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A review by sydney_arcuri
Cast in Firelight by Dana Swift
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.