“For every brown girl who wanted to be the chosen one too”

This is the second book by Nisha J Tuli I have read and I love it. What I love most is that it is immersed in Indian inspired culture. The main character is a brown skinned girl and until reading books like this I never realised how much that was lacking when I was growing up.

I adored the world building and the set up for this series. The main character is easy to root for and you find yourself wanting to solve the next bit of the fantasy puzzle. I am looking forward to more from this series and author.

Give this a go if you are after a fantasy romance. If you are after a fantasy romance by a POC then definitely pick this up!

Zarya has been hidden away her whole life. She doesn't know why Row has hidden her away and prevented her from leaving the cottage on the southern shore. Ro has cared for her, in his own way. What she does know is that she can fight and she can kill the demons in the swamp. When Row disappears, now might be her opportunity to escape. Zarya takes Ro's sword and horse, and rides for the swamp. Little does she know that Aarav, Row's assistant is hot on her heals.

When she rescues two Rakshasas from demons in the swamp, she actually rescues Rani's Vasvi's Guards Commander Vikram and Lieutenant Yasen. Two people who will become so important as Zarya starts on a journey to find herself and see more of the world. As always, nothing is as it seems. The demons are increasing and threatening the city of Dharati, Zarya starts to fall for the one man she cannot have, and developes a familial relationship with the other man.

I cannot tell you how much I loved this story. It really had it all, found family, angst, love, friendship, disaster, and magic. I listened to this as an audiobook and the only slight disappointment was the narrator didn't differentiate between the characters as much as I would have liked. However, this did not detract from how amazing this story is. I am seriously pacing my house waiting for the next in the Nightfire Quartet. Oh, and you will never guess how this book ends!

Big thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture Audio and Nisha J Tuli for this early release copy in exchange for my honest review

Just a note, when I try to share review to Amazon, it pops up as the Wheel of Time and won't allow me to post on Goodreads automatically through this app. I still did so - on both - but someone should know.

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.

The narrator for the audiobook was also amazing. She had a beautiful and soothing voice, and I enjoyed listening. It gave the book a whole new dimension and really helped me with pronouncing some of the names.

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

Mind blown by this gorgeous fantasy novel by @nishajtwrites. Her imaginative storytelling captivated me from the very first minute. I’m super picky about fantasy, but Nisha’s writing has the perfect recipe of great writing, exciting plot twists, loveable characters, and romance! She’s now officially my most-read author from the past two years! Grab your copy today of her latest novel today... and all her others while you’re at it

Oh. My. God.

This was incredible - it truly is the perfect fantasy with a dash of romance. The representation is freaking perfect, the pacing, you guessed it, also perfect, and everything here is truly *chef's kiss*

It definitely takes the slow burn seriously, and it gets a smidge info-heavy in the first half, but overall, it really is exceptional. I listened to this at a pretty quick clip, so I still found it to be great and decently paced despite that, I might have felt differently if I was reading the actual book.

I am so excited to see where this story goes. The characters are really complex and there is clearly a lot more of the story to tell.

This book was absolutely phenomenal and I LOVED the audio to it. It was definitely worth the read and listen, as I did both simultaneously. It was one thing to read the book and read the imagery that Tuli wrote, but a complete other to HEAR it.

I didn’t love this book. It felt like there were a lot of character inconsistencies and that their actions didn’t make sense some of the time. I LOVE Nisha’s Artefacts series but probably won’t continue this one.

🧡Heart of Night and Fire🧡

I’ve had @nishajtwrites Trial of the Sun Queen on my tbr since I first heard people raving about it. So when I saw Heart of Night and Fire on NetGalley I raced to request it! Also, how stunning is the cover! I definitely need a physical copy on my bookshelf.

‘A city of magic. A passion born in dreams. A secret that will set their world aflame.’

Are you intrigued yet?!

Be prepared to enter a dazzling new fantasy world inspired by Indian mythology! My favourite part about the first book in any new fantasy series… the world building! And this world-building was absolutely stunning, everything was incredibly vibrant and filled with colour. You just wanted to get lost in the cities and gardens, especially the glittering city of Dharati.

And It’s the city of Dharati where our FMC seeks refuge. For years, Zarya was trapped in a gilded prison as her magic is forbidden. Yet she doesn’t know why. Wanting the truth Zarya escapes to Dharati, where she discovers a new world filled with enchantment, intrigue, blood-drinking rakshasa and magic-weaving Aazheri sorcerers.

But that’s not all. The city is under siege from dark creatures, who’s strength only grows each night! To protect her new home, Zarya joins the fight. But will revealing her magic save the city or destroy everything she loves?

If you’re yet to be convinced @nishajtwrites has also written some amazing characters you can’t help but fall in love with! And a found family that made my soul so damn happy. There’s one particularly handsome and arrogant character that I’m dying to see more of in book two 😏

And the audiobook narration…absolutely spot on! The narration really made the story come to life.

🧡South Asian Mythology
🧡Fantasy x Romance
🧡Hidden Magic
🧡Found Family
🧡Enemies to Lovers to Enemies
🧡Forced Proximity

I absolutely can’t wait to read what happens next in The Nightfire Quartet.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Huge thanks to @netgalley for my advanced listener copy. If it wasn’t for the audiobook I %100 would’ve struggled to correctly pronounce some of the character names initially.

This book has all the making of a fantastic epic tale with phenomenal culture and representation and I can see how many will enjoy this story.

Our main character is badass right off the bat which draws you in however it quickly becomes slow, confusing, and found I no longer cared about the characters. Though well written, I just couldn’t connect.

I felt like I needed a reference section (I was listening to the audiobook so this could be a thing) and found myself constantly googling terms - which is good in a learning way but also completely took me out of the story and found me wishing there were more descriptions surrounding these terms so it’s easier to understand the context.

I can see a second book being a make or break for me for these characters and am open to seeing how it turns out.

Thank you NetGallery and the author for this chance to read this book!

I read an ARC of Heart of Night and Fire back in August and I was THRILLED to have the opportunity to enjoy the audiobook. Nisha is one of my favorite authors. I've loved everything I've read by her. The banter. The chemistry. The dark, sexy, broody enemies-to-lovers vibes are *everything*.

I especially enjoyed the audiobook of this story. The narrator does an amazing job of capturing each character's essence and making them unique. I also learned that I was mentally misprouncing nearly every proper noun 😅

Audiobooks are great for teaching you how to properly say someone's name.

Zarya is desperate to be free of the cage she’s spent her life trapped in. She doesn’t know how she came to be in the care of her guardian or anything about her parents all she does know is that she’s been hidden away from the world and isn’t supposed to ever reveal her magic. Until one day when her guardian disappears and the magic keeping her caged is suddenly gone. What else is a girl to do but steal his horse and sword and get as far as she can away from the only home she’s ever known. She finds her way to the city of Dharati with her missing guardian’s sullen apprentice and a couple of people she met a,one the way. Here for the first time in her life she is free to make her own choices and figure out what she wants to do with her life. She might even find love... but her missing guardian and his secrets keep her from moving on. And the fact that the city’s magic is failing and demons are constantly attacking is a bit distracting. Just like the mystery man in her dreams. Zaria has a lot going on and that’s before her magic decides it wants to be set free and secrets from her past are revealed...

I loved this story... I loved Zarya and Yasen especially. There was truly never a dull moment. I loved the world and the magic and just everything can’t wait for book 2 to come out. And I really need to know more about Rabin.

The narration was perfect.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

A city of magic. A passion born in dreams. A secret that will set their world aflame.

Heart of Night and Fire is the start of a new fantasy series and I’ve gotta say, this first instalment hasn’t disappointed me!

We follow the story of Zarya, a young woman who has lived her entire life in isolation, forbidden to leave, forbidden to use her magic. She yearns for escape and to discover the truth.
With the aid of blood-drinking rakshasa and magic-weaving Aazheri sorcerers, she makes her way to the city of Dharati.
However, Dharati is under siege, each night, dark creatures attack!
Zarya join in the flight to aid her new home while slowing uncovering who she is and keeping it hidden.
As the threat against Dharati grows stronger, Zarya must decide to reveal her magic to save the city or risk destroying all she now cherishes.

The magic system was unique, and I enjoy uncovering the secrets behind Aazheri, yakshi, rakshasa and other elemental races. I can see this all being expanded as we go through the series.

Heart of Night and Fire definitely delivered in the worldbuilding, complex and well described, it led to a very immersive experience. I am particularly fond of fantasies based around Asian cultures. There’s always so much rich history to pull from.

The different relationships in this were great, both the romantic and platonic, I was here for it. Especially the frenemies to friends relationship between of Zaraya and Yasen.

“Does this mean we get to ogle handsome men together?”
“You name the time and place, Swamp Girl.”

Rabin’s story arc intrigues me so much and I was absolutely left hanging.
A brooding mystery man she sees in an alternate realm of her dreams? Sign me up. I am excited to see where that all go in book two.
Dragon?? 👀 👀

What you’ll find in Heart of Night and Fire:
🔥 Forced Proximity
🔥 Slow Burn
🔥 South Asian Mythology
🔥 Indian World Building
🔥 Fantasy x Romance
🔥 Hidden Magic
🔥 Mysterious Figure
🔥 Found Family

“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.”

Lastly, let’s take a moment to bask in the beauty of this cover!
I can’t wait to see what’s next in this story in Dance of Stars and Ashes.


I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you NetGalley for this gifted copy.

Nisha created a colorful world and unique magic system. Walks the line between YA and Adult. Found myself saying "oooh kiss him... no kiss him.... actually kiss him", so many love interest potential. I did see the twists coming, but I still enjoyed the story. I think if you liked the Red Queen series you will like this.

I’m a huge Sarah J Maas fan and need something to hold me over till Crescent City #3 and the next installment of ACOTAR so I wanted to give this one a try.

Overall, I think it’s a solid start to the series and the world building was really good for a debut novel. There were times I was completely hooked, and other times that I felt it dragged on. The main character Zarya is very well developed and as time goes on you get to see her become more confident in who she is and her abilities. It’s definitely a slow burn when it comes to romance, which I didn’t mind at all.

Yes, I will be reading the next installment of the series.

Long story short, I'm obsessed. But it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows to get me there, and for that, I really can only give this book 3*. HOWEVER. I truly believe the remaining books will all be 5* books for me.

I love the premise of this book. I love hearing about lore from other cultures. But I would like to point out that none of this review will be about the lore because I am not qualified to comment on it as I have no experience with Indian culture or lore.

I actually debated reviewing the first 90% of the book and the last 10% of the book completely separately, but I think I'll stick to stacking them in the same review.

The first 90% was just so disappointing. It was slow, the FMC was annoying, and the story was largely uninteresting because virtually nothing happened. There was SO. MUCH. WORLD. BUILDING. I'm desperately hoping it becomes relevant in the next books because otherwise, there's way too much. Too much exposition is such a big pet peeve of mine, and I feel like this exposition, if relevant, could have been spread out with SOMETHING plot-related happening in between. By the end of this section, I was honestly questioning if I'd be listening to the next book in the series.

The FMC's obsession with internally debating the fuckability of every male character she encounters is very annoying. I had such a hard time connecting with her. She boy hops relentlessly - to the point where she even calls herself out on it. She determines these guys' trustworthiness based on how attractive she finds them and it causes the vast majority of the conflict in this part of the book. I will acknowledge that she desperately wants to be loved, and that likely plays into this issue as she looks for love wherever she can get it. It's still super annoying. She does start to value platonic relationships after a while; she finds a close friend in Yasen (after she finds out he's not interested in women, of course) and in the princess. These relationships are so sweet and I absolutely love that for her.

Now, for the last 10% of the book: Holy. Shit. The plot. The intrigue. The interest. At the end of the audiobook, the narrator made a statement about if you would like more of Zarya and Rabin and boy, WOULD I EVER. Enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes and I am so excited to see how that plays out.

The last 10% of the book more than made up for the lack of oomph in the first section to the point that I'm actually devastated it ended and I have to wait for the next book. I make it a point to avoid spoilers in my reviews so I can't really say much more. But I am SO ready for book #2.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the early access audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

The thing that sucks about reading “Book 1” as an ARC is knowing there is no book two to immediately devour. Which is what I would be doing right now if I had it.

This was such an interesting and fun story to read. It is different from what I have been reading and refreshing. There are a few things that made me raise my eyebrows, and I am curious on how that is going to be played out as the story progresses. however it is a spoiler, so I shall keep those musings to myself until we get further into the series.

The story is about a girl that has been held prisoner for the past 21 years of her life and suddenly finds that she is no longer being held captive by her magical restraints, and what she does with her new found freedom.

The world that Tuli creates is imaginative and completely immersive. You will find yourself wanting to walk the streets alongside her characters to live a day in their life. . . That is, perhaps, without all the demons.

While I enjoyed reading this book, I think I liked it even more the second time through listening to the audio. The Narrator, Shiromi Arserio, brings Tuli’s words to life with her narration. It was a pleasure to listen to.

Thank you NetGalley and Second Sky for the ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the audio-ARC of Heart of Night and Fire.

This is the first book from Nisha Tuli that I've read and I really enjoyed it. I plan to read some of her other works in the future.

Overall, I thought that Heart of Night and Fire was good and I do plan to continue with the series.

I did find the first half of the book to be slow and it did take me a while to get into it. There was a lot of world-building during the beginning, which I think contributed to this. However, I do think that the background on the world and the magic was necessary, as there is a lot of information and this is somewhat typical of first books in a series.

There are quite a few characters and creatures that you're introduced to throughout the story, and I did find it hard to keep a lot of it straight. I am not sure if this is a product of the audiobook and there only being one narrator or if it's something that would have happened if I had read the book on my own. I think that a glossary of terms/characters could have helped with this (not sure if the physical copy of the book has this).

The main character, Zarya, was not my favorite for most of the book. However, towards the end, I did find her growing on me. Yasen is by far my favorite character and I think his relationship with Zarya is what turned me around on her. I would definitely read a novella just based on the shenanigans those two got into!

I liked all the mystery surrounding Zarya's background and while I was able to guess some of the twists, it didn't really detract from my enjoyment of the story. I also spent a good portion of the book thinking that we might not learn anything and it wouldn't start to be revealed in the next one, however, there were some questions answered by the end. With these remaining unanswered questions, it's definitely set up for the next book and leaves the reader looking for more!

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this audio book.
I have read the story a couple times now. Listening to it gave different feels.
Nisha's writing immerses you into a South Asian lore and fantasy. I love all of her books and cant wait for more!

Thank you to NetGalley who provided me with an advanced audio copy of this book in an exchange for an honest review.

I had previously read 2 of Nisha J Tuli's books and was extremely excited to begin a new journey, especially when the buzz words 'enemies to lovers' were used as that is my weakness in a major way. This book did not disappoint in that regard, however this book is very much the start of the story. We have an introduction to a fair few characters, some truly beautiful world building filled with colour, taste and smell and a fantastic story that you were dropped right into. The pace worked well for me, we were given information as the story unfolded and the characters developed.

The audio narration was very good and easy to listen to with great pronunciation. However i must confess that I finished the book on my kindle as I can read quicker than I can listen and I was desperate to finish.

Hopefully we don't have to wait long for book 2 because I cannot wait. Nisha J Tuli has definitely become a auto buy author for me.

Great start to a new series from Nisha j. Tuli. I really liked her Trial of the Sun Queen series and this one didn't disappoint though it was a new series. She's got a good thing going and I'm definitely interested in the next installment. Also, the audiobook was well done, which i appreciated. I liked the characters though I don't care for love triangles in romance books. Still, I enjoyed the story plenty and would recommend! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review! :)