a wonderful way thru this book.

This is a story about a girl with untapped powers who took shelter to a city plagued with night horrors. Mysterious allies, like rakshasas and Aazheri sorcerers, enrich the plot with intrigue.The impending darkness forces Zarya to confront a perilous choice: reveal her magic to save Dharati or risk losing everything.

With a compelling mix of mystery, romance, and impending doom keeps readers hooked until the final, fateful decision.
adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful 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: No

Team Vikram!!!

shh_reading's review

5.0
adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious 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: No