Nisha J. Tuli's Dance of Stars and Ashes intricately weaves together a tale of love, adventure, and self-discovery in the vibrant world of Dharati. As Zarya grapples with her newfound powers and the enigmatic warrior prince Rabin, the city faces mounting threats from dark forces. With lush world-building inspired by South Asian culture and a cast of deeply nuanced characters, Tuli creates a captivating narrative that brims with tension, passion, and heart-stopping twists. From epic battle scenes to tender moments of romance, Dance of Stars and Ashes is a spellbinding sequel that surpasses its predecessor, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the Nightfire Quartet.

thank you to netgalley, the author and publisher for this arc.

4 stars.

wow!! just like all the books by nisha j. tuli that i've read, this one was another winner.

the fantasy, the characters, the setting, just like book one i loved all of it!! this was just so enjoyable, even when some things were a little predictable at times, this was just an all around fun read. nisha, i will read anything you write!

I really enjoyed Zarya character and her friendship. I even enjoyed some of the world building but th book was a little slow and had a hard time picking it back up.

If some parts weren’t quite so slow that they made me want to stop reading and reluctantly start again, it would’ve been 5 stars. I loved the characters, the story and this adventure they’re on. The cover is gorgeous too. I’d read more!

An adventurous and action packed fantasy adventure, full of mystery, intrigued and romance. A truly joyous read!

If I were to rate this on pure enjoyment, it’d be a 4.25 stars. If I were to rate this on quality, it’d be a 2. The characters and their relationships were super fun and attaching, the plot is well paced and I liked how the romance went. Now, a lot of the plot twists were predictable, I thought the villain was just too caricatural and some of the things at the end really got wrapped up too quickly. I really love the friendship between Zarya and Yasen, their banter is the best. It’s not too romance heavy and TRULY a slow burn so that’s nice for once. Overall, the characters are truly this series’ strong suit while the more fantasy aspect isn’t really, aside from the very refreshing Indian-folklore-inspired world. 3.25 stars.

A love that burns brighter than starlight. A gift that could leave her world in ashes. It’s time for Zarya to release the fire within.

Nisha Tuli is a queen of romantasy and this series is no exception. Wondefully well done!

I received a digital ARC of this book from Nisha J. Tuli, Second Sky Books, and NetGalley.

Wow, what a STUNNING series! When I requested this book, I knew nothing of it but was intrigued by the synopsis on NetGalley. Once accepted for the ARC, I picked up the first book via Kindle Unlimited. I'm so glad I did! I've loved every second of both books!

I love the characters, setting, and magic! What a world! Admittedly, all the mentions of Indian food have me craving some take-out. Don't read this on an empty stomach! I haven't been this immersed in a book in ages! I couldn't put it down!

With this book as the sequel to Heart of Night and Fire, it didn't fizzle out; it added to the storyline. The slow-burn romance from book one is worth the wait in book 2. I look forward to reading the remaining books because this one has a strong hold on my heart.

I rated this and book 1, 5/5 stars. I could gush about this book all day (probably all year), but I won't, as you need to read it for yourself. Its vivid imagery, characters, food, and action-packed plot are worth the read!

Okay, this one grabbed me and it was one of those books that you’d been WAITING for, devoured it, and didn’t even realize the end was approaching until you turned the last page.

I’m grateful that the book immediately takes off following the last, aaaand equally frustrated with Rabin, for his rejection of Zarya previously. He continues to fight against the obvious pull between them for way longer than I thought he would… but the culmination of their feelings and the ultimate resolution was OH so satisfying!!

Now the plot: the unique magic system in this series continues to impress me and keep me interested. The pressing need to get Anrita in position as Queen, the character growth, relationship growth.. and even FRIENDSHIP growth in this book was so extremely fullfiling.

I need book three.. yesterday.

What a great continuation of a gorgeous and intriguing story. I was so happy to be back with Zarya again as she continues to navigate her new life. In fact it was great to see all the characters again, I especially enjoyed catching up with Yasen. I loved him in the first book and even more so now. The friendship between him and Zarya always manages to make me smile. It’s fun and adds a lighter tone that combines well with the danger that is lurking.

Let’s talk romance because there is a strong one within the pages of this book and let’s just say that it definitely heats up. From the first book to this second book I thought the romantic connection, enemies to lovers and slow burn between the characters worked so well. In Dance of Stars and Ashes there’s steam and spice that sizzles from heated glances to much, much more!

The story moves at a great pace and I really enjoyed all the intrigue, secrets and surprises along the way. So there is not only romantic tension but tension from certain dangerous situations and people. All that’s left to say it’s that after turning the last page I can’t wait to see what will happen next. I’m eager to continue the magical and engaging journey this book has easily whisked me away on.

4,5 stars

Having had the pleasure of reading the first part, which I thoroughly enjoyed, I was eagerly anticipating delving back into the captivating world of Dharati.

Nisha's writing style truly impressed me—vibrant yet effortlessly light. I particularly liked how she brought the characters to life.

The second part exceeded all expectations. The unraveling of secrets, the exposed lies, all the truths—simply impressive. The relationships, the loss, it brought so much satisfaction.

I'm genuinely looking forward to the next adventure. In this book series, Nisha achieves a successful blend of suspense and emotions. I'm curious to see what twists the story will take next. Those who enjoyed the first part will undoubtedly not be disappointed by the second. A truly captivating continuation!

Thanks for NetGalley and Second Sky
for providing me the ARC.

The following review solely reflects my own independent opinion.

This is the second book in the series & it felt quite different to the first. There was definitely a step up on the spice scale, which is no bad thing, but it did change the vibe to a more obvious romantasy one.

Having established her characters in book one Tuli let's their relationships develop in this installment. I particularly love the friendship between Zarya & Yasen, their banter & snark provided some of the best interactions.

I did find parts a little slow, but the final quarter is pacy & packs a punch, leaving you wanting more.

Dive back into the irresistible world of the Nightfire Quartet, where once again Tuli brings us on a mesmerizing journey, expertly weaving a slow-burn romance that ignites with an intensity that's impossible to resist! (Warning: It gets SPICY!!!)

While the plot leans heavily into the dynamics of Zarya's relationships (love Yasen!!!) and unravels the mysteries surrounding Zarya's powers, we are gifted with hefty action sequences towards the end. Nisha continues to give us lush world-building, bringing us to new lands and new experiences while continuing to build on the intricacies of the peoples of Daragaab.

I can't wait for the next book in the Nightfire series!

Thank you to NetGalley, Nisha Tuli, and Second Sky for an e-copy of this book.

This was a 4.5 star read for me! After reading the first book Heart of Night and Fire I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to read this! I found as is rarely the case that this second book I enjoyed much more than the first. The pacing was great and we got to see quite a bit more world building. The world Tuli has built is so vivid and I was happy too see so much more character development and Zarya’s relationships with Rabin and especially Yasen grow along with seeing so much of her personal growth as she navigates her newfound freedom. Zarya’s relationship with Rabin felt frustrating at times because I just wanted them to talk things out but the angst and chemistry was palpable and I couldn't get enough of them. The action felt almost non stop which made for a fast paced read and while we get some answers to lingering questions from book 1, Tuli of course leaves us on the hook and itching for more with book 3.

Thank you to NetGalley and Second Sky Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

🎧Audiobook Review🎧

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I would like to thank NetGalley for approving me for an ARC of this book. This is the second book in the Nightfire Quartet series and I was keen to find out what happened to Zarya. Special thank you to my fellow buddy readers @bex_boys_and_books and @agirlreadsbookss.

🪄Magic
💞Enemies to Lovers
🔥Slow Burn
⚔️Battle

From the funny banter between Zarya and Yasen to the romance developing between Zarya and Rabin, this book proved to be an easy listen. There was spice, action and more groundwork laid for the next book. I'm eager to see what happens next for our characters. Hopefully, we won't have to wait too long!

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Absolutely brilliant

If I'd enjoyed book 1, I absolutely adored the sequel. The slow burn romance was burning HOT in this one and I was definitely there for it. I loved how the relationship between our two lovebirds evolved and how they denied one another until they reached the breaking point. It only made the following events all the more exciting and thrilling. It was definitely worth the wait because, oh my God, the spice and the things they say to each other had me gasping and blushing and giggling because of how hot it was. A real delight to read, I promise. As for the rest of the plot, it was also quite interesting and fast-paced and intense. I liked how we discovered more about Zarya and her origins as well as her magic. It was insighting to see her skills and knowledge develop. She's also a very relatable and likeable main character, which is definitely a bonus. The ending definitely broke my heart though. All in all, this sequel was a very addictive, hot and thrilling story that became an instant favorite. I can't wait to read what happens next!

I highly recommend this slow-burn, spicy and unique fantasy romance series!

"Zarya moved like nightfire itself, with vengeance in her blood and love in her heart."

Wow, this book was so good. I don’t have much to say because i liked pretty much everything about it. Seriously, I can’t wait enough for the next book in the series already.

Nisha J Tuli paints a beautiful fantast world inspired by south Asian culture. The fantasy storyline feels a bit predicable, but the romance is so much fun. This book keeps you on your toes guessing where the romance is going. You will second guess who the main character can trust... and you will probably be wrong. I can't wait for book 3.

I loved the first book in this series and jumped at the chance to read and review book 2. This is a South Asian inspired fantasy and Dance of Stars and Ashes sees the series solidify itself as a full Romantasy story 😍 plus that cover is absolutely stunning!

We pick up where book two left off with Zarya coming to terms with her new powers and trying to figure out how to save the town from the ever growing blight. Amrita has taken up her position as Queen and Vikrum her steward. I love the banter between Yasen and Zarya and I'm curious to see if Vikrum could become someone to watch out for later in the series.

Rabin, ah Rabin. Our dragon shifter/vampish broody grump. I loved seeing their relationship develop and get spicy🌶️ this book really brought the heat 🔥

We got to see Zarya find her place with the Chiranjivi and discover more of the prophecy around her. After that ending I need book 3 to find out what happens next!

Thank you to Second Sky Books and NetGalley for a chance to dip into this early 😘

Dance of Stars and Ashes by Nisha J. Tuli is the second book of a series. This story picks up where Zarya is coming into her own after years of not knowing her identity. But what secrets will be revealed? Will she like what she finds out about herself, her friends, and family?

I loved the magic system of this world in the first book, and in th second book, the author brings everything together so well. Zarya is learning about her own magic as well as trying to figure out her own destiny. Rabin is a quintessential, dark, broody, handsome, and enigmatic hero with secrets that a lot of readers will like. Their romance is slow burn and steamy.

The South Asian lores, South Asian names, costumes, and food delicacies are such a joy to read about. Being an Indian reading stories depicting them feels surreal, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

Thank you, Second Sky books @secondskybooks , for this book.