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.

HEART OF NIGHT AND FIRE
Wow!!! I tried to think of some catchy title but I am just so excited to write this review that I don’t want to take the time to do it. Lazy? Maybe. But I loved this book!!!! I loved the characters. I loved the setting. I love the different-ness from other stories like it. I thought it was just absolutely wonderful. Thanks so much to #Netgalley for the chance to read this!

Heart of Night and Fire (#HeartofNightandFire) by Nisha Tuli appears to be the first of 4 and I am so happy that it is. But I will admit it will be a long wait for the next ones. Last book I read that left me this anxious and eager for the next was Empire of the Vampire…

Zarya here is approaching her 21st birthday but she has lived a sheltered life, not able to stray to far from home due to a magical spell that keeps her with Row (the man raising her). One day he disappears and so does the magic keeping her stuck in her little hut. She escapes and finds herself in a city where she meets the Captain of the Guard who is also a rakshasas (kind of like a vampire) and his best friend. She and Aarav, who was an apprentice to Row, end up meeting the queen and settling in the city. And that’s where the story really takes off.

There is something going on magically and the city is in danger. It wasn’t hard to guess that Zarya will be important in the grand scheme of what ever that is – otherwise, would she really be the main protagonist – but it was still a wonderful adventure to find out why.

The story was colorful, filled with rich world building, wonderful character development and descriptions that despite me not know so many of the words was a joy to read. I could not put this down. There was action, mythology, magic and because this was from a very different mythological system (one that I have not ventured into reading before)it was amazingly fresh and, well, just wonderful. The images were so vivid I felt like I was watching the scene from What Dreams May Come where Robin William’s character is walking through a painting.

Ms. Tuli was compared to Sarah Maas and that was part of why I requested this title. And while I really enjoyed the Throne of Glass series and the first 3 of the Court of Thorns and Roses, this was so very different. The distinct differences in the mythology which serves as an inspiration and the culture that influences this gives it a very unique (at least based on the things I have read before) feeling. The closest thing I have read to this type of mythology was the Priory of the Orange Tree and even that (while wonderful as well) was very different.

There is so much fodder in the culture and mythology that serves as the starting point that it was easy to picture the lush green forest, it was easy to imagine all the wonderful smells from the food, and it was easy to see the characters and their colorful costumes. All because of the wonderful story telling found on the pages of this book. Not to mention, the descriptions used here lead to the instant ability to picture vibrant scenes with characters that were easy to like – even Aarav despite his issues.

And, I will admit I was also thankful for the author’s note in the beginning. Despite my (shameful) lack of knowledge of the mythology in play here it was nice to know that there was both a basis and “just” inspiration in that. Unlike the last book I reviewed where there were terms used that had no meaning and I spent all sorts of time looking thing up to no avail, here I spent time looking up much so I could have a picture, but not only found them but found the author’s use of the basis made it possible to read without stopping every few minutes because I was still able to form a mental picture from her wonderful descriptions and then looked stuff up when I could bring myself to take a break.

I would suggest, however, that if readers like me are part of the target market that a short glossary of terms might be a helpful add. I did hit a point where I was not looking up some things – if it was obviously foo or clothes or weapons (which most of the time it was obvious so a fuzzy idea was totally ok) or even the demons/creatures (like the naga – which I easily figured was a snake, but maybe the similarity to Nagini from Harry Potter helped since JKR once explained that Nagini’s name came from the word…) I found I hit a point where I was skipping it but if there had been a glossary I might have had a better picture. Not the end of the world there isn’t one, but often in books like this, there is one to help with just this type of thing. I will note, however, that I LOVED that the words were not italicized and I would NOT change that.

Bottom line: I loved this book!

This was a wonderful start to a new high fantasy romance series! The FMC, Zarya, has been hidden away in a small cottage on the coast for her whole life. Her guardian put up barriers around their cottage for her protection but it also makes it so she can't leave. Despite asking many times throughout the years, Zarya doesn't know who her parents are or even why she has been hidden away. She spends her days training and reading books until one day, when she is alone, she notices that the barriers are down. She takes this as an opportunity to finally leave and explore the world she has dreamed about for so long.

This was a super interesting read and I really enjoyed it! I'm excited to see what happens next and how Zarya develops her powers and learns more about her family. And hopefully some more scenes with her and Rabin!!

*3.5/5*

“Heart of night and fire” follows Zarya as she escapes imprisonment and tries to find answers behind her story. Zarya has been stuck in the same house with Row and his apprentice, however one day Row leaves without returning and the spell that keeps her confined breaks. When she leaves she discovers that the rest of the kingdom is plagued by monsters attacks and it’s on the brink of collapsing. Alongside Vikram and Yasen, two vampires met by chance, she decides to help and try to save the place where she can finally be free and herself.

I really enjoyed the world building of this novel, it was a bit complicated in the beginning especially since there are a lot of characters, but once you’re in the story there’s no turning back.

The characters were quite good, Yasen is my personal favorite, and I have an hunch that Rabin will be one of my favourites, too. I liked Zarya; however at some point she got a bit annoying and I wanted her to get a grip. I’m sure she will get there eventually, however Vikram needs to go away and not come back.

The magic system was great, the setting as well. it seemed to come out of the pages in certain scenes. The ending was also good for it being the first book in a new series as it gave partial closure, but also left it open for the sequel which I’m super excited to read.

In this book you can find: enemies-to-lovers, high stakes, found family, super cool magic system, vampires.

Thank you NetGalley and Second Sky for allowing me to read a copy of this book.

I want more! The scenery and the character development was some of the best in fantasy. I would love to now read more of Hindu mythology.
Nisha is turning into a favorite in Fantasy. Found Family, Chemistry. Lady has got it!

OMG I AM PRACTICALLY CRYING BECAUSE I WANT BOOK TWO LIKE RIGHG NOW AND THIS ONE ISNT EVEN OUT YET.

Okay so. I really like this book. Like quite a bit. This series is definitely one I plan to continue.

So, the first half of the book might seem a bit slow to some, but personally, I enjoyed the complex world building and the development of an AMAZING found family.

There are so many secrets and twists and turns throughout this book — I straight up gasped and yelled out loud towards the end. I just couldn’t put this book down. I would have probably read it in one sitting had I not convinced myself that sleep is a necessity.

The romance is definitely one I expect to be a slow slow burn stretched out through the series, but honestly I’m totally here for it. Sign me up for book two babes.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC of this book. This in no way impacted my review.

I cannot believe that Nisha J Tuli just started writing 3 years ago and has ALREADY gotten me HOOKED on two different Romantasy series! I am endlessly impressed with her writing style. I loved Trial of the Sun Queen and Rule of the Aurora King so when I saw an opportunity for an Advanced Reader Copy of this book I jumped at the opportunity. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own and honest.

I am so excited to see what Zarya will do in the remaining books of this series. I LOVE HER SO MUCH. This world is so intriguing and I loved learning about it. I have so many questions, hopes, and theories about this series and I'm looking forward to having them answered or confirmed/denied.

"A ghost from the past and a whisper of a future that is never going to be"

This was so colorful and vibrant, I loved it! This is my first Nisha J. Tuli book and I really enjoy her writing. This book is so vivid, and it transported me right into the heart of this Indian mythology-inspired, magical world. This book feels comfortable and familiar (in all the best ways), but at the same time, it brings in something new.

Zarya aka swap girl was kind of annoying. Like, do you have to be so stupid? But I guess it is what you get from spending your whole life in captivity only reading romance novels. The romance thing was kind of in the backseat for me - I don't really like her options at this point, but boy was I surprised - not only once, but several times about where things were headed! But Yasen, YES - my favorite, and I loved their friendship and banter ❤️

It left me hungry for more (no literally, I mean it, all the food they were eating...yum! And the chai🍵? Perfection!) I can't wait for the sequel!

Thank you to Netgalley, publisher, and author for providing me with an advanced review copy.

Thanks to receiving this ARC from NetGalley.
I do love this new World from Nisha J Tuli! Zarya is our FMC and she’s been held prisoner in a swamp. The dark magic is taking over. She’s seeking life, adventure, and just something to keep her going. Fortunately during this time she’s given books that help her build a image of what she wants…Freedom!

Surprising to her, shes released, and she runs. Along the way of her journey she meets new people. She’s able to develop a found family <3 .As she’s been held prisoner she’s naive to a default, but has self awareness enough to be cautious.

The world the Author built is beautiful and dark at the same time. Dharati is a capital for different magic wielders and creatures. They come together to protect everyone, but there are secrets. Zarya is desperate to find answers and is willing to hide parts of her self.

The Magic system is complex, and the info is a lot to sort. I also wished there was more development with a certain character. There are plenty of questions that need to be answered..and I’m here for it.

Every time I finish book I’m shocked that after all this reading books keep surprising me like that.

First of all I wanted to thank NetGalley for giving me opportunity to read eARC of that book. However it’s not surprise for me that I rate it 5/5⭐️ - let’s be honest, Nisha is an excellent writer and I love every other book she send to our world. With Heart of Night and Fire there was no diffrence - I LOVED IT.

Heart of Night and Fire is everything high fantasy romance book needs. The book is developing slow, but taking circumstances - Nisha created whole new magical World based on Indian and Chinese mythology and culture - it is good for us readers, as we can slowly soak and adjust to presented reality.

FMC - Zayra - is 21yo lost in her rage girl, who is kept as a „hostage” in a small cottage at the end of the world. Her self-called guardian is a magic wielder. We get to know Row as a protective yet secretive man. One day he suddenly disappears and with him his protection and spells that binds Zarya to this place, which means she is finally free. It is not easy to just run into the wild, because there is something wrong with lands that surrounds her.

Her jounrney really starts when she meets two extremely handsome Rakshasas - magic wielders that also happen to feed on blood🩸. She will yet has to find out what powers she wields, who were her parents and whats her role in all this mess that is happening.

If you love:
🔥 magical world with demons, beasts, dragons(or especially ONE dragon), wizards and vampires
🔥 slow burn romance with not obvious love interest (so Nisha’s style)
🔥 political plotting and powerhungry side-characters
🔥 hidden great powers yet to release
🔥 chosen family
🔥 world inspired by Asian culture and mythology
🔥 sassy FMC who grows up during the read
🔥 LGBTQ+ representation
🔥 „Who did this to you?” 🥵💦

If you are looking for spice, you won’t find it.. yet. I am sure we will get some pickle in second book - I already crave for it!

5/5 ⭐️
0.5/5🌶️

100% recommended.

I love everything Nisha writes and this book was no exception. I can not wait for the next and hope we aren’t waiting long!
The found family 🤌🏻
The chemistry of characters 🤌🏻
The twists 🤌🏻
The tensionnnnn ugh 🤌🏻🤌🏻

I am never disappointed

I wanted so much to like this book more than I did. It was a bit difficult to get through due to pacing and needing to look up an abundance of terms for clothing, weapons, and names, that I’m unfamiliar with. I appreciate the cultural references, and I am happy to learn about cultures different from my own, however, just one page would have several words I had trouble with, and eventually my brain would just skip over them for simplicity. To me, it’s not as important to know the names of the garments worn. Simple is better, in my opinion.

The different types of magic wielders were also difficult for me to remember and understand. Maybe it was simply too much to remember?

The story itself is interesting, but there was more monologue than dialogue. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it made the book a bit slower paced for me.

There are 2 MMC for about 80% of the book, and then in the last part of the book, there is a third. I wasn’t sure who the real love interest was going to be, until the third one was introduced. I do think this is an interesting and different approach to the enemies to lovers trope, but I wish that that MMC were present earlier in the book.

This book has little to no spice, except for one scene with FMC alone and a few kisses.

I am interested to read the second book to see where everything leads. This felt very much like a first book- setting up the stage for battle in book 2. In my experience, first books often have a lot of information and not a ton of action, and this seems to follow that pattern.

First of all, I'd like to thank you NetGalley, the publisher Second Sky and Nisha J. Tuli for providing me with a free advanced reader copy. This review is entirely voluntary, and it truly reflects my genuine thoughts about this book.

If you love City of Brass, The Serpent and the Wings of Night or Trial of the Sun Queen (obvs), and you're looking for another high fantasy book with slow burn romance to get lost in, this book is definitely for you!

Rate: 4.5/5
Spice: 0.5/5 (but I think authors is going to give us SO MUCH MORE in the next book in the series)
Tropes:

Secret/Hidden Powers
Hidden Identity
Found Family
Magical Creatures
Political fights
Slow burn

I got lost in this book completely. Our FMC annoyed me a little bit for the first pages of the book, but the author excellently explains what she has been through, and how she became the woman she is, when we meet her. The confrontation with the big world gives Zarya the opportunity to try all the things, that she read in the books about, but mostly to test herself as a friend, woman, lover, and fighter.


Nisha J. Tuli in amazing way shows us Indian world and mythology, that is a fantastic background for a great high fantasy story with magical creatures. The number of proper names characteristic for this culture could be overwhelming in the beginning, but let's be honest, this is exact reason why we read books. To live in different worlds, to learn new cultures, to fight with talwar and to eat a piece of paratha.

This book will be perfect for a reader who likes strong FMC, ready to fight for her loved ones. The world-building is amazing and I didn't even notice how fast time had passed when I was reading this story.

I wanted to love this. Everything in the description drew me in but nothing was delivered:
Fans of JLA? the rakshasas don't bite in a protective way or a sexy way, they just have sharp teeth
Fans of SJM? in a venn diagram they share the fantasy genre
A slow burn? So slow he's only mentioned 4 times.
Enemies to lovers? Their 2 interactions have been him saving her life...?

The content of the novel itself is okay. The mythology is fascinating and the story held my interest but it's kind of all over the place. The characters and the plot lacked depth. Everything sort of happens around Zarya and yet nothing really progresses. The city just takes pounding after pounding from 'the darkness' until Zarya comes into her magic at the very end. I guess we're supposed to accept that her dark magic is actually good demon-killing dark magic even though we learned mere pages earlier that the 6th dark magic is the bad kind of dark magic. We meet all these characters that are forgotten about by the end of the book. And then the romance is whack. We're first presented with Vikram. But this is enemies-to-lovers and he's very charming so it can't be him. Maybe her suitor is Yassen and it's turning into a love-triangle? Nope, they become besties. Could it be Rabin? I guess so but he pops up 4 times throughout the whole book and saves Zarya from mortal peril twice so I don't see how he's an enemy. There needed to be more depth and involvement in the plot.