3.75 stars if we’re being specific.

I’ve truly thoroughly enjoyed this entire series. I think it progressively got stronger as the story progressed and the characters have continued to grow and evolve in a realistic way. The characters struggle and learn and make questionable decisions but that’s what makes them endearing.

I did find myself wondering when something was going to happen though. I don’t feel like the story really had any action until half way through which I found frustrating for the conclusion of the quartet. I kept thinking how is this possibly going to wrap up in such a short amount of time?! I just couldn’t quite figure out how it was all going to come together. I do think Nisha did a good job of keeping me guessing. I could figure out the individual pieces and I knew what to expect at the end of the puzzle but the how is what I was craving.

I wanted to smack Zarya for the entire first half of this story. We all knew that she was being lied to and manipulated and delayed. I kept thinking “you're smarter than this girlfriend!!” But had to keep reminding myself that this girl is only 20, she’s been isolated and alone most of her life dreaming of a picture perfect family. She wanted so much to believe the best in those surrounding her. I can’t help but think if Rabin has been a little bit more honest and communicative about his misgivings things might have turned out differently. But then again, this was all fated so maybe not. As Zee says at the end, everything had to happen or she wouldn’t have found Asha, the world wouldn’t have been saved etc etc

I also knew we were going to get a HEA but it did feel a little too neat and tidy for me personally. Yes it boiled down to good vs evil and of course good won but it didn’t feel like there were any real consequences. Zarya was basically saved from the brink of death/actual death twice. We didn’t loose anyone of any importance, all the bad guys were wholly defeated quite easily and all of our found family got the absolute ultimate HEA.

Despite this big fancy bow tying everything together I have loved this journey. I read this book in 2 sittings and needed to know what was going to happen next. I do wish we’d gotten some more about the world post-collared slaves. We got some brief info about the governments all working together hunky dory to get everyone on equal footing. Perhaps I’m just cynical in today’s world but that seems like the most unrealistic thing in this fantasy story.

Wow! I am blown away by this entire series and all these characters!

I fell in love with Zarya from the moment I met her in the swamps. I’ve enjoyed watching her learn and grow and find herself.

And Rabin? I wasn’t sure if his intentions were nefarious at first, but I quickly fell in love with his big, broody self. I love that he looked out for Zarya before he was even certain that what he was feeling was true.

I also fell in love with Yasan and Row, as I’m sure many others would! I think I’d like to see a spin off of Yasan’s story and how things work out for him and his king.

Overall, I loved every second. And as much as I love a good ending, I’m so sad to see this story come to a close.

4.25 ⭐️

This was one of my most anticipated reads, and it did not disappoint! I’ve been completely obsessed with Zarya, Rabin, and their found family, and this finale delivered so many of the moments I was hoping for. I especially loved seeing Zarya fully step into her power, with some truly spicy, shadow mommy scenes 😮‍💨

One of the highlights for me was getting Yasen’s POV and his side romance, which added extra depth to the story. The unique magic system remains a standout to me amongst romantasy, and I really enjoyed watching Zarya figure out how to wield her power strategically to overcome the final conflicts.

That said, the pacing at the beginning felt a little slow, and I wish Rabin had trusted his instincts more early on. I think we could have spent less time in that part of the story and more time fleshing out the final conflicts, but overall, the conclusion was satisfying and true to the journey these characters have been on. While I’m happy with how it all wrapped up, I can’t help but feel a little sad that it’s over!

Thank you to NetGalley and Second Sky Books for the arc in exchange for my honest review!

🗡 Aɾƈ Rҽʋιҽɯ 🗡

Title: Queen of Shadows & Ruin (Book #4 in the Nightfire Quartet series)
Author: @nishajtwrites
Pub Date: March 6, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥

"ꜱʜᴇ ᴡɪʟʟ ꜰʀᴇᴇ ᴛʜᴇᴍ ᴀʟʟ."

Thank you so much, @nishajtwrites and team, for the gifted eArc of Queen of Shadows and Ruin. This series has altered my brain chemistry.

The Nightfire Quartet will forever be one of my favorite series. Zarya and Rabin are one of the most amazing couples I've read. The trials and tribulations these two have faced and come out even stronger is astounding. The love they have for one another is outmatched.

There was so much that went on in this last book. I was absolutely captivated. All emotions flowed right through me, and I sobbed so hard.

QOSAR had twists and turns, betrayal, dragons, demons, banter, an epic battle scene, spice, magic, and loads more. My heart was pounding right out of my chest during some chapters. The adrenaline while reading this one had me pacing my house. I could not stay still and HAD to keep reading to figure out more and more. I tried to hold off on finishing, knowing that it was the last book, but I just couldn't.

I still can't believe this series is over. I had to take a few days in order to process it all. I'm so glad I got to experience Zaryas' story. Everything she went through, the love she found, the friendships she made, the growth.. Zarya is definitely a top fmc for me. I dont know if I could withstand all she did and still be standing strong.

If you have not read this series yet, please do! Can we please get a book about our boy Yasen? 🥹 👉🏻👈🏻 I love him, and he deserves the world.

Thank you, NetGalley, for this eARC! Queen of Shadows and Ruin, the thrilling conclusion to the Nightfire Quarter, was absolutely amazing. Rabin and Zarya’s journey was everything I hoped for—full of action, heart, and unforgettable moments. The worldbuilding was as immersive as ever, and the stakes were higher than ever before. This series has been a fantastic ride, and this final installment did not disappoint!

Another wonderful fantasy series wrapped up beautifully by Nisha! I have been lucky enough to receive an arc of all 4 books in this series and have enjoyed every one! Nisha paints a beautiful and vivid world with this tale and it makes me wish the places were real to visit! Zarya, Rabin, Yas and team continue on the mission they set out to accomplish and we follow them across Rashajan. I enjoyed how Nisha brought together all the elements across the series to come to these final important moments in the story! Zarya and Yas continue to be one of my all time favourite bestie duo’s and I will miss being in the world with them! 🩶

What a finish to the series!! This was action packed. There were so many loose threads to tie up in this book, and I loved how it was done!

Yasen is still my precious baby and I am so obsessed with him. He’s the best friend a girl could ask for, and I absolutely loved seeing him get to experience love and care and trust 😭

Zarya is an all time favorite character. She went through so much in this story, but she stays so steadfast for the people she cares for and loves. She knows who she is and what she stands for and she does not hesitate to act. I love herrrrrr! And her and Rabin’s love story is so special. I can’t get enough of them 🥲

I’m so sad that this series is over, but I loved every second of it!

Read this if you like:
Magical World Building
Incredible Friendships
LGBTQ+ Rep
Mating Bond
Political Intrigue/Rebellion

Thank you so much to Nisha J. Tuli and Netgalley for sending me a copy for an honest review. 🫶🏻

Ok for the most part this was my fav of the series. I think it wrapped everything up in a nice little bow, and had plenty of action and tension. But like the ending?? I waited four books for the ending to be one chapter of resolution?! The whole book was leading up to high stakes and it just did nooooot deliver.
Nonetheless, I loved this series and the characters. Yasen will always be a fav. I really enjoyed rabin and Zarya throughout this series.

I read the first 3 just to read and review this one, and I'm so glad I did! I adore this story and the world building, and the conclusion in the final novel did not disappoint.

I am not one for instalove and I'm touch and go on fated mates, but I appreciated the addition of enemies to lovers in this mix, so it worked for me. And how could you not love Zarya and want her to be happy?

Also, YASEN. My favorite character. Thank you so much for giving him a love interest. I originally (1st book) thought this was going to be a love triangle and screamed with joy when it was instead a queer best friend relationship. BEAUTIFUL.

I wish Nisha's work received the attention other romantasy series do. She deserves it, and I can't wait to read more of her books!

I read this in a day and a half and my poor husband has not seen me come out of my cave.

A few things:

I would SELL a kidney to reread this book again like it was the first time.

I would SACRIFICE my husband and dog for a chance to eat the foods they’re ALWAYS describing in these books.

I would sell my SOUL to be thrown into the story and have all my senses available to me to see smell taste and touch everything in this story in real time just so I can have the satisfaction of knowing I absorbed everything she wrote and described!

I couldn’t have imagined a better ending to this book and have everything wrapped up nicely with a tight bow. I cannot wait to recommend this to everyone I know and have them feel the same way I felt!

my heart feels so full. this series was everything and more, and im going to miss this universe so much. i dont even know where to start.. nisha, your pen never fails truly. she always knows how to pull you in and keep you captivated. the tension, the emotions, the stakes, all of it had me hooked from start to finish. i really liked this book, maybe not my absolute favorite of the series, but it was still such a ride. the war, the impossible choices, the heartbreak, the betrayals, everything was so intense, and i felt every moment of it. and i loved every moment of it. rabinzarya, my loves. they served so well, and i just love them so much. i will never be over them. intertwined lovers, you will always be loved by me. and thank god my glorious king yasen managed to beat the death trope allegations. we were in the trenches begging nisha to spare him, and i’m so glad it paid off! also, him and miraan. sooo cute. im so happy for them, my two princes. 🤍
im going to miss zarya and yasen the most, my favorite platonic soulmates. they were so excellent. also, so glad row finally got his chance to shine, it was well deserved. his bond with zarya will always be special to me, especially after everything they went through. this fatherdaughter dynamic gets serious. and zarya. love love love her to bits. she’s been through hell and came out so strong. im going to miss her and this family so much. i do wish certain things had been expanded, but overall, everything was wrapped up pretty well.

huuuuge thanks to nisha for writing this wonderful series and to her team for sending me this arc!

As always another 5 star read. I don't think I've been disappointed yet by anything I've read by Nisha J Tuli. Her writing is just so extraordinary. 10/10 recommend this series. I actually listened to this series but it was so good.

Queen of Shadows & Ruin by Nisha J Tuli, the last book in the Nightfire Quartet series is OUT NOW!
This is one of my favorite romantasy series. Rabin, the MMC, is a favorite book boyfriend of mine, Zarya, the FMC, is a woman I would love to be besties with, and her bestie, Yasen, is one of my very favorite side characters ever.
This last book was an emotional rollercoaster, I wanted to shake characters, throw my book, scream at characters, I cried, I laughed, I cried some more, it was just such a fantastic final installment.
Nisha closed out the series perfectly in my opinion. Everyone had the day they deserved in the end.
If you are a fan romantasy/dark romantasy, I very much recommend this series.

This is Book 4 of The Nightfire Quartet and this is the finale!

First up, I absolutely adore the covers for this series - they are absolutely gorgeous!

This is the final part of this series, and we follow Zarya as she faces her Darkest threats yet.

Nisha has a cunning way of being able to draw you into the story, and you just want to binge the entire novel in a single sitting!

It's darker than the previous ones, but this just adds the overall drama of the series.

I absolutely love Zarya. She is incredibly strong and determined, a real role model and someone who you can depend on. I love seeing strong female main characters in fantasy books.

Yasen is Zarya best friend, and he is absolutely hilarious with his quite blunt and sometimes crude observations, while the energy these two have is fantastic. It adds another layer to the story.

This is a series that needs to be read in order so you appreciate every little single moment reading!

This is the second series that I have read by Nisha, and I absolutely love her and her writing style as she is incredibly creative and just an amazing writer.

Highly recommend to fantasy lovers!

Fast-paced and full of character and relationships you can't help but root for, Queen of Shadows and Ruin brought this series to an epic conclusion that had me frantically flipping pages until I reached the end. Action-packed with a delicious slow-burn romance, this had me hooked.

If you're looking for a new romantasy series, I would check out the Nightfire Quartet!

I've read Queen of Shadows and Ruin, written by Nisha J. Tuli. It's the last enstallment of the Nightfire Quartet.

In all those books, you can see Zarya (FMC) grow from a little girl to a powerful woman, and right next to her Rabin, her true love.

I gave this book a 4-star read because somewhere along, it left me hanging and especially a bit at the end.

Even though I loved the first 3 books and the need to read this one was great. I kept comparing it to The Ouranos Artifact series, which I read after I read the first 3 of the Nightfire Quartet, and I keep thinking how I loved that one more.

Nisha, I can only tell you: I'm fond of your writing and I will keep reading your next books.

Thank you for getting the opportunity to get this e-arc.

Zarya is the only one able to save her home from the dark magic spreading throughout the land. Rabin is sure the king is able to help, but Zarya had only known of Abishek as someone eager to steal her magic or kill her. The tie between Zarya and Rabin begins to fail, and Abishek offers to help. Shadow armies are gathering as ancient magic is breaking loose. Everything that Zarya has ever loved is on the line, and she must face the darkness within.

Queen of Shadows and Ruin is the fourth and final book of the Nightfire Quartet. (Heart of Night and Fire, Dance of Stars and Ashes, and Storm of Ink and Blood are the prior books in the quartet.) Definitely read those first, each book builds upon the events of the prior ones in the quartet.

Following the uprising in Ishaan that she was part of, Zarya escaped to Abishek with Rabin, Miraan, and Yasen. Abishek is at once thoughtful and caring, but also possessive and commanding. He doesn't want to discuss freeing the vanshaj of bondage and still considers the Aazheri superior in every way. Zarya wants to trust that he has her best interests and safety at heart, especially since he also cares about Rabin. But something also doesn't feel right within the kingdom, and the trouble in Ishaan escalated even further. The second half of the book deals with the betrayals and weight of the Blight and the demons that were contained for a thousand years.

This book fully explains the source of the blight, what happened to Zarya's mother, and the truth about the tie between Zarya and Rabin. The second half of the book has the action and groups figuring out what to do. The conclusion not only ties up those questions but brings in characters from earlier books. It's tied up neatly, and several people get a happily ever after. I enjoyed seeing them happy together after the destruction and terror that they lived through. It was a fun ride and a good conclusion to the quartet.

Thank you Nisha J Tuli, Second Sky, and Netgalley for the ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
First I just want to say that I am so late on not only this review, but the read as well! I guess life gets busy when you get two puppies at once! :rofl:

This book is the final journey in the world that is Rahajhan. It is the ending to an incredible series, The Nightfire Quartet Series. It was released on March 6th, 2025!

➼ found family
➼ betrayal
➼ fated mates
➼ Indian mythology

Trigger warning(s):

Throughout this series, you get the opportunity to fall in love with an array of characters, an incredibly unique storyline that is action packed, and the amazing writing from none other than Nisha. I had a rollercoaster of emotions throughout the whole series, with the characters and their growth and/or betrayal, the plot twists left and right, and the tragedies (or not?). I think this is a great series and world to get into, especially with it being inspired by Indian Mythology! Truly though, Nisha's books always slap.

Now for this book. I truly loved this ending. Maybe I'm just a sucker for a series' ending and a happily ever after, but I thought it was perfect! Obviously there are going to be flaws, like that character really betrayed so and so? The plot twist you could honestly see coming from a mile away BUT I will be honest here, I am very good at detecting the plot twists in books, but I had so much hope before this book about the plot twist and was lowkey shocked when it was revealed. Like I KNEW that would be the twist but I was really holding out hope that it wouldn't be. I would say this final book is exhilarating while also being rushed by the end. The final fight was just after 75% through the book and then it was over like that. I truly thought, for the length of this book, that it would take about 50% of the book for the final "battle", when it barely took 25%. It definitely could have been extended to 5 books to make a more action packed final battle, but at the same time I think four books was the perfect amount.

Zayra Rai is an incredible heroine! She is inspiring and extremely determined to save others. She had so much growth throughout the whole series and I loved being able to see her grow!

Rabin Ravana is THE MAN! I seriously love Rabin so much, y'all don't even understand. But in this book? FOLLOW YOUR GUT BABE! A lot happened throughout this book, but I loved seeing him fight for those he loves!

Book boyfriend? UH YES! We love Rabin here and I won't accept any slander!

★★★★★
:hot_pepper::hot_pepper:
:droplet::droplet:

"𝘕𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘶𝘴, 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘸𝘪𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯."

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of the eBook.

I can't believe this series is over. I have loved every single book and loved watching Zarya grow over the 4 books.

This ended the way I wanted it to and I couldn't have asked for a better book to end this quartet. Well worth a read!

Nisha just knows how to reel you back into the world, everything is summarised in the best way to get you straight back into the story. Nothing is added without purpose and these books were all so fast paced. Also, thank you Nisha for writing all 4 in 18 months. My impatient self really appreciates it!

From the very first page, the short, punchy chapters and the irresistible pull to uncover what happens next had me thoroughly hooked!

The story picks up seamlessly from where the previous book left off, with Zarya fleeing to seek refuge in her father’s kingdom. Raja Abishek has intrigued me ever since he was first mentioned in the series, and now I finally meet the man himself.
Watching Zarya reconnect with her father was fascinating, yet I couldn’t shake the lingering sense that Abishek might be too good to be true…

As the plot unfolds, dark secrets are unearthed, and the true extent of Zarya’s power is revealed, raising the stakes to a new height.
The final chapters, packed with intense sword fights and moments that push Zarya and Rabin’s bond to its limits, kept me on the edge of my seat and my glued to my Kindle!

Speaking of Zarya and Rabin—their romance is simply off the charts, deliciously fiery, and heart-melting!
I was glad to see some of the characters I’ve adored finally receive second chances and the well-earned endings they deserve, especially Yasen and Row.

Overall, it has been a wonderful journey witnessing Zarya’s growth – from the uncertain heroine of the 1st book to the powerful woman she becomes in this finale.
The author has done a masterful job crafting intricate world-building and creating well-developed characters.
I look forward to discovering more of this author’s work in the future!

⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: Death, sexual content, war, torture, confinement