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rachelbookdragon's review
5.0
Holy moly, it’s been a long time since I’ve stayed up long past my bedtime to finish a book, squealed at the romance finally playing out, and tore through an ebook at this rate. This book has great humor, witty banter, and a romantic duo to fall in love with, plus a fun mistaken identity concept I haven’t encountered as a reader yet.
I cannot tell you how many moments I highlighted, cute romantic moments, humor that made me laugh out loud, and just great lines that get you thinking. As a reader, this book was just such fun and I’m so glad I finally picked it up, and have the privilege to gush about it to the author.
The hero of the story are the duel leads and the characters overall. Seeing their world through their eyes, getting drawn into the underbelly of Belwar society, and the mystery therein, it isn’t a fantasy world that doesn’t have all to familiar flaws, magnified from our world. But each character stands out, and is memorable, especially Adraa and Jatin. I just love them together and I love how they got to know each other as adults, and the reveals were so fun. I cannot wait to launch into book 2, and see where this plot is going. I cannot recommend this book enough. Not only is the author an absolutely wonderful person and so deserving of a devoted readership, but I fell in love with this story. This shot onto my favorite books of the year shortlist.
I cannot tell you how many moments I highlighted, cute romantic moments, humor that made me laugh out loud, and just great lines that get you thinking. As a reader, this book was just such fun and I’m so glad I finally picked it up, and have the privilege to gush about it to the author.
The hero of the story are the duel leads and the characters overall. Seeing their world through their eyes, getting drawn into the underbelly of Belwar society, and the mystery therein, it isn’t a fantasy world that doesn’t have all to familiar flaws, magnified from our world. But each character stands out, and is memorable, especially Adraa and Jatin. I just love them together and I love how they got to know each other as adults, and the reveals were so fun. I cannot wait to launch into book 2, and see where this plot is going. I cannot recommend this book enough. Not only is the author an absolutely wonderful person and so deserving of a devoted readership, but I fell in love with this story. This shot onto my favorite books of the year shortlist.
meetmeatnight's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
tense
fast-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
So spannend, dass ich es nicht aus der Hand legen konnte!
artisanreader's review
5.0
Cast in Firelight was one of the most beautifully written novels I've read! Sentences were strewn together as a poem creating a world of imagery for the reader, "Fear clouds. Anxiety swirls. Anger bites." Like, how freaking beautiful is that collection of words?!
Not only does the writing keep you engaged, but this novel looks at women, equality, and society with a breath of fresh air.
I mean how many books have you read that outwardly talks about female menstruation as something not to fear or be grossed out at? "They mostly scream permutations of bloody, red, and bitch, switching up the words based on variation and good old-fashioned passion. Overall, it seems that I can be described as a menstrual cycle."
Or a book that actually shows intense emotion from a guy and outwardly expresses their feelings? "I almost comment on how bossy she is, but stop when I realize it's leadership, natural bloody leadership."
I just can't believe how wonderful this book made me feel, and it deserves all the credit!
5/5 stars because I felt so giddy the entire book and loved everything about this world. I can't wait until book 2 comes out!! Also, I love Adraa and I need a Jatin in my life hella bad!
Not only does the writing keep you engaged, but this novel looks at women, equality, and society with a breath of fresh air.
I mean how many books have you read that outwardly talks about female menstruation as something not to fear or be grossed out at? "They mostly scream permutations of bloody, red, and bitch, switching up the words based on variation and good old-fashioned passion. Overall, it seems that I can be described as a menstrual cycle."
Or a book that actually shows intense emotion from a guy and outwardly expresses their feelings? "I almost comment on how bossy she is, but stop when I realize it's leadership, natural bloody leadership."
I just can't believe how wonderful this book made me feel, and it deserves all the credit!
5/5 stars because I felt so giddy the entire book and loved everything about this world. I can't wait until book 2 comes out!! Also, I love Adraa and I need a Jatin in my life hella bad!
wildfaeriecaps's review against another edition
4.0
I don't read YA often but made an exception for this one. The author did a Q&A with my writing group and I found myself intrigued. And rightfully so! They plot of this story was super compelling and I didn't want to put it down. Interestingly, the whole mistaken/hidden identity trope is one I generally find cringe-worthy, but didn't in this. Dana Swift handled it in such a way that I never found myself griping about it. The romance was sweet and the ending.. cliffhangery. Which means, I suppose, that I'm going to have to read the second book!
sabrandbooks's review against another edition
1.0
This is NOT an #OwnVoices novel or written by a person of color and shouldn’t be marketed as diverse. Read this review for more info. Because I DNF’d it, I don’t know what the representation truly is like, but I’ll steer you towards some YA fantasies that ARE written by Asian authors.
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• [b:The Wrath and the Dawn|18798983|The Wrath and the Dawn (The Wrath and the Dawn, #1)|Renée Ahdieh|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1417956963l/18798983._SY75_.jpg|26724902]
• [b:Spin the Dawn|42815556|Spin the Dawn (The Blood of Stars, #1)|Elizabeth Lim|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1542674036l/42815556._SY75_.jpg|58477266]
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wendy327's review against another edition
4.0
I received a free copy from Delacorte Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Adraa, Princess of Belwar, is not thrilled about her position as the future maharani of Naupure, especially since it means entering into an arranged marriage with Jatin. As the heir to the title of maharaja of Naupure, Jatin is insufferable, constantly ratcheting up the competition between himself and Adraa that began when they first met at the age of nine. Now as Adraa’s eighteenth birthday nears, Belwar’s streets are flooded with the drug Bloodlurst and the criminal organization the Vencrin seems to have deeper designs. Adraa’s invention of firelight, a power source designed to help Belwar citizens live a better life and be sold at a cheap and fair price, is disappearing and the cost has risen so high that almost no one can afford it. Adraa adopts a secret identity to try and get to the bottom of the Vencrin’s operation, but in the process, runs into Jatin. Neither of them know the other, but Jatin decides to help Adraa in her quest. But as Adraa’s birthday creeps closer, a time when she will have to showcase her talents and prove that she has mastery over all nine types of magic, the plot thickens, secrets arise, and it becomes more difficult to tell friend from foe.
Dana Swift’s Cast in Firelight was a light and delightful tromp. Though combining a few young adult tropes, such as enemies to lovers and secret identities, these were offered to the reader in fun ways. Though not reinventing the genre, Cast in Firelight could generally be considered a young adult romance with a fantasy background. In terms of the fantasy elements, the magic system was interesting, though a bit complex. It was difficult to keep track of all nine colors and what magic was imbued in each. The gods associated with each were impossible to remember. It was also a bit unclear how individuals were blessed with various powers. The explanation provided to the reader was that some are touched by the gods and thus get their powers, particularly their Fortes, the color that is strongest in that individual. However, some are Untouched and it was unclear how this choosing occurred. As a reader, I did appreciate that Swift worked to create a magic system that was unique.
The two central characters were also well drawn. Both Adraa and Jatin were likeable and their motives were clear throughout the entire story. Additionally, the fact that they began to respect each other over time led credence to their eventual declarations of love. However, the characters around Adraa and Jatin were tougher to determine since they were a bit one dimensional. The eventual villain is a bit of a cardboard cutout and I’m hoping that that sequel will rectify this.
Overall, I would recommend this book. It was a quick, light read and the final few chapters offered a great deal that I hope will be explored in the future. I also appreciated Swift’s address to the reader noting that she was not trying to appropriate other cultures but instead create characters that look like her children.
Adraa, Princess of Belwar, is not thrilled about her position as the future maharani of Naupure, especially since it means entering into an arranged marriage with Jatin. As the heir to the title of maharaja of Naupure, Jatin is insufferable, constantly ratcheting up the competition between himself and Adraa that began when they first met at the age of nine. Now as Adraa’s eighteenth birthday nears, Belwar’s streets are flooded with the drug Bloodlurst and the criminal organization the Vencrin seems to have deeper designs. Adraa’s invention of firelight, a power source designed to help Belwar citizens live a better life and be sold at a cheap and fair price, is disappearing and the cost has risen so high that almost no one can afford it. Adraa adopts a secret identity to try and get to the bottom of the Vencrin’s operation, but in the process, runs into Jatin. Neither of them know the other, but Jatin decides to help Adraa in her quest. But as Adraa’s birthday creeps closer, a time when she will have to showcase her talents and prove that she has mastery over all nine types of magic, the plot thickens, secrets arise, and it becomes more difficult to tell friend from foe.
Dana Swift’s Cast in Firelight was a light and delightful tromp. Though combining a few young adult tropes, such as enemies to lovers and secret identities, these were offered to the reader in fun ways. Though not reinventing the genre, Cast in Firelight could generally be considered a young adult romance with a fantasy background. In terms of the fantasy elements, the magic system was interesting, though a bit complex. It was difficult to keep track of all nine colors and what magic was imbued in each. The gods associated with each were impossible to remember. It was also a bit unclear how individuals were blessed with various powers. The explanation provided to the reader was that some are touched by the gods and thus get their powers, particularly their Fortes, the color that is strongest in that individual. However, some are Untouched and it was unclear how this choosing occurred. As a reader, I did appreciate that Swift worked to create a magic system that was unique.
The two central characters were also well drawn. Both Adraa and Jatin were likeable and their motives were clear throughout the entire story. Additionally, the fact that they began to respect each other over time led credence to their eventual declarations of love. However, the characters around Adraa and Jatin were tougher to determine since they were a bit one dimensional. The eventual villain is a bit of a cardboard cutout and I’m hoping that that sequel will rectify this.
Overall, I would recommend this book. It was a quick, light read and the final few chapters offered a great deal that I hope will be explored in the future. I also appreciated Swift’s address to the reader noting that she was not trying to appropriate other cultures but instead create characters that look like her children.
katiejohn_'s review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed reading this. Some parts were a little corny/cheesy- but overall I liked it. Unique plot, fun characters. Definition of fantasy fluff with a cool magic system.
Trope wise you have: hidden/secret identity, enemies/rivals to lovers, guy falls first.
TO NOTE, I did want to point out that the author is white even though all the characters and setting is east Asian- and a lot of critical reviews point out that it’s hard to write from what you know when you aren’t of that ethnicity. Since I am also white, I can’t speak for other frustrations- so if that’s something you don’t like now you know. I’ve read at least four other East Asian books recently and I really love the setting and world and how immersive it is, but I also don’t want to hurt others brushing off their concerns when it matters to them. So just an FYI. I really had fun reading this, but I definitely checked the author blurb at the back of the book before looking at reviews here and thought huh when I looked.
Trope wise you have: hidden/secret identity, enemies/rivals to lovers, guy falls first.
TO NOTE, I did want to point out that the author is white even though all the characters and setting is east Asian- and a lot of critical reviews point out that it’s hard to write from what you know when you aren’t of that ethnicity. Since I am also white, I can’t speak for other frustrations- so if that’s something you don’t like now you know. I’ve read at least four other East Asian books recently and I really love the setting and world and how immersive it is, but I also don’t want to hurt others brushing off their concerns when it matters to them. So just an FYI. I really had fun reading this, but I definitely checked the author blurb at the back of the book before looking at reviews here and thought huh when I looked.
antagonist's review against another edition
3.0
Two heirs are aranged to be married, even though they've been rivals since they were children. When they both take on secret identies to figure out what criminal activity is taking place in Belwar. They meet again, falling for each others disquises, which makes their new partnership very complicated.
This was a easy to read fantasy romance inspired by South Asian culture. As a South Asian I appreciated the brown characters but don't really see much representation when it comes to culture and traditions. Regardless as young adult book with simple world building and magic, it's still quite enjoyable.
The plot was interesting, but I found myself wondering how many pages were left. I enjoyed the characters and their relationship, despite the instalove. Honestly the story is fairly forgettable but I do think a younger person would enjoy this a lot more. I won't be reading the next book.
This was a easy to read fantasy romance inspired by South Asian culture. As a South Asian I appreciated the brown characters but don't really see much representation when it comes to culture and traditions. Regardless as young adult book with simple world building and magic, it's still quite enjoyable.
The plot was interesting, but I found myself wondering how many pages were left. I enjoyed the characters and their relationship, despite the instalove. Honestly the story is fairly forgettable but I do think a younger person would enjoy this a lot more. I won't be reading the next book.
_camk_'s review against another edition
2.0
+The magic system was cool and could have been the saving grace of this book, if the world around the magic wasn't so weak.
+What kinda makes this cute is that Jatin is not a cool magic wizard like it he's made out to be. He's actually a bit of a dork.
-The plot itself is...strange. Like things happened and yet I feel like it went nowhere?
-The romance. I was hoping for more of a slow burn, enemies to lovers romance but it is very insta love for one the MCs. This, for a first book of a series, is way too romance based rather than plot based. I don't see how Swift will be able to make an interesting sequel.