DNF @60%

Sadly, I don’t think this book is for me—at least not right now.

First of all, I really struggled with the mythology. It just wasn’t explained clearly enough. I’ve read Indian rep before and really enjoyed it, but with this book, I just didn’t understand what was going on.

From what I think I gathered: he’s some sort of witch hunter, she’s not a witch or a demon but a human with powers, and she’s the daughter of Draupadi (who, honestly, I don’t know much about). They’re supposed to be soulmates or fated mates? That’s about all I could make sense of.

Maybe if the mythology had been introduced more gradually or explained better, I would’ve loved it. So for now, it’s a soft DNF—I might come back to it later when I’m in the right headspace.

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕻𝖗𝖊-𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

Huge thanks to Netgalley and Union Square & Co. For approving my request for the eARC 🫶🏻

ARC Review – 3.5 Stars

Great Concept, Decent Pacing — But a Shallow and Westernized Take on Indian Mythology

I’m an Indian reader, deeply familiar with the cultural, linguistic, and mythological roots from which this book claims to draw. So while I found the premise of Illusions of Fire interesting and the pacing engaging, I have to say: the representation of India and Indian mythology felt profoundly off-mark and superficial.

The story follows the fictional daughter of Draupadi and a fictional descendant of Karna as they attempt to protect the world from destructive supernatural forces. On the surface, it’s a fun premise — with a solid plot structure, competent action scenes, and a flow that keeps the pages turning. If I were rating only the story, this would probably land at 4 stars.

But once you look beneath the surface, the issues begin to pile up — especially when it comes to cultural authenticity.

⚠️ Cultural Representation: Shallow and Sanitized

Rather than immersing the reader in the richness of Indian mythology or setting, the author sprinkles in Hindi words like chai, billi, masi, and bhai as if that alone can stand in for meaningful cultural texture. It's not immersive — it's tokenistic. It reads like someone trying to "Indianize" a Western fantasy without doing the real work of understanding or representing Indian culture in its complexity.

More glaringly, the book seems to actively avoid the word “India” itself, constantly defaulting to vague references like “South Asian culture” or “South Asian mythology.” This flattening out of cultural identity feels disingenuous — especially when the story clearly draws from Indian epics, not a pan-South-Asian canon.

Strange Choices That Break Immersion

There are specific moments that are especially jarring for anyone familiar with Indian academia or naming conventions. For example:

“University of India” is used as a name, which is not how Indian universities are named at all. It’s the kind of placeholder name you’d expect from someone who hasn’t researched Indian institutions — a red flag for shallow worldbuilding.

The protagonist’s father is named Vasudev Singh, and he is a descendant of Karna — a choice that makes no mythological or cultural sense. Vasudev is Krishna’s father, and Singh is a North Indian surname often associated with Rajputs or Sikhs. The combination doesn’t align with Karna’s lineage or context. It shows a lack of sensitivity to the deep symbolic meanings in Indian naming traditions.

Everything Happens… in the U.S.?

Most of the mythology-related events happen in the U.S., not India. It’s as if the author wants to borrow Indian mythological power while keeping it firmly planted on American soil — a bizarre creative decision that only adds to the sense that this story is more for Western consumption than authentic representation. Even the mystical aspects of India are treated vaguely, as though the author is more comfortable imagining India as a distant exotic origin than a real, living culture.

Final Thoughts

It becomes very clear that this book was written by someone likely disconnected from the lived Indian experience — probably a second-generation Indian-American trying to tap into mythology as a storytelling trend rather than as a sacred inheritance. And that might fly with readers unfamiliar with Indian history or epics, but to someone who knows and cares, this is frustratingly hollow.

Despite a solid fantasy framework, the book suffers from what can only be described as a whitewashed, diluted approach to Indian culture and mythology. Representation means more than just using the right buzzwords — it’s about integrity and respect for the roots you’re borrowing from.

Rating: 3.5 stars. I’m docking half a point for the surface-level cultural treatment. If the final copy corrects some of these glaring issues, I’d be willing to revise my rating. But in its ARC form, this feels like a missed opportunity — mythological gold reduced to a decorative gloss.

I have been super interested in other regions and cultures mythology and retellings, and this scratched that itch so well. Our main character, Laila, is the descendent of the daughter of Draupadi in Hindu mythology.

The author does feed us bits of information about the original myth throughout the story without feeling educational or drawn out. I really enjoyed the romance in this story, but I felt like we got there too fast. Karan, another descendent, tries to kill her in the beginning, believing her to be a something different based on information and instructions from his uncle. It was very soon after this incident that they develop feelings for each other.

Thank you NetGalley and Union Square & Co. for the advanced copy!

4 stars (with the potential to be 5 if this becomes a series)

I received this as an ARC, and I am genuinely so glad I did. This felt like a Desi version of Percy Jackson, and I was completely drawn in from start to finish.

While I am not usually someone who gravitates toward mythology and did not catch every deeper reference, the plot, the characters, and the overall atmosphere were incredibly engaging. It took a little time for me to get into the story, but once it clicked, I could not stop reading. The pacing was quick, the world felt fresh, and the blend of mythology, action, and romance worked beautifully.

The aunts were absolutely iconic. I need more of them immediately. And Laila was a fantastic protagonist. She came across as strong, loyal, and intelligent without being overly perfect. I would follow her into battle any day.

Karan was a compelling character as well. I enjoyed the alternating chapters between him and Laila. It created a smooth rhythm and helped me connect with both perspectives. The mix of family dynamics, ancient magic, and subtle romance was well balanced and added emotional depth to the fast-moving plot.

Now about the ending. It left me wanting so much more. If this is not part of a planned series, I will be genuinely disappointed. This world has so much more potential, and I truly hope there is a sequel in the works.

Final rating: 4 stars. If this becomes a series, it could easily become a 5-star favorite.

Thank you to NetGalley and Union Square & Co. for the ARC.

Recommended for readers who enjoy:
- Strong female leads
- Mythology blended with modern fantasy
- Dual POV storytelling with action, emotion, and a hint of romance

When I saw this marketed for lovers of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, I knew I’d enjoy it - and was right! Laila is a fantastic, badass FMC who was raised to save the world. She and Karan, the MMC demon hunter, meet and instantly become rivals. But their relationship becomes romantic as the book goes on, and it was so fun to read. This book gets pretty dark at times, but overall I loved it. Thank you NetGalley and Union Square & Co for the eARC!

I applied for the ARC yesterday and got approved fast, but when I opened it today, I realized I had already read it months ago when it arrived in my Faecrate box. I totally forgot I had read it, which feels on brand for me lately.

This book blends Hindu mythology, slow-burn romance, and magic rooted in family and legacy. Laila is fierce, stubborn, and carrying way more than she lets on. I loved how her culture was deeply tied to the magic system, and the Rakshasi lore gave the world a darker, grounded edge.

Karan brought that classic “you’re my problem now” energy, and their bond developed slowly with plenty of tension. I appreciated that it wasn’t rushed, and that their connection felt earned by the end.

It did read a little younger than I expected. Some of the pacing and dialogue leaned more YA than I usually go for, but it didn’t take away from the heart of the story. I still found myself pulled into the characters and invested in where it was all going.

If you like mythology-based fantasy, complicated heroines, and slow-burn romance with real emotional stakes, this is worth picking up.

Modern YA Fantasy/Romantasy: Buffy meets Supernatural!

About the story:
Laila was raised as a fighter and must save the world. Karan must fight evil and finds himself face to face with Laila. Their worlds collide and they question everything they ever believed in.

What i liked:
- mythology and folklore
- funny and strong main characters with sass
- found family

What i didn’t like that much:
- the pacing
- repetitive scenes
- sometimes felt flat to me

(Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the digital review copy!)

Did you read the likes of Percy Jackson and other books by Rick Riordan and/or other mythologies growing up?

For fans of mythology incorporated into current contemporary world where the kids have to save the world - this is for youuu!!

Nisha Sharma is one of my favorite authors and she brings the same seamless brilliant storytelling to this YA novel. Plus for fans of the If Shakespeare was an Aunty series - we follow the same theme and we have a wonderful group of aunties in this as well!

I absolutely loved reading this and couldn’t put it down. I love a good mythology set in a contemporary world. Just like in Percy Jackson series you get to track these amazing YA’s connected to the myths and lore of the culture as they find themselves instrumental to saving the world and fighting demons/bad guys and forge new friendships and fall in love too.

This particular mythology is focused on the Mahabharata and I had so much fun tracking the different ways the lore is weaved into the story.

Really loved reading this start to finish and I’m so so glad author was able to get this picked up for publishing after years of rejections. As someone who LOVED Percy Jackson series that led to my love for Greek mythology I would have been over the moon to have this book growing up.

Also a moment for the romance - very enemies to lovers and their first date - my oh my their first date. Just go read this amazing book and get ready to eagerly pine for the sequel.

So grateful to have gotten this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Enemies to friends to lovers? sign me up! The world building and connection to mythology was really interesting and as someone who really appreciates a well-built world, I ate this book up. The book is fast paced and very easy to get into

The combination of mythology and magic in a 21st century world was captivating. The story was an amazing read! Thoroughly enjoyed it!

This was a great enemies to friends to lovers fantasy book. I enjoyed how the book started with action and immediately made us want to hug the female main character. I liked the pacing between her trying to live a normal life and having a huge burden to carry the family name. I liked how the male main character was introduced and how he was likeable to where you understand why he does what he thinks is needed. I liked how they meet and how they intertwine with each. I did not like the villian and figured out before that he would be evil. I loved the two side characters and hope they get a story in the next book. I didn't mind how gruesome the deaths were because it was quick. This was a great story and I will purchase the next one.

This is a fast-paced, slow-ish burn to blaze YA romance with a Hindu mythology twist. Overall, this was an enjoyable romp and the chemistry between Karan and Laila was electric. In the version I read, the prose was not the most magical but the world the author is building, and the connection to mythology was extremely fun. The opening is extremely compelling, and I think that Sharma has a good sense of how to pace the plot. This would be a fun beach romp for anyone who enjoys romantasy.

There are a few gaps that I think can be addressed by the author - for example, the tattoos on Laila and Karan are at different times referred to as being Sanskrit, "Sanskritlike", a dialect. It might be clearer to say they were in Devanagiri or Brahmi script which may be unfamiliar but perhaps untranslatable at first, or just some indication of why these 3 scholars of Sanskrit are unable to read these tattoos but also know they're in Sanskrit. Similarly for the symbol on their hands - it's described as a Sanskrit symbol but that is just confusing. What is a Sanskrit symbol? Is it a yantra? Is it a Devanagiri alphabet? I think that in trying to be more readable to a western audience, the book shies away from details that could really flesh out the world. There are similar examples, with a. reference to Traditional vs Formal Hindi, what does that mean? Growing up in India, that does not make sense to me.

A note: there is a throwaway reference to Laila's bisexuality which is never again mentioned and feels less like representation and more like trying to shoehorn in diversity. The author doesn't seem to have a lot of experience writing sexually diverse charcaters, and that's okay! It's fine for Laila to be straight.

There's a lot of promise in this book, and I hope the author + editor are able to clean up some of the less polished aspects of it to help the book live up to that promise.

This book was so cute! I love that within the first twenty pages there is a really captivating and face paced fight scene. I was hooked! Laila is raised by her demon aunts to save the world. Karan is a demon hunter on a mission to find his missing parents—and he thinks killing Laila is the key. Their collision is an enemies-to-lovers, fast-paced story heavily influenced by Hindu Mythology.
If you have an understanding of the Mythology, I imagine you get a lot more out of the story, but it isn’t a requirement at all. The Mythology is woven into the plot. It adds depth to the world without ever feeling inaccessible. The action scenes crackle, and Laila’s growth into a fierce, confident heroine is incredibly satisfying.
Anyone who enjoyed Percy Jackson, or Buffy the Vampire Slayer would love this book!

I requested this book for ARC reading because of the interesting blurb for the book. I didn't necessarily have high expectations for this book, but I was pleasantly surprised when I got reading by how good it was.

The story in short is about our main characters Laila and Karan, who both have a mythological ancestor. Their blood sets them on a path in which they have a legacy to fulfill. Their paths were never meant to cross, but what if they will?

This story was mostly written from the dual POV of Karan and Laila themselves. I really liked the switcharound a lot. When it was advertised as a book for fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Supernatural, I have to say I got triggered as a Supernatural watcher. And behold! The story did indeed have a Supernatural vibe to it. Especially from Karan's side of things.

Nisha Sharma also knows how to keep the tension high in a story. From the beginning to the end you're on the tip of your seat because of how exciting this story is. I first noticed it at 40% in the book, which I was surprised about because suddenly I was 40% into the book, how did that even happen?

The relationship between Karan and Laila progressed fast, but is believable at the same time. The way they interact with each other just makes sense. They weren't overly lovey-dovey either, which was nice in my opinion.

I was delighted to jump into the Indian mythology of things as well. I think this was a refreshing book on that front. It's usually a lot of Greek/Roman mythology you see (Norse often as well), so I was glad to learn more about a mythology I wasn't that aware of, so applause for the author on that as well!

When reading the book, the main villain of it is quite obvious, so if you're looking for suspense on who would be the evil guy, this book won't give you that. In my personal opinion I had no problems with them revealing the evil guy from the beginning, but it might be off-putting to some.

Some quotes that caught my eye too!
‘They were Indian Indiana Joneses in real life,…’ > love that so much.
‘“What can be worse than gossip?” he asked.
“The British colonization of India.”’ > ZING.

At last I want to thank Netgalley, Union Square & Co. and Nisha Sharma for the opportunity to read this book as an eARC. I will definitely be talking about this book with my book friends and I hope to see it do well overall!

The book follows the story of Laila and Karan, two teenagers who are descendants of demigods. Through themes of betrayal and love, they fight to survive in a world that pits them against one another.

I enjoyed this story. The characters are well-developed and feel real. The mythology is woven with intention and care. Laila is confident in her abilities and can care for herself, which contrasts with Karan's attitude at the beginning of the story. Their relationship evolves naturally through everyday interactions.

I recommend this book if you enjoy magic, a strong female lead, and plenty of action.

Thanks to NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my review.

Im going to give this a 3.7/5 stars

I’ll start with the good parts. The mythology. I know nothing about Indian mythology. I have never heard of draupadi but this has made me have enough interest in it to research myself. It was very fun at the last 150 pages and I felt like a lot of the story started to come together. It also got me so excited for book 2 and how ever many are to come. I also have so much interest in Gopal.

The bad parts, I felt directionless for the beginning half of the book. A lot of it felt like vibes and I didn’t have a clear direction of where we were going. This could be because I have no knowledge of the mythology. Some of the lines were also cringe and unnatural.

It was said to be enemies to lovers but, there was nothing really giving enemies here. It seemed like he like liked her from he start and here was no serious clash.

But overall great work from Nisha

Thank you Netgalley and publishers for giving me access to this eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The cover is wonderful.
However, I had to DNF this one. I didn't find it exciting or gripping and I was just kind of confused. I don't know much about Indian Mythology so maybe that's why I didn't connect with the story as much as I would have liked.
The over usage of people's names kind of threw me off though.
I'm sad this one didn't work for me.

This book was EPIC!

Illusions of Fire follows a young Laila Bansal, just out of high school, dealing with balancing her young adult life and the fate of the world - no big deal.

Reading Nisha Sharma's acknowledgements had me tearing up because this book would have totally fit in with the early 2010s just a few years after Veronica Mars ended and less than a decade after the end of Buffy and Angel too. But ESPECIALLY because this is literally when The Librarians was coming out! It's heartbreaking to hear that this book was left behind. I am so so so glad that Nisha didn't give up on it though because this book is incredibly necessary and so good! It absolutely needs to exist in the world. I will be recommending this book to everyone I know.

From the start I immediately couldn't put Illusions of Fire down. It was unique but familiar at the same time. As a South Asian girl, I felt so seen by Laila and I related so much to a lot of her day-to-day life. Also, where does one get this fancy chai machine? Her rich lifestyle and quirky masis alone are honestly so fun!

While I am Indian, I'm not Hindu so this mythology was completely new and fresh to me. I was so fascinated by the way the magic system worked and the roles all the characters played. I loved the way that the gods and their descendents had entire histories and present purposes in their tasks but there were also still a ton of secrets. Shout out to my girl Boo, the designated bookworm researcher.

But also who can forget Karan, the awesome MMC. I loved Laila and him together so much! We get to see the two skilled fighters together battling mythical creatures and having each other's backs for so much of this story and I was obsessed with that.

This book has archery training, flaming swords, epic libraries, various demons, and dark magic. It is so cool and so interesting and I cannot say enough good things about it!

This series is going to be amazing and no one is going to want to miss it!


Thank you so much to Union Square and Nisha Sharma for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

As a huge fan of Buffy and Supernatural this book was everything I wanted in a modern fantasy. Laila is a girl raised for a divine purpose-to save the world. Karan is also raised to battle evil and protect humans but from across the world and never to cross paths with Laila. However, he is looking for his missing parents and he believes Laila is the key to finding them. He just has to kill her. So begins his journey to Rochester, NY, of all places. There is some deep lore into Indian religious text and mythology that was beautiful. The good guys and the bad guys were complex and multi-faceted. I had some sympathy for a few of the demons. Scorned woman turned man eater?..she’s my friend. I loved Laila and Karan’s initial rivalry and their battles. I loved their connection and how it develops into something romantic. The introduction of surprise characters was very interesting and I am excited to see how this series develops. This story can be standalone but I want more and Nisha Sharma better get approval for more books. I will riot if not. This story was so unique and special. It was even a bit dark. I have to say the mention of the Kerala fighting style made me scream. I’m from Kerala and this was a deep cut that I LOVED. This is a YA book so there is only closed door spice. It’s totally appropriate for teens and up and I would have ate this up back then. I mean, I ate this up in one day today as a grown woman. A new favorite for sure.

A fast read that revolves around Hindu mythology that was quick to engage me as a reader even though I knew next to nothing about the source material. This book had everything a YA book should have- a journey of self-discovery, a cast of characters that while young- had a lot of heart, and a prophecy of destiny that may or may not be fulfilled.

One thing to note, it's not a standalone. There was not markings of it being part of a series when I read it, but it's very clear from the end that there is more to come in later installments.

Thank you to NetGalley and Union Square & Co for a copy of this e-ARC.