2.5, rounded to 2.0

This book was ultimately just not one for me. I disliked the 'insta-love' between the two characters, and I found the magic system confusing, which, considering I'm someone who enjoys epic fantasy, I believe has more to do with the writing than my inability to understand it.

Additionally, this is not an #OwnVoices read. I am not South Asian, so I cannot comment on whether or not Dana Swift represented the cultures depicted within accurately; however, I feel this is something that should be noted so other readers can take it into consideration when deciding whether or not to pick up this book.

I tried this and sadly it wasn't for me. While the Charlie Bowater cover is fantastic and the elemental magic idea sounded fun, there wasn't any conflict really to me until chapter five. I know that these books are geared towards teenagers and this book really showed that for me. I respected Adraa for standing up for herself and an invention to take firelight to the people, but it felt so late to introduce some minor conflicts until chapter five. Plus it felt a little unrealistic that Jatin didn't even think to recognize Adraa when they ran into each other. I just kept waiting for something interesting to happen and it didn't really for me.

Obviously i loved this book because i love the author! I can’t believe the author isn’t asian but portrayed the story very close to home! I was very happy to read something with a homely feeling with a blast of fantasy!

Cast in Firelight was an adventure unlike any other! I enjoyed Dana Swift's worldbuilding and magic systems and found them incredibly easy to follow. Teens picking up this book for the first time will be enchanted by a cast of like-able characters with fun banter and even a blossoming romance. It's full of all teh things that make YA fantasy great and then some. Will absolutely be buying this for my classroom shelves.

I thought this book was a lot of fun! It was cool to follow the two perspectives and see how these two were very similar but also had some distinct differences. I liked the premise of them hiding their true identities to fit in as one of lower status within society and work towards helping their nation. The plot builds pretty fast and you definitely find yourself rooting for these two to work together. The magic system is also very cool. I liked learning about all the types of magic and what they could do with them. I like that the gods bestow the magic on them too. I think this book ended with a big conclusion and I am excited to see what's in store in the sequel.

I don't think this book was for me but I can think it has a lot that other people will enjoy.

There was great world building and I loved the arrangement marriage trope. I just felt like there was a bit too much happening. Which is to be expected in a new world fantasy but it definitely felt like too much sometimes. I absolutely loved that there was so much humor though!

Great read! Both characters were very likeable and the ending was intense. I can’t wait to read the sequel.

I quite enjoyed this one! The synopsis didn't catch me right away, but I found that I enjoyed it more than I thought I would!

This book is a quick, fun, and easy read. I really loved the characters and their banter is perfect! I really appreciate the more simple type of world building and magic system. When books have such elaborate systems I get overwhelmed and this was done nicely. I cant wait for the next book and definitely recommend reading this book!

This one took me a bit to find my groove but one I did I was flipping pages like crazy. I’m always for finicky with YA fantasy books. It’s hard to find that keeps me going. But this one did.

“A satisfying romantic fantasy with a badass heroine and memorable setting….[Perfect for] fans of Susan Dennard and ­Roshani Chokshi.”—SLJ

I will readily admit I was drawn in by the cover of Cast in Firelight--really great style and color. Thankfully, the author's (Dana Swift) story matched the compelling cover. I believe this is the first in a series and I will likely try to read the sequel (Bound by Firelight) at some point.

I received this free eARC novel from NetGalley. This is my honest review.

This has been on my TBR pile for so long, and I'm glad I finally got around to it. I really enjoyed the storyline and seeing the characters change throughout the story was a great character development. The plot was great and kept my attention. I'm glad I got the chance to read this and will be on the lookout for more in the future!

Concept was interesting, but not enough to keep me hooked. I primarily picked it up because of the cover, but unfortunately the inside did not live up to my expectations. There are so many books and so little time, so even some that might be good sometimes have to be DNF'd.

I was excited about this book because it was set in Ancient India. I thought that I would learn about different cultures. However, I found the world-building to be confusing. I could not get interested in all the characters. The romance seemed instant love and not well developed. Thus, it left me indifferent. I think it would have been better if the author took her time and focused on the characters and the world-building. Still, I recommend this for fans of Firelight.

I throughly enjoyed this story!

I love the arrange marriage trope and it’s even more fun when they meet again not knowing it’s their betrothed. The secrecy and the guilt as they begin to fall in love was so fun to read.

In the middle of the story I began to lose some interest in the story. The only thing keeping me going was the romance. Although, I could have used a little more build up and less Insta-love.

The ending was confusing a big and I have more questions then Answers but considering there is a second book I’m sure I’ll get them.

I did read that there were some aspects to the story regarding South Asian representation that is misrepresented. It is not my place to say, but in the end this book is a fantasy.

Overall I really did enjoy the story. If you are someone who really likes romance in fantasy books then I think you’ll enjoy this one.

This started off well for me- interesting and well developed magic system, multiple personas/ identities, great clothing descriptions, nice character development.. but sadly, then it waned, didn’t keep my interest.

I loved this book, I purchased the next one on my own! This is a great tale and is supported with well developed characters.

I received an e arc from Random House Children's Books through neutrally for an honest review.

Great quick read. It was fast pace and I finished the book within two sittings.

Having magic be different colors based of the gods they correlate too was a fantastic touch. I only wish we were able to see that information given throughout time rather than in an information dump closer to the beginning of the book. Though it was nice to have a magic system simplified and it not being “all powerful” or able to do anything the plot demanded of it.

As for the romance thread it felt more like an instant love rather than the slow burn/ banter filled enemies to loves that I though it would be based off the description of the book. But again, because I read this book so quickly, that could just be my interpretation of it.

Over all I give this book 4 stars. This is definitely based off personal preference as I love books that can be described as “drawn out” because I love that extra time I’m given to really get to know the character hers, their wants, feelings, and innermost thoughts. But I can see myself thinking about Adraa and Jatin and will be reading the sequel to this book to see how their journey progresses.

This was a classic case of the cover making me request it, and my thoughts on it are about as superficial. It was okay, nothing new or groundbreaking to the world of fantasy in my opinion. That doesn’t mean it’s bad, but having read SO much fantasy at this point it’s nice when a book brings something new to the table and I felt like this did not. The magic system tried to be cool and interesting but it fell flat to me.