•South Asian Mythology
•Indian-inspired Culture
•Fantasy Romance
•Found Family
•Strong FMC
•Magical World

Zarya has been trapped for the past 20 years, unable to travel past the lines set by her warden. He tells her it’s to keep her and her magic safe, but why? Zarya wants more in life than this hidden existence. She wants to know where she came from and the truth behind her captivity. After noticing one night that the magic keeping her trapped has disappeared, Zarya escapes her old life. She soon discovers a whole new world of enchantment and possibilities. But the city she finds herself in is under attack. Creatures born from dark magic lay siege each night. Zarya joins the fight to protect her new home. Along the way, new secrets about herself are revealed. But can she trust anyone with these secrets?
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Nisha’s books never fail to blow me away! When I heard she was writing this book, I KNEW I was going to love it. Heart of Night and Fire did not disappoint.

The descriptions of the food, the clothes, and the magic were breath-taking! It was such an original and beautiful story!

The world-building was also very well done. All of the magical creatures were so interesting. The dark creatures were especially terrifying. I would NOT want those things existing in real life, lol.

I want to make a special note about Yasen. I LOVE his character so much! I need a Yasen in my life. He is easily my favorite character, but Zarya is a close second.

Zarya is a great FMC. I love how strong she is yet not everything comes too easily for her. I really appreciated that she had to learn and discover so much for herself. Yes, she’s not without her flaws. Sometimes she makes some questionable choices. But, I think it makes her more real.

I will say that the ending was a bit fast-paced, although that wasn’t a bad thing. There was just so much happening! I wasn’t ready for it to end. I am so excited to see where the second book takes us!

Thank you to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This was my first Nisha Tuli novel. Thank you Net Galley and publisher for this advanced copy.
A great fantasy read.
For years, Zarya has been trapped in a gilded prison. Her magic is forbidden, a dangerous secret—though nobody will explain why. Now she is ready to break free and find the truth.

Escaping to the dazzling city of Dharati, Zarya discovers a new world of enchantment and intrigue. With the help of seductive, blood-drinking rakshasa and magic-weaving Aazheri sorcerers, she searches for answers.

But the city is under siege. Every night, dark creatures attack. And since Zarya’s arrival they are growing stronger. To protect her new home, Zarya joins the fight.

As she battles on the walls and hunts through libraries for clues about her gifts, Zarya’s dreams are haunted by a mysterious stranger. Powerful, arrogant and handsome, Rabin sees through her secrets and ignites a desire she cannot resist. But can he be trusted?

When darkness threatens to overwhelm Dharati, Zarya is faced with a deadly choice. Will revealing her magic save the city? Or destroy everything she loves?

This was my first book by this author and I was completely blown away. Book #1 in The Nightfire Quartet. Pnr, vampires, fantasy, enemies to lovers, and awesome plot. I am so looking forward to more books by this author.

Heart of Night and Fire by Nisha J. Tuli is a fantasy novel about Zarya, a woman trapped in a gilded prison because of her magic. From the opening sentences, the novel is poetic and beautifully written, instantly pulling me in on the journey.

Zarya is a main character I really enjoyed. She’s nearly twenty-one and has spent almost her entire life locked away in a cottage near the southern shore, and she dreams of freedom and being a character in one of her romance novels. I found that really relatable. There were a few things I felt inconsistent with her upbringing, particularly being able to ride a horse so well after being confined to a small amount of space, but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment. I also enjoyed watching Zarya form friendships after being so lonely for long.

The world is interesting as its heavily-inspired by India and Southeast Asia across multiple time periods, but with a modern twist. I liked that because it allowed Zarya to be distinctly modern while still feeling fantastical enough pulling on the inspiration and combining it with an elemental magic system.

As far as the love interest, or at least the first one, Tuli left enough clues for me to see the twist coming (and it was wonderful! My jaw dropped open when I realized what was going to happen), but she still made him empathetic and understandable. I loved her two friends offering to kill him for her. What I did not see coming was the plot twist with the other (and I suspect primary) love interest, and that was just fantastically executed.

I listened to the audiobook version and greatly enjoyed narrator Shiromi Arserio’s reading of the book. She had great pacing and tones, and I felt that she really elevated my experience.

Overall, I truly enjoyed this novel with its deep world and loveable characters. Zarya is imminently relatable and I am intrigued about where the series will go from here.

Favorite quote: “Sometimes our destiny is now what we would have chosen. We can either seek to change it or learn to live with it.”

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for allowing me to listen to this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Pros:
- The quick introduction to magic that was really poetic in audiobook form.
- Fascinating world that was a lovely mix of historical and modern.

Cons:
- The introduction of the elemental magic was quite clunky and felt very much for the reader’s benefit rather than a natural fit in the story.
- Had a hard time understanding why everyone seemed so interested in Zarya from the start and so trusting. I see the fantasy in it, but it threw me out of the story on occasion.

One of my favorite things is the Indian and South Asian inclusivity in Nisha J. Tuli’s books.
This was such a unique story, but I didn’t like this one as much as her Artefacts of Ouranos series. I felt that there could have been more character development as I didn’t feel emotionally invested in any of the characters.
While still being a good book, something in this one just didn’t quite work for me which makes me sad because I was really excited for it.

This books is full of Indian mythological creatures and hidden magic! It will take you on a journey into one girls life who was destined be locked away forever in a magical prison. Until one day that magical shield was suddenly gone leaving Zarya free to go have the life she never thought she would be able to have. Only for her to realize there are so many secrets to be unlocked about herself and the past. It opens you up to a slow enemies to lovers relationship that I can’t wait to read more about in book two! It has several plot twist to keep you on your toes. The world of Dharati is an epic fantasy you don’t want to miss out on. Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this beautiful book!

I have loved everything that this author has written so far and Heart of Night and Fire is no exception.

First of all, this book kept me hungry… all of the food that was described sounded so good.

I loved this story so much, it was really cool to have a book centered around a culture that I don’t know too much about. It was so interesting and refreshing! Nisha has lovely world building skills and always thinks of unique magic systems.

The book was full of action and I always love reading fighting scenes. I found all of the characters to be lovely and deep. I was actually surprised at the ending, which doesn’t happen too often. I’m super excited for the next one!

I was given an ARC of this book and also the audiobook.

This may be the next big series.
This book marks so many boxes for what people are looking for in fantasy/ romance/sci-fi right now.
Good representation, found family, enemies to lovers and a captivating story.
I can't wait to see where the next book will go and I want it ASAP!

I really enjoyed the enemies to lovers, from the moment the book started I was so intrigued by the magic system. I also loved how well fleshed out the characters were! I cannot wait to continue this series!

*arc review*
Such an impressive start for this series!! Very refreshing being able to read about a different type of mythology and not the usual ones that are always used
Zarya is a breath of fresh air in a FMC, she is fierce, she is not the innocent type you see everywhere and I liked that very much.
The found family plays a very important role since zarya had been alone and sheltered most of her life. ( yes zarya and yasin reminded me of kenji and juliette)
And Rabin, oh .my. god. This broody appeared in like maximum 10 chapters/ scenes and he already has my heart

Can’t wait to read the second instalment already

Thank you Netgalley for the audio 🫶🏻

3.75/5 🌟🌟🌟💫

plot 4/5 | characters 3.5/5 | world building 3.5/5 | romance 0.5/5 | spice 0.5/5 | writing 4.25/5

This is the second series that I have read from Nisha J. Tuli ( ❤️Artefacts of Ouranos❤️) and I was super excited to be able to get an ARC audiobook to review.

First let me say that I loved the South Asian culture that is the foundation of this book and 100% believe that we need more books that embrace different cultures and people of colour as the MCs.

The plot is is just getting started in this epic world of evil creatures and the kingdoms standing to protect themselves against this dark magic trying to over run them. On top of that, you have a world of political machinations and secrecy that tangles the characters in a web of lies and half truths. I am excited to explore the magic system of this world more. The twists in this book, while I did have a feeling that they would happen, I was still delighted when they actually panned out. The beginning of the book had me drawn in, the middle chunk was okay but the last hour or so was really great. It did seem a little weird to me that there was so much secrecy on the book and at the end, all secrets were revealed with a bit on nonchalance.

The characters are both endearing and frustrating. I love Yasen and Rabin the most because they seem complex and real. They have more than one emotion, a past that has obviously altered the way they are today and they both are like yummy mysteries waiting to be revealed. Zarya, I have mixed feelings about because I want to love her SO much, she has so much going for her. But her Naiveté frustrates me so much. I know she is just getting started into growing into her bad ass self, but I want more dimension from her. I know she is sheltered, but after 21 years, I would hope there would be more to her than fighting and romance novel reading. She also gets injured A LOT. I don't love that she always ends up blacking out and having to be carried and cared for in the arms of the men around her. I actually think the problem is that Lor ( the FMC from Tuli's Artefacts of Ouranos) spoiled me completely. She also seemed desperate for kindness and to be loved but she is SO much more complex, and damaged and I am a huge fan. Zarya also frequently talks/thinks like a petulant child, her flip flop of love and hate for Row and his apprentice is just tiring. It feels like listening to my children complain about each other. UGH!!! I know this is all short term though. You have to give characters rooms to grow or they just fall flat. So please take this opinion with a grain of salt. While the FMC is neither here nor there for me right now, I am cheering for her and I have faith in Tuli that she will make Zarya rise to the stars. Now for the*unpopular opinion* Vikram, I could take or leave. Too soft, especially for an Army's Commander. He also seems a little too one dimensional for my liking. Good Supporting character but definitely not leading man material. SORRY!

There were many moments that I was lost in the terms, the names, the kingdoms. I had to rewind SO many times because I had to listen to things twice to place in in my mind. There seem to be almost too many creatures and terms to grasp- with a large cast* and many kingdoms with many powers. The magic system and different species of beings in this book also seemed complex and daunting at time. For example, I must have missed what anchors meant or what that actually means because the whole thing is just confusing. I get that it is some how the source of ones magic but I can't really picture any of it. * this all being said, this book wouldn't have been the same with characters named Bob, Jane and Jon- so I appreciate what the author was trying to do, but when you have cultural names with species names and kingdom names, it is a lil wild.

I understand that this series is a quartet and this felt very much like the book that is laying the foundations of the other book to come. Here, we are learning the characters, the magic systems and the players in the game for ultimate power and control. I am really excited for this series to continue because the last part of this book was really great. There was action and excitement, plot twists and many hints at the next book. I found that Tuli's second books, once the plot really gets moving are always better than the first, so I will definitely be ready to read the next!!

Overall, the audiobook was great and I really did enjoy listening to it.

I was lucky to receive an ARC of this book from Netgalley and the author. All opinions are my own and freely given.

This was my first foray into this author's world, and it certainly won't be my last. This enchanting tale has left me eager to explore more of her backlist titles.

The book's world-building and mythology were enthralling, and I was particularly drawn to the captivating blend of angst and enemies-to-lovers dynamics. I craved more of this captivating tale, and the intricately developed characters were a welcome bonus.

The narrator, Shiromi Arserio, was fantastic. They certainly kept me engaged throughout the entire book and I didn't get lost while listening. I enjoyed the multiple voices portraying a wide array of characters.

I received an ARC of Heart of Night and Fire (The Nightfire Quartet Book 1) by Nisha J. Tuli through NetGalley.

Heart of Night and Fire (The Nightfire Quartet Book 1)
by Nisha J. Tuli
3/5

Thank you for allowing me the chance to review this book. Unfortunately, I struggled to connect with Zarya. The world-building and magic aspects were spot on and I truly loved the representation, as I feel there is not alot of diversity in fantasy books. I did feel like this book is more of a YA book as it seemed as the wording and situations were targeted towards a younger crowd. I think if it was a bit more fast-paced and less angsty. I also think that it is more of a hate-to-love as opposed to enemies-to-lovers. I did enjoy the narrator!

Thank you to NetGalley and Second Sky for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have read a few of Nisha Tulis book and fell in love with her writing style, vivid imagery, and amazing characters. This book was no exception.

Heart of Night and Fire is a fantasy/ romance novel inspired by Indian mythology, containing a world of magical creatures, demons, and royalty.

I read/ listened to this book and found both experiences enchanting. The narrator articulated the story with perfect inflections and pacing that kept me engaged and unable to put the story down.
I loved exploring Zaryas exploration of a complex world outside of her protected and sheltered upbringing, as well as her spunk and ferocity as she faced so many overwhelming experiences and challenges.
The story establishes the world and character foundations, for what will certainly be explored in more action and intensity as the series progresses. As this is the first book of a series, it is a bit heavier on the world building which takes some patience but as always, Nisha works in these details within the flow of the story in a way that's not forced or boring. The names, places, and other aspects of the world - being based on Indian mythology - can feel a bit foreign and difficult to track but it just takes some patience to map it out in your mind and track the various words. I did find some of the names and places having similar sounds which made it a bit more challenging to navigate but in those moments I just referenced the ebook to make sure I had it right in my head.
The story ends on an exciting precipice and I am eager to see where the story goes in the next book!

When I rate fantasy books, the categories I base my ratings on include; Emotional Impact, Characters, Plot, Dialogue, Intrigue, World Building, and the Magic System. I'll say that none of those categories were blown out of the water with this story. However, what truly let me down was the dialogue. The best parts about this book is the intrigue and the world building - BUT the absolute cringe fest of dialogue really made the begging of this story almost DNF worthy. It felt like the plot and the world were written by an experienced author and the dialogue was written by a high-school student, and it also felt vveerryy YA. From what I can tell this book is marketed as an adult read but throughout the entire beginning of the book I just kept feeling myself rolling my eyes at our FMC's conversations.

Thank you, NetGalley and Second Sky Books for the chance to read this stunning novel!

For the past 20 years, Zarya has been trapped in a cottage surrounded by a growing dark swamp far from civilization. She is forbidden to use her magic, but she's unsure why it must remain a secret. Arav, one of her protectors, seems to despise her, and Rowe, the guardian who raised her, refuses to give her the answers she seeks. Zarya is ready to break out of the only life she's ever known.

One day her wish is granted as she finally escapes and finds herself in the dazzling city of Dharati. Along the way, she meets and befriends blood-drinking rakshasa, Vikrim, and Yasen. The magical Aazheri sorcerers within the walls have questions for her, but she doesn't know who to trust with her secrets. But there is a darkness outside of the city that threatens the safety of the people who live there, and Zarya joins the fight. Battling to protect the city and searching for clues about her unknown gifts, Zarya's dreams lead to more questions as she's confronted by a mysterious stranger. When the darkness threatens to destroy Dharati, Zarya and her friends band together and must do all that they can to protect the city. But if she is forced to reveal her magic, will it do more harm than good?

I absolutely loved this new world and story from Nisha J. Tuli. The world building she uses within this novel made me feel like I was right there walking beside Zarya. I enjoyed reading about Zarya and her grit and determintation to help save Dharati despite just coming to it. She was such a fun female to read because she didn't put up with anyone telling her what to do now that she's left her "cage." I LOVED Yasen and the friendship that builds throughout the story. The forest meetings with Rabin were so intriguing and I'm excited to see how that storyline continues in book 2.

The audiobook version really enhanced the story telling with this book. Shiromi Arserio brought each character a unique voice and it was easy for me to tell who was speaking. She performed it in such a way that I was on the edge of my seat waiting to hear what would happen next. I would certainly recommend the audio version of this book.

Thank you, NetGalley and Second Sky Books for the chance to read this stunning novel!

For the past 20 years, Zarya has been trapped in a cottage surrounded by a growing dark swamp far from civilization. She is forbidden to use her magic, but she's unsure why it must remain a secret. Arav, one of her protectors, seems to despise her, and Rowe, the guardian who raised her, refuses to give her the answers she seeks. Zarya is ready to break out of the only life she's ever known.

One day her wish is granted as she finally escapes and finds herself in the dazzling city of Dharati. Along the way, she meets and befriends blood-drinking rakshasa, Vikrim, and Yasen. The magical Aazheri sorcerers within the walls have questions for her, but she doesn't know who to trust with her secrets. But there is a darkness outside of the city that threatens the safety of the people who live there, and Zarya joins the fight. Battling to protect the city and searching for clues about her unknown gifts, Zarya's dreams lead to more questions as she's confronted by a mysterious stranger. When the darkness threatens to destroy Dharati, Zarya and her friends band together and must do all that they can to protect the city. But if she is forced to reveal her magic, will it do more harm than good?

Another incredible novel by Nisha J. Tuli. The exquisite world-building made it so easy to see Dharati and the magic forest in my mind. Zarya is a force of nature! One of my favorite main characters! Her past holds so many secrets, and it was fun to journey with her to find those answers. Love, love, love Yasen!! The evolution of their friendship was so natural and loved their banter. The twists and turns in her encounters with Rabin had me on my toes, so it will be exciting to see how that relationship continues to evolve. I cannot wait to see what is to come for all of the characters throughout the series.

The audiobook version is a wonderful way to absorb this story. Shiromi Arserio brought a voice to Zarya and the rest of the crew. The emotion she poured into the narration truly brought life to these beautifully written characters. The immersive feel of the narration transported me to Dharati and had the story playing out before my eyes.

OMG I have not been this hyped up listening to a book in such a long time. I loved everything about this book. The characters, the magic, the world building, the dilemma!!!!! I LOVED ALL OF IT. This is one of my top 5 reads for the whole year. The main character has been stashed away her whole life binded by magic to never be able to leave the home of the man and young guy who she has lived her whole life while they could leave when ever they wanted. She was never treated horribly and the man who held her captive taught her to fight and taught her skills but he hid everything from her and left her alone, naïve, and in wanting. One day he goes missing and she quickly realizes all the barriers that held her in that home are now gone and she can finally run away. The young man finds her and starts to travel with her when she refuses to go back to the cottage. They are quickly "captured" by 2 soldiers who tell them they must come to their kingdom. In this new magic giant kingdom our main character finally starts to learn about herself in tiny increments and is finding a sense of self in her new "family" but she is keeping a lot of things secret from her new friends unsure who she can actually trust, including the dark man in her dream forest who seems all to real.

Heart of Night and Fire by Nisha J. Tuli
4.5/5 Stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

•••Spoiler free review below•••

Zarya has spent her entire life locked up in a magical cage for reasons unknown to her. When she awakes one morning to find her magical oppressor gone and the barrier null, she takes the opportunity to run. She ends up in the glittering city of Dharati with the opportunity to start over and to find out who she really is. With the help of a grumpy lieutenant and a flirty commander, Zarya begins to thrive. When she meets the troubling Rabin in her dreams, she decides there is much more to her power and the reason she was locked up than she initially thought.

This story has a beautifully complex world with a lot of world building in the first half of the book. Our characters will make you truly care for them and the banter is top tier. My only complaint would be the ending!!!!!!!!!!! How am I to wait for the next book!?!?!?!

Read this book if you like:
- secret identities
- found family
- Indian mythology
- dream magic

Heart of Night and Fire will be released September 15th and if it's not already on your tbr, it should be!
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Special thanks to Bookouture Audio for sharing a free copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.

I really enjoyed the audio for this book as well as the book itself. I thought the narration was done very well. And I really enjoyed the storyline. It kept me glued throughout. I just got this book the other day I don't see how I could have been done faster. I struggle with third person POV And usually prefer audio for it in hopes of narration like this. Where it was done really well for someone like me that struggles with that and is able to immerse me more into the story. I typically think of this genre as being a little longer. I think page count wise it's under 400 pages (e book. according to Amazon) and I always think of this genre being 400 or above. While I was glued it did seem like the right pace but hey wanting books thic is never a bad thing. I recommend this audiobook and book in general.