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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
ARC received by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Spoilers (slight) will be included.
Tropes: One horse, found family, unique magic and worldbuilding, enemies/hate to friends with fantastic bantering (Yasen), vampires, LGBTQ+ and POC representation.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:
Tropes: One horse, found family, unique magic and worldbuilding, enemies/hate to friends with fantastic bantering (Yasen), vampires, LGBTQ+ and POC representation.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I’m sad to say it took me a really long time to get into this story. It took until about 68% for me to feel that the story was finally starting to move along, but once it did, it moved!
The world building was so rich and colorful. The monsters, the food, the clothing—it’s such a beautiful world that Tuli created for this story. It was easy to imagine Dharati and the beasts from the darkness.
Zarya was such an endearing character. You love her sunshiny innocence and passion for this new world around her as well as her desire to see and experience everything she possibly can. But she was also very strong and capable while not being egotistical in her skills.
I loved Yasen. He was an adorable side character, and you really grew to love him as the story unfolded.
Once we met Rabin… I was hooked. I loved the scenes of Zarya and Rabin, and the revelation of exactly who he was! I cannot wait to see how Zarya’s past and the mystery of Rabin continue to unravel!
The world building was so rich and colorful. The monsters, the food, the clothing—it’s such a beautiful world that Tuli created for this story. It was easy to imagine Dharati and the beasts from the darkness.
Zarya was such an endearing character. You love her sunshiny innocence and passion for this new world around her as well as her desire to see and experience everything she possibly can. But she was also very strong and capable while not being egotistical in her skills.
I loved Yasen. He was an adorable side character, and you really grew to love him as the story unfolded.
Once we met Rabin… I was hooked. I loved the scenes of Zarya and Rabin, and the revelation of exactly who he was! I cannot wait to see how Zarya’s past and the mystery of Rabin continue to unravel!
Wow, finally something that markets itself as a slow burn romance that is ACTUALLY a slow burn. After reading all the current books in the Artefacts of Ouranos series, I knew that Nisha J Tuli has become an auto-read author, though I was afraid that I would be disappointed with the Nightfire Quartet because of this - I was wrong.
I have a short attention span and this book does take it’s time to get to the action than what I’m normally gravitate towards, but there was a great balance between character development and adventure. I also found myself have a good connection with each of the main 4 characters that only grew as the story went on. I think that the romantic tension was well done, and like I said, actually slow burn. I can’t wait to learn more about the magic system and the little world Tuli is building when the second in the series comes out in a month.
I have a short attention span and this book does take it’s time to get to the action than what I’m normally gravitate towards, but there was a great balance between character development and adventure. I also found myself have a good connection with each of the main 4 characters that only grew as the story went on. I think that the romantic tension was well done, and like I said, actually slow burn. I can’t wait to learn more about the magic system and the little world Tuli is building when the second in the series comes out in a month.
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
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, Injury/Injury detail
After reading the Artefacts of Ouranos series, I was excited to dive into the first book of the Nightfire Quartet.
I love that Zarya is a strong protagonist from the jump. She’s trained in combat, she’s confident, she’s unafraid to jump in to help someone in need.
The world took me a little to get my bearings, but I quickly fell in love with the characters. Seeing Zarya’s relationships evolve with Vikram and Yasen and watching her find a family in them and Amrita was powerful.
As I expected for the start of a romantasy series, the ending just left me wanting more. I see the groundwork being laid for an enemies to lovers relationships starting and now that we know the full scope of magic that Zarya has, I can’t wait to see what she does moving forward!
Thank you to NetGalley and Second Sky for this advanced copy!
I love that Zarya is a strong protagonist from the jump. She’s trained in combat, she’s confident, she’s unafraid to jump in to help someone in need.
The world took me a little to get my bearings, but I quickly fell in love with the characters. Seeing Zarya’s relationships evolve with Vikram and Yasen and watching her find a family in them and Amrita was powerful.
As I expected for the start of a romantasy series, the ending just left me wanting more. I see the groundwork being laid for an enemies to lovers relationships starting and now that we know the full scope of magic that Zarya has, I can’t wait to see what she does moving forward!
Thank you to NetGalley and Second Sky for this advanced copy!
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-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:
No
Nisha J. Tuli's Heart of Night & Fire is an absolute gem that stands out from any other story I've come across. Its enchanting magic system, filled with an array of extraordinary creatures, captivated me from start to finish. I adored the seamless integration of Indian culture throughout the story and found myself turning to Wikipedia for explanations of certain terms.
This book truly has it all - a slow burn that ignites into an unforgettable adventure, the thrill of exploring new and mysterious places, the complexities of navigating friendships, and the sting of betrayal. Prepare to be spellbound!
This book truly has it all - a slow burn that ignites into an unforgettable adventure, the thrill of exploring new and mysterious places, the complexities of navigating friendships, and the sting of betrayal. Prepare to be spellbound!
I breezed through Heart of Night and Fire, a testament towards how interesting I found the world and characters that Nisha J. Tuli created.
I adored the characters in Heart of Night and Fire. I found Zarya to be very relatable and smart. All of the choices that she made are things that I could see myself doing (if I were maybe braver and more socially adept). Her relationships with Yasen and Vikram were lovely and left me wanting more with every chapter. The spicy chapters were just enough where it didn't feel too rushed, left me vaguely satisfied and yet also wanting more. Perfect for those that enjoy the slow burn and hate insta love but also need a little bit of something. I'm not sure when the next book in the Nightfire Quartet will come out, but I cannot wait to read more about these characters (especially a certain new character ;) ).
I found Heart of Night and Fire to be a breath of fresh air after reading NA fantasy books that were all different shades of the same thing. I loved how Tuli incorporated Indian culture and mythology into every paragraph. I feel like I learned so much while also having a lot of fun.
The only eh thing (and the reason for one missing star) is that the magic system was nothing new. It felt very much like something I have read in at least 5 other fantasy novels within the last 3 years. That being said, the creatures and mythology kind of made up for the lack of originality with the magic system, so I'm not too mad.
I am very much looking forward to the next installment in this series. I recommend to readers who like a bit of spice but also solid and original storytelling with a relatable and enjoyable main character. 4/5 stars.
Thank you Nisha J. Tuli and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I adored the characters in Heart of Night and Fire. I found Zarya to be very relatable and smart. All of the choices that she made are things that I could see myself doing (if I were maybe braver and more socially adept). Her relationships with Yasen and Vikram were lovely and left me wanting more with every chapter. The spicy chapters were just enough where it didn't feel too rushed, left me vaguely satisfied and yet also wanting more. Perfect for those that enjoy the slow burn and hate insta love but also need a little bit of something. I'm not sure when the next book in the Nightfire Quartet will come out, but I cannot wait to read more about these characters (especially a certain new character ;) ).
I found Heart of Night and Fire to be a breath of fresh air after reading NA fantasy books that were all different shades of the same thing. I loved how Tuli incorporated Indian culture and mythology into every paragraph. I feel like I learned so much while also having a lot of fun.
The only eh thing (and the reason for one missing star) is that the magic system was nothing new. It felt very much like something I have read in at least 5 other fantasy novels within the last 3 years. That being said, the creatures and mythology kind of made up for the lack of originality with the magic system, so I'm not too mad.
I am very much looking forward to the next installment in this series. I recommend to readers who like a bit of spice but also solid and original storytelling with a relatable and enjoyable main character. 4/5 stars.
Thank you Nisha J. Tuli and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes