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sydney_arcuri's review against another edition
2.0
After reading this book right after the We Free the Stars, I think the publishing company was wrong in saying this book was for fans of Hafsah Faizal. This book is written by a white author so therefore is not an #Ownvoices book, but since I think it is important for white authors to incorporate more diversity in their stories I still wanted to give it a try.
To say the least I was let down.
I want to note that by no means necessary can I speak on behalf of South Asian readers, since those are the demographics represented in the books. And if I am wrong on any of my feelings please let me know!
With that said, I personally felt that Swift cherry-picked aspects of South Asian religion and culture that fit within her story. Or she just simply changed aspects in order to fit into her would. Which, I feel like can be done correctly; however, I don't see why she didn't just create a whole new world that featured South Asian characters? Like you can still have diverse representation without appropriating an already existing culture. I feel that it is very important for white authors to diversify their stories, but should also be aware that they shouldn't capitalize on other cultures.
Now, moving on to the actual story content.
I just thought it was childish and boring.
Sure the magic system was cool, but it took a backseat to the somewhat insta-love romance. I just couldn't buy into the fact that after a one-time meeting, they cared for each other, or the fact that no one in either kingdom recognized either of them.
Since this is Swift's debut novel, maybe by the time the sequel comes out she will make improvements in her representation and story telling, but in a way I kind of doubt it. I perosnally don't see myself reading the sequel or any other books from the Wickery universe.
To say the least I was let down.
I want to note that by no means necessary can I speak on behalf of South Asian readers, since those are the demographics represented in the books. And if I am wrong on any of my feelings please let me know!
With that said, I personally felt that Swift cherry-picked aspects of South Asian religion and culture that fit within her story. Or she just simply changed aspects in order to fit into her would. Which, I feel like can be done correctly; however, I don't see why she didn't just create a whole new world that featured South Asian characters? Like you can still have diverse representation without appropriating an already existing culture. I feel that it is very important for white authors to diversify their stories, but should also be aware that they shouldn't capitalize on other cultures.
Now, moving on to the actual story content.
I just thought it was childish and boring.
Sure the magic system was cool, but it took a backseat to the somewhat insta-love romance. I just couldn't buy into the fact that after a one-time meeting, they cared for each other, or the fact that no one in either kingdom recognized either of them.
Since this is Swift's debut novel, maybe by the time the sequel comes out she will make improvements in her representation and story telling, but in a way I kind of doubt it. I perosnally don't see myself reading the sequel or any other books from the Wickery universe.
imairis's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
4.5
lillanaa's review against another edition
5.0
This book was received as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I had a lot of fun with this one! Teen fantasy is always one of my soft spots, and the world building is interesting enough even without one of my favourite magic system concepts. I'm a nerd for magic to do with colour in the first place, and the way it's done here hooked me. There's definitely a solid ending, but enough opening for the sequel, which I'm now absolutely hype for.
Adraa and Jatin are both my kind of characters; hilarious, self aware, but also learning their way through their situation. The contrasts between them makes their relationship perfect, and that slow burn hits the spot every time.
This is definitely not one to miss!
I had a lot of fun with this one! Teen fantasy is always one of my soft spots, and the world building is interesting enough even without one of my favourite magic system concepts. I'm a nerd for magic to do with colour in the first place, and the way it's done here hooked me. There's definitely a solid ending, but enough opening for the sequel, which I'm now absolutely hype for.
Adraa and Jatin are both my kind of characters; hilarious, self aware, but also learning their way through their situation. The contrasts between them makes their relationship perfect, and that slow burn hits the spot every time.
This is definitely not one to miss!
books4susie's review against another edition
5.0
This was a great start to an incredible fantasy story. Two young royal heirs are arranged to be married and their first meeting isn't a smooth one. Nine years have passed with the occasional letter written between them. Neither is looking forward to the day when they will once again meet. When Jatin switches places with his guard and unknowingly meets his fiance Adraa, the two become intrigued by each other not knowing their true identities.
Working together to uncover the criminal underworld, the two begin to fall for one another as a threat to their kingdoms and their futures, looms large on the horizon. Eager fans will be left waiting for the final installment in this Indian-inspired fantasy.
Working together to uncover the criminal underworld, the two begin to fall for one another as a threat to their kingdoms and their futures, looms large on the horizon. Eager fans will be left waiting for the final installment in this Indian-inspired fantasy.
merciful_archivist's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
avaandbooks's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
demisbooknook's review against another edition
3.5
Enjoyable read. I did find the magic system confusing at first and lacking some detail. Still no idea what a sky glider actually looks like. I liked the main character’s personalities.
bookishblondegirl's review against another edition
3.25
Not too big on the insta-love thing but overall enjoyable
ameserole's review
5.0
Slightly obsessed and not even sad about it.
Cast in Firelight was so damn easy to devour. I'm so glad that I own it and found time to just sit and focus on this beautiful thing. The characters were so easy to fall in love with and ugh, I just need more. I seriously can't wait for the next book and I'm hoping that I can get my hands on the next one soon.
In it, you will meet Adraa and Jatin. I'm not going to lie, they made think of the movie The Swan Princess for some reason. It's like when they were kids, they were like ew to one another. Then the whole competition on who was better at anything and every thing just made me think back to that movie even more. Once they were adults, yeah, still had that vibe. These two were most definitely Odette and Derek. Not going to lie - fight me.
Besides that trip down memory lane, this entire book was just magical and completely sucked me in. I loved each and every twist and slight betrayal that came my way. I also really enjoyed seeing Adraa and Jatin get closer to one another and develop some great chemistry and love as well. I'm not going to lie, these two have a lot to face in the next book and I'm here for it all.
In the end, I seriously need the next book STAT.
Cast in Firelight was so damn easy to devour. I'm so glad that I own it and found time to just sit and focus on this beautiful thing. The characters were so easy to fall in love with and ugh, I just need more. I seriously can't wait for the next book and I'm hoping that I can get my hands on the next one soon.
In it, you will meet Adraa and Jatin. I'm not going to lie, they made think of the movie The Swan Princess for some reason. It's like when they were kids, they were like ew to one another. Then the whole competition on who was better at anything and every thing just made me think back to that movie even more. Once they were adults, yeah, still had that vibe. These two were most definitely Odette and Derek. Not going to lie - fight me.
Besides that trip down memory lane, this entire book was just magical and completely sucked me in. I loved each and every twist and slight betrayal that came my way. I also really enjoyed seeing Adraa and Jatin get closer to one another and develop some great chemistry and love as well. I'm not going to lie, these two have a lot to face in the next book and I'm here for it all.
In the end, I seriously need the next book STAT.
booklover160's review against another edition
2.0
Oh man, I was so excited for this one too.
'Cast in Firelight' is an Indian myth-inspired 'rivals to lovers' with an arranged marriage with magic. Sounds awesome, right? It really fell short for me.
As a note; this is not an #OwnVoices and as someone who is not South Asian or a person of color, I cannot comment on if it was done properly or not. I recommend bookwormbullet's review found here.
So getting started, I didn't much care for any of the characters. Adraa and Jatin were bland and everyone else is woefully underdeveloped. Adraa and Jatin are portrayed at 'top of their class' smart yet can't put 2 and 2 together to figure out their real identities.
I have a huge issue with the fact that those two idiots didn't know who the other really was until 50% through for one and 80% through the WHOLE BOOK for the other. It started kinda cute but just kept going... How are they supposed to trust one another??? Oh, because they're just sooooo in love? For what was supposed to be a slow burn, it felt like an insta-love.
The plot is also frustratingly slow. And kinda confusing. There's a lot going on and a fair amount of what felt like misdirection. There was a whole plot point introduced then abandoned. It dragged a lot and the whole magic system... while interesting, I didn't care for it. It was complicated and the spells were... weird. Like the Gods' names are their powers backward... not exactly the most original idea. I think it could have been simplified, but it wasn't bad.
Anyway, I am intrigued by the slight cliffhangers this book ends off on. It's a nice ending that will lead nicely to a book two. But I'm not going to have super high hopes for it.
PS- It's petty I know, but the map design was so frustrating. Azure Palace is in Naupure... but Belwar is written on the map DIRECTLY BELOW IT. If it isn't in Belwar (it isn't), then add like lines that show the countries boundaries!!! I was so confused where we were!!!! AND Belwar's MAIN CITY DOESN'T HAVE A CITY ICON ON IT! I was like 'okay so this isn't a city anymore?' but no, it's the MAIN LOCATION OF THE NOVEL.
'Cast in Firelight' is an Indian myth-inspired 'rivals to lovers' with an arranged marriage with magic. Sounds awesome, right? It really fell short for me.
As a note; this is not an #OwnVoices and as someone who is not South Asian or a person of color, I cannot comment on if it was done properly or not. I recommend bookwormbullet's review found here.
So getting started, I didn't much care for any of the characters. Adraa and Jatin were bland and everyone else is woefully underdeveloped. Adraa and Jatin are portrayed at 'top of their class' smart yet can't put 2 and 2 together to figure out their real identities.
I have a huge issue with the fact that those two idiots didn't know who the other really was until 50% through for one and 80% through the WHOLE BOOK for the other. It started kinda cute but just kept going... How are they supposed to trust one another??? Oh, because they're just sooooo in love? For what was supposed to be a slow burn, it felt like an insta-love.
The plot is also frustratingly slow. And kinda confusing. There's a lot going on and a fair amount of what felt like misdirection. There was a whole plot point introduced then abandoned
Spoiler
the idea that it was actually Jatin's father rather than Moolek. It supported the idea also; he first thought it was Moolek, he sent Jatin after Adraa, and there's no evidence for ANYONE being behind the plot. I thought that would have made a waaaay better plot twist.Anyway, I am intrigued by the slight cliffhangers this book ends off on. It's a nice ending that will lead nicely to a book two. But I'm not going to have super high hopes for it.
PS- It's petty I know, but the map design was so frustrating. Azure Palace is in Naupure... but Belwar is written on the map DIRECTLY BELOW IT. If it isn't in Belwar (it isn't), then add like lines that show the countries boundaries!!! I was so confused where we were!!!! AND Belwar's MAIN CITY DOESN'T HAVE A CITY ICON ON IT! I was like 'okay so this isn't a city anymore?' but no, it's the MAIN LOCATION OF THE NOVEL.