thank you to netgalley and second sky for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

the world was imaginative and i could find myself immediately captivated. i loved the indian lore and mythology. it was just impossible to look away from the well-paced plot, unique setting, and fantastic characterization. the chemistry between the characters are palpable, and their banter is often humorous and enjoyable. the twist had me clutching at my pearls for dear life. definitely can’t wait for The Nightfire Quartet #2

What a book. The last 15% of it was a WHIRLWIND. There was a plot twist that I was not expecting (which, looking back, it could have possibly been expected but it definitely wasn’t for me), and I screamed when it happened.

This is my first Indian mythology-inspired book AND my first Nisha J. Tuli book. It was so interesting to become immersed in an unfamiliar culture (to me) in the realm of fantasy, and I loved every second of it. The world-building was confusing at first, but honestly I normally expect that with fantasy books so it’s not a huge deal for me….. but it could be overwhelming at times. The first half of the book was a bit slow, but that ending definitely made up for it.

Even though some things were resolved, that ending left a LOT of unanswered questions. I understand this first book was more of the setup/world-building portion to the rest of the series, BUT I literally need the second book now and I can’t wait to see Zarya’s growth. And I NEED more Rabin content!!!

And finally - thank you so much to NetGalley and Second Sky for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Nisha J. Tuli has had books on my TBR for most of this year, so I was extremely excited when I was approved for an Advanced Readers Copy by Net Galley and Second Sky. This book promised to deliver on some of my favourite tropes, all in a gorgeous universe based on Indian and South Asian lore and culture, and it well and truly did.

Heart of Night and Fire was a fantastic fantasy romance. There was so much to love and it was compulsively readable. The setting for the book was beautifully detailed, and I felt like Tuli painted a stunning picture of a landscape that felt Indian/South Asian, but with magical twists that illuminated a thriving and complicated society full of magic wielders, politics, and varying degrees of duty and oppression. The world-building felt seamless and uncomplicated while still forming a richly detailed foundation.

I loved the female main character Zayra right from the start. She initially comes across as all fire and fury, a little stunted emotionally from her two decades imprisoned, but I found she quickly grew once she escaped the seaside cottage and had to interact with other people. Seeing her process her captivity, particularly in the more vulnerable ways that she does later in the book, adds so much depth to her beyond the rage. Towards the end, she’s compassionate and kind and she leads her actions through empathy. It’s a satisfying arc to see unfold.

The plot in this book was also perfectly paced. There’s a fair bit of build and development, but there’s a significant amount of tension and action from the beginning all the way through to the final pages that keep you hooked and turning pages. Everything moves at a medium to fast cadence and things are unfolding frequently enough that I was consistently wondering where Tuli would take things next and what was in store for my favourite characters.

I think this is such a promising start to a fantasy series. I’m extremely invested in the characters and the world, and there are so many places that Tuli can go based on the varying levels of complexity that she integrated alongside the main plot. If you’re a fan of fantasy and fantasy romances, like an extremely slow-burn romance, want to see a unique elemental magic system, and think a beautifully defined Indian/South Asian style setting sounds appealing, pick this book up immediately. An easy 4.5 stars for me.

Compelling world, unique characters, and a cool spin on magic Nisha J. Tuli creates a world of wonder! From the first chapter you are captivated in a world where you want to keep reading! Although a slow burn on romance, the action and story keeping will ensure there are no slow chapters. At moments the characters emotions and scenes could have been dove deeper into and additional details described, but Tuli still provides a glimpse into the inner workings of the characters and locations. Cannot wait to continue in this magical world!

Editing a SECOND TIME BECAUSE I AM STILL THINKING ABOUT THIS. The book gets five stars now. I need the second one.

EDITING TO ADD: "Don't be charming- I almost died." Is now one of my favorite book quotes of all time. I ugly laughed.

"But freedom beckoned. Zarya tasted it in the air, sweeter than the ripest fruit. More tempting that the rarest treasure. And right now, nothing else mattered."

Overall this read was a solid 3.75 star slow burn fantasy with a clearly constructed world. The plot moves quickly from the very beginning and is propelled forward by magic and action, steeped in Indian folklore and mythology, and a coming-of-age sense of finding one's self for Zarya and her friends.

First and foremost, anyone who loves Sarah J Maas should grab this book. The action sequences were well written and followed that "whirlwind in the last 75 pages" construction that high fantasy readers know and love.
While many parts of the "twists" were predictable (and my annotated guesses throughout had me chuckling when I went back to review them) some managed to catch me off guard. Others still haven't been resolved, providing further proof that this book was simply the setup for what I can only hope will be a spectacular new fantasy world. The relationship that developed between Yasen and Zarya was my absolute favorite and I genuinely adore their friendship and banter. I hope the next installment makes good on all the groundwork laid in this book because so many of the characters grew on me in those last few pages.

The found family trope doesn't truly solidify for me until that last part of the story either, but it leaves me SO excited for the second book. And listen: I don't want to spoil anything, but I have to say HOW DARE YOU leave me on that cliffhanger?! I need the second book in this series immediately for that reason alone. I hope that the next book reveals more about Row as well and helps to redeem him because I was so rooting for him to make a better comeback. Tuli is wonderful at writing in that morally grey realm with ambiguity and intrigue so I'm excited to see what else she has in store for Zarya and her little band of heroes. Also, Rabin? I NEED MORE, NISHA.

At times this book lacked a bit of the nuance that builds suspense for readers to cling to until the big reveal because the symbolism and foreshadowing were a bit blatant for my tastes, but I can only hope that it was to prepare us for what's to come. It certainly wouldn't be the first time I fell more in love with a romantacy the farther I got into the series. In the future installments I would just love to see the development of the characters' personalities more and let the scenes develop and unfold over a longer stretch of time. This is one of the few books I've read craving more pages rather than feeling like it should have been edited down.

I was provided a free advanced copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Wow, what a start to a fantasy series! Inspired by Indian mythology, Heart of Night and Fire gripped me from the start, wanting to know more about our FMC, Zarya, and why she has been locked away for all of her life.

'Sometimes our destiny is not what we would have chosen. We can either seek to change it or learn to live with it'.

𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀
Zarya hasn't known a normal life, since she was little, she has been hidden away and unable to leave her home. Being constantly under supervision by Row and his apprentice, Aarav, she feels like she's in a cage.

'Rage and loneliness were her only loyal friends. The only constants she could remember'.

But one day, that changes - Row doesn't return home and the magic boundary surrounding the house is gone. Not wasting a moment, Zarya does what she has always wished to - leave this cage and fly free.

From here, Zarya starts to learn more about herself, meet new people - something she hasn't been able to before - and perhaps have a chance of romance. But there's someone who lurks in her dreams, a mysterious man who awakens her hidden powers.

𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
I flew through this, what a start to the series. I loved The Trial of the Sun Queen series by Nisha, so had high hopes for this - it did not disappoint!

I loved the found family trope we see, it was so heartwarming to see Zarya meet new people who she becomes close with after being sheltered her whole life.

There also seems to be a hint of enemies to lovers on the horizon, but will have to wait for the next book for that! The intrigue between Zarya and the mysterious man had me hooked, but also her relationship with another character in the book..

Thank you to NetGalley and Second Sky books for this copy. This review is voluntary

What can I tell you about this book? It surprised me a lot, I didn't think I was going to get so hooked and now I confess that I need the second book. RIGHT NOW.

Here we move to a totally different world, the way the world was presented to us, the magic system and everything that happens in the story in relation to fantasy is incredibly light and well explained. I never felt bored or that the information made the reading dense.

There were some situations that seemed predictable to me (but this does not mean that it is bad), the romance that we see in this book did not convince me much and that is why I cannot give it 5 stars completely. But it's a solid 4.5. Believe me.

The beginning is slow, and little by little one becomes intrigued about what is going to happen and why our protagonist had to live locked up all her life. I feel that the next book is going to have a lot of interesting things and that it could far surpass the first one. I have a lot of faith in Nisha and the story.

I hope it can be published in Spanish, I see a lot of potential in it.

Thanks Second Sky for the ARC I read on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. -the review will also be published on Instagram (magui.world)-

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with this ARC.

This is my first book that I've read by Nisha and i am utterly obsessed with her incredible writing.

Whilst i found some of the language and words a learning curve i was fully invested in the story. I'd say i did get a little confused personally at times with the many different 'demons' and creatures but as the story went on It did become clearer!

The first half i'd say i did find a little slow and quite big on the world building, HOWEVER... the second half sped up the pace and i could not put it down. Learning about all the different characters and guessing what was really being hidden from Zarya. Seeing the character developments and the friendships made my heart happy.

I'd say my favourite character has to be Yasen! I love the grumpy-ness and his big heart

THE ENDING... what?! I need the next book nowww!! I need to know what happens next!

tropes;
- strangers to enemies to lovers to friends?
- forced proximity
- hidden magic
- grumpy sunshine friendship <3
- slow burn

ARC review of Heart of Night and Fire by Nisha J. Tuli (Book 1 in the Nightfire Quartet) -

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 stars 
🌶️🌶️/5 spice 

First of all, let me state that this was my first encounter with Nisha J. Tuli's books, and I had a great time delving into the universe and characters that she has developed for her upcoming book. Furthermore, I was so intrigued by the blurb and cover of the book that I quickly requested an ARC, as I wanted to dive myself into her magical setting.

The fact that Nisha included and portrayed Indian mythology and culture throughout the course of the narrative further drew me in and kept me reading her book. Through her work, readers like myself were able to learn new vocabulary rooted in Indian mythology and culture while also engaging with a new culture. In addition, the world building and character development can be seen as the story starts to increase its pace slowly, though you get to see glimpses of the characters changes throughout chapters.

Additionally, the story starts off really intriguingly in the first couple of sentences of Chapter 1. Though, personally, I had to re-read chapter 1 to get the lay of the story that Nisha wanted to put forward to me as a reader. Moreover, after that re-read of Chapter 1, I started to feel part of the story, and from there on, it got really interesting. However, one thing that I would like to point out is that Nisha's language is easy to get into and follow while one is reading.

Zarya, the story's main protagonist, was one of my favourite characters in book 1. Zarya and I share several traits in common, such as our willingness to put others' needs ahead of our own. That reveals a lot about Zarya's personality and how slowly she began to change from the time we first met her until the conclusion of Book 1. Yasen was yet another character I enjoyed but had a love-hate connection with. But in the end, he was also changing as the plot progressed, as were his interactions with other characters.

In the first book of the Nightfire Quartet, Nisha J. Tuli did give us a little spice between Zarya and another character along the road. Though I'm anticipating more to come in book 2, as with how the ending of book 1 concluded in the final few pages of Heart of Night and Fire.

As a now fan of Nisha J. Tuli's work, I'm excited and looking forward to reading book 2 since it will continue where book 1 left off, but I'm sure she will drop more plot twists. I'm sure that this will continue Zarya's journey in Daaragab with the other characters she met in book 1, as well. Thank you to Second Sky Books, Nisha J. Tuli, and Netgalley for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This review of Heart of Night and Fire by Nisha J. Tuli can be found on my Goodreads profile and bookstagram account (summie_bookstagram).

Woah! You can read the synopsis and some spoilers elsewhere...all you need to know is this is the fantasy you have been waiting for. The relationship building and character driven story line is going to leave you NEEDING more!

Read this book if you love;
• South Asian Mythology
• Found Family
• Slow Burn Romance
• Badass FMC
• Grumpy x Sunshine Friendship
• Hidden Magic

The story starts with a strong opening, introducing out badass FMC - Zarya with a battle scene. Zarya’s journey starts when her guardian suddenly missing along with the magic that keep her from getting out of her small cottage.

It was exciting following Zarya in discovering the world outside of her cottage.
It was beautiful, enchanting, magical, alive but what she didn’t know it was also dark and dangerous.

Both main and secondary characters are well developed and very likeable.
I really like Zarya’s character and her curiosity in exploring something new. I absolutely love the friendship between Yasen and Zarya, I love seeing their never ending bickering.

The pacing takes a slow turn since the first half part was about introducing the world building and the people with different powers.
But, I pushed through and things finally started to get a lot more interesting as the monsters got more active in attacking the city and also when Rabin (the mysterious hot character) started to appear more often.

Even though the possible main love interest wasn't introduced until the last few chapters, there's still romance throughout the story.
But, I’m hoping to see more development between Zarya and the possible main love interest (Rabin) in the sequel. I can feel the tension between the two of them is gonna be off the charts!

Overall, this is a great opening for a new fantasy series. Very enjoyable, entertaining and well written as well.
I’m absolutely in love with the world building and the characters, I wish I have the 2nd book now.
I’m looking forward to read the next book to know what happens next and to know more about Rabin!

⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: Violence, war, abandonment

I received an advanced review copy for free through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!

I really enjoyed reading this book! I read it in two days because I had trouble putting it down.

It is so refreshing to read a fantasy novel not set in the Western world. I really appreciated the lore of this new world and learning about the new creatures and characters. It was fun to discover new monsters and magic! It is fun not to have any preconceived notions about the beings and to just be along for the ride!

One thing that was super neat to read was the way magic is drawn upon. So many fantasy characters "reach" for their magic and simply use it. We get to discover how to find magic and how it is used.

The banter in the book is super fun and engaging. I love an FMC that can hold her own!

I don't want to get into the tropes because I don't want to spoil anything... but my advice is READ it!

I cannot wait for the next one!

This was such an amazing read! I flew through this book in one afternoon because I could not stop! The characters were so unique and gripping that I really adored them. The author did a great job with keeping the plot moving and avoiding any stale moments. I will be recommending this book to everyone I know!

Thank you so much to the publishers and NetGalley for this eARC.

Heart of Night and Fire is written exceptionally well, the lavish descriptions and the well carved characters bring this novel to life.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read and I love the journey it took me on.
I find Nisha J Tuli's way of telling a story so engaging, she keeps her readers gripped to the pages which makes the story go pass in a whirlwind.

I received a copy of Heart of Night and Fire via NetGalley to read and review.


Zarya’s whole life has been spent guarded in captivity by her guardian, Row, until he leaves one day and doesn’t return. After Row’s apprentice, Aarav, goes to find Row Zarya finds out the magic that kept her on the cottage grounds are gone.

Zarya has no idea why she wasn’t allowed to leave, only that it was for her own protection but now that she’s free she’s looking for answers and Row to help put the pieces together.

I enjoyed going to Zarya’s journey. We only know what she knows and while I was anxious to find out why she needed protecting I was glad that the story had a great pace that kept me interested while Zarya learns more about herself. It looks like there is plenty more story to come since right now the title says it’s part of a Quartet. There’s still a lot of story to go and I can’t wait to keep reading!

Oh this was so freaking amazing!!
I've loved Nisha's writing since the first time I read Trail of the Sun Queen, and this book was no different.
I've loved the magic world she created, loved the characters, but, let me tell you, Yasen has a special place in my heart already. Zarya is an incredible FMC, with all her doubts and insecurities and courage.
Now, the plot twist at the end of the book, I was like "WHAAAAAAA", amazing!!!
I can't wait to read the next one!! Loved it!!

Zarya is confined by magic to an isolated area with only Row, her overseer, and his apprentice Aarav. Zarya, Row and Aarav all have minimal magical abilities yet Zarya is constantly told to keep hers a secret. Everything in her life is a secret, including herself.

When Row goes missing one morning, Zarya finds the magic that had confined her has been broken, allowing her to leave the safety of her cottage.

She meets Commander Vikram Ravana and Lieutenant Yasen Varghese in the woods who take her and Aarav to the city of Dharati. This is her new beginning, a chance to live her own life and find out who she is.

But a blight is continuously growing throughout the lands, bringing hideous demons to life, and Zarya can’t help but notice they have been growing worse since she left her cottage.

✨💫✨

This book was so much fun! It is rare for me to love a female main character in most fantasy books, but I LOVED Zarya.

The way I audibly gasped in the middle of my daughters gymnastics class while reading chapter 27. I knew I had to finish the rest of the book that day. I had assumed the reveal at the end, and was pumped when it finally happened. I AM SO EXCITED TO KEEP READING THIS SERIES! Hopefully I can get my hands on a physical copy of this for my home (I only purchase the books I really love so that’s saying something).

Thank you NetGalley and Second Sky for sending me this eARC!

I found the lore in this novel to be really interesting and I definitely wanted to learn more about these creatures/demons, which I’m hoping book 2 will focus more on. Whilst I LOVED the last quarter of the novel (and also Yasan! He was an amazing side character and a joy to read about.) I was struggling to get into it in the beginning (mainly as I wasn’t a fan of the main “lead” man and would’ve preferred to have learnt more about the evil creatures). In saying that, the ending made up for it and I can’t wait to see where this series goes.

Wow! I loved this world!

If I’m being totally honest, this story took a little while to get me invested, but the moment I was in… I was IN.

I fell in love with Zee, and felt myself reflected in her. Her unrelenting journey to uncover her truth was a ride right until the end.

Secondary characters are always a make or break for me, and the friends Zarya picked up along the way were just as interesting and I found myself invested in their stories too (I would like to request one order of Yasen please)

My only criticism is now I have to wait to know what happens next!

Literally had me staring at the wall multiple times! The only thing I don't like is that I can't immediately dive into book two. The story follows a girl named Zarya who has been held captive her entire life by men named Row and Aarav. One day, Row disappears without a word and Aarav leaves to search for him. Zarya eventually discovers the magic that bound her to the cottage was no longer limiting how far she went, she took the opportunity to escape and start a life of her own.

This is a story about self-discovery, love, finding a type of family when you have none, friendship, and magic. It was very well-written and has some twists towards the end. The author did a really amazing job describing scenes and capturing emotions/feelings. I loved the fact that this world had Indian influences in it. I've never read one that incorporated a specific culture in our own world and I thought she did an incredible job.

I cannot wait until book two!!