Thanks to Netgalley, Dreamscape Select, and Second Sky for the advanced copies. These are opinions are honest and my own.

As the second book in the series, this delivers a story that elevates the stakes and deepens the relationships established in the first installment. This has a compelling plot, rich South Asian cultural representation and mythology, and expanding relationship dynamics as we get to know these characters even more.

The story continues to follow Zarya, who discovered adventure in the first book. Zarya learns more about Rabin —a warrior prince with dangerous secrets— and the plot continues to thicken. The relationship between grumpy Rabin and feisty Zarya takes center stage; filled with yearning, smoldering looks, and steamy scenes that add a layer of intensity. The dynamics between secondary characters, such as the bestie relationship between Zee and Yasen and the evolving bond between Zee and Row/Aarev, all contribute to the emotional depth of the story. The exploration of forgiveness and shifting relationships adds complexity to Zayra's journey.

The rich South Asian representation and mythology continue to shine in this installment, adding depth and authenticity to the amazing world-building. The exploration of cultural elements enhances the overall reading experience, making the narrative not only entertaining but also unique in the genre. Tuli masterfully weaves the romantic elements into the broader plot, creating a balance that kept me engaged. Love me a plot in my romantasy! The plot gains momentum in this installment, with intriguing twists and turns.

I did absolutely shed some tears in this one, highlighting the depth of connection I felt with the characters. Automatic 5 stars! Overall, "Dance of Stars and Ashes" not only builds upon the foundations set in the first book but also solidifies its place as an addictive and emotionally resonant series. READ IT! Also, the audio is exceptional!

Dance of Stars and Ashes is the second installment in the Nightfire Quartet. I liked Zarya’s development over the course of this book— she’s coming into her own more and more! The first book had a decided YA feel so I’m glad that this second book was more mature. I’m interested to see what happens next!
Just as in the first book, narrator Shiromi Arserio is the star of the show!

The adventures of Zarya continue! In book 2 she learns more about her parents, fight her attraction to Rabin, and gains more control of her magical skills. Of course there are some twists and turns that I can't reveal! Nisha has definitely become an auto read author for me and this one doesn't disappoint! The audio was amazing!

Thank you to NetGalley and Nisha J. Tuli for letting me review this book.

There's twists and turns and secrets revealed. The beginning kept me wanting more and more of the story. But please, be prepared to get yourt heart ripped out by the end of this adventure!

I love the world. I want more of it and can't wait for the next one.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a new romantasy read! Especially one that has all the worldbuilding etc. and isn't solely focused on the romance part.

Includes:
Heat
Romance
Angst
Slow burn series

Thank you to Netgalley and Second Sky for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review! I was so thrilled when I received an email granting me immediate access to the book!

The beginning was quite slow but the end gripped me with its faster pace, leaving me yearning for the sequel.
Although the romance didn’t initially captivate me, the end makes me think that I will definitely like it more in the next book!

3.75 rounded up!

I enjoyed this sequel just as much as the first book! I just love these characters so much! Zarya and Rabin’s slow burn romance was great and it was definitely a little spicy! This book was full of action and twist and never a dull moment! I can’t wait to continue reading this series!

in this second installment of the nightfire quartet, zarya wants nothing to do with rabin, now knowing his true identity and motives, yet she keeps being drawn back to him. zarya must learn what’s binding them and whether opening her heart will be to her benefit or detriment.

heart of night and fire captivated me last year, so i was excited to read this sequel. it’s a bit slow-paced, but it made sense with the story. i also loved the romance aspect so much!

overall, this was an incredible sequel, and a must-read for fans of the first book.

AHHHH! Dance of Stars and Ashes is the second book in the Nightfire Quartet, and is somehow even BETTER then the first book. This book was everything I have been waiting for since finishing book one. The angst was still there, the tension, the perfect slow burn romance ...but the spice is here! I am anxious for the main characters to finally be together, together. Thankfully, we probably won't have to wait to long for book three since the first two books were released relatively close to each other. I loved the continued world building and found myself even more enthralled in this book. It is a refreshing and vivid exploration of the South Asian culture, which we don't often see in fantasy books. The plot was perfection, the action and adventure was on point, and the character development is complete like no other than Nisha can do.

This was a good book. I didn’t realize it was the second in the series when I got it but definitely will be going to get the first. A slow burn with a twist of spice for all my fantasy lovers

This was a fantastic sequel that picks up where the first book left off. This immersive read is fast paced and engaging, and I really enjoyed the progression of the story and characters (yay for spice!). I can’t wait to see how this continues in the next book.

The production of this audiobook was well done and the narrator was enjoyable.

I would like to express my gratitude to NetGalley and Dreamscape Select for granting me the opportunity to delve into "A Dance of Stars and Ashes" by Nisha J. Tuli prior to its official release. This installment seamlessly continues the narrative from "Heart of Night and Fire." The book maintains a rapid pace throughout, ensuring an engaging and entertaining experience for the reader.

However, I must address a notable aspect that detracted from my overall enjoyment of the book: the dialogue. Regrettably, I found it lacking in maturity. The choice of words often felt juvenile and, at times, cumbersome to digest. This detracted from the otherwise immersive experience.

In summary, while "A Dance of Stars and Ashes" offers a thrilling continuation of its predecessor's storyline, the dialogue could benefit from refinement. Lengthening and elevating the vocabulary would greatly enhance the reading experience, allowing the narrative to truly shine.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

This was a really great sequel! I really enjoyed the amount of action and the information that helped move the story along. There was a good amount of spice and I really enjoyed that addition. I am looking forward to the next book to see where this story continues to go.

This author said y'all want steam, I will give steam lmao

I like this world and seeing the magic system grow plus the fun bonus of dragons of course. I think overall I have no issues with this story, it's solid writing that doesn't take me out of the story, I think the narrator did a great job, I enjoy being with these characters enough even though I don't feel much of an attachment to any of them. I appreciate there being a breakdown in the end of the characters and worldbuilding to properly understand any confusions. And as mentioned, boy howdy there is streamy scenes for sure, which didn't make me cringe hard, therefore as a traditionally less smut reader, this is a win. Annoyed I must wait for the final two books to be released but I'm glad I picked this series up and the author has a backlist I can check out.

3.75 stars. My very first audio book! A big thank-you to Netgalley, Nisha J. Tuli, and Dreamscape Select for giving me the chance to read this book earlier!

Overall Plot
I enjoyed this much more than Book 1, and I will have to give much of the credits to Shiromi Arserio as the narrator of this audiobook. I love her narrations and her efforts to voice the male characters are much, much appreciated. I laughed more thanks to her light and fun way of narrating the story.

I will begin by saying that this is not enemies to lovers, at least not for me. Zarya and Rabin were never enemies - never at opposite sides. They disliked each other, sure, but not enough to be called enemies. I get that this trope is insanely popular, but I'm tired of books being promoted as one when it's not.

However, I liked the overall plot better than Book 1. I still have some unanswered questions, but the pining and longing of the two main characters - the delicious slow-burn romance - made this book a fun experience. The spicy scenes are great! (Thank God for headphones!)

I liked Zarya and Rabin together better now, but Zarya is cruel for always keeping Vikram hanging the first half of this book, always at arm's length, when she knows perfectly what he wants. And Vikram is way too selfish for wanting a relationship with him when he's bonded to Amrita albeit not romantically.

--Some notes: May contain spoilers--
What's with this series mentioning death and killing someone as a joke every other page? That did annoy me a little on Book 1, and I see that will not stop here, either.

My questions that are sort of answered but not satisfactorily:
1. Why did Rabin leave at all?
2. Why come back? Why now?
Is it simply because he is now spared of the fate of becoming a steward, after Vikram and Amrita's joining ceremony? I believe there was more to that, and I wished it had been cleared in Book 2 when Rabin talks about his past with Zarya.

Characters
Zarya - she never fucking learns!! Stop throwing yourself at any man who so much treated you great. Yes, she grew up sheltered, but that excuse ran dry after one book. And she's way too trusting for someone who spends her life being told how important it is to keep her secret. I love her badass moments, though, and she definitely has improved considerably in other aspects but her tastes in men. There are moments where I don't believe she actually loves Rabin; it's as if she is only attracted to him physically. For example, <spoiler>she doesn't think about him at all when she lies there dying, instead saying, "At least I've been kissed," and Yasen is the only one on her mind.</spoiler>

Rabin - It's like we have to be constantly reminded how huge, handsome, beautiful, and perfect he is. I get it - they're physically attracted to each other, but surely the physical descriptions could have been toned down. I'm confused about his motivations and hoping that future books will clear them up.

Yasen - STILL THE BEST CHARACTER EVER. I love, love, LOVE his friendship with Zarya - always a delight. It's great that they have each other. I almost wished that he'd been the love interest, but I prefer their platonic love still.

Amrita - A great character with an amazing potential reduced to... nothing. Well, as a tree she has a great power to protect the city, but still. I wished I'd gotten to explore her character deeper.

4.5 stars!

Ahh this installment was jam packed with action, steam, romance, gut wrenching revelations!

I adored so much about this book but YASEN. He’s my favorite.

Zarya and Rabin’s chemistry was off the charts in this book.

The ending! Satisfying yet so much more ahead.

Nisha’s writing truly is so beautiful and enthralling.

I did audio and ebook for this book and I really love the audio version. The narrator really puts me in the story and I love her voice. I kind of prefer the audio now because I’m so engrossed in the story from her narration BUT it reads just as beautifully.

audiobook ARC - thank you netgalley, Nisha Tuli, and Dreamscape Select

“I know that look. Trust me. He’s ready to name his sword after you, and I don’t mean the one on his back.” - Yasen

If you’ve read Fourth Wing, Yasen = Ridoc/Ridic = Yasen. Yasen is reason enough to start reading this series. Hands down. I came for the magic and romance, and I’ll stay forever for Yasen.

(These parts are my commentary for some context)
*Rabin steals Zarya’s book and proceeds to read a lovely smutt scene out loud*
Zarya: “I didn’t know what it’s about” (pssst. She’s lying like you would if someone saw your late night kindle read that likely involves monsters or pirates or both.)
Rabin: “It’s underlined with little stars and hearts. (Long shameful pause) Your name is written on the front cover”
Zarya: 😳

☠️🥸☠️🥸 I absolutely felt called out and indeed took offense for all of us smutt lovers along with our girl Z. I see you Tuli.

This book is hilarious!! I sent these quotes to my book bestie dying laughing. She’s read this book already and needed no prompts to know what I was reading. I honestly don’t even think these are the best quotes - you’ll have to read it to get those! It’s so funny. It’s deliciously steamy. It’s captivating. I am in love with this series and its characters. I’ve already declared my love for Yasen, and he wins, but the whole cast is simply amazing. There are betrayals, mystery, shocking reveals, sweet amends, and a DRAGON SHIFTER. It’s really just so good. Bravo 👏 Tuli 👏 even if you did call “us” out 😉

Arserio did a beautiful job with this installment as they did with the first book of the series. It’s a fairly large cast. I loved the easy flow of the narration without any characters being over the top or awkward.

(My apologies to any text to speech users. My emojis come out when I’m super excited. I do try to keep them in check.)

I feel like i say this with every fantasy book I read but I'm OBSSESED! I'm a sucker for magical powers & battles & of course DRAGONS. I didnt realize this was book 2 in a series when i requested it so i had to go listen to book 1 & IT WAS AMAZING! Absolutely recommend! looking forward to book 3!

In the jeweled city of Dharati, Zarya found passion and adventure for the first time. A mysterious stranger named Rabin helped to free the power within her—a dark, ancient magic that should not exist.
Now, Zarya learns Rabin’s true identity. A warrior prince, born to rule, he is as deadly as he is beautiful. He’s also insufferable. Arrogant and superior, with dangerous secrets of his own.
Zarya wants nothing to do with him. Terrifying demons are gathering beyond the walls and Zarya’s friends are rushing to complete a ceremony that will protect the city. Her mind is fixed on saving her home and finding the origin of her magic.
But every discovery and every dream pulls her back to Rabin. Does an enchantment bind them, or is it pure desire? Will opening her heart give Zarya the power to turn back the demons, or will it let the darkness to devour her?

Thanks to NetGalley & Dreamscape Select, Second Sky for the ARC of this book!

Dance of Stars and Ashes
The Nightfire Quartet #2
By; Nisha J. Tul
Narrated by Shiromi Arserio
Release Date: 2/16/24

Not me yet again picking up a book and finding out it's the second in the series. I continued anyways and made it through just fine but I'm definitely going to go back and read the first. It's incredible! The story matches the cover - beautiful.

I was unaware of this being the second in a series but I am not mad about it! after reading the first i dove into this one and absolutely loved it. We follow Zarya from the first book as she learns more about herself, the magic she possesses, and her relationships with those around her. This was more of a slow burn story but i think it was a perfect fit for the story. the anxiety the last half of the book made me feel was crazy. I could not stop reading the books because i was so hooked about what was going to happen.

I loved Rabin in this book as well. He is perfect for the fans of morally gray male MC. the relationship between Rabin and Zarya was to die for. The book was perfect. It was funny, cute, slow burn, and hit all the checks for a perfect romantasy series.

Another five-star read from Nisha J. Tuli. I had high hopes from this sequal and it delivered! 'Dance of Stars and Ashes' unfolds as the second installment in The Nightfall Quartet, picking up immediately after the events of the first book. We continue on Zarya's journey, finding ourselves in the city of Dharati. Here, she grapples with newfound powers, copes with her friend's transformation into a tree, and faces the chilling reception from the man of her LITERAL dreams.

The heat is turned up since the first book (🌶️🌶️), but so has the heart wrenching! This left me a mess, it was so good and so painful at the same time... I laughed, and I cried. I don't know what to do with myself until the next book comes out.

P. S. I still love Yasen.