A solid book 2 with amazing slowburn and I can't wait for more... This def did not feel as YA as book 1 and I was mostly impressed with Zarya until the very end
I did predict some of the twists in the story but I was pleasantly surprised by other moments - With so many characters and so many possible arcs, I definitely cannot wait to know more

AHHHH this book took me on an emotional rollercoaster. Between the slow burn romance (that finally happened), the (almost) loss, and the betrayals, my heart has been ripped apart. I laughed (I love Yasen but also, Rabin has a secret funny side), I cried (again, Yasen), I screamed in anger (ugh the betrayals!!!!!). I was STRESSED during the battles. This book had everything I could have hoped for in a sequel and I NEED the next book now!!

This is the second book in the Nightfire Quartet and it picks up right where the first one left off (on that giant cliffhanger)! We got even more world-building and got to explore the magic system even more, which was super cool to read. I love the addition of the glossary of terms and character list added in the beginning of this book. It helped refresh my mind of book one while also giving me additional context into the world. Zarya is just as badass as she was in the first book. She is struggling to figure out who she is and, every time she gets a new nugget of information, more questions arise causing her to continue questioning who she is. However, we see her come into her own as she learns more about her magic and her role in this world. The shift between enemies to lovers felt a little rushed to me. We went from “you are a spy and I can never trust you” to “I was an idiot for thinking that” pretty quickly. However, once the shift happened, I ate everything up. The romance scenes were swoon-worthy, with heart stopping one liners. Rabin quickly became one of my favorite characters, especially as we get to learn more about his childhood. Overall, I loved this read and really flew through it. I need book 3 ASAP because I think this is all I will be thinking about until we get more from this world.

Thank you to Nisha J. Tuli for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Dance of Stars and Ashes by Nisha J. Tuli
Book 2 in The Nightfire Quartet

Format: 📖

Tropes:
🖤Dragons
💙Enemies-to-Lovers
🖤Fantasy
💙Found Family
🖤Magic
💙Mythology
🖤New Adult
💙Romance
🖤Shifters
💙Slow Burn

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️

Review:
Thanks to the author and NetGalley, I received an ARC of Dance of Stars and Ashes, and let me tell you, this is a book you won’t want to miss! The story hooked me in with its strong characters, plot twists, and action-packed storyline.

Zarya's character growth was a highlight for me. Watching her come into her own as a young woman and as an Aazheri had me feeling like I could pick up a sword and battle for the fate of Daragaab.

But I want to talk about the real gems here: the relationships. Yasen and Zarya's friendship? Absolute goals. Their bond added so much heart to the story amidst all the chaos. They always come back to one another.

And speaking of chaos, the tension between Zarya and Rabin? Off the charts! Enemies-to-lovers? Check. Slow burn? Double check. The sexual tension? Thick as peanut butter.

Oh, and did I mention dragon shifters?

Bottom line: Dance of Stars and Ashes is a must-read for fantasy romance fans. It's got magic, mythology, and enough sizzle to keep you turning the pages. Mark your calendars for February 16, 2024, because this book is not to be missed! 🐉💫🔥

Que lindo volver a encontrarme con Zarya y seguir su historia. La verdad es que lo super esperaba y poder la continuación me encantó!

Comenzaré diciendo que esta continuación tiene un poquito más de 400 páginas pero que se pasan como si fueran 200. No les miento.

En este libro tenemos muchos descubrimientos, crecimiento por parte de Zarya y en cuento a sus vínculos afectivos. Pero no vemos mucha expansión en lo que es el mundo de fantasía que ha creado la autora y era algo que esperaba ver.

Es una lectura amena, adictiva, cuando uno lo comienza lo quiere terminar y cuando lo termina necesita el tercer libro porque NECESITO SABER QUÉ PASA.

Nuevamente, me encanta seguir a Zarya en sus aventuras y descubrir todo lo que aún tiene para ofrecernos Nisha. Espero ansiosa el tercer libro.

Gracias Second Sky por el ARC que leí en NetGalley a cambio de una reseña honesta.

Read this first book, it was good now I’ve read the 2nd one and it was good as well! Surely packed with twist and turns, romance and betrayals. Thank you so much for giving me n opportunity to read such amazing books.

What a joy this book was! I really enjoyed not only the storyline and the fun characters but the setting in the world building was out of this world. It was a super fun and entertaining ride and looking forward to reading many more. The writer did a phenomenal job With a fast paced story and plenty of twists to keep you entertained and not want to put the book down !

Zarya has learned the identity of the mystery man from her dreams; however, now that she knows who he is, she wants nothing to do with him. However, as demon attacks are ramping up, Zarya finds herself repeatedly drawn to Rabin. With threats looming at every turn, Zarya has to decide whether she can trust secretive Rabin.

Tuli did a wonderful job of pulling out all the emotions in this book. There’s a great balance between laugh out loud moments, heartbreak, high tension, and steam to keep any reader engaged. I am banter obsessed whether it’s between the love interests or even just banter between friends. Tuli is a master at weaving banter into her storytelling. While I love the banter between Zarya and Rabin, the banter between Zarya and Yasen exceeds it. One of my favorite moments from this story results in this amazing quote from Yasen, “What? His dagger was happy to see you? His dragon was stiff? His phoenix was rising?”. Yasen must be protected at all costs because he’s truly a gem. I also enjoyed how this book expanded the world building and went deeper into the lore with Amrita’s transition. Be prepared, though, to be kept on your toes because the betrayals run deep and plot twists abound. I can’t wait to see where Tuli goes with the next book, because I firmly believe we’ve been mislead on a few key truths, and everything isn’t as it seems.

I was glad to see that now that we’re into the second book we were able to flesh out a lot more of the story and get into the nitty gritty parts. I enjoyed the progression of the relationship between Zarya and Rabin though I did feel like Rabin went from hating her to chasing after her super quick and without much explanation as to why.

There’s plenty of drama and action as they battled monsters both known and unexpected. Again, I loved the cultural aspects woven through the story and I was googling trying to work out what is real and what was created for the story.

You’re not left hanging off a cliff at the end but you’re definitely left wanting more. Excited to see where Zarya’s next adventure takes us.

Thanks to #NetGallery and publisher for a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Genre: Romance/Fantasy
Format: Digital
POV: Single
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ /5
Age suggestion: 18+

I have been provided with a review copy of Dance of Stars and Ashes from NetGalley for an impartial review. This book was just so easy to get lost in. I completely got lost in the story and I just loved getting to see these new characters come together. I just absolutely love this story and I just didn’t want to put it down. I can’t wait to see what’s next from this author.

4.5 ⭐️

I was so excited to read the next instalment of this series and I was not disappointed. I didn't love it quite as much as the first but it was still an excellent read.

Loved the world, the unique magic system, the growth in the characters. The banter/friendship between Zarya and Yaseen, learning more about Rabin. I did find it dragged a little at points but mostly I was utterly enthralled.

Absolutely love this series though and I would definitely recommend it.

“Dance of Stars and Ashes” by Nisha J. Tuli is a fantasy romance read, inspired by South Asian culture and Indian mythology and is the second book in the Nightfire Quartet. Just as captivating as the first book, Tuli continues the story of our heroine, Zarya, a magically gifted bad-ass who’s finally coming into her own self in this part of the series, after having been sequestered from the rest of the world for a large part of her young life.

This sequel was a wonderful follow-up to the first book in the series. I enjoyed seeing Zaraya’s character and relationships develop and deepen. Not only do you see her growth throughout the story, but her companions (and secondary characters) also have their own self-revelations and growing pains as well. In this sequel, Zaraya begins to learn more about her own heritage and why she was spirited away as a young child and raised by Row (who, despite all his short-comings is really making an effort to get back in Zaraya’s good graces!)

The action and story development in this book definitely picked up more than the first book and - in my opinion - remained relatively on pace for most of the sequel. The surprise/not-so-surprise villain in the story and the subsequent take-over that happened was emotion-inducing - like, I wanted Zaraya to kick their ass so bad! It was almost maddening.

Finally, the developing romance between Zaraya and Rabin was EVERYTHING! You see each become vulnerable in their feelings for each other and it’s truly magical to see where their vulnerability and trust in one another takes them. His fierceness in wanting to protect Zaraya and keep her safe, while also giving major Dragon Daddy vibes just checked all the right boxes in this romantasy!

I absolutely enjoyed this book as much as I did the first one - maybe even more so. I look forward to the next book in the series!

“Zarya moved like nightfire itself, with vengeance in her blood and love in her heart.”

The second installment of the Nightfire Quartet did not disappoint!

This is a great follow up to Heart of Night and Fire. Dance of Stars and Ashes is action packed with tons of twists & turns (and some betrayals!!!) I found this book to be perfectly paced and a great mix of world building, found family, romance, & action scenes.

“…every eye in the room turned to the ceiling as the anguished roar of a mighty dragon rang out over the city so loud it shook every star in the sky.”

This world is STUNNING and has such a unique magic system! The intertwining of eastern traditions is so well done. The characters are also awesome (specifically Zarya) & there is so much angst and tension in this book!! I can’t wait to see where the next book will go!!

Dance of Stars and Ashes releases on Feb 16. Thank you to NetGalley & Second Sky for the ARC!

That was SO GOOD. I mean the slow burn was 100% worth it 🥵.

I loved Zaryas development in her relationship with Row, but I’m heartbroken by the diminishing friendship with Amrita (you know, the whole tree thing).

I don’t want to give too much away since this is the second in the series….but Rabin 🫠🫠🫠 I mean COME ON GIRL just forgive the man he is a dream (figuratively and literally). I just need them to be together, fighting demons and bad guys, and rule the world. Is that so much to ask for?

This story is so good, the writing is so entertaining, I just love it and I can’t wait for the rest to come out!

I’m so glad that I received an ARC of Dance of Stars and Ashes.

After I finished Heart of Night and Fire, I was (im)patiently waiting for this book and it did not disappoint. I really enjoyed the first book, but this one was even better!

I found every second of this book riveting. There wasn’t a slow part for me, which made me fly through the book. I’m also extremely attached to the characters, specifically Zarya and Yasen.

Zarya’s growth throughout this book was amazing and I can’t wait to read the rest of her story. I’m definitely looking forward to the 3rd book!

So glad I was able to get the chance to continue this series.

As book 1 I like this as well, but I really wished there were more from Rabin's point of view. Would love to know what went through his mind, feelings and thoughts before and during it started to heat up between them. Guess it's because I love to know the emotions from both sides when it comes to romance stories :)

That part I missed. This series stay as a solid 3 ⭐ for me.

Okay, so I LOVED book one. By MY GOODNESS... This one was even better!!!

The Nightfire series is easily becoming one of my favorite series.

The plot was super engaging, I could hardly put the book down. I love learning along with Zarya. It is exciting to feel like the MC is not keeping any secrets from us, as she is discovering the world herself. The relationship building is so realistic (both romance and otherwise). The slow burn... ugh, so freaking good! And the familial/friend relationships hit me straight in the feelings.

I absolutely love the Eastern fantasy world-building in this book.

Now to the disappointing part... I have to wait idk how long for the next books!! That is my only criticism (hahaha).

Dance of Stars and Ashes is book 2 in the Nightfire Quartet.

This book starts where book 1 ended. Zarya now knows exactly who Rabin is but it seems like he doesn't want anything to do with her; and yet he's constantly around her, watching her. There are multiple betrayals and newfound powers and knowledge.

I was looking forward to reading this book as I lived the first book so much and was delighted to be invited to read an advanced copy. But I was slightly disappointed.

The bad things first:
- Some of Zarya's decisions throughout the book were just stupid and immature
- I didn't like Vikram at all, him still wanting Zarya and his reaction to Zarya's decision
- I'm getting tired of male protagonists acting like they're not interested in the heroine but constantly staring at her but with eyes that show they care

Some good things:
- I was glad to see the "Cast of Characters" section as I did need a reminder and it was very helpful
- Zarya and Yasen's friendship! Their scenes were written very well, I loved it

I do want to find out what happens next in Zarya's journey and see her grow and embrace her powers.

"Love comes in many forms, even if its not one you immediately recognise."

4.5🌟

I absolutely love this world, the magic system is so novel, and I love the inclusion of eastern traditions, cultures and lifestyle. Nisha has such a flowing writing style that just makes her books devourable. The fantasy, world building, magic systems are top tier. Definitely on the reread list!

Thank you to Nisha J. Tuli, Second Sky and NetGalley for providing me with an E-Arc in exchange for my honest review.

Dance of Stars and Ashes is the second installment in the Nightmare Quartet and picks up right where the first book ended. Nisha has a true knack for not falling to the second/middle book syndrome, keeping the audience captivated and engaged with the story and not bogging the reader down with word vomit that some fall prey to in trying to quickly world build. Also, the Glossary in the introduction? that was both quite informative and hilarious in its playful writing.

I would recommend this book alone on its heavy inspiration of South Asian culture, which is found in every aspect of this series to date. The setting, the foods, the clothing, weapons mentioned, it is respectful of the culture that inspired the world as well as still keeping true to the Romantasy genre it is written for.

Secondly, I thoroughly enjoyed watching the relationships grow within this book, particularly the platonic soulmates that are Yasen and our leading lady Zarya. The found family within this friendship circle is a welcoming breath of fresh air and is not to be outdone by the action scenes.

Zarya is truly grappling with the discovery of her hidden powers, and the revelations that surround her identity. All on the eve of the rejection from her warrior prince/Dragon shifter that has been a feature in her dream forest. The darkness is quickly closing in on the cit and Amrita is preparing to take her place as the queen before all is lost. We fall into a world of betrayal, new journeys, acceptance and loss. I am honestly so excited to see where Zarya's journey continues as we say a (hopefully) temporary goodbye to some focal characters and expand further into the world Nisha has introduced us to so far.

I highly recommend this series to all Romantasy readers.

Dance of Stars and Ashes is the second book of The Nightfire Quartet by Nisha J. Tulli. I was also granted an e-ARC for the first installment by NetGalley and was fortunate to receive the second one, too.
I want to start by saying I'm so happy I chose to continue with the series. I wasn't the biggest fan of the first book, Heart of Night and Fire, and had my issues with it. 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. And then I got to the second book and was amazed! It felt as if it wasn't the same series almost. The pace was good, the relationship between characters more profound and deep and I felt I could understand their motives and needs. Zarya and Robin, the MCs, were much better in this book and their relationship wasn't rushed, which I truly appreciate. Yasen was great as a side character and I just want the best for him. Vikram felt much more interesting as a character and I got to understand his actions better, be it good or bad. And that betrayal in the end.... I was left speechless!
All in all, Dance of Stars and Ashes was so so good, and I really recommend The Nightfire Quartet series. I feel positive the third book will reveal so much more and hopefully, mend some relationships as well. I cannot wait for it!