A lot of this book can unfortunately be boiled down to "It was OK." Not bad, but certainly not memorable, either, and at most, somewhat enjoyable. "Romantasy," novels are hit-or-miss for me--for various reasons--and I'm not sure this is a book I'd want to continue. On the positive side, what really shone with the novel was the Indian-inspired world, which felt rich, vibrant, and endlessly interesting. My biggest gripe was that the protagonist, Zarya, lacked agency. Moreover, she felt very young, and for me, that doesn't work in a fantasy-romance setting that's Adult, not YA. If this were YA, I'd let this critique slide. Ultimately, I felt this SHOULD have been YA, as there wasn't anything that felt thematically Adult, either. It felt very fast-paced, which, while engaging, meant it lacked proper development with certain (spoilery) plot points and relationships.

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC (my first!) for this book, and it was every bit as amazing as I thought it would be!

This story had me from the first sentence, and Nisha's world building is astounding. I could see the colors and more often than not was hungry when I finally managed to put my book down (I am going to have to investigate Indian food now). Zarya and her friends did not disappoint either! No spoilers, but you'll need a fan for the heat!

I can't wait for book 2!

Thanks to Netgalley and Second Sky for the ARC. This is my honest review.
Solid, solid start to The Nightfire Quartet.
Most everything we love in a good fantasy is here. A heroine, hidden away for twenty-one years (but taught to fight and have some bad-assery), breaks free, discovers her magic, initial love interest (meh), hotter love interest (yeah!), funny and interesting secondary characters, cool monsters, darkness, stars, and a dragon. What’s not to love?
Some folks found Zarya to be a bit naive and annoying. I didn’t. She wasn’t gloomy and whiny, and I took the fact that she’d been basically a prisoner, locked away for 21 years, as a good enough reason for her to be a bit unschooled in the ways of the world. I did find it odd, though, when she mentions having had “fumbling relations with some boy behind a barn.” I couldn’t quite understand that reference, her having been locked up and basically chaperoned every second. That didn’t really make much sense to me. But hey, I went with it. Most of her views of the world are built upon everything she’s learned in trashy novels, so I guess I could relate.
The first half of the book drags a bit, and there is a lot of terminology taken from Indian and South Asian mythology, dress, and food - a glossary in the final book would probably be helpful. And it takes waaaay too long for the hotter love interest to show, but all in all a solid start.
Very little, to no 🌶 . Some kissing, fantasizing, and self-love….but that is bound to change.
As always, I hope the follow-up doesn’t disappoint. If it doesn’t, this could be a keeper.
Best line, “I’m on my way…don’t move.” Tee hee. Loved it.
For fantasy lovers - recommend.

Wow! Nisha Tuli can write, friends. This had absolutely everything I didn’t even know I needed in a fantasy romance. Zarya has finally escaped from her cage and is out to experience the world with a vengeance. I love her anger and excitement, her skill with a sword but also complete naïveté in conversation. She lives in this constant state of duality and embodies the paradox so beautifully that everyone can’t help but be drawn to her.

I love watching how she navigates friendships for the first time as a twenty year old just as much as experiencing her lush, slow burn evenings in the clearing with Rabin.

Now for the wait until book two…

Heart of Night and Fire is the first book in The Nightfire Quartet.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.💫

In a world where danger is rife and lands are ravaged by the blight, Zarya has remained hidden and isolated from the outside world most of her life. She’s told it’s for her protection but is never told why.

Being raised by her stoic guardian and his menacing apprentice, she’s been warned to keep her magic secret and taught to fight. In her loneliness, Zarya finds solace in romance novels and dreams of finding that kind of passion and adventure in real life.

Her restlessness for freedom and desperation for answers leads her to the sprawling city of Dharati. Along the way, she befriends two dashing rakshasas who open her life to new possibilities.

As Zarya continues searching for answers about her family and magic, she begins to dream and feels drawn to a mysterious stranger. Is he real or just a figment of her vivid imagination?

With the darkness growing and threatening to overtake the land, Zarya decides to help protect her new city. In her quest for freedom, Zarya ends up on an adventure of a lifetime.

Themes/tropes:
- Fierce FMC
- Action-packed
- Found family
- Banter
- Magic
- One horse
- Hidden identities
- Slow burn
🌶️: 1/5

I got swept away in this rich, vibrant world inspired by Indian mythology. The story is action-packed and the romance, while subtle, is promising 😉

"I can see how beautiful and brave and kind and clever you are and that you deserve untold amounts of love"

Although Zarya is sheltered and naive in the ways of the world, she loves fiercely and learns the hard way not to trust so easily. I loved the character development for Zarya and her new friends.

Zarya’s journey is only just beginning and I can’t wait to continue it with her!

Publication date: September 15, 2023

Book 1 is currently available for preorder and will also be on Kindle Unlimited on pub day

**I received a free e-ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Thank you to Nisha J. Tuli, NetGalley, and Second Sky for the opportunity to read this brilliant novel in advance!**

Big thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for the chance to review this book pre-release. I really loved this journey, and the world that Ms. Tuli crafted for us. A more formal review will be available on my IG/TikTok and Goodreads.

I've been a fan of Tuli's since I first read To Wake A Kingdom, but Heart of Night and Fire is on another level entirely. Zarya is a delightful spitfire and a perfect leading lady. I'm fully prepared to adore Yasen for the rest of my life and Rabin...what can I say about the sexy mystery man besides I need the sequel yesterday. I found Heart of Night and Fire impossible to put down with its rich imagery, persistent tension, blossoming friendships, and beautiful found family. It had my heart working overtime, my eyes often misty, and I cannot stop thinking about what happens next.

This was a very solid start to a very promising fantasy romance series. I really liked the exploration of Zarya’s emotions towards Row as it alternates between a father figure and a captor. I thought that her conflicting opinions made her more realistic as she’s understandably angry at him for keeping her trapped for her whole life but also caring for her.

The first issue was the lack of convincing rationale for the character’s actions which led to inconsistent characterization and generally stupid decision-making. It feels like this book was written with specific scenes in mind so the entire plot is structured to fit around these scenes. Character personalities, motivations, etc are changed to ensure that they go from scene A to scene B, even if it doesn’t make sense. For example, the events that led Zarya and Aarav to Dharati seem to happen with little to no explanation. Vikram and Yassen find Zarya and Aarav in the forest so they bring them in front of the queen. We are never given an explanation why they’re meeting the queen other than “it’s suspicious for them to be in the forests.” Once they get there, however, it seems that all is forgotten and they’re allowed to just leave the day after. It’s clear that for the plot, the author needs both Zarya and Aarav to be introduced to the social elites of Dharati but has done so in an extremely random way. In another example, Zarya wants to do something in secret but the author wants Zarya to be caught by Yassen. So instead of Zarya hiding in her room or any secluded area, the author makes her go to a public area even while Zarya expresses her desire to not be seen. Stated character motivations are frequently in conflict with character actions without explanation.

The next issue was the lack of character development for anyone other than Zarya, though this is somewhat improved in the second half of the book. The characters' outfits are described in excruciating detail to the point of becoming repetitive but their personalities are not developed very much. Vikram’s physical attractiveness is emphasized over and over but he has basically no other defining attributes or personality. Aarav is similarly devoid of depth, going from borderline abusive towards Zarya to a sort of brother-sister dynamic. I didn’t feel like I connected with any of the characters and I was not invested in their stories until the very end of the book.

The “slow burn” and “enemies to lovers” aspect of the romance was also a big letdown. I understand that this is the first book in a series but Rabin literally doesn’t have more than a few lines of dialogue in the whole book. The author keeps telling us that Zarya and Rabin have this deep connection, that Zarya “feels” like Rabin is trustworthy, etc but their actual interactions consist of “What’s your name?” “Where do you live?” and nothing else.

The author also tackles the topic of caste systems through the vanshaj, the descendants of two evil twins, who are marked with a tattoo and relegated to menial tasks. However, it is interesting to note that not a single character in the book expresses support for this caste system, even characters who are in positions of authority or power. It’s incredible how such a system of oppression could continue to exist without any character being morally complicit.

I think this series shows promise and I think the next book will be able to improve on the issues that I mentioned especially since a lot of the groundwork has been laid.

Thank you to NetGalley and Second Sky for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

After reading and enjoying Trial of the Sun Queen, I had similar expectations for this book. However, I did struggle initially with some of the names while reading. As a result, I found myself unable to get fully emersed in the world.

After about a third of the way into the book, I started to get more invested in Zarya's journey as her interactions with other characters gave her more depth. It felt to me that prior to this, the story was a bit lost and was trying to do too many things.

I enjoyed the Indian influences that came through, and the magic system that we begin to learn more about towards the end of the book is really interesting. I am looking forward to seeing how that develops more. I also enjoyed and am keen to see what occurs with the mysterious character we get introduced to towards the end of the book.

I appreciated the relationship arc between Zarya and Aarav and the growth they had as they began to understand more about each other. This was probably where I best saw who Zarya was as a character.

Despite a slow start, I enjoyed the story, and it was a relatively quick read. I will likely continue on with the series.

Thank you to Netgalley and Nisha J Tuli for the ARC. As familiar to exotic tales being an inspiration to many further tales, this was an exception. The world building was so intricate, the details were so detailed, I am amazed and still thinking back.
The initial 30-50 pages were a bit slow paced in terms of capturing me, but it improved afterwards and builded towards a better flow. The series can be one of the hits of the 2023, please dont make us wait.

Oh Nisha, Nisha, Nisha. What did I just read?!? This was so good! I definitely feel like I have been left on a major cliffhanger as to what happens next and I can’t wait for the ride to begin again! ⁣
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Hopefully no spoilers here, but I truly loved how her relationships changed within the book. Enemies become supporters. Slow burn. Secrets (from all directions)come to life in a beautiful way. Captor becomes protector. The FMC is strong, but not in the independent, I don’t need anyone way. It’s refreshing to see an intelligent, dignified girl seeking connection via relationships and willing to go for what she wants. ⁣
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I truly enjoyed this ARC. Thank you for the opportunity. I wish this ARC could’ve been a physical copy, because I felt the need to tag so many things! I only wish I would have seen a pronunciation guide. I tried my best with the names. The imagery of all the clothing, nature, and cities was beautiful. ⁣
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#heartofnightandfire

Tuli has stolen my heart again with this slow-burn, romantasy, vampire adventure. This author has an amazing talent with world building, never forgetting the small details she writes, including them in all of the encounters she has with that setting. Every time I read Tuli’s work, i’m transported into another well thought out and described world. I can see the world, taste the food, hear the sounds.
One of my favorite examples of this is everytime Zarya would enter Vikram’s family garden, the little Peri would make an appearance, never to be forgotten no matter how small they may seem in the story.

The story begins with Zarya, a human woman and FMC, confined to living with her captors with no explanation as to why she is to remain hidden. Although she has been living with them since as far back as she can remember, Zarya always dreamed of living outside of the secluded place she calls home.

Soon after the story begins, the man who made sure she never left her confines, Row, goes missing along with the wards that were put in place to keep her from escaping. Zarya’s freedom leads her to find her first two friends, Vikram and Yasen, with hopes of finding out why she was kept in the dark, where her true family is, and what is her true destiny.

After reading the Artefacts of Ouranos series, I was excited to dive into the first book of the Nightfire Quartet.

I love that Zarya is a strong protagonist from the jump. She’s trained in combat, she’s confident, she’s unafraid to jump in to help someone in need.

The world took me a little to get my bearings, but I quickly fell in love with the characters. Seeing Zarya’s relationships evolve with Vikram and Yasen and watching her find a family in them and Amrita was powerful.

As I expected for the start of a romantasy series, the ending just left me wanting more. I see the groundwork being laid for an enemies to lovers relationships starting and now that we know the full scope of magic that Zarya has, I can’t wait to see what she does moving forward!

Thank you to NetGalley and Second Sky for this advanced copy!

Heart of Night and Fire by Nisha J. Tuli is a masterclass in vibrant storytelling, painting an enticing image of a world adorned with the hues of Indian mythology, where magic thrums in every corner. This first installment in the Nightfire Quartet is a symphony of love, friendship, self-discovery, and resilience that leaves a lasting impression on its readers.

Zarya, our protagonist, is an undeniable force of nature – a mix of vulnerability and grit. Her journey from a secluded existence to exploring the captivating city of Dharati and the tumultuous world beyond is not just a physical journey, but an emotional odyssey as well. Her evolution, the embracing of her true potential, and the friendships she forges along the way lend the book an emotional heft that hits all the right chords.

While Heart of Night and Fire stands tall with its world-building prowess, character development, and a delightful infusion of Indian mythology, it sets the stage for something even greater. This book may seem like an introduction to the characters and their magical world, but it's clear that it's quietly laying the groundwork for a more expansive narrative in the sequels.

The slow-burn romance aspect is beautifully handled, creating a delicious tension that will keep you hooked, eagerly flipping pages. However, what truly stands out is the emphasis on friendship, bonding, and the concept of a chosen family. The dynamics between Zarya and the other characters are heartening, and the bond they share is the soul of this story.

However, there were moments where the plot seemed to stagnate, a lull before the storm. But even these slower parts are generously sprinkled with enough hints and intrigue to keep the reader invested.

Heart of Night and Fire is an enchanting read. A story that captivates from the beginning with its atmospheric setting and complex characters. Although there are some slow moments and unanswered questions that left me aching for more, it's evident that Nisha J. Tuli is setting up for an incredible follow-up. This book has left me excited and eager for the next installment in the Nightfire Quartet. If you're a fan of rich world-building, well-rounded characters, and a story where friendship and self-discovery take center stage alongside magic and mythology, then this book will surely not disappoint.

First of all, I would like to thank NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC.

I'd like to start by saying this is my first book by Nisha Tuli. I am an avid fantasy and romantasy reader, so judging by the description of the book, it should've have right up my alley. And the story really was - I liked the worldbuilding and how the plot progressed.

Still, I must admit there were some things I found a bit overwhelming. I really struggled with the first part of the book, not so much with the terminology (which was vast), but more so with the description and the narrative. The second part of the book was significantly faster in terms of plot and character development.

My main problem with the story is that I couldn't seem to connect with any of the characters. They were well written, but I just missed something (some depth, maybe) to form a connection with them. The relationship part, which is marketed as enemies to lovers, is there, but only at its beginning. I'm guessing we will see the relationship develop more in the second book.

Overall, it's a solid 3 star for me. I feel sad I couldn't give the book more, since I did have high expectations, but I'm hoping the second book will have a different impact on me.

Overall a great book! I really enjoyed it. I will say though there’s ALOT happening between world building and various characters. I fear some readers will get lost trying to keep up. I really enjoyed the magic system and the world that was created but it felt like Tuli dipped into a lot of fantasy topics all at once. For example we had different cultures with different elemental magics (LOVED this) but we characters also had some that drank blood, and some that possibly shifted into dragons, and Demons were present through out, but we also had fairies. I feel like often fantasy books only have a few of these things and they focus on that but this had bits of all of them. I enjoyed it and feel like there’s so much potential for the future of the series though and I can’t wait to see what’s next!

I loved the world building the author did immediately from the beginning. You feel immersed in the world from the first paragraph.

I love how the main character grows and learns in the story. How she recognizes her weaknesses and carries on, overcoming them. The other characters are well built also.

I enjoyed the storyline and can't wait until the next book comes out!

*Thank you so much to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the chance to review an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

Zarya doesn't know much of the world she has never seen other than what she has read and been told. She has only been able to leave the cottage before the power Row holds over her stops her from going any farther. She hates it. She wants to experience the world and fall in love like in her books. One day after Row leaves for a trip she discovers she can finally go farther than ever before. The barrier is gone. Is this her chance to finally see the world?

Nisha Tuli stated at the beginning of the book how she uses mythology as a starting place, but decided to make it her own. This is my favorite part of the book. The magic and myths of the world are beautiful and completely capture you as a reader. However, this book seemed like a set up for the rest of the books in the series. It was meant to introduce you to the world and characters. I think everything will get more exciting and intriguing as the books keep going. I can't wait to see what happens next and how Zarya is going to handle the struggles ahead.

This was a no from me.

Some things I enjoyed:
1. South Asian representation. This book feels like a love story to Tuli’s culture. From the outfits to the food and to the mythological creatures. It’s great seeing the characters crave chai instead of just the tea my western perception typically thinks of, and the characters wearing kurtas rather than a dress or pants that, again, I usually would imagine.
2. Okay really that’s it.

Things I didn’t enjoy as much that made the book feel like it dragged on:
1. Every outfit a character is wearing is described immediately on said character’s introduction. This isn’t necessarily a problem and can be helpful to address the status of the character. But it becomes repetitive when we’re being introduced to a large group of characters at once. And we do meet a good amount of characters within the first 25% of this. In addition, nearly every outfit Zarya wears is described. It’s tiresome and I just want to get back to the plot.
2. Many things happen around and to Zarya, but there is no active involvement from her. Here’s what I mean. Many of the catastrophic events occur when and where Zarya is present. She happens to be enjoying lunch and boom, chasm in the ground. She’s on a picnic date and boom, falling eggs. It continues like this for some time and eventually I got bored.
3. There are scenes that could have honestly been taken out all together and it would not have had any affect on the plot. Zarya finds out at around 30% of the book that her mother is pictured in a book, however, the book is not in a language she or the others around her understand. Then, some scenes occur in which it has no relevance to the story. At about 50%, Zarya finally decides to seek out a translator. Essentially, having the audience wait several chapters for this to occur lost the momentum from revelation to seeking answers. By the time Zarya mentioned a translator, I had forgotten the revelation even occurred.

I think this book has the potential to be a great story. Unfortunately for me, this one just kept dragging on and I eventually got bored. Even the eventual romance and final revelations didn’t interest me.

Heart of Night and Fire was a middling read for me. On the plus side, I loved the blending of Indian mythology into the narrative and the premise had a lot of promise. However, the execution, particularly at the start of the book, caused some problems. The meeting between the main characters felt forced, there were some inconsistencies in the plot, and the characters lacked depth and interest, so I never really engaged with any of them on anything more than a cursory level. The narrative structure did improve a bit later in the book, but I still found Zarya hard to relate to or empathise with. If given the opportunity to read on, I would give the second book a try, but I will not be racing out to buy it. Therefore, I am giving this book three stars. It's worth a look if you a keen to try out some fantasy based on different folklore and mythology.