I loved this sequel to cast in the firelight as much as I did the first book in the series, just as exciting and presents just as much as a powerful main character.

I was given a copy of Bound by Firelight by Dana Swift for free as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Cast in Firelight (Wickery #1)
Stars: 4.5 out of 5 stars (maybe 5 stars actually)

Bound by Firelight (Wickery #2)
3 out of 5 stars

And just like that, it was over... I thought this was going to be a trilogy... Jokes on me, I guess. It is not the greatest surprise to have a series become a duology when you expected a trilogy.

I loved the representation in this book. I saw the author say that she wanted to represent her children and husband even though this book is not set in her culture. I think this is absolutely amazing and how books should be written when an author is not representing their own culture: ask someone who is of the culture being written and go from there. Now, that being said, the representation will never be perfect in everyone's eyes. It is better than nothing though...

What I liked:
The cover is GORGEOUS and really stands out from other YA fantasy covers that I have seen. Props to that. The characters were very well crafted and conversations did not feel forced. I felt invested in the main characters

What I didn't like: The timing of the story between the two main characters, Jatin and Adraa, felt very off since they were separated for a large part of the story. I felt like it could have gone on longer and the ending fleshed out. It was wrapped up too quickly. The plot was just okay and the side characters were lacking.

The first was favorable to me.

I enjoyed this sequel more than its predecessor. It had all the ingredients I love for a killer YA fantasy book. It had action, romance, a intriguing magical system and exciting characters. The story had a lot more twist and turns than the previous book and I was at the edge of my seat waiting for what would transpire throughout. I loved the overall world building and felt like I was transported to another world. As a south Asian POC, the characters spoke to me and I really resonated with them. I love how fierce and independent Adraa is and that she is the main protagonist who is saving her failing country. Jatin compliments her character so well and you can't help but fall in love with him. The only Character I didn't particularly care for was Fiza, her school girl crush on Jatin was kinda irrelevant to the story and it seemed to be the thing she spoke about the most. I was hoping Jatin and Adraa would rekindle with each other sooner throughout the story as the separated storylines made it harder to connect with all the characters. In terms of the actual book cover, I am OBSESSED!

Thankyou Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I loved this book! It was even better than the first book which is saying something because that one was great.

This book was a non-stop thrill ride from page one until the end. There were so many moments where I gasped out loud or was just so enraged that I had to stop reading for a second. It also helped the book to move at an excellent pace! Pacing is a big deal to me and I've been known to stop reading books that are just too slow, but this book was perfect. The action was frequent enough that I was fully entertained, but not so overwhelming that I felt like I never got a break.

As well, there were so many amazing surprises in this book. Seriously, if you thought the twists and turns in book one were nuts, that was all child play compared to this one. Just when I'd think I had a handle on things and would feel like the situation couldn't get worse, it did. I'm still so stunned by how well it was all plotted out and written.

Also, just like the first book, the world-building is on-point. Everything is described so well that I could create a solid visual in my mind, but not so detailed as to bore me. There are a lot of working elements here so it's really impressive the way Swift was able to continue building everything in such a natural way. 10/10.

Next, I would be remiss if I didn't mention my favorite lover boy, Jatin. We get so many cute moments with him and some goofy ones too. However, we see some real development in his character in this book. I feel like we were just getting to know him in the first book and now we see him change and grow up. He has responsibilities and people relying on him and he takes it all in stride. I loved seeing this side of him combined with the parts I already love.

The romance was just as sweet in this book as the first. We get lots of lovely Jatin and Adraa moments (as well as a glimpse at another budding couple). I just can't get over how great they both are. And how great they are for each other. Every scene with them together just made me smile. Well, most scenes, but I'm not thinking about those. They are true couple goals.

Overall, this was an absolute win for Swift! I'm not sure if this series will be a duology or trilogy since the end of this book really felt like it could go both ways. I'm hoping it's a trilogy because I'm not ready to say goodbye to everyone yet! Pick up this book (or the first one if you haven't it yet) and fall in love with a whole new world.

Picking up where the Cast in Firelight leaves off, Bound in Firelight follows the journey of Adraa and Jatin. Publically believed to be a mass murderer, Adraa, Princess of Belwar, must gather the evidence to prove herself innocent while balancing her royal duties with her secret identities - popular underground cage-casting champion Jaya Smoke and the publically adored, vigilante The Red Woman - and trying to free herself from the famously inescapable prison - The Dome.

Prince of the neighboring Naupure, Jatin has just as much on his plate as he sets out to fill the shoes of a leader, both for the country he has grown up far away from, and for his friends who look to him to save Adraa - his former betrothed, current girlfriend and future fiancee (assuming he can gather the courage to ask her).

Book two of the Wickery series leads us through the journeys of both these characters as they build new friendships, strengthen old bonds and find the courage and confidence to become the leaders they were born to be.

Dana Swift hits the ball out of the park with this one. Her depiction of human interaction is beautiful. While the romance in this book is guaranteed to melt hearts, Swift manages to keep it realistic. Adraa and Jatin's flight from enemies to lovers has a scenic layover in the land of friendship, and the romantic love in this book is nestled beautifully between the love of and for parents, siblings, friends and the citizens of the countries our characters are set to rule. Her characters grow significantly and realistically in a plot full of unpredictable twists and turns.

While the magic system in this novel could have used some more fleshing out, I would not hesitate to recommend this book to any reader of YA Fantasy, and think it will be especially appreciated by those who enjoy being surprised with unique plot lines that will keep them guessing. Those who are fans of the Prison Healer will probably also love this book.

Finally, I' want to appreciate the unique cultural aspect Dana Swift has brought to this book. The average fantasy book defaults to western culture where no unique elements are added by the author - when no elaborate period clothing is described, the characters wear dresses, pants, shirts and suits, when no language is specified the characters adopt Western titles, when appearance is not specified the characters are white, and character names and magical spells are usually drawn from Latin or Greek. Swift has managed to turn this on its head for this book. Normalizing using non-eurocentric cultures as the default base and for this she deserves applause. Her characters default to wearing South Asian clothing, have Sanskrit titles like maharaja, use South Asian names and are majority POC. While her work is not #OwnVoices, she has managed to strike the balance between creating a completely unique fantasy universe that is clearly distinct from South Asia itself and paying homage. Her books bring "Asian Fantasy" out of some specialized niche into the mainstream fantasy genre, and I hope they inspire many other Authors of all races to do the same.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!!

I may be the luckiest person alive because I got to read this fantastic book and because I'm on tour for this book!!
It has a beautiful cover aswell as a very engaging story. I'll give you three words. Spellbinding. Magical. Entrancing.
A very unique array of characters and action on every page (quite literally😂) and it wasn't like the author was trying to make the story interesting, it was all so natural. The writing style has definitely improved as compared to the first book. The found family trope HIT ME HARD!! We need more books with loving and caring parents like in this book! Totally loved it! One thing I'm dying to say is the unique magic system!! It was very thrilling!! Jatin has my whole heart!! Also, Adraa is the perfect definition of a strong female character, I love her so much! This book is one you *should* not miss!

5 stars!!💖

Thank you Random House Children's, Delacorte Press, and Netgalley for sending me an eARC of Bound by Firelight. Thank you Dana Swift for writing a great book.

"Appearances can lie and you can never truly tell who is on your side."

This quote leads me to my main problem with this sequel, and this way, I will get the bad things over with now. My biggest issue with Bound by Firelight was the fact that it was very predictable. The people who betrayed the Belwars were obvious from the beginning and nothing really surprised me. I was just waiting for a moment where a twist would catch me off guard, but alas, it was never delivered. I was a little surprised by the fact Adraa's real prison location, but it wasn't HUGE. I also predicted the fact in CiF that Adraa would learn how to cast without speaking.

My second issue - the pacing and plot didn't mix well IMO. The first half of the book was so slow, and all the reader got was Jatin worrying about Adraa versus really doing anything about it. On the other hand, if this entire book had been from Adraa's POV, the pacing would have been perfect because it would've helped build up to Adraa's climactic escape from the Dome.

The worldbuilding was still well-done as it was in the first book, and I saw progression in Jatin's character. Adraa had the same fire (see what I did there?) as she did in the first book, and I'm happy we got to see more of the side characters involved in the plot. I LOVED Harini - she's possibly my favorite character in the book lol.

Most of the loose ends were tied up, but there was one big plot hole that I believe was never addressed. How did Moolek brainwash the citizens/control what Adraa said? The ending left an open spot for future novellas or spin-offs, and I would really enjoy seeing a novella just about Adraa and Jatin.

Maybe the first book, Cast in Firelight, gave me too high expectations, but I think this was a little bit of a step back for Swift's writing. However, it was still a decent read - I laughed out loud and I teared up a bit near the end - and the characters/writing were good.

what a great read! I loved this one as much as the first and the cover design is ON POINT. With students, they DO judge a book by it's cover and I must say, this one does not disappoint!

I completely expected this to be a trilogy, so when the ending came, I was surprised at how nice and neat everything is wrapped up. It's definitely a very satisfying and appropriate conclusion for a duology.

In line with the first book, the world-building is the star here. The magic is luminous, the kingdoms are unique, and the way it all comes together is really exciting. It also helps that there is a great cast of characters who are all complex and real. The pacing also works well - I never felt like anything was used or included as filler.

The only reason I'm not rating this 5 stars, like I did ‘Cast in Firelight,’ is only because of personal preferences. It's a pet peeve of mine when main characters are separated, which is what happens for the majority of this installment. It tends to make one of the storylines feel like they are lacking and trying to catch up to the other, which is what happens to Jatin in this. It does give an opportunity to introduce a new character, but I personally did not like the forced love triangle that went absolutely nowhere before it even got started. I think adding Fiza was fine, good even for the plot, but her feelings for Jatin are completely unnecessary.

But overall, this is a fun and adventurous sequel. I hope this is actually extended and does become a trilogy because there's a lot of great material here!

This book was a satisfying conclusion to the duology. It was fast paced, easy to get into, and overall not a difficult read. I enjoyed the plot and the characters had the same pull as they did in the first book. All in all, a solid read. Check it out! Thank you to NetGalley and Dana Swift for providing me with an E-ARC in exchange for an honest and constructive review!

Cast By Firelight was a book on my TBR for a while and when I finally got around to reading it I had wished I has moved it up to my list sooner. When I saw the sequel ARC was available I jumped at the chance to read it.
I was not disappointed. I really love the sweet rom-con-ish romance between Aadra and Jatin. I love when there is resistance at the beginning of a relationship. Then once they both confess their feelings they are 100% in. Even though Aadra and Jatin were separate most of the book I felt like there was a lot more tension in this book, although less of the romantic sort. We find Aadra in a brutal prison and Jatin dealing with the fallout.
I also really enjoyed the villain in this series. Man is he easy to hate and always seems to be two steps ahead of this crime-fighting duo.

I really enjoyed Bound by Firelight which is the second book in the duology. I really enjoyed the plot development and how the story picked up from the end of the first book. I found the characters to be interesting and I enjoyed learning more about them. I love fantasy books and I believe this book was a great wrap up to the duology.

Bound by Firelight is the second book in the Wickery duology and it was such a satisfying follow up to the first book! A duology is the perfect length for a series in my opinion and this book will be up there with some of my favorites! This book picked up right after the events of Cast in Firelight and follow Aadra and Jatin as they try to regain control after the fallout from the dramatic ending of the book.
I first have to point out how gorgeous the cover is 😍 I’m still all about these beautiful illustrated covers for fantasy books, I’ll never get over them. I also love that this book along with Cast in Firelight have actual chapter titles. I feel like most books just have numbered titles now and I’ve found that I appreciate worded titles and their hints at the chapters so much more.
This book was full of action, romance and humor. There was more world building and progression of the magic system which I loved. One of my hopes after reading the first book was that the color-based magic system would expanded upon even more and it definitely was in this book. The world itself was also built upon and new characters were introduced which added a lot to the plot.
Aadra and Jatin were separated for a lot of this book so there weren’t as many cute moments between them but I still really enjoyed their relationship. They balanced each other really well and were always so supportive of each other.
I’m excited to read more by this author in the future!
Thank you so much to netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

If you didn't know, Cast in Firelight was one of my favorite reads last year. Thus, I have been eagerly anticipating this one ever since I heard about it.
Overall, it was a decent novel, but there were just a few aspects that I did not like.
Jatin and Adraa did not spend any time together in this book. Most of it was due to the plot, but since they were never together, there was no growth between them.
Secondly, this book is nonstop action. While some may prefer that, I just wished for a little down-time for the characters. Their exhaustion was very noticeable.
I almost forgot to mention, but that cover... :)
Yes, I am glad that I read this one but am not sure that I will read it again for some time. And on that note, I am thinking that the series will continue.

Content: kissing, some language, violence, death

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.

This was an entertaining read. The story continues- the fantasy element is interesting-- with each wielder having a different forte but also being able to use different powers. I was excited to continue this story from the first book. However, with that being said the story felt too long after a while. I ended up putting it down and having to continue it a few weeks later.

Bound by Firelight, the second book in the Wickery series, picks up shortly after the conclusion of the first book. Adraa has been falsely accused of masterminding the events from the first book, and she is imprisoned in the Dome. After a debacle of a trial, almost no one believes in Adraa’s innocence, but Adraa is certain magic is at play. Ever devoted to the woman he loves and wants to marry (if he can ever get enough courage to ask her), Jatin is determined to prove Adraa’s innocence and break her free from the Dome. With help from friends and a few unexpected allies, can Jatin rescue Adraa before it’s too late? Also, is it a coincidence that she was sent to this unscrupulous place, or are there even more nefarious happening than Adraa ever expected? The stakes are high, and lives are at risk as Adraa and Jatin fight their way back to each other.

After reading and loving Cast in Firelight, the first book in the Wickery series, I jumped at the chance to read Bound by Firelight. This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2022, and I loved it! There’s so much action, suspense, and intrigue, and the characters are amazing! Plus, it has a really unique magic system, which is expanded on in this book, and the romance is wonderful.

The story is told from both Adraa and Jatin’s perspectives, which is great considering they spend a lot of the book separated and trying to find their way back to each other. Their journeys are so different, yet each is compelling, and they complement each other well. I found myself attached to both Jatin and Adraa’s arcs and couldn’t wait to see if they ever reconnected and how they would fix all of the issues that plagued them and their world.

Both Jatin and Adraa have grown so much throughout the duology, and I like how their respective journeys and their journey as a couple progressed. Jatin becomes a stronger and more confident leader, and Adraa never stops fighting. Both Adraa and Jatin go through so many trials and tribulations, and the stories are intense! Adraa’s time in the Dome is frightening and unpredictable and violent, (and really fascinating. The magic in this part of the story is so cool!) and her life is in constant danger.

Even before entering the Dome, Adraa’s life and the lives of those around her were at risk. It seems as if danger follows her and Jatin, as they are constantly faced with seemingly impossible obstacles. However, both characters prove strong, determined, and resilient. Jatin and Adraa do not give up no matter the odds. They are survivors and leaders, and they fight against the powers that threaten to destroy them and the people and places they love, which makes for a super suspenseful, fast-paced, and action-packed read.

I absolutely adore the romance between Adraa and Jatin! Though they spend much of the book apart, their feelings for each other shine. The way he feels about Adraa is *chef’s kiss* perfection. From his bumbling attempts to propose to his fierce determination to free her from prison, Jatin’s feelings for Adraa are unwavering and lovely. They have some wonderful, tender moments that highlight just how much they care for each other, and they were positively swoon-worthy! Adraa and Jatin have both grown individually and as a couple, and though it’s the end of the series, it feels like their story is just beginning.

Another relationship that I found intriguing is between Adraa and her sister Prisha. Prisha has a substantial role in this book, and you really get to understand her more and see the layers of their relationship. This sibling relationship, like many sibling relationships, is complicated and messy, but the love between the sisters is strong. Other characters and relationships, new and old, are compelling and poignant too, and I like how much they added to the story. Much like its predecessor, this book has great messages about the bonds of family, the strength of friendship, and the immense power of love.

I loved Bound on Firelight and thought it was a brilliant sequel to the Wickery series. This isn’t a standalone, but I would definitely recommend the books to readers of YA fantasy. Thanks so much to NetGalley, Dana Swift, and Delacorte Press for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks so I have to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was fantastic! I enjoyed the first book, but this one was even better. The action is non-stop, there are surprises and twists around every corner, and there is even more emotional depth in each of the characters. Jatin and Adraa have matured so much throughout all their trials, and their newfound strength is great to see as they work through all the doubts that plagued them before. The nature of the plot has them separated for the majority of the book, and I missed their banter, but the scenes they do have together are so great. And if you loved Will Turner and Elizabeth Swan’s pirate wedding in the middle of a battle, I think you’ll really enjoy a scene in this book!
Harini is a great addition to the cast, and Prisha’s growth is wonderful too.

I had been under the impression that this would be a duology, but it definitely seems like another book has been set up for us, and I for one would be thrilled to read it!

Definitely more interesting than book 1 for me, I feel like a lot was revealed and the characters were more developed but still I’m not really as interested in these as I thought I would be.

Please read my book 1 review to understand where my 1-star rating stems from:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4318097986?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1

I do not wish to provide my typical in-depth review for this book because, as far as I can tell, the offensive representation from book 1 carried into this one (some of these elements were unchangeable, such as the character's identities and the muddled blend of South Asian culture with made-up content).

My general take on this book (harmful content aside (but not ignored), as I do not feel I am the right person to speak here): this sequel was simply not as strong as it's processor in terms of romantic content and plot. This book was much drier, plot-heavy, and, quite frankly, disappointing. The only redeeming quality was Adraa's character growth. I found her to be the most lovable character of the cast, and I admired her strength while in an especially tough spot.

With all of the romance and action elements you loved from the first book, Swift’s Bound by Firelight is an excellent sequel and series closer.

Cast in Firelight was one of my favourite books of 2020, so it’s safe to say I had high hopes for its sequel. I’m glad to report they were all met - if not exceeded.

The rom-com elements I loved from the first book are less present here, but Adraa and Jatin’s romance still plays a key role in the story. Though due to Adraa’s imprisonment in the Dome, they spend most of the book apart, both of them spend a lot of time thinking about the other - especially with Jatin’s main focus throughout being getting Adraa out of prison (and attempting - but failing - to propose … many times). They have a few cute moments towards the end of the book, so I didn’t feel like I was being hard done by, and while it wasn’t what I expected, I’m pleased with how their story concluded.

I found Adraa’s chapters more compelling than Jatin’s in this book, largely because she spends most of it in the Dome. It was so interesting to see the inner workings of this mysterious place that was alluded to in the first book, and it introduced a few new characters into the world. My favourite of the newbies was probably Harini. I didn’t like her at first, but she definitely grew on me.

Bound by Firelight is certainly an action-heavy book, but it didn’t seem like it bogged down the pacing or story itself too much. My favourite of all the action sequences was probably the climax/final battle, as towards the end, everything really started to play out like a movie in my head.

The over-arching villain of the series, Moolek, seemed to take a bit of a backseat in this sequel, in favour of subplots (that did eventually tie into the rest of the story). Though he’s never totally forgotten about, his presence always looming over Adraa and Jatin’s heads, I did find myself wondering when he was actually going to appear on the page again. Sort of minor spoilers: don’t worry, he does show up eventually!

Overall, I really enjoyed Bound by Firelight. It served as a nice conclusion to this amazing series, and I’m eagerly awaiting whatever Dana Swift writes next!