3.5

this book was definitely way different than the first book in many ways, the world building, the lore, the characters, the betrayals, magic, romance??! and friendships. It was fast paced and the plot was resolved quite well, i loved zarya's growth and i cant wait for her to learn more of her power and control it. i lowk never expected we'd get so much rabinzarya content in this book but it made sense for the plot because everything wrapped up really well and i was definitely here for it. zarya and yasen's relationship is so special to me. platonic soulmates we love u. the reason for this rating is because i kind of predicated half of the plot, a certain person aka vikram pissed me off so bad and rabinzarya's romance felt a bit rushed for my liking but other than that this book was good and i enjoyed it! also that ending made me hold my head in my hand i cant wait for the third book and see where zarya's journey takes her next.


thank you netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this arc

This is why reading unfinished series is the worst. I am DESPERATE for the next book and this one hasn't even come out yet.

This story picks up a few days after the end of the first book, with Dharati kind of in shambles after the attack, but everyone trying to continue on with their lives as best as they can. Zarya and Yasen (the best book friendship to ever exist) think it's a good idea to sneak Amrita out and take her to a peri anada (which is basically a s*x club), maybe not the smartest idea seeing as she is basically the most important woman in the queendom?

The first half of the book is more fantasy than romantasy, there is some tension between Zarya and Rabin, but isn't really the focus until about the second half of the book. There's tons of adventures, some epic fight scenes, tension, banter, some delicious spice, absolute heartbreak, betrayal, and an FMC who manages to be strong AF, self-deprecating, hilarious, and a little weird.

The only reason I can't give this a full 5 stars is because I wanted more Rabin! I wouldn't even turn down a few Rabin POV chapters because I think he has an interesting story to tell and I want more of him!

⭐⭐⭐⭐.75
🌶️🌶️🌶️

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

This was an amazing sequel! I am loving this story so much and this sequel was so strong. I cannot wait for the next installment!

I loved loved loved this book. I read it in one sitting and am anxiously awaiting the next installment.

Dance of Stars and Ashes picks up right after Heart of Night and Fire ends. I loved everything about thus book: it’s fast paced, the FMC continues to grow/develops her powers, there’s magic, there’s monsters, I loved the found family, and the romance was perfect.

This book ends on a cliffhanger and I am dying for the next one!