Heart of Night and Fire 4.5/5 ⭐

This book felt like a warm hug, save for the gruesome demons and unrelenting blight plaguing the land.

The main character, Zarya, is everything you want in a FMC. She's fierce, but there's a gentle kindness that ebbs just beneath the surface. I was invested in her journey from the very start. Her wants were so human: love, family, connectedness. It was impossible not to identify with her. Zarya's thought process was dynamic and her growth throughout the story was perfectly paced.

Now, knowing little about Indian and South Asian cultures (unless you count a brief introduction in a college course), I wasn't sure what to expect with this book. However, the world within this book is staggeringly beautiful. I have never fallen in love with a book's details as I have with this story. The food. The scenery. The aromas. I could curl up in the imagery of this book. I felt a sense of comfort and overwhelming peace while reading... unless they were battling demons, of course.

As far as the romance goes, I was left wanting a bit more. Yet, that want will firmly propel me towards the next book to see how everything plays out... Maybe that's the whole point of a slow-burn? I guess I'm just impatient. 🙃

Overall, this was a highly enjoyable and refreshing read. This book releases on September 15th (in three days)!!! Go buy it!

Thank you to Nisha J. Tulli and NetGalley for granting me the opportunity to review this ARC. I had the best time reading Heart of Night and Fire! ♥️🔥

✨Book Review✨

Heart Of Night And Fire by Nisha J Tuli

I’ve been a slump lately and yet when I pick up this book, it is still impossible to put down.
In a world full of magic Zarya has little, but she is reminded everyday that no one can know by her only companions. Row may not be Zarya’s father but he’s the closest thing to one, even if he’s the only thing between her and freedom.

"Dharati wasn't just a city -it was cacophony: layer upon layer of color, people, carts, and animals roving through the crowded streets....This was it. The life she'd been chasing. The chance to experience something more."
This isn’t just a description in the book it is a description for the book. Nisha’s world building is so strong that you spend every moment reading right there beside Zarya.

I had to google many things throughout this read, I will admit that can be somewhat distracting, however it allowed me to learn a little about Indian culture in a way that made me want to keep learning.

The slow burn kept me on my toes the entire time, desperately waiting for more but not wanting to rush things, but more than the romantic aspects of this story is the developing friendships. Watching two strangers who didn’t really like each other turn into friends is just such a pleasant experience.

. I loved it.

This is the first time that I’m reading a book by this author and I am happy to say that this book was fast-paced and enjoyable. I liked that it is infused by Indian and South Asian lore and it definitely shows (even in the details of the clothes and the food). It is action-packed and fast-paced but I must admit, I had gotten a bit overwhelmed in the first half of the book because there where so many things being described, the many terminologies, as well as the characters being introduced. That being said, the author does a good job of portraying a dreamlike fantasy world full of all sorts of amazing creatures. The character interactions and friendship developments where fun to watch (especially Yasen’s) but the romantic relationships where stilted and left vague for this first installation. The family secrets and Zarya’s past took longer to unfold which did frustrate me a bit. Zarya’s character is not admittedly immediately likable for me but there where a lot of instances where I would have thought she’d pick a more trope-y choice of action, only for her to take a more sensible choice and that wins her points from me.

I. AM. OBSESSED.
If you've read this book, go look at the fanart on Nisha J. Tuli's website... It's just so beautiful. If you haven't, there are no spoilers but just go look at those glorious colours.
I love the whole crew in this book and do not have one bad thing to say about it.
It's adventurous, it's intriguing and it's so beautifully written I want to devour all of Tuli's writing.
I will be anxiously waiting for the next book.

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me the ARC for my honest review.*

This is the first book I've read by Nisha and I am in awe of her world building, imagination and powers of description. A story of magic, adventure, love and betrayal it was so beautifully written the words sang from the pages. I can't wait to read the next thrilling instalment.

This is my third Nisha Tuli book and I have been pleasantly surprised by all her books so far! While this book wasn’t perfect, it was a solid introduction to this new series and has piqued my interest for what is to come!

The story includes a lot of South Asian mythology and is really beautifully told. Tuli does a great job with world building and settings, and progresses the plot at a good pace. While there is a lot of mystery to the story, due to Zarya not knowing what is going on and us discovering it with her, I felt like we were given snippets of information in a well placed manner that allowed the reader to gather information and start filling in the blanks, without it being too info dumpy. I really loved some of the twists we got at the end with certain characters and plot points. While I had a feeling it was the case, it was still fun to see how they come about!

I was intrigued by the FMC, Zarya. She presents as a tough young woman who can take care of herself, while also being just that. A young woman with sometimes immature thoughts or behaviors. However, I found myself excusing a lot of them or at least being understanding of it as they were something that a naive girl who was raised basically in isolation would think or do. I’m excited to see where her character goes and how she’ll grow in her magic but also her personality and hope she’s a little more mature in the future.

I really enjoyed the side characters we were introduced to in the book, especially Yasen’s character! He was such a curmudgeon at first and we slowly see him peel back the layers until he and Zarya form this touching friendship. I’d happily be his second best friend too. There was some romance in here, and what we got made it clear this series will be more NA/Adult, but it started out with less spice in this one and maybe? a love triangle. With the story not being as romance forward, I was intrigued by the MMCs, but I’m not in love with them right now. Again, I am very curious to see where we go in the future books!

This book definitely has book 1 of a series vibes, where we are getting a lot of character and world development and spend a lot of time focusing on the introduction to this new setting. The plot is enough to hook you, but I think the next books will be a bit more exciting (think ACOTAR vs. ACOMAF). I’m really interested in what we will learn in the next books and to see where everything is going after how it ended!

Lastly, my chai count was 7 by the time I finished. This is the number of times that I had to stop what I was doing and make myself chai because of how often it was mentioned in this book.

There were elements here that I enjoyed and others I didn't. The use of magic and how it ties into the history and cultures being drawn from to tell this story. I didn't like the modern slang and isms used here. It didn't fit the world that the author is building. There is a mystery surrounding the main character that kept me intrigued.

The budding friendships and found family were also themes I enjoyed. I may continue this series.

I have been a HUGE fan of Nisha since I read her first book, Trial of the Sun Queen. She writes the most beautiful characters in the most beautiful settings, and the first book in the Nightfire Quartet is no exception!

Inspired by Indian culture and food, you will see a lot of it sprinkled throughout. Though I am not familiar with this culture, I still found the sights and smells described enthralling and so picturesque.

This is definitely a SLOW BURN, so do not expect a whole lot of romance or spice in this first installment, though I fully expect that to change in the next book. It is a young woman busting through her chains and figuring out who she is. Along the way, we have a found family, but found in the best of ways - friends. Her friendship with one of the main characters is probably one of my favorite in fantasy literature so far. PLEASE DON’T KILL HIM, NISHA!! The romance in the first book is also intriguing, but more in line with what you would see in real life. It is beautiful, yet hurts so much at the same time.

The twists and turns throughout the book took my breath away. They were not just at the end either; there were so many within the entire book. Even though this was a sort of slow read, the relationships, characters, and events left me wanting so much more - I cannot WAIT until the next book comes out. If you’re familiar with Nisha’s wiring already, you will know what I mean.

In short, this is an amazing read. I gave it 5 stars, and I cannot wait for book 2!!

DNF at the 33% because certain things about the mc and other aspects were way too corny for me. I'm not sure what the targeted age demographic is, and I know that mc is 20, but i still felt too old for it.

Absolutely beautiful! One of the best books I have read of 2023!!

This book is filled with amazing world building, a driven MFC who won’t stop until she finds herself and her powers, great supporting characters, awesome storyline and continuous twists and turns that keep the readers attention. I love the uniqueness of the story, it really is such a beautiful read.

This was such a good and enjoyable read! Although the beginning felt rushed and a bit chaotic, then everything was perfectly falling into place.

Some people might not like a bit extensive descriptions of clothing etc, however as someone not so knowledgable about the culture, it helped me to set the scene right.

The last 30% of the book went by a storm and the plot twists have been amazing. Cannot wait for book 2.

Enjoyable read. Fast paced and full of action. Extremely easy to read and didn’t feel like I had to force myself to push passed the slower parts. I enjoyed the whole concept of the races and magic. Channelling 5 elements and having a 6th to be mysterious and rare. The world building was unique and refreshing after reading so many fantasy books that are too similar.

Some parts were hard to understand in the sense of hidden points or moments that were forgotten and never mentioned again. Wasn’t a huge fan of the fact she was kept in the dark for 20+ years when she’s in danger of so many things.

The romances had a lot to be desired. I wasn’t a massive fan of Vikram..he gave me red flags so hoping she ends up with her dream lover instead. Although he’s also a red flag currently, especially with the cliffhanger.

Yasen is my fav <3 Literally get platonic soulmates from him and Zarya. I loved their development.

Looking forward to the next book to see how everything progresses after the ending!

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of Heart of Night and Fire by Nisha J. Tuli

The world building and Indian culture was really beautiful and immersed me into the story. I also really loved the mix of vampires, demons, and magic wielders they were very interesting to read about. The magic and magic system was very elemental which I enjoyed learning about, it was definitely creative!

Yasen and Zarya’s relationship in this book was really great, I enjoyed their dynamic. I cannot wait to see Zarya’s and Yasen’s character development, both individually and together, in the follow installments in this series.

Overall, I really loved the plot, the world building, and the mythology. I cannot wait to read more about this world and characters!

I would recommend this book if you love found family, magic, and enemies to lovers!

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

This story follows 20 year old Zarya, a human girl that has been trapped by a magical barrier her whole life. She loves to read and dreams of family, friends, love and freedom. Her captor and magical barrier mysteriously disappears. Zarya escapes to Dharati, a city full of culture, people, (vampire) rakshasa and magic wielders.

The blight is spreading. The city and surrounding areas are being attacked by demons and unnatural disasters. It’s getting worse the more time goes on. Zarya finds that not everything is as it seems. As she fights to help the city and tries to learn about her past and her secret abilities she keeps hidden, relationships are made, casualties increase, and more questions are found than answers.

Are her new friends trustworthy? Is the man in her reoccurring dreams real? Who are her parents? What is causing the blight? Does she have abilities? Should she disappear again?

Cannot wait to find out!

The world building and the beautiful Indian culture infused in this story is a great experience. This is definitely setting a foundation to a great series. I love the mixture of demons, vampires, magic wielders, peril, politics and found family.

Yasen and Zarya’s relationship in this book is a major stand out for me. I also became very invested in Amrita. I also love how the magic is elemental and individually anchored. I cannot wait to see Zarya’s character development in the follow installments in this series.

I need more of Rabin! Where has he been? He can shapeshift? Row is back! I cannot wait to see Zarya train and grow her abilities.

This is the kind of story and world building that stays with you and lives rent free in your mind. Nisha J Tuli is a treasure.

So far I've read three of Nisha J. Tulli's books, Wicked Is the Reaper, To Wake a Kingdom and now Heart of Night and Fire. Out of them the first is still my favourite, but this one isn't that far behind.

It was such an easy story to jump into, I didn't feel confused even for a second. There's no info dumps, we learn everything when Zarya does.

The writing in the past books I've read has been good, but I think it improved even more here, especially the descriptions. I'm partial to the food!!! GIVE ME ALL OF IT NOW!!!!!!

It's also very fast paced, which I like, and I also like that we got enough character development despite the speed.

Yasen is my favourite character, I love his friendship with Zarya, but because of his chemistry with her, I hoped he'd be the other half of the love triangle, not just a friend. We can't get everything we want though.

Zarya is my second favourite character (in her own story, I know), I liked being in her head, even when some of her choices didn't make sense.

Vikram is kinda just there, I don't mind him, and if the love triangle doesn't continue past this book I won't be upset at all. Even though I adore love triangles, but I think the final pairing has been clear since the blurb (enemies to lovers, which she and Vikram are not, unless if we get some twists?).

Rabin is probably my third fav, but that might change in the next books when we get to know him better. He didn't appear much in this one, but he certainly made an impact (we even got a "who did this to you" scene).

One of my friends who also got the arc buddy read this with me (hi Vish <3) and she saw the Rabin twist coming, I really did not.

We both kinda guessed something about Zarya but not fully, I'm still giving us a point though.

I really liked the plot, the world building, the mythology and I can't wait to see where it goes from here, and how much the characters will grow over the course of four books.

*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*

⭐ 3,75 out of 5 stars

Thank you to Netgalley and Second Sky for an ARc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

✒️
Zarya has lived in hiding and in secret for as long as she can remember without ever knowing why. Chained to an area of Row's choosing by his magic barrier. Zarya is more than ready to be free of this prison and live.

One day Zarya finally escapes, and ends up in Dharati, and city of magic and wonder; and people! Here she is free to explore and live life, and most importantly find answers about the mysteries surrounding her life and the handsome stranger of her dreams.

Unfortunately freedom isn't a dance on roses, especially when Dharati is under siege and threatened by dark creatures that grow stronger from day to day, threatening Zarya's new existence. Zarya decides to join the fight to protect what she loves.

📖
On paper this book should've been right up my alley and everything I dreamed of; romantasy in a well-written world and with the enemies to lovers trope.

This book is an absolute treasure for world-building and some interesting lore. I absolutely loved the world surrounding Zarya, and the nice descriptions of it. It's well-established and makes for a very nice framework to built a story in. Unfortunately some of the plot and the expectations I had to this ambitious work kind of got lost in all of the worldbuilding that happened.

The plot is very ambitious, and a lot of stuff is established in this first instalment of the series. When it competes with the worldbuilding, it doesn't leave a lot of space to let the plot cook and simmer for the time I felt it needed, which both left me wanting for the pacing and character development. This got better by the last 30% or so of the book, where there was more space for the plot to unfold to it's potential, compared to the first part of the book that really mostly established the world.

While I was left wanting for more connection to the characters and the plot cooking a little bit more, I am excited to see where this goes in the next book.

“She loved nothing more than losing herself in her beloved romance novels, hoping that someday she might find anything resembling that kind of yearning and passion and her eventual happily ever after."

Heart of Night and Fire follows Zarya who was forced to live her life in confinement by Row, her "parent" and his apprentice Aarav. Row keeps Zarya locked in the confines of a house using a magical boundary until one day he doesn't return to the house, the magical boundary has disappeared and Zarya sees it as her only way to escape and be free. Zarya as well as Row and Aarav have been living away from civilization secretly to avoid the blight that has taken over and has caused most people to flee to the north.

This book was so good. I will say that it dragged a bit in the first half. The first half was incredibly heavy on world building, which obviously is normal for the first fantasy book in a series. The beginning of this book was perfect set up for the found family trope. As Zarya escapes, she meets Yasen who at first I was unsure about, but came to love over time. He is sweet, caring, funny and the perfect friend for someone who has never had the pleasure of having friendship. Also, he calls her swamp girl and I think it's hilarious.

Now here is what is crazy for a romantasy book. Our love interest, Rabin, isn't introduced until nearly the end of the story. For the first part of the story I thought it would be someone else. The MOST slow burn romance I have ever encountered. We only get to see a bit of Zarya and Rabin in this book, as action unfolded as soon as they met. And I cannot wait to find out what happens betweeen them, as well as get some answers in the next book.

Overview:
- found family
- magic
- south asian rep/mythology
- hidden secrets
- enemies to lovers
- slow burn

Thank you Nisha J. Tuli, Second Sky and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. Available September 15th!

When is the next book coming out, lol?! I can't wait to read more about this fantasy world. I wasn't even in the mood for a fantasy book and was over a third through this before I put it down for a break.

Demons. Magic. A coming of age story about a girl who has been hidden her entire life and doesn't know why. Dark magic. Handsome warriors... it's all there. I will say I had to keep thinking, wait, how old is she? Her character read slightly younger than 21, but I can't wait to see how she grows!

I'm excited to see where this series goes! I'm definitely rooting for our new dark male character to get with our female MC! ✨

Thanks to netgalley for an eARC to review.

4.5 stars

"It was long past time to write her own story and stop living inside the pages of borrow reality."

Heart of Night and Fire follows Zarya, a young woman who has been trapped in a cottage by the sea, unable to leave the limits set by her guardian, Row. One day, Zarya is able to escape and make her way to the city of Dharati and enters a world of magic and monsters that she had only seen through the pages of her books. As she establishes herself in the city, Zarya learns about her history and magic, as well as forging relationships that she never thought she would have.

Nisha weaves a beautiful story using South Asian mythology. Her world building is top tier and if I could live within the book I absolutely would. The magic system is so interesting and I can't wait to see how it grows with the story, especially what part the Chiranjivi will play and how Zarya's magic will grow. The found family elements are amazing - Yasen and Amrita are by far my favorite. Rabin, while woven throughout the entire book, is a mystery that I can't wait to learn more about in the next book.

This book was really good and if this series will be anything like the Artifacts of Ouranos series, the next book will be even better! The first half of this book is a little slow and I had a hard time getting into it, therefore my 4-star rating. But the start do create a good foundation for the rest of the book and the phase picks up in the second half of it.

Our girl Zarya is looking for answers and just like her, I wanted to understand why she had been kept hidden all those years. This book is slow burn so do not jump into it expecting a lot of spice. However, the romance is good and I cannot wait to see how Zarya and the love interest relationships will develop!!

I freaking love Yasen!! His relationship with Zarya is absolutely the best. I had mixed feelings toward Vikram and Aarav throughout the story but ended up liking them in the end.

This book is filled with secrets, friendships, mysteries, and magic. You should give it a chance as this is a good start to a new fantasy series! I can not wait for the next book!