I was uneasy initially about how much I would like this book because I didn't enjoy the tone. It's definitely YA given its topics, and the creepy hijinks the villain gets up to in the story. The action scenes were good and the romance was nice although the cinderella style narrative choice for the romantic arc was a little unnecessary. I would've preferred something else to carry the romantic conflict, but it was really lovely seeing both main interests wanting to change how they were perceived by each other, their families, and their country - that was a very strong thematic thread that was depicted in a really great way.

"Cast in Firelight" started a little slow in the beginning, but it picked up fast and kept rolling with the action. I loved the world building, and although there are many gods and types of magic to keep track of, Dana Swift makes them easy to remember with her clever naming system. And I knowww she said it's not enemies to lovers, but it definitely has the same feel.

While I probably would have enjoyed "Cast in Firelight" more had it been OwnVoices, it definitely left me wanting the next book ASAP! I would definitely recommend this one for fans of Alwyn Hamilton's "Rebel of the Sands" series.

I was definitely not expecting to like this book as much as I did. From the very start, I was hooked. I literally couldn't stop reading. A rivalry-to-lovers, rom-com, and adventure fantasy story? You got me!

It's been a while since I read something focusing on both romance and fantasy, and I realise now how much I've missed it. And I will say that the author managed to perfectly blend romantic elements with fantasy and action. The writing and plot were addictive, and the characters were intriguing and complex. Adraa and Jatin? Oh, I loved them so much. Often, I hate fast-developing romances and insta-love, since I usually love pining and yearning. But this book? I was in for the romance from the very start.

Moreover, the world-building was amazing. The magic system and Southasian-inspired world? Woah. I will admit that I was a little disappointed that this book wasn't an OwnVoices story. Yet, then I read the author's note:

"I can’t pinpoint the exact moment my inspiration for Cast in Firelight hit. It was a mix of old and new ideas fused together. But I can tell you the world of the story came from my husband and our conversations about culture, children, and what it means to be an interracial couple.

I know some readers may be disappointed that this story isn’t #OwnVoices. You may look me up and see my pale skin (and one of the most English names in existence) and wonder why I tried to craft a fantasy in which none of the main characters look like me. And for me the answer is simple: because these characters will look like my children."

I am not South Asian, so I can't say if the culture and values were represented perfectly. Yet I do believe the author handled the world-building and themes well.

Overall, I found myself really enjoying this book. The world of Wickery, the playful and witty banter between the main characters, and the magic system was something I really loved. I highly recommend reading this book when it's released in January!

Over and out. -Nora<3

***ARC Review***

I read this book in two days. Cast in Firelight hooks you right from the start and keeps the pages turning. I was invested in the characters almost immediately and the relationships in this book are done incredibly well. Not only is the romance absolutely amazing, but the focus on platonic friendship and familial relationships is intricate and heartwarming, I truly loved all of the characters. Adraa and Jatin are both complex characters that I enjoyed getting to know over the course of the story. Complete with false alliances, magical hierarchy, and underground drug dealers, the world building and magic system are original and super interesting. The faced paced plot is filled with twists kept me guessing and the ending leaves you begging for more. I can’t wait for book two! This binge-worthy story definitely deserves to be the next big thing in the world of YA fantasy.

**I was provided an electronic ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for honest review.**

Actual rating: 3.5

Dana Swift presents the first installment in the Wickery series, Cast in Firelight. Readers follow Adraa, the eldest born daughter of the raja and rani of Bedwar. In Wickery, the gods bless some people with elemental magic corresponding to colors. Adraa, as future rani, is expected to master all nine magics. When she is betrothed to Jatin, future raja to the neighboring people, his ease with each type of magic establishes a rough start in their relationship. As Adraa and Jatin age, their relationship shifts from enemies to friends to lovers and they might just have to save all of Wickery in the process.

I enjoyed my reading experience with Cast in Firelight. Adraa was an accessible and relatable character that managed to not fall into the "not like other girls" trope. I enjoyed the seamless incorporation of LGBTQ characters and characters with disabilities as well as having a strong POC cast. More than just the inclusion of these characters, every single character had purpose and development and none of the characters were token representation. I was also grateful to read Swift's note regarding her own family and the fact that this story is technically not #OwnVoices. This is another situation where the own voices concept could have potentially hurt the reception of this work, and I hope that it does not.

Beyond those things, I like elemental magic with a fictional pantheon. That's never going to get old for me, and it formed the basis for this story. This story happened to be a combination of so many common fantasy themes that I enjoy executed well and with a writing style that is easily readable and fast-paced. I didn't find anything to be particularly ground-breaking or original, but it doesn't have to be in order to be a good story and good entertainment.

I think that fans of Elise Kova's works could easily find a new home in Wickery. I look forward to reading more from Swift and more in this series in the future.

This book incorporates so many of the tropes I love: mistaken identities, arranged marriages, enemies to lovers, and a unique, complex magic system. I think this book will be particularly appealing to teen readers who are new to the fantasy genre. The voice is somewhat more conversational and modern than is typical for fantasy which might make this book more accessible overall.

The two main characters Adraa and Jatin were so much fun! They perfectly complemented one another, and I loved their banter. The plot was engaging and face paced. I would highly recommend this book to any lovers of YA fantasy!

Thank you to the publisher and to Netgalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Dana Swift has created a phenomenal world and giving me a heroine that I had no idea that I needed. Adraa is the heroine that I have been searching for - relatable and human. She has insecurities, but is still full of sass and strong as can be - more realistic than I thought she would be. She is a future queen willing to risk it all and do what is needed to be done for her country. I cannot wait for the next installment in Adraa's story.

I received an e-arc of Cast in Firelight from Delacorte Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own!

Adraa Belwar is betrothed to Jatin Naupure in an attempt to create an alliance between Belwar and Naupure. 9 years later, Jatin comes back to Naupure, but not everything is the same. Adraa has created firelight, which is a cheaper option to light the people of Belwar's homes, and someone is stealing it. Can they figure out what is going on before more people suffer?

I really enjoyed reading Cast in Firelight. Swift created an interesting magic system that revolved around Gods and Goddesses she created. I love when authors take the time to create an intricate magic system with equally intricate spells that allow the person to use magic. Magic systems that are cool like the one Swift created really enhance a story. I would have loved an explanation at the end of what the spells meant (because I like knowing a lot of things like that), but the story is still amazing without it.

What I really enjoyed was how Swift characterized all of her characters. Adraa wasn't made out to be a weak, female protagonist who needed a man to save her. She very well could have completed all of her missions on her own in the book, even if she had to die trying. Jatin was an interesting character and I loved learning more and more about him as the story went on. All of her characters were amazing in their own ways, but Adraa and Jatin were my favorite. Their alternating POVs made me want to keep reading because I wanted to know more about what happened to the other when I was finishing one chapter.

As can be expected by the 3 star rating, I really didn't enjoy this book. It is a fun little fantasy romp with modern American-sounding characters in a pseudo-Indian setting. It features a lot of the tropes in books that skew for the early teens: characters that sound like they stepped out of a CW TV series, a 'too-stupid-to-live' female protagonist, a milquetoast male lead who spends most of the book in awe of the girl despite how obnoxious and rude she is to him, and a lot of very unbelievable scenes. It was a bit much for me but I think others who want to zone out and shut off their brain can just enjoy the ride.

Story: Adraa, a princess and heir to the Belwar throne, can manipulate fire and might have a hidden ability she is trying to discover. When she finds a conspiracy that affects the the poor of her people, she goes undercover to find the person responsible. Jatin, her betrothed and heir to Naupure, has not seen her since they were children (despite his father being good friends with Adraa and seeing her often). When his father brings up an underworld conspiracy in Belwar, he goes to help Adraa's servant. What he doesn't know is that the servant is Adraa herself and that they will have to enter an underworld fighting competition in order to unmask the mastermind out to hurt Adraa's people.

There is the usual mistaken identity - both Adraa and Jatin believe they are working with bodyguard's/servants to their betrothed. No, it doesn't make a lot of sense that two different kingdoms would send their heirs alone and undercover to root out a plot to overcharge citizens for basic needs. Especially not to a deadly fighting ring in the underworld where rules and fair gameplay are not exactly followed. There are a lot of scenes like that - Adraa pretty much does whatever suits her fancy and everyone approves of her actions, even when she's lying about everything. Other contradictions became hard for me to stomach: such as always saying/thinking about being the best leader for her people and then going out and constantly endangering her life and potentially robbing them of a leader. That, and the lying to her parents and their acceptance of her constantly rude remarks to others. Not exactly what you would find in any court.

Another glaring problem for me is the modern language - very Los Angeles 2020? We see her mimic a teacher by making a Yoda-like sentence, retorting, "yeah, me too, buddy", or talking about 'ditching' her bodyguards. Honestly, what's the point of world building if everyone sounds like a TV show teenager set in modern times? Yes, it makes it more relatable for the young. But it feels lazy and doesn't help give us a fantastical world. Imagine Harry Potter without all the unique terms and sounding more like a character from Hannah Montana.

So no, this is not a terrible read and if you shut off your brain, you will likely enjoy it. I think I just prefer a better developed and unique fantasy that doesn't talk down to its YA audience. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

CAST IN FIRELIGHT by Dana Swift is the story of young royal casters, Adraa and Jatin. Destined to marry, both of them reluctant to do so, and both of them pretending to be someone they're not in order to uncover a mysterious plot that could bring about the destruction of both their homes.

I was thoroughly impressed by this story—most of all, the magic system. It was familiar and yet unfamiliar all the same. More than that, the way the magic system was presented was clear, straightforward and easy to follow. Swift did an excellent job at showing just how powerful Adraa and Jatin were while proving their weaknesses not only in their power but character as well. And don't even get me started on the enemies to lovers payoff!!!

This book swept me up in the story, the world—which was far different than anything else I've read lately—and kept pulling me on. By the time the last few pages had come upon me I was desperate to find out how it would end and how everything could be resolved in the happily ever after I hoped it would be.

The only thing I struggled with this book is part of me was left . . . wanting. The love story and the climactic and triumphant end were certainly powerful, but there were aspects of the story that seemed to be missing. Some things came out of left field. And while I believed it and I enjoyed the plot twist(s), I would have enjoyed it more had more foreshadowing been laid out in the beginning. There certainly was plenty of foreshadowing for the overarching goal, but for a few select things, I needed more. The story was nearly there, and just a few little explanations could have fixed it for me.

The only problem I had with the worldbuilding was the lack of history. The story was very grounded in the present circumstances and Adraa and Jatin's present battle to discover what's really happening with Adraa's firelight. But there were aspects of their magic system and their social/political structure that I wanted to know more about. I understood their Gods were involved, but how much? (We learn later in the story it's a bit more than we first understood, but I would have liked more in the beginning to set up the end.) Adraa kept saying here and there she was terrified about the ceremony and that she might fail—and failure means death. It was mainly a passing thought in the text, and not fully explained. So by the time the ceremony came around, I wasn't entirely sure the significance or I wasn't that emotionally invested in it, especially since it plays such an integral part in the last quarter of the book. And maybe this was answered, but it wasn't clear to me—why does Adraa have to do the ceremony? Is this a patriarchal thing? There's a reason Jatin doesn't have to, and only Adraa does? I think it might have been briefly explained, but perhaps not well enough because it didn't leave me with much significance.

That being said, I really, really enjoyed the romance between Adraa and Jatin and how their relationship developed over the course of the story. If anything, that's what really kept me hooked—I wanted them to end up together so badly!! I am very excited to read more in this series, and I can't wait to see what book 2 has in store.

4/5 stars

Cast in Firelight is an action packed YA fantasy with an arranged marriage romance and a deep mystery running throughout the story.

I loved the magic system in this book, I could clearly see it as well fleshed out system with so much color! I really hope this gets a movie adaptation for many reasons, but the magic would be beautiful to see! The idea of Untouchables without magic and the other countries that were rooted in segregation made for compelling world-building and a mission that our heroine was fighting for, as the future leader of her country.

Adraa is a strong, sarcastic lead, though she deals with self-doubt she never stands down. Her belief in equality and willingness to fight for those that cannot fight for themselves makes her a glorious lead. I also love Jatin, though his unwillingness to tell Adraa the truth got annoying after awhile, but I love how Adraa responded, and their chemistry and banter is fantastic!!

This book draws from Indian cultures and traditions, and while this is not an #ownvoices book, the author is in an interracial marriage, and wanted to create a book with characters that look like her children.

Cast in Firelight is a phenomenal YA fantasy, with an engaging romance and lots of magical action! This is one of the best books I've read this year, and can't wait for the sequel!

Thanks to Netgalley for supplying this ebook arc in exchange for an honest review.

Swifts story is a wonderful addition to YA fantasy.

What really set this story apart for me was the voice. It felt like a more modern contemporary voice but as a fantasy. I loved it.

The story builds its momentum by constantly playing up a hidden identities trope, and it plays the trope well and in a way that leaves the reader guessing. It carries tension through the story very well, including into the last few chapters.

It had a thrilling conclusion and I cant wait to hear about the next book!

Cast in Firelight was such a refreshing and fun read. Adraa is the royal heir of Belwar, and a witch. Jatin is the royal heir to Naupure, and a wizard. Both are in an arranged marriage that will unite both kingdoms. They haven’t seen each other in around 9 years though.

The story is told from both Adraa and Jatin’s perspectives. I loved that there was a “secret identities” storyline. I haven’t really been exposed to that being the foundation of the story before, but I loved how both Adraa and Jatin were falling for each other despite not really knowing who the other person was. The world and magic system is interesting. There are 9 different elements that correspond to colors/deities. The only issue that I have is that this book is projected to be a series, when it would’ve felt better and more complete as a standalone.

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for the eARC of this book!

Cast in Firelight is the story of Adraa, the Royal Heir of Belwar, and Jatin, the Royal Heir of Naupure. Their marriage has been arranged since they were children, and they've both come to resent the forced alliance. Adraa is close to her royal ceremony, in which she'll have to prove to the kingdom that she's a powerful witch, but she'd rather be using her secret identity to try and stop the criminal organizations in Belward from destabilizing the Kingdom and making victims of its people. When Jatin, who has been away at school since childhood, and Adraa meet they have no idea who the other is. Both with secret identities in play, they work together to try and save the country which is headed for sure destruction, and so are they.

This was a strong debut from Dana Swift. The story is captivating, and the magic system is interesting. There are different colors representing a different god or goddess and royalty is expected to be able to cast all 9 colors effectively. The world-building was well done and each Kingdom had its own personality.

I liked both Adraa and Jatin as characters. Adraa is determined and stubborn, but there's a layer of insecurity under it that colors her personality. She worries about not being good enough and not being able to perform duties that will help the kingdom, instead of just being reduced to a figurehead wife. Jatin is charming and funny, but also comes home to a father and country he barely knows and is expected to one day rule. When they come together without knowing each other, the pretense is dropped and they're able to connect where they wouldn't have been able to before. The build-up was well done and it spanned over months, so the organic growth of their relationship is a joy to read.

The side characters were interesting and likable, but I think I would've liked to see a bit more from them and see them fleshed out. Hopefully, we see that in the next book. There's a lot of story left to tell and an increasingly evil bad guy, so I'm excited to read the next book!

One note not plot-related worth mentioning: this is not an own voices book, despite being very heavily influenced by Indian culture. The author includes a note with the book acknowledging this and explaining that this is her husband's culture, and she wrote the book for her children. I'm not Indian so I can't speak to the rep here, but just something of note to anyone interested.

Overall, a fantastic and engaging debut!

I love books with main characters who learn to trust and appreciate themselves and their many facets, and Cast in Firelight does this so well! In addition, it has such beautiful prose! What else? Secret identities! Arranged royal marriage! Families! Magic! Love it!

I assumed I would enjoy this story based on the premise — but boy, did it surpass any expectation. Thank you to NetGalley, Dana Swift, and Delacorte Press for allowing me to enter this world before most. Adraa is a strong heroine with sass, insecurities, and a power she fails to recognize until the very end. She does what is needed for her country, as any future queen would. The back-and-forth between these two betrothed characters who have no idea they're actually falling for the people they're supposed to marry is beyond cute. I am very excited for the culmination of this duology. Well done!

Incredible book, I honestly think this is one worth getting multiple copies of for the classroom library. And those are my favorite genres. The multiple copies genre.

While I'm in love with the cultural representation, which is much needed in fantasy magic novels, there were several distracting and awkward plot moments and character development that led this to be a not as impactful novel. The first of these was the way the magical gods were described. I was so excited at these innovative and creative naming conventions until I realized that the god Erif was just Fire backwards....and Retaw was just water backwards...Not that it's lazy writing, but with so much other world building and magic system inclusion, one just expects a bit more effort and detail in how the gods are named, even if it's just Latin translations. The second of these was once I'd spent a bit more time with the book and realized it was repeating a lot of the same events. The characters, in a moment of extremely blunt honesty and awareness, bond over Adraa teaching Jatin how to make a female's monthly period elixir to relieve pain. While I get that things like that might happen, it just seems out of place and a little awkward, especially since he doesn't like and isn't good at pink magic.

It's my honest opinion that this proposed trilogy could have instead been one 500 page book because this plot had a lot of intricacies that could have been dealt with further. Instead, it dwells on fighting scenes and unknown identity stories that get tired as the book goes on. I fell in love with the pace and sass in the first 30%, but after that, the novel fizzled out slowly to me until I wanted to just read the major scenes and be done with it. I'm a sucker for kisses and, when we finally got kisses, they just weren't as enjoyable as they should have been. I'll give the sequels a chance, but just go into this one with an open mind and enjoy it for what it is. I believe I hyped this one up a little much because it was a Charlie Bowater cover.

This was so great!!!

What a vibrant, engaging story! The enemies-to-lovers trope was top notch, the narrative was interesting and supported by a very interesting magic system and fleshed out, likable characters. I can't wait to read the sequel!

Cast in Firelight is a YA fantasy adventure that follow Adraa and Jatin. They have been placed in an arranged marriage since the ages of 8 and 9 and from then were there to out do each other. Adraa is not a character that I liked or even started to like during the book, there was something about her constant need for approval and to be the best that just rubbed me the wrong way. I love a good strong character but her whiny head games drove me crazy. Jatin was a strong hero and had to work through is own issues but I feel like he progressed faster and in such a better way than Adraa. I was also annoying that the hidden identity when on for so long, I would have liked to seen them work together more as who they really were then there other personas. Am I going to read the next one? More than likely but I hope I hope I have a better attitude about Adraa and don't find her so annoying. I also absolutely loved the eye catching cover art.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in return for an honest review. All spelling and grammar errors are totally my own.