Rating: ☆☆☆

Firstly, I need to appreciate the Indian cultural representation in this entire book. From the costumes to the food, every detail was phenomenal and relatable as an Indian myself. I could vividly imagine the splash of colours, the aroma of food, sparkling fashion and the hierarchical architecture. This felt like a story in MY universe with the dedication hitting right at home.

|| "For every brown girl who wanted to be the chosen one too." ||

•~•~•~•~• Plot •~•~•~•~•
This book revolves around a girl, who has been isolated her entire life, escaping into the world only to find that her existence beholds so much more than she can understand. Hidden away behind secrets, Zarya is on a mission to find her identity and the truth which her guardian had taken so many years to suppress. She is also in a land that fights against magic so dark and violent, whose key to safety might also lay in her hands. The book leads us into the journey of Zarya.
•~•~•~•~• ◇◇◇ •~•~•~•~•

This book had so much potential but the writing was a bit let down for me in terms of how the events were threaded through. I felt the author took me to a cliff as so many scenes had great intensity but then pushed me right down when the scene ends. The events seemed too predictable and basic. It was a book where you can suspect an event miles away making it devoid of the surprise element in most cases. However, the ending was really good with intense fight scenes, magic, dragon and plot reveals (yep, the only place where I was actually surprised).

I was also expecting a slow-burn romance here and ended up with nothing. The initial romance subplot which confused me so much (until ahem ahem turned out to be ahem ahem) had me rolling my eyes, to be honest. Where was the angst? Where was the enemies-to-lovers plot here? I barely saw the MMC and I wanted more of their scenes. I can see how it's gonna turn out to be, so I am waiting for it because I am sure all this angst is gonna be packed up in book 2 and Nisha, I am craving for it pleaseeee😭❤

I am so much hopeful for the second book and mainly on the romance subplot too, because all that I missed out on this, need to be there! (*underlining the word 'need' here). The fact that this book actually has so much story but it did not hit the right notes because of a basic flow, is pretty sad for me. However, I am looking forward to Zarya's story hoping at least the next one has more depth.

I thank Netgally, Second Sky and Nisha J Tuli for the eARC.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

OMFG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This was so delicious and addictive that I have no words except OMFG!!!

Zarya has become one of my most beloved and favorite characters ever. She's so real and relatable. She has been yearning for connection, love, and real family bonds her entire life, and she doesn't see it as a weakness. She's incredible, for a lack of a better word. Fearless and determined to forge her own path. Her comebacks and attitude are so delightful. She has sass but not too much to be overbearing or feeling like the author is trying too much. Zarya is so full of life and emotions. In this book, she literally feels everything.

Yasen, dear goodness, I'll go anywhere for you and with you. I'll protect you with my life. Zarya said at one point that his laugh is precious, and I couldn't agree more. He's grown up in such a hard way, with only Vikram to hold onto. He may be everyone's favorite trainer but he's so lonely at the end of the day, forced to wear an armor of aloofness and distance. His friendship with Zarya was absolutely beautiful, from start to finish. So pure and beguiling. Also, don't leave these two together at a bar 😂 Or rather, please do. We can all ogle tall, dark, and handsome men 😂

Vikram...I didn't like what he did *not saying more because this is spoiler-free* so I have a hard time to say something positive. I do understand him and I do feel for him, and I'm sure I'll pity him even more in the second and other books in the series, but damn, his action didn't sit with me. It's good that Zarya is thick-skinned.

The world-building was mesmerizing. The author did an amazing job at describing things without explaining them, especially not in long, dense paragraphs. I loved the Indian influences.

All in all, the author did everything right and deliciously! The romance scenes were delightful, and the chemistry between characters felt true and sizzling *friendships, romance, and rivalry relationships*. I really have to commend the author for that. Every relationship, every scene between characters felt so true and natural as if everyone was a real person. The magic was amazing!!!! It's original and authentic and very smart! The plot didn't let you breathe, and the writing was beautiful without being dense! Tight pacing, no plot holes, excellent character arcs!

I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!! SO ADDICTIVE! I LITERALLY DON'T KNOW HOW I'LL SURVIVE THE WAIT FOR BOOK 2 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

Nisha J. Tuli is a phenomenal writer, and I want to devour her other books like I devoured this one. I couldn't put it down and now I fear for my sanity.... Book two, please come now 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

Tuli has created a vibrant world filled with magic, mythology and wonder, taking inspiration from India and South Asia. You can feel the heat and humidity, and smell the food and spices wafting in the air.

However, as successful as Tuli’s world building is, I felt it might have been at the expense of her character development. She gives a lot of attention to aesthetics, but there was unfortunately, I felt, a lack of depth to their personalities, which came across as a little too two dimensional.

The main character is initially portrayed as a strong female lead, however throughout the book she continually needs saving by strapping handsome men. After reading many other fantasy books with genuinely strong female leads, it was disappointing to see one that relied so heavily on her male counterparts.

That said, it is by no means a bad book. Tuli writes action and adventure that draws you in and keeps you guessing. It’s fast paced and easy to read. I think this would suit anyone looking for something in between Young Adult and Adult Fantasy. It feels like a nice crossover.

Thank you to NetGalley and Second Sky Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

So grateful to Netgalley for sending me this arc.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and can’t wait for the next book to come out. It was my first time reading Nisha’s books and I will definitely be reading more. The ending was so so good!

Thanks for Netgalley and Second Sky for providing me with the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

3.5/5
An enjoyable read! Loved the MFC. I liked how Indian culture was used in this story. I liked that I learned about the culture while I read. The world building was so good. The slow burn romance was good as well but I felt the chemistry between the two could have been better. I would be willing to read the next book.

Zarya is 20 years old and is being guarded on the southern coastline of Rahajhan. The cottage on the beach is her own personal prison. Her guardian, Row, set a magical border to keep her in and the demons out. Waking one morning, she finds Row missing and the boundaries of her confinement gone. She is free. But who can she trust? Where can she go? She has so many questions and no one to answer them.

This is the first book in the Night Fire Quartet and I think Tuli did a great job capturing my interest! The world building was great and I’m new to fantasy so I felt like I had to reread some things to make sure I was getting it right. Tuli has a way with words and her descriptions of the world make you feel like you are right there with the characters.

I did feel like it took a bit to get the love interest introduced in the book but I think it’s definitely setting up for the next book. It does end on a slight cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see what the characters do in the next book.

Thank you NetGalley and Second Sky for an ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review.

Absolutely phenomenal read; I love the character growth and how each experiences growth. The clothing and culture is described so vibrantly I can see it! I can't wait to read the next book!

big thank you to netgalley, the publisher and author for this arc.

5 stars.

wow this was so good!! i so thoroughly enjoyed this book, and i literally cannot wait for the next one. like i want it NOW. i'm so serious.

despite not having seen much of the world, i feel like enough has been established already. i'm excited to see what places this story is going to take us, beyond the walls of dharati.

i also just loved the characters so much. yasen??? one of my favorite book best friends. the way he warmed up to zarya was everything. and just in general, the character arcs, watching the relationships grow between zarya and all of her friends was so heartwarming. i loved it. AND OMG i really need the next book purely for rabin!!!! i need to know what he's going to be like, and i just need to read more of him in general!! give me all the tall dark handsome broody vibes!!!!!

ANYWAYS. i need the next book and i need it now. i needed it yesterday. miss nisha you have a new fan, and i am definitely reading your other books.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this arc.

The premise for this book was so interesting and hooked me from the start! Our FMC, Zarya, has been hidden by her guardian for 20 years, for reasons he refuses to explain. She is magically kept within a small plot of land and trains, along with her guardian's mentee, in physical combat. Fairly early on, Zarya is able to 'escape' her magical imprisonment and leaves for the wide unknown world, ready to experience all it has to offer. This is where the story really picked up, and Zarya meets many fascinating and important characters.

The pacing and slow-burn romance were great, and the characters are dynamic and do change throughout the story. That said, Zarya was a bit childish at times, even up through the end, and I'd love to see her mature in the next volume.

Overall, a great story and start to a series that I look forward to continuing!

Thanks for Netgalley and Second Sky for providing me with the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book follows the story of our FMC Zarya who was kept in some beachside cottage for most her life by two dudes without any explanation as to why. Suddenly the magic that kept her in place disappeared and she was free to discover new grounds and who she really is.

Although it took me a while to get into this book (roughly 35%) I fell in love with this vibrant, exciting and wonderful world. The world building is spectacular and the magic system is original and so very interesting and I got extremely hooked into the story and couldn’t wait to find out more.
I found the magic wielders really intriguing and can’t wait to read more about them and their talents in future books in this series, as I am sure this will be developed further.

Generally the FMC was sympathetic and reasonable with her decision making and although things kept happening around her without her being the main impetus I did like her a lot and found myself rooting for her to succeed. Not a big fan of Vikram/Aarav but can’t wait to find out more about Rabin and his backstory and what’s his connection with the FMC.

I say things kept happening but things REALLY kept happening permanently, this was a true page tuner and I wasn’t able to put this down at all especially towards the end. I enjoyed the romance aspect, pacing, but most of all I enjoyed the magic and the world, especially the world. It was amazing

As a first installment of this series I genuinely can’t wait to return to this vibrant and exciting world and progress through the adventure with the characters that have grown on me so much. This was a solid foundation and I can’t even imagine where the story could even go from here - all I know is that I may have found an author to add to my favs list and I will defo be looking at her other works in short order.

>> Review also posted on Goodreads

I was excited to read this since I really enjoyed the trial of the sun queen and to have it be heavily influenced with Indian culture and folklore But I felt like the pace was a lot slower in this book. I’m hoping it’s only like that because it’s the first book I the series. I wish the magic system was alittle but more explained throughout the story instead of waiting til the end. I’m hoping to see the characters more fleshed out as the series continues.

“To every brown girl who wanted to be the chosen one too.”
I love this dedication. (even though i’m very white lol) This book is based on Indian mythology and I am here for it. I personally didn’t know much of the lore before reading this book, but i had fun researching as I read.
Zarya was held hostage in a cottage by the sea, raised by Row. The only guardian/ parent she had ever know, he trained her how to fight and defend herself. Her only other companion was Aarav, who was more like a brother she never wanted. When Row disappears and she realizes she could leave, she runs for it. She has so much anger for both Row and Aarav, but she’s able to push past that and all of the trauma she had in order to help people. I loved being able to watch her mature and figure things out, and make friends and connections throughout the book. The only issue I had was it took so long to introduce the main love interest (rabin), and it’s very much giving slow burn/ enemies to lovers vibes especially for the second book. And when she finally revealed who rabin actually is?? What a plot twist. I can’t wait to see how everything unfolds in the next book.
I received this as an ARC for an honest review.

I really enjoyed the world building and culture in this book!

-Enemies to Lovers
-Found Family ♥️
-Soo many secrets & Lies 👀
-Slow burn 🔥

Zarya is a strong FMC who takes absolutely no shit off anyone which I LOVE!
Vikram was very sweet and accommodating from the minute he came into the picture which did make me wonder if he was what he seemed, after finding about everything that has been planned for him and Amrita I really did feel sad as he really is just as lovely as he appears!
Yasen- I loved Yasen, there was just something about him that made me want to read more about him and I hope to see so much more from him in the next book!
When Rabin showed up I was literally sat here like 😱 what a plot twist! I can’t wait to see what happens between Zarya and Rabin!
I loved the slow burn and all the secrets! I was constantly trying to guess what might happen and surprised when actually something completely different happened!

The fantasy element pulled me right in. I really enjoyed it. I especially enjoyed reading the great cultural representations. The big thing that kept this from being a 5 star book was how hard it was to keep the names of characters, towns, and types of magic. There really needed to be a glossary to review to. It was super easy to get mixed up and confused. I did end up not wanting it to end so I could keep reading about Rabin! His story line coming in at the end kept this from 3 stars. Especially intrigued about him being a black dragon. That seems so casually figured out. So I’ll definitely be reading the second book. Thanks NetGalley for the copy.

When it comes to rating this book, I am uncertain where I could rank this book when it comes to the first in a series. The potential is there with a promising premise. A young woman never allowed past a magical barrier. Forced to remain within, she has no idea of what the world outside is like. That is until Row leaves and the barrier falls. Seeing this as her one and only chance of escape, Zarya takes it. But when Aarav finds her and wants to drag her back, a convenient cast of male characters shows up. Our female lead helps them and she is given the chance to see a city from inside of its walls. But with secrets of her past hidden and the city on the verge of collapse, Zayra has to find the answers and protect the world she has come to love.

I want to say I liked Zarya's character in the beginning, but I would be lying. There was nothing about her character that I found appealing. I saw her bratty and sometimes ungrateful. Her character lacked depth, connection, and any likable substance that I felt the near necessity of ending the novel, but I wanted to press on and see how this entire plotline played out. There were other characters. Other players out in this new world could be promising. There were secrets and reasonings behind Row's need to protect Zarya's life from the rest of the world.

So you're getting married," Zayra said, something prickly loosening in her chest.



This felt quite convenient. A plot device created by the author to prevent any of the readers from investing in a possible potential relationship that could suggest a romantic link between Zayra and Vikram. And while that was what had possibly happened to many of the readers, this did not endure any connection I felt for Rabin. He had come in just in glimpses and thus I did not feel it was substantial enough to make him a player in the game for Zayra's heart. To the author, she might have seen this as a literary technique to control the relationships that seemed to be already established by Zayra and Vikram by not only introducing a sudden marriage but also allowing Rabin to enter without having to challenge Vikram and making it a love triangle.

The lack of chemistry between Zayra and Rabin could be chalked up to the fact there interactions are few and wide. As far as the reader can be made to believe, there was nothing happening between them. So, this potential relationship seemed to lack the necessary formula that would give the relationship its needed chemistry that the reader could feel when the two finally managed to finally meet. It was not there at all.


Fire. Water. Air. Earth. Spirit. Five. She had all five of them.


All five of these sudden abilities remind me of a cartoon that used to be popular on Nick, Avatar: The Last Airbender. The only difference is that these abilities were quick to appear in our female lead's hands while Aang worked hard to make them appear. Many female leads in the fantasy romance genre have become into their powers quite easily without having to really work on them to appear. While we do see Zayra trying to work with her magic, it did not feel as it should be. I would have liked to see her work with what she had to harness the abilities allotted to her. This would have made things a lot more believable.


Final Thought:

As I reiterate my thoughts on the book, I also want the readers to form their own opinions on the book. I believe that any first book in a series opens the door to a world yet to be uncovered. There will be some inconsistencies in the novel, but all those have been a bit miner which I am sure will be explained within the next books to come.

"Zarya hoped that this would be a night to remember. The kind of night someone could write about in one of his books."

Zarya is twenty living with guardians, "protecting" her, when in reality, she feels trapped in a prison. When the opportunity to escape arises, she grabs it. As she ventures into the city and meets new people, she is uncovering more and more secrets about the world and herself. The city is under attack by a blight and demons, and no can figure out the cause - but Zarya steps up to help protect the city. Through all of this, Zarya is forming relationships with powerful warriors, nobles and royalty, and meets a mysterious figure in her dreams.

Nisha Tuli, once again, delivers a strong and creative story. Her world-building is exquisite and I was immediately drawn into the world. The fantasy is inspired by South Asian mythology, and it was extremely captivating. Our FMC is multi-dimensional and we saw a lot of character development from her already, and I can't wait to see more in the rest of the series. Tuli provided us with a storyline that was adventurous, emotional, and action-packed - as well as with a plot-twist that had my head spinning.

Zarya is so relatable - and I appreciate Nisha's small nods to her book-loving audience with Zarya's love of romance books. I feel seen - so thank you.

It took to about halfway through the book until we met who will (we are assuming) the main love interest. The slow burn is very, very slow - but I am SO looking forward to seeing how this will develop in the next book. I have a feeling it will definitely be worth it.

I am so captivated by this world and all of the characters. I will be very (im)patiently waiting for the next book!

You'll enjoy this book if you like:
🔥Found family
🔥Slow burn
🔥Enemies-to-lovers (future books)
🔥Hidden identity

Star Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice Rating:
🌶.5 / 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶


Thank you to NetGalley and Second Sky for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I liked a lot of things about Heart of Night and Fire, but ultimately, I found the story pretty mundane and it was a drag to get through for me.

Zarya has been imprisoned all 21 years of her life by two men who swore to her mother to protect her, but they never tell her why. Foul-mouthed and hot-tempered Zarya is trained to fight and defend herself, and escapes into her beloved romance novels, longing for a family of her own some day. One day Row’s magic barrier locking her inside her swamp cottage breaks down and he goes missing.

She saves two soldiers and raksashas, described as a sort of Hindi vampire, from attacks by demons and they take her into the city.

She goes to the city, accompanied by Aarav, Row’s companion, a city that’s been walled off for years against demon attacks, only protected by a queen’s fragile magic.

In the city the naive young Zarya becomes enamored with the city’s charms and temptations, including Vikram, the raksasha who rescued her, and a mysterious stranger who haunts her dreams in a magical forest.

I loved the Indian-inspired elements of this story and the character of Zarya, who was very relatable as a restless 21-year-old longing for adventure and romance. But her naivete became gratingly annoying in the end - I had to wonder what the two older men who were her love interests saw in her. She’s the type to leap into danger, be constantly melodramatic and make stupid decisions but not necessarily in a charming way. Instead of changing, she just became more that way.

And ultimately I found the story kind of boring. The same basic YA plot arc you see over and over.

It handled the genre well so fans of the genre will appreciate this book but there is nothing new or overly compelling here for my tastes.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

In Heart of Night and Fire, Nisha J. Tuli weaves a beautiful fantasy world based on Indian culture, history, and mythology. As a reader, you are just as intrigued and excited to learn more about this world as the main character is.
The main character Zarya has spent most of her life locked away in the middle of a swamp by the man who raised her. Her story takes off when she is brought to the city after this man disappears.
One of my biggest struggles with the story is that the main character reads very young and naive. She feels like a teenager even though she is 21. This made it hard to get into the story at first although she began to grow on me as I continued read.
Also the ending felt a little forced and too convenient.
Overall, the story was entertaining and engaging and I would pick up the next book.

"Heart of Night and Fire" is the first book in The Nightfire Quartet and is a strong start to a captivating journey into a world of magic where the rich tapestry of Indian history and mythology weaves into a fantasy. The setting and culture are a breath of fresh air for fantasy lovers, offering a unique cultural perspective that sets it apart from the usual fare. The book not only draws readers in with its fantastical elements but also resonates with the heartwarming theme of found family, adding depth to the storyline.
What sets this book apart is its immersive incorporation of Indian culture. Unlike many fantasy novels that often draw inspiration from European settings, "Heart of Night and Fire" takes us to a city of magic called Dharati, where Indian mythology is vividly brought to life. The addition of rakshasas and Aazheri sorcerers into the narrative adds a layer of mystique, while the author's attention to detail in describing the city's enchanting atmosphere immerses readers in a world that feels simultaneously fresh and enchanting.
My only issue with this book is that is described as an enemies-to-lovers, slow-burn romance. While intrigue around the main love interest in the book, there is very little resolution to the romance and we are not given much info at all on our male love interest until the book is mostly over. While I didn’t mind this at all as I was thoroughly enjoying the worldbuilding and characters, it came as a bit of a surprise considering the marketing. I anticipate the romance will be much more prominent in the second book (which I look forward to reading very much and will be pre-ordering).
"Heart of Night and Fire " doesn't just offer an engaging story—it transports readers to a world brimming with vibrant imagery, intriguing characters, and a fusion of history and fantasy. The book's foundation in Indian mythology adds a refreshing flavor that fantasy enthusiasts will relish. If you're a fan of authors like Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros's “The Fourth Wing” this book is poised to become your new obsession.

Heart Of Night And Fire by Nisha J. Tuli is the first book in a quartet of fantasy-romance novels inspired by Indian mythology. Her use of both Indian and South Asian culture across history give a beautiful and detailed visual of a magical story gripping from the first page.

20 year old Zarya, has lived near the southern ocean her whole life. Believed to be possessing a forbidden magic, she has been kept captive by the only father figure she has ever known. When he one day mysteriously goes missing, Zarya makes her big break, fueled by an unwavering desire to be free.

While on this quest, her path is met by Lieutenant Yasen Varghese and Commander Vikram Ravana after saving them from the Naga. She is then escorted to the velocious city of Dharati where she finds the citizens in desperate need of help against the demons attacking the city. To save her new home, Zarya must discover her true identity or the city will be lost.

Heart Of Night And Fire is described as a slow-burn, enemies to lovers fantasy romance. And while I will agree there is slow-burn, it’s not too slow where the book wasn’t enjoyable. My favorite part about the book was how easy it was to read and I literally couldn’t put it down. Tuli’s descriptive writing, worldbuilding, and character development will captivate readers attention from the first page and the conclusion will have them yearning to dive straight into the next book.

Releasing on September 15, 2023, I anticipate Heart Of Night And Fire being one of the most anticipated fantasy books for September releases. I can’t wait for the release of the second book in the series to see where Tuli takes Zarya’s story next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Second Sky for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.