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4.13 AVERAGE
4.13 AVERAGE
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
emotional
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
*There are no spoilers in this review besides those in the synopsis below.*
Holy. Guacamole. This sequel is absolutely amazing!!!
Goodreads synopsis:
After a magical eruption devastates the kingdom of Belwar, royal heir Adraa is falsely accused of masterminding the destruction and forced to stand trial in front of her people, who see her as a monster. Adraa's punishment? Imprisonment in the Dome, an impenetrable, magic-infused fortress filled with Belwar’s nastiest criminals—many of whom Adraa put there herself. And they want her to pay.
Jatin, the royal heir to Naupure, has been Adraa’s betrothed, nemesis, and fellow masked vigilante... but now he’s just a boy waiting to ask her the biggest question of their lives. First, though, he’s going to have to do the impossible: break Adraa out of the Dome. And he won’t be able to do it without help from the unlikeliest of sources—a girl from his past with a secret that could put them all at risk.
Time is running out, and the horrors Adraa faces in the Dome are second only to the plot to destabilize and destroy their kingdoms. But Adraa and Jatin have saved the world once already... Now, can they save themselves?
The heart-pounding sequel to Cast in Firelight, perfect for fans of epic, sweepingly romantic fantasy by Sabaa Tahir, Susan Dennard, and Mary E. Pearson.
The first book of the duology, Cast in Firelight, had all of my favorite things tied up into one fantastically-developed novel. You can find my review here, but basically, this series begins with a whirlwind of action, magic, romance, vigilantes, royalty, and secret identities upon secret identities that, when combined as they are, create an amazingly fresh and exciting story. I fell in love with all the characters; their conflicts are so well-written and I found so many of the characters inspiring my own courage and leadership. The romance is soooooo sweet, and Adraa and Jatin have easily become one of my favorite book couples. The magic system is super cool, the world is intriguing, and I just love this fantasy series.
This sequel was everything I wanted from it and more. We still have some vigilantes with a hint of secret identities, but the story moves on to even greater conflicts; our main characters explore self-doubt, grief, hopelessness, determination, and courage. They have to grow so much in these new circumstances they find themselves in, but MAN it is incredible to see!! Plus, we get to know other side characters better, like Raya, Kalyan, Prisha, and Hiren, and discover some of their motivations and abilities. There’s still a ton of action, and the romance becomes even more entrancing and precious and I love them SO MUCH, but the story grows even deeper and comes to a beautifully hopeful ending.
Dana Swift girl, thank you SO MUCH for writing this story!! I connect to these characters so much and I treasure this duology. If you are looking for an action-packed fantasy romance (with jaw-dropping covers, I might add), look no further than this duology!!! You won’t regret it!!
*I received an e-arc of Bound by Firelight from Delacorte Press and Netgalley; all opinions are my own. The quote included in this review is subject to minor change upon publication, which was January 18th, 2022.*
If you enjoyed this review, you can friend/follow me here on Goodreads or on Instagram and Pinterest @ashton_reads for more bookish content (@ashton.reads on Tiktok)!! If you want, you can give this review a like or comment with your thoughts so I know you've read my review; your support means a lot to me! Happy reading!
Holy. Guacamole. This sequel is absolutely amazing!!!
Goodreads synopsis:
After a magical eruption devastates the kingdom of Belwar, royal heir Adraa is falsely accused of masterminding the destruction and forced to stand trial in front of her people, who see her as a monster. Adraa's punishment? Imprisonment in the Dome, an impenetrable, magic-infused fortress filled with Belwar’s nastiest criminals—many of whom Adraa put there herself. And they want her to pay.
Jatin, the royal heir to Naupure, has been Adraa’s betrothed, nemesis, and fellow masked vigilante... but now he’s just a boy waiting to ask her the biggest question of their lives. First, though, he’s going to have to do the impossible: break Adraa out of the Dome. And he won’t be able to do it without help from the unlikeliest of sources—a girl from his past with a secret that could put them all at risk.
Time is running out, and the horrors Adraa faces in the Dome are second only to the plot to destabilize and destroy their kingdoms. But Adraa and Jatin have saved the world once already... Now, can they save themselves?
The heart-pounding sequel to Cast in Firelight, perfect for fans of epic, sweepingly romantic fantasy by Sabaa Tahir, Susan Dennard, and Mary E. Pearson.
The first book of the duology, Cast in Firelight, had all of my favorite things tied up into one fantastically-developed novel. You can find my review here, but basically, this series begins with a whirlwind of action, magic, romance, vigilantes, royalty, and secret identities upon secret identities that, when combined as they are, create an amazingly fresh and exciting story. I fell in love with all the characters; their conflicts are so well-written and I found so many of the characters inspiring my own courage and leadership. The romance is soooooo sweet, and Adraa and Jatin have easily become one of my favorite book couples. The magic system is super cool, the world is intriguing, and I just love this fantasy series.
This sequel was everything I wanted from it and more. We still have some vigilantes with a hint of secret identities, but the story moves on to even greater conflicts; our main characters explore self-doubt, grief, hopelessness, determination, and courage. They have to grow so much in these new circumstances they find themselves in, but MAN it is incredible to see!! Plus, we get to know other side characters better, like Raya, Kalyan, Prisha, and Hiren, and discover some of their motivations and abilities. There’s still a ton of action, and the romance becomes even more entrancing and precious and I love them SO MUCH, but the story grows even deeper and comes to a beautifully hopeful ending.
”He smothers me in a hug, his arms engulfing me. ‘Forget I said anything. Let me hold you.’ Then, so quietly I almost miss it, Jatin whispers, “Let me hold you forever.’”
Dana Swift girl, thank you SO MUCH for writing this story!! I connect to these characters so much and I treasure this duology. If you are looking for an action-packed fantasy romance (with jaw-dropping covers, I might add), look no further than this duology!!! You won’t regret it!!
*I received an e-arc of Bound by Firelight from Delacorte Press and Netgalley; all opinions are my own. The quote included in this review is subject to minor change upon publication, which was January 18th, 2022.*
If you enjoyed this review, you can friend/follow me here on Goodreads or on Instagram and Pinterest @ashton_reads for more bookish content (@ashton.reads on Tiktok)!! If you want, you can give this review a like or comment with your thoughts so I know you've read my review; your support means a lot to me! Happy reading!
Initial Thoughts
Cast in Firelight was one of my favorite reads of 2020 and I'm so glad I got to read the sequel in NetGalley early.
Some Things I Liked
Multiple POVs. I pretty much always like multiple POVs but I especially like it when the main characters are not together for scenes. The way this book is narrated, I feel like the different POVs made the story so much larger because we got to see more going on at the same time. Also, Jatin and Adraa are so different from each other that their thoughts made the narration that much more fun.
Less romance, more action. I loved the romance in the first book but I liked that this part of the story focused more on rebuilding trust with their people and establishing themselves as the leaders their countries needed. I also liked that Jatin and Adraa were separated for a good chunk of the story and we got to see them make new friends and we got to dive deeper into the world of The Wickery.
Series Value
I'd love to see more books set in this world. The found family vibes are strong in this series and there are plenty of characters that I'd love to read more about. Furthermore, there's still tons to do in this world. I'd love to revisit it.
Final Thoughts
I really enjoyed this book. It didn't top the first book but it was just as fun and interesting.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cast in Firelight was one of my favorite reads of 2020 and I'm so glad I got to read the sequel in NetGalley early.
Some Things I Liked
Multiple POVs. I pretty much always like multiple POVs but I especially like it when the main characters are not together for scenes. The way this book is narrated, I feel like the different POVs made the story so much larger because we got to see more going on at the same time. Also, Jatin and Adraa are so different from each other that their thoughts made the narration that much more fun.
Less romance, more action. I loved the romance in the first book but I liked that this part of the story focused more on rebuilding trust with their people and establishing themselves as the leaders their countries needed. I also liked that Jatin and Adraa were separated for a good chunk of the story and we got to see them make new friends and we got to dive deeper into the world of The Wickery.
Series Value
I'd love to see more books set in this world. The found family vibes are strong in this series and there are plenty of characters that I'd love to read more about. Furthermore, there's still tons to do in this world. I'd love to revisit it.
Final Thoughts
I really enjoyed this book. It didn't top the first book but it was just as fun and interesting.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
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
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
**spoiler alert**
This is sort of a review for both books since I wanted to finish this one so I could give my overall thoughts. Also, this is probably all over the place since I'm just writing whatever comes to mind as I just literally finished this book.
Oh, I absolutely loved it!❤️ This had me on a roller-coaster of emotions. On moment I was all giggling, then I was worried, then anxious, then giggling again. I really liked the world building, pretty easy to understand. I can only imagine who pretty will be to see all the fortes with the different colors.
I really liked Adraa even though she was a little stubborn. She is strong, loyal, kind, merciful, competitive, and always wanted to do good by her people. You can totally see how in the begging she was focus on doing everything alone and having all this pressure in her shoulder (but who can blame her, she had all these people looking at her) but as time goes by, she learns how to work with a team and that even though she is capable and strong enough to do it alone, she doesn't have to because she knows her team has her back. Jatin was a delight. He is competitive, respectful, devoted and determined. Like Adraa, he had a lot of pressure in his shoulder but again, people in their position, of course, they would. At first you can see how much he was trying to escape his position, with so much doubt, but with time and a little more experience, and just at the right time, he came to terms with it and embraced it. I really liked how both at the end they were more confident in themselves despite their worries and doubts. You can see how much they've grown since the last book.
Now Adraa and Jatin relationship was so much fun. When they first met and she slapped him, their letters, how their competition inspired and made them become better, how at first, they didn't know who each other was but they still fell for each other, how they learned to work together, their bickering, I love them!
My favorite part in all this is that, Jatin, despite being in an arranged marriage, HE STILL WANTED TO PROPOSE!!! Like that whole scene where they were fighting in the prison, trying to take the guards, he just couldn't wait and he just had to propose in the middle of everything! And the first thing he wanted to hear was her saying YES!!!!
Now while I wasn't surprised and quite expected that Moolek was the bad guy, there were a few other things that took me by surprise and kinda made up for it. And he disappeared, like where is he? I kinda wanted him to reveal his whole plan like Dara did. I need him to pay for what he did!!!! That whole Fiza situation, idk if it was necessary...? But I guess it adds to the drama. Also, Adraa and Jatin spend so much time separated, like why???? I needed more couple time!!!
Honestly, it is said this is the last book. I don't get to witness what happens now that they are both leaders of their countries, who they manage their relationship and their work, them getting married. Also, I wanted to see what happens to Prisha and Hiren. It was so cute and funny how his "intense feelings" were revealed in front of everyone.
It was a satisfactory ending even though I was like "this the end?" when I got to the last page, I wanted more, but this time of ending also gives the author to write another one if they change their mind.
Anyways, I'll definitely reread this duology in the future! Hope all this made some sense
This is sort of a review for both books since I wanted to finish this one so I could give my overall thoughts. Also, this is probably all over the place since I'm just writing whatever comes to mind as I just literally finished this book.
Oh, I absolutely loved it!❤️ This had me on a roller-coaster of emotions. On moment I was all giggling, then I was worried, then anxious, then giggling again. I really liked the world building, pretty easy to understand. I can only imagine who pretty will be to see all the fortes with the different colors.
I really liked Adraa even though she was a little stubborn. She is strong, loyal, kind, merciful, competitive, and always wanted to do good by her people. You can totally see how in the begging she was focus on doing everything alone and having all this pressure in her shoulder (but who can blame her, she had all these people looking at her) but as time goes by, she learns how to work with a team and that even though she is capable and strong enough to do it alone, she doesn't have to because she knows her team has her back. Jatin was a delight. He is competitive, respectful, devoted and determined. Like Adraa, he had a lot of pressure in his shoulder but again, people in their position, of course, they would. At first you can see how much he was trying to escape his position, with so much doubt, but with time and a little more experience, and just at the right time, he came to terms with it and embraced it. I really liked how both at the end they were more confident in themselves despite their worries and doubts. You can see how much they've grown since the last book.
Now Adraa and Jatin relationship was so much fun. When they first met and she slapped him, their letters, how their competition inspired and made them become better, how at first, they didn't know who each other was but they still fell for each other, how they learned to work together, their bickering, I love them!
My favorite part in all this is that, Jatin, despite being in an arranged marriage, HE STILL WANTED TO PROPOSE!!! Like that whole scene where they were fighting in the prison, trying to take the guards, he just couldn't wait and he just had to propose in the middle of everything! And the first thing he wanted to hear was her saying YES!!!!
Now while I wasn't surprised and quite expected that Moolek was the bad guy, there were a few other things that took me by surprise and kinda made up for it. And he disappeared, like where is he? I kinda wanted him to reveal his whole plan like Dara did. I need him to pay for what he did!!!! That whole Fiza situation, idk if it was necessary...? But I guess it adds to the drama. Also, Adraa and Jatin spend so much time separated, like why???? I needed more couple time!!!
Honestly, it is said this is the last book. I don't get to witness what happens now that they are both leaders of their countries, who they manage their relationship and their work, them getting married. Also, I wanted to see what happens to Prisha and Hiren. It was so cute and funny how his "intense feelings" were revealed in front of everyone.
It was a satisfactory ending even though I was like "this the end?" when I got to the last page, I wanted more, but this time of ending also gives the author to write another one if they change their mind.
Anyways, I'll definitely reread this duology in the future! Hope all this made some sense
First of all, I want to thank NetGalley and Dana Swift for giving me access to a free ARC for this book in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
Picking up where the Cast in Firelight leaves off, Bound in Firelight follows the journey of Adraa and Jatin. Publically believed to be a mass murderer, Adraa, Princess of Belwar, must gather the evidence to prove herself innocent while balancing her royal duties with her secret identities - popular underground cage-casting champion Jaya Smoke and the publically adored, vigilante The Red Woman - and trying to free herself from the famously inescapable prison - The Dome.
Prince of the neighboring Naupure, Jatin has just as much on his plate as he sets out to fill the shoes of a leader, both for the country he has grown up far away from, and for his friends who look to him to save Adraa - his former betrothed, current girlfriend and future fiancee (assuming he can gather the courage to ask her).
Book two of the Wickery series leads us through the journeys of both these characters as they build new friendships, strengthen old bonds and find the courage and confidence to become the leaders they were born to be.
Dana Swift hits the ball out of the park with this one. Her depiction of human interaction is beautiful. While the romance in this book is guaranteed to melt hearts, Swift manages to keep it realistic. Adraa and Jatin's flight from enemies to lovers has a scenic layover in the land of friendship, and the romantic love in this book is nestled beautifully between the love of and for parents, siblings, friends and the citizens of the countries our characters are set to rule. Her characters grow significantly and realistically in a plot full of unpredictable twists and turns.
While the magic system in this novel could have used some more fleshing out, I would not hesitate to recommend this book to any reader of YA Fantasy, and think it will be especially appreciated by those who enjoy being surprised with unique plot lines that will keep them guessing. Those who are fans of the Prison Healer will probably also love this book.
Finally, I' want to appreciate the unique cultural aspect Dana Swift has brought to this book. The average fantasy book defaults to western culture where no unique elements are added by the author - when no elaborate period clothing is described, the characters wear dresses, pants, shirts and suits, when no language is specified the characters adopt Western titles, when appearance is not specified the characters are white, and character names and magical spells are usually drawn from Latin or Greek. Swift has managed to turn this on its head for this book. Normalizing using non-eurocentric cultures as the default base and for this she deserves applause. Her characters default to wearing South Asian clothing, have Sanskrit titles like maharaja, use South Asian names and are majority POC. While her work is not #OwnVoices, she has managed to strike the balance between creating a completely unique fantasy universe that is clearly distinct from South Asia itself and paying homage. Her books bring "Asian Fantasy" out of some specialized niche into the mainstream fantasy genre, and I hope they inspire many other Authors of all races to do the same.
Picking up where the Cast in Firelight leaves off, Bound in Firelight follows the journey of Adraa and Jatin. Publically believed to be a mass murderer, Adraa, Princess of Belwar, must gather the evidence to prove herself innocent while balancing her royal duties with her secret identities - popular underground cage-casting champion Jaya Smoke and the publically adored, vigilante The Red Woman - and trying to free herself from the famously inescapable prison - The Dome.
Prince of the neighboring Naupure, Jatin has just as much on his plate as he sets out to fill the shoes of a leader, both for the country he has grown up far away from, and for his friends who look to him to save Adraa - his former betrothed, current girlfriend and future fiancee (assuming he can gather the courage to ask her).
Book two of the Wickery series leads us through the journeys of both these characters as they build new friendships, strengthen old bonds and find the courage and confidence to become the leaders they were born to be.
Dana Swift hits the ball out of the park with this one. Her depiction of human interaction is beautiful. While the romance in this book is guaranteed to melt hearts, Swift manages to keep it realistic. Adraa and Jatin's flight from enemies to lovers has a scenic layover in the land of friendship, and the romantic love in this book is nestled beautifully between the love of and for parents, siblings, friends and the citizens of the countries our characters are set to rule. Her characters grow significantly and realistically in a plot full of unpredictable twists and turns.
While the magic system in this novel could have used some more fleshing out, I would not hesitate to recommend this book to any reader of YA Fantasy, and think it will be especially appreciated by those who enjoy being surprised with unique plot lines that will keep them guessing. Those who are fans of the Prison Healer will probably also love this book.
Finally, I' want to appreciate the unique cultural aspect Dana Swift has brought to this book. The average fantasy book defaults to western culture where no unique elements are added by the author - when no elaborate period clothing is described, the characters wear dresses, pants, shirts and suits, when no language is specified the characters adopt Western titles, when appearance is not specified the characters are white, and character names and magical spells are usually drawn from Latin or Greek. Swift has managed to turn this on its head for this book. Normalizing using non-eurocentric cultures as the default base and for this she deserves applause. Her characters default to wearing South Asian clothing, have Sanskrit titles like maharaja, use South Asian names and are majority POC. While her work is not #OwnVoices, she has managed to strike the balance between creating a completely unique fantasy universe that is clearly distinct from South Asia itself and paying homage. Her books bring "Asian Fantasy" out of some specialized niche into the mainstream fantasy genre, and I hope they inspire many other Authors of all races to do the same.
Bound by Firelight is the second book in the Wickery duology and it was such a satisfying follow up to the first book! A duology is the perfect length for a series in my opinion and this book will be up there with some of my favorites! This book picked up right after the events of Cast in Firelight and follow Aadra and Jatin as they try to regain control after the fallout from the dramatic ending of the book.
I first have to point out how gorgeous the cover is
I first have to point out how gorgeous the cover is
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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:
No