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4.13 AVERAGE
4.13 AVERAGE
Although I enjoyed Adraa and Jatin's journey in the first book, I found myself highly disconnected to them in this sequel. The premise of the first book was that they were rivals to lovers, but because they are dating in this book, the tension is no longer there. As such, I found that Jatin did not go through any character development, even though Adraa does. The characters spend most of the book apart, but their motivations weren't aligned with the actual threat at the end. Ultimately, I lost interest in Jatin's POV because his singular thought was of Adraa the entire time they were apart, whereas Adraa's was of escape and fighting the villain. Even so, with the dual POV, I wasn't able to easily distinguish between which character we were following as their internal voices were so similar. I also couldn't tell you who the side characters were because there were just there to push the story forward but with no emotional depth.
The storytelling was fast paced, but because so many things were happening, I got lost in the plot. While the ending was satisfactory, I felt like there were too many hoops to go through in order to get there. I think that the author's writing was fine, but the execution of the story was just a bit lacking. Unfortunately, this story lost my interest but I look forward to the author's future works.
The storytelling was fast paced, but because so many things were happening, I got lost in the plot. While the ending was satisfactory, I felt like there were too many hoops to go through in order to get there. I think that the author's writing was fine, but the execution of the story was just a bit lacking. Unfortunately, this story lost my interest but I look forward to the author's future works.
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Minor: Drug abuse, Drug use
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
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
adventurous
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC.
LOVED THIS.
What a great conclusion!! My heart is happy with how things ended and I adore this duology so much. The writing captivated me. The world building was great and the magic system was unique. Add in a top notch romance and I have been smitten.
Jatin and Adraa were a power couple. Jatin was incredibly sweet and bold. All of his sweet words and soft moments with Adraa brought on the feels. I love how brave and unfailing Adraa was. Facing new avenues she might have laid down for a moment, but stood back up with even more fire in her veins. I loved them together and how this book didn’t have some dumb break-up. They worked together even when separated and WOW DO I LOVE THAT.
I wish the prison break set-up didn’t take so long because I wanted the group back together. I did think a lot of learning happened on both sides though that ultimately led towards the conclusion. The action scenes flowed well and I didn’t have glaring slow moments as I enjoyed this story.
This was a magical duo. I am really in awe this is a debut duo. I can’t wait to read Swift’s future books because I was very much wrapped up in this one.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Fantasy Romance
- Language: little (the use of the word Blood is the “curse” word)
- Romance: implied closed door
- Violence: blood/gore depiction, magical and physical attacks
- Trigger/Content Warnings: torture, false imprisonment, loss of a parent
LOVED THIS.
What a great conclusion!! My heart is happy with how things ended and I adore this duology so much. The writing captivated me. The world building was great and the magic system was unique. Add in a top notch romance and I have been smitten.
Jatin and Adraa were a power couple. Jatin was incredibly sweet and bold. All of his sweet words and soft moments with Adraa brought on the feels. I love how brave and unfailing Adraa was. Facing new avenues she might have laid down for a moment, but stood back up with even more fire in her veins. I loved them together and how this book didn’t have some dumb break-up. They worked together even when separated and WOW DO I LOVE THAT.
I wish the prison break set-up didn’t take so long because I wanted the group back together. I did think a lot of learning happened on both sides though that ultimately led towards the conclusion. The action scenes flowed well and I didn’t have glaring slow moments as I enjoyed this story.
This was a magical duo. I am really in awe this is a debut duo. I can’t wait to read Swift’s future books because I was very much wrapped up in this one.
Overall audience notes:
- YA Fantasy Romance
- Language: little (the use of the word Blood is the “curse” word)
- Romance: implied closed door
- Violence: blood/gore depiction, magical and physical attacks
- Trigger/Content Warnings: torture, false imprisonment, loss of a parent
Thank you Random House Children's, Delacorte Press, and Netgalley for sending me an eARC of Bound by Firelight. Thank you Dana Swift for writing a great book.
"Appearances can lie and you can never truly tell who is on your side."
This quote leads me to my main problem with this sequel, and this way, I will get the bad things over with now. My biggest issue with Bound by Firelight was the fact that it was very predictable. The people who betrayed the Belwars were obvious from the beginning and nothing really surprised me. I was just waiting for a moment where a twist would catch me off guard, but alas, it was never delivered. I was a little surprised by the fact Adraa's real prison location, but it wasn't HUGE. I also predicted the fact in CiF that Adraa would learn how to cast without speaking.
My second issue - the pacing and plot didn't mix well IMO. The first half of the book was so slow, and all the reader got was Jatin worrying about Adraa versus really doing anything about it. On the other hand, if this entire book had been from Adraa's POV, the pacing would have been perfect because it would've helped build up to Adraa's climactic escape from the Dome.
The worldbuilding was still well-done as it was in the first book, and I saw progression in Jatin's character. Adraa had the same fire (see what I did there?) as she did in the first book, and I'm happy we got to see more of the side characters involved in the plot. I LOVED Harini - she's possibly my favorite character in the book lol.
Most of the loose ends were tied up, but there was one big plot hole that I believe was never addressed. How did Moolek brainwash the citizens/control what Adraa said? The ending left an open spot for future novellas or spin-offs, and I would really enjoy seeing a novella just about Adraa and Jatin.
Maybe the first book, Cast in Firelight, gave me too high expectations, but I think this was a little bit of a step back for Swift's writing. However, it was still a decent read - I laughed out loud and I teared up a bit near the end - and the characters/writing were good.
"Appearances can lie and you can never truly tell who is on your side."
This quote leads me to my main problem with this sequel, and this way, I will get the bad things over with now. My biggest issue with Bound by Firelight was the fact that it was very predictable. The people who betrayed the Belwars were obvious from the beginning and nothing really surprised me. I was just waiting for a moment where a twist would catch me off guard, but alas, it was never delivered. I was a little surprised by the fact Adraa's real prison location, but it wasn't HUGE. I also predicted the fact in CiF that Adraa would learn how to cast without speaking.
My second issue - the pacing and plot didn't mix well IMO. The first half of the book was so slow, and all the reader got was Jatin worrying about Adraa versus really doing anything about it. On the other hand, if this entire book had been from Adraa's POV, the pacing would have been perfect because it would've helped build up to Adraa's climactic escape from the Dome.
The worldbuilding was still well-done as it was in the first book, and I saw progression in Jatin's character. Adraa had the same fire (see what I did there?) as she did in the first book, and I'm happy we got to see more of the side characters involved in the plot. I LOVED Harini - she's possibly my favorite character in the book lol.
Most of the loose ends were tied up, but there was one big plot hole that I believe was never addressed. How did Moolek brainwash the citizens/control what Adraa said? The ending left an open spot for future novellas or spin-offs, and I would really enjoy seeing a novella just about Adraa and Jatin.
Maybe the first book, Cast in Firelight, gave me too high expectations, but I think this was a little bit of a step back for Swift's writing. However, it was still a decent read - I laughed out loud and I teared up a bit near the end - and the characters/writing were good.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
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
THE NEW COVER IS SO GORGEOUS!! AND ITS SO COLORFUL!! I especially love Adraa’s look.
Thanks so I have to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was fantastic! I enjoyed the first book, but this one was even better. The action is non-stop, there are surprises and twists around every corner, and there is even more emotional depth in each of the characters. Jatin and Adraa have matured so much throughout all their trials, and their newfound strength is great to see as they work through all the doubts that plagued them before. The nature of the plot has them separated for the majority of the book, and I missed their banter, but the scenes they do have together are so great. And if you loved Will Turner and Elizabeth Swan’s pirate wedding in the middle of a battle, I think you’ll really enjoy a scene in this book!
Harini is a great addition to the cast, and Prisha’s growth is wonderful too.
I had been under the impression that this would be a duology, but it definitely seems like another book has been set up for us, and I for one would be thrilled to read it!
This was fantastic! I enjoyed the first book, but this one was even better. The action is non-stop, there are surprises and twists around every corner, and there is even more emotional depth in each of the characters. Jatin and Adraa have matured so much throughout all their trials, and their newfound strength is great to see as they work through all the doubts that plagued them before. The nature of the plot has them separated for the majority of the book, and I missed their banter, but the scenes they do have together are so great. And if you loved Will Turner and Elizabeth Swan’s pirate wedding in the middle of a battle, I think you’ll really enjoy a scene in this book!
Harini is a great addition to the cast, and Prisha’s growth is wonderful too.
I had been under the impression that this would be a duology, but it definitely seems like another book has been set up for us, and I for one would be thrilled to read it!
When you pick up a book you embrace the magic that is within and hope it can take you from your world and transport you into the world that is written along those pages. Not every book takes you on an adventure like this; however, this book not only sweeps you away, but makes you wish to be part of this journey over and over. The writing is smooth and effortless and flows from page to page leaving you wanting to read this book all in one sitting!
We pick up our story right where we left off from the previous book and it jumps right into the heart of the story and from there it's an action-packed page turner! There are so many highlights to this book, but to keep it spoiler-free I'll just list a couple of the aspects I enjoyed. This book has the most amazing worldbuilding and characters. The story sweeps you off your feet and makes you feel as if you're in this gorgeous story with the characters. The pacing is different from the previous book, but epic in it's own right and so enjoyable. The suspense and action throughout this book make for such a dynamic read, and you are left on the edge of your seat excited to turn the page, yet nervous at the same time!
One of the beautiful things about a great book is not only the main characters (which I'll come back to) but also the rest of the cast/side characters. The cast and crew of this book are all amazing in different ways, from their fierceness, to their loyalty, to their passion, to their humor, it was outstanding. Now to Jatin and Aadra, they are the main characters throughout this book and completely marvelous. They each grow throughout the book in many different ways, and one of the many things I loved was how you grew to love and enjoy these characters more and more as the book went on. The courage and fierceness that they portray is so cheer-worthy, you just adore them and root for them throughout this book!
The story is one of the most beautifully written books I've read in a long time, and it's intertwined with such masterful storytelling that you will want to cherish each part of this story. From moments of heartbreak to magnificent action and adventure, this book will have you laughing, crying, nervous, excited, and so many other emotions that only an incredible book can leave you with feeling!
You only get to enjoy reading a book like this for the first time once, so cherish it because you'll want to re-read this book over and over! Highest of high recommendations for this book!
Thanks to NetGalley (the publisher and author) for the ARC!
We pick up our story right where we left off from the previous book and it jumps right into the heart of the story and from there it's an action-packed page turner! There are so many highlights to this book, but to keep it spoiler-free I'll just list a couple of the aspects I enjoyed. This book has the most amazing worldbuilding and characters. The story sweeps you off your feet and makes you feel as if you're in this gorgeous story with the characters. The pacing is different from the previous book, but epic in it's own right and so enjoyable. The suspense and action throughout this book make for such a dynamic read, and you are left on the edge of your seat excited to turn the page, yet nervous at the same time!
One of the beautiful things about a great book is not only the main characters (which I'll come back to) but also the rest of the cast/side characters. The cast and crew of this book are all amazing in different ways, from their fierceness, to their loyalty, to their passion, to their humor, it was outstanding. Now to Jatin and Aadra, they are the main characters throughout this book and completely marvelous. They each grow throughout the book in many different ways, and one of the many things I loved was how you grew to love and enjoy these characters more and more as the book went on. The courage and fierceness that they portray is so cheer-worthy, you just adore them and root for them throughout this book!
The story is one of the most beautifully written books I've read in a long time, and it's intertwined with such masterful storytelling that you will want to cherish each part of this story. From moments of heartbreak to magnificent action and adventure, this book will have you laughing, crying, nervous, excited, and so many other emotions that only an incredible book can leave you with feeling!
You only get to enjoy reading a book like this for the first time once, so cherish it because you'll want to re-read this book over and over! Highest of high recommendations for this book!
Thanks to NetGalley (the publisher and author) for the ARC!