Dance of Stars and Ashes is the second book in Nisha's Nightfire quartet and I was so pleased to see Nisha doing what she does best. Romance, strong heroines, adventure and lots of banter! We return to Zarya's world where she is just starting to delve into the secrets surrounding her past and her magic and Zarya herself is starting to grow in confidence.
We have a wonderful, angst ridden, passionate love sprinkled with some heartbreak. The relationship between Zarya and Rabin is beginning to develop. Although I like the romance, my favourite aspect was Zarya's ability to develop deep and meaningful friendships, something she's been denied after all those years spent in isolation.
The whole found family is one of my favourite tropes to read!
The world building in this series is fresh and original and I like the beautiful settings. This was a wonderful sequel to the original and I'm seriously looking forward to reading the next instalment in this series. It's a must for any romantasy fans out there.
Thank you so much to Nisha, Netgalley and the publishers for providing an arc in return for an honest review.

Well this book was a five star read for me. I loved the world building from the first book but there was some in here as well and the characters were amazing. I do feel like Zarya’s journey isn’t over yet and I can’t wait to see more

It was a little hard to understand because I did not realize this was the 2nd book in the series. Besides that I enjoyed it

I enjoyed the first book in this series and was very excited when I got the chance to read this one.
With book one, I enjoyed it so much that I disagreed with many other critical reviews that viewed the heroine as weak and immature. Although, at the time, I did give a caveat, as always, that I would reserve full judgment until the second book, because…seconds books, for me, will always be the final determination as to whether a trilogy (or longer) will keep me as a reader.
Now, with this sophomore selection, I honestly have to say that it feels like someone completely different wrote this book. Our heroine, who was a badass, albeit a sheltered badass (my personal reason for forgiving her sometime immaturity), is still badass when she finally gets any chance to be, particularly in the excellent fight scenes. But lo and behold, at all other times, she is truly and completely the immature character so many people predicted her to be.
What was odd though, and I just couldn’t get past, was the total YA feel of the writing juxtaposed with the forced, mega-adult spice scenes. The two do not mesh—at all.
And the push and pull, the constant will they or won’t they trope took about 65% of the book. Perhaps I have read too many excellent uses of this trope lately, ones that give us a quickish resolution so that we can get on with a good plot, to suffer through this painful, way too long, unnecessary miscommunication and angst. It’s so not necessary. Just resolve all of it, fast. It’s old, and tired, and we readers know where it’s headed. Get on with it and make the plot important, not just the last 1/4 of the book, the rest just filler.
I have been saying, give us more duologies, no more of this second book in a trilogy pain. Unless it’s done well, you risk losing more readers with a bad second book than if you had pared it all down and given us two excellent reads.
A full star to the author, however, who did include a glossary this time. Not the glossary I had hoped for, but extremely amusing nonetheless. But, while the first book was jam packed with terms and phrases that made the world feel immersive (hence the glossary request) here, the author’s voice has taken on an odd amount of modern lingo that simply feels out of place (freak? Really?).
As with the first book, the world building was done very well, overall. (That and the glossary giving it the rounded up, 3 star rating).
Although, I would much rather have had the map in the book, instead of having to jump to the author’s website whenever I needed reference.
Others are absolutely loving this. But, sadly, I think I am out with this one.

I loved this book even more than the first! Nisha continues to impress me with her wonderful world building, fun characters, and steamy spice.
We get to continue following Zarya in her journey to discover the truth about herself and her magic as well as the fight against the "blight:" and whatever may be causing it. Of course we get romance and spice as well as Zarya and Rabin are finally in the same place and he grovels to make up for his mistakes. I also love that we continue to get such rich descriptions of clothing, food, etc. of the world (inspired by Indian and south asian culture and mythology!). I knew this wouldn't be the end of the series but I was still SHOCKED by how it ended and the new problems that will have to be dealt with in the next book.

Favorite things:
Yasen
Zarya finally having family and friends
"Spitfire"
sexy dream time
sexy irl time (good girl *swoon*)
this quote: "His dagger was happy to see you? His dragon was stiff? His phoenix was rising?"

Thank you to Netgalley, publisher and Nisha J. Tuli for providing me with an advanced review copy.

Another five-star read from Nisha J. Tuli. I had high hopes from this sequal and it delivered! 'Dance of Stars and Ashes' unfolds as the second installment in The Nightfall Quartet, picking up immediately after the events of the first book. We continue on Zarya's journey, finding ourselves in the city of Dharati. Here, she grapples with newfound powers, copes with her friend's transformation into a tree, and faces the chilling reception from the man of her LITERAL dreams.

The heat is turned up since the first book (🌶️🌶️), but so has the heart wrenching! This left me a mess, it was so good and so painful at the same time... I laughed, and I cried. I don't know what to do with myself until the next book comes out.

P. S. I still love Yasen.

I don’t even know where to start. I LOVED this book. I laughed, I cried, I screamed, I felt all of the feels once again.

In this second installment of the Nightfire Quartet, we are reunited with Zarya in the city of Dharati. She is navigating her newfound powers, dealing with the fact that one of her best friends is about to become Queen as a sentient tree, and trying her best to ignore the overbearing (but super attractive) Rabin.

As the darkness continues to spread and monsters never cease their attacks, Zarya and her friends are determined to protect the city at any cost.

The world building in this story is once again vivid and unique - heavily inspired by South Asian culture. Nisha fully immerses you in a vibrant setting, full of delicious food and beautiful clothing. I found myself learning about a different culture while I enjoyed the story. There is even a map included at the beginning for us more visual readers!

The characters are all amazing and we get to learn even more about the secondary characters in this novel. Our characters undergo a lot of growth and it’s refreshing to see how their relationships change and strengthen. Of course, Zarya and Yasen will continue to be my favorite friendship of all time.

Now for the slow burn. I love a good slow burn and an enemies to lovers arc. Zarya and Rabin. So much angst, so much tension, so much HEAT. I can’t wait to see where the two of them end up in the next book.

After a few character reunions, life-changing plans (and a lot of tears cried by yours truly) Nisha once again leaves us on a cliffhanger - which I won’t delve too deeply into. You’ll have to read and find out for yourself!

This book carries on perfectly after Heart of Night and Fire! With the drama and spice added in I think this book is even better than the first!

The culture and world building in this book is just absolutely amazing and has me picturing this beautiful and colourful world that I would just love to be apart of! The descriptions of all the food had me salivating and wanting to try everything!
Yasen was still my favourite character, he is just so cheeky and loveable! The relationship between Zee and Yas was just everything! The dynamic between the two was perfect and I loved how they really was there for each other no matter what! The perfect best friend duo!
I can tell you now I nearly had a heart attack at a certain point in the book! The heartbreak was real!
Now I don’t know how to actually put in to words how I feel about Rabin! We get a grumpy, tattooed, possessive beast of a man who even turns in to a dragon! I actually love him (even if he does keep some pretty crappy secrets)
I did get a bit frustrated with Zarya and Rabin keeping secrets, I feel like they could really be something amazing if they just communicated with each other!
I have to say there is just the perfect amount of spice in this book and the way it is written is just 😏🥵

This book gives you everything you could ever want from a book!
-enemies to lovers
-spice
-grump mmc
-feisty and strong fmc
-found family
-beautiful culture and world building

The wait for book 3 is going to be absolute torture!

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the advance copy.

I am genuinely so grateful that I got to read this next installment early because I was so excited to find out what happened next.

This series is such an incredible dive into Indian mythology and fantasy, amazing magic, brilliant world building and the most authentic character bonds.

I love our main character Zarya. She is smart, brave and resilient. Also the dynamic with her and Yasen is just perfection. "Did you just call me your second best friend to my face?"

I love that we see even more Rabin in this book. I really enjoy watching his character development in this series.

The world building is really immersive and descriptive.

If you love fantasy with some romance then this book is for you.

Also super grateful for the glossary as there were so many characters to try and remember this really helped refresh my memory.

This book made me so excited! My heart pounded through every chapter which made me fly through this book. The plot was exciting and fast paced and the characters were interesting but relatable. I highly recommend this book and will be telling all of my family and friends to read it!

Welcome back to Dharati! I finished this book in 3days. The beginning starts a little slow but I didn’t mind as I was getting reacquainted with the characters. But once the action starts to pick up and you’re thrown in different directions by the plot twisting you will not feel the time passing.
The relationship between Zee and Yasen is still my favorite. Their friendship keeps getting better and I cannot wait to read about their next adventures. Also Zarya’s and Rabin’s relationship is up and down in this installment. I don’t want to say more so I will not spoil it for anyone.
I was really excited when I got an email granting me immediate access to the book! These are my honest thoughts and I just loved this book as much as the first. Now the wait for book 3 starts!

I'm rounding up on this a bit because Zarya at least stayed the badass character we expected of her.

That said, about half this book is her and Rabin playing a very obvious game of "will-they-won't-they" when we all know they absolutely will. I swear there are people suffering dehydration that aren't as thirsty as these two.

Along this same line, when they do finally get into things the language is so....off? Fair enough throwing in some 'dirty talk' to amp up the spice scene but some of the phrasing and word choices just felt so out of place and out of world. I'm also going to throw the word scar 'Freak' into that same commentary. This is a world of Indian inspiration, full of magic and magical beings with its own language and terms, you want me to believe that [REDACTED] carved 'Freak' into Rabin out of every other word in their world he could've used?

When the story wasn't focused on Zarya and Rabin's thirsty tango, the story was good if not a little slow. The blight is getting worse, the darkness is getting worse, there is so much Zarya doesn't understand about her magic and so much she's keeping secret because she doesn't know who to trust. The action scenes, fights and revelations were good and I want to see where this goes next. Especially Zarya's choice at the very end.

I found myself feeling bad for Amrita, she accepted her fate and role in things but it just felt sad for her next step of 'living'. Yassen...you can't help but love Yassen.

I was glad to see some development with Aarav and Row with regard to their relationship with Zarya. And it happened quite progressively so that nothing felt forced. I really would have loved more about the Chiranjivi, which we got some of in the first book but was missing here. There was more magic generally and the discussion about the symbols for magic, whether it's polite to ask about that or not, was really interesting. I hope we see more about the different magic systems and how they change from person to person from symbol or whatever it was.

I can only hope the next book brings us back to the world, the wider plot, Zarya's growth in life and magic and if there is going to be language to boost up the spice, please make it reasonable for the world it's in!

I have ben looking forward to this book for so long, and was over the moon when I was gifted an advanced copy. Nisha J Tuli, knows how to get you SUCKED IN. I could not breathe this was so good. I thoroughly enjoyed every part of this and the enemies to lovers aspect, the secrets, the characters. This book does not disappoint and I cannot wait for everyone to enjoy this book just as much as I did. the only issue now is I have to wait twice as long for the next one.

Amazing

This was a very good sequel. Zarya grew up a lot in this book, and we got to know the other characters a little better. And Rabin........ Oh My..... I have no words. Just HOT!
Honestly, I didn't want that ending, but, there's a lot more to come and, hopefully, wrongs will be righted. And the betrayal, just wow!
Loved the book and will definitely read the next one.

4.5⭐
I enjoyed this even more than the first book in the series. Zarya seems to have matured a little and come into her power. She is fierce and learning to trust her instincts.

I will definitely read the next book in the series and can't wait to see what Zarya gets up to in the next book.

I don't want to get too excited buuuuttt this kind of have me swooning over the full on fantasy vibes like Sarah J Maas and Leigh Bardugo.

Thanks to netgalley for a copy to review.

We continue our adventure with Zarya in this second installment of The Nightfire Quartlet, featuring enemies to lovers.. to enemies, found family and betrayals.

Following on from Heart of Night and Fire, the blight is continuing to move toward the city of Dharati, alongside the evils that lurk within it.

Zarya is determined to figure out her magic, but she also can't seem to stop thinking about Rabin - the man that infiltrated her dreams - and then turned out to be insufferable in real life - but she can't help her feelings toward him.

But, Zarya's heart may be the cause of ruin and destruction in Dharati, as we see betrayals run deep that could risk them all to the encroaching darkness.

𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
I loved the development of Zarya and Rabin's relationship, from hating each other to finally admitting their feelings for one another - Rabin gives such 'who did this to you' vibes and I'm here for it.

Not only this relationship, but Zarya's friendship and banter with Yesen was something I really enjoyed seeing. Also, seeing Zarya and Aarav's relationship be repaired was heartwarming.

The action scenes throughout were great, and really kept you on your toes - and that betrayal?! I did not see that coming, and now I've got to wait until the third book (nooooo!!)

Thank you to NetGalley and Second Sky for this copy. This review is voluntary.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Nisha J. Tuli never disappoints! Dance of Stars and Ashes, not only has a beautiful, lyrical title and beautiful cover, it is also another brilliant, heart-gripping book by Nisha!

But please allow me to fangirl and squeal and lose my mind into this review because this book is A DELIGHTFUL AND STEAMY PERFECTION!!!!

Zarya is such a firecracker!! Our girl grew so much in this book! She learned to believe in herself and she learned to grown into herself. On the last page, there's a passage that encapsulates Zarya's journey so well: "These last months had changed her physically. She looked older and more confident. More sure of herself. She was ready for whatever life had to throw at her." And it's so accurate. She dealt with a broody, frowning, distant and very handsome Rabin who was even harder to deal with in his groveling mode. She dealt with Row's actions that hurt her so much to the point she's traumatized, and who would blame her? She mentally dealt with her real lineage: a mother she never knew but who against all odds protected and still protects her, as well as an evil father who wants to take her power and use it for his own goals and purposes. And on top of it all, she studied and researched and learned more about magic and her powers. Torn between a good mother and evil father, torn between her magic's ferocious and deadly nature: who is she? Is she evil? Is she destined to be used, destined to kill everything? It was a lot for Zarya to get her head around, and she did it in such a relatable, endearing way. I love Zarya so much! She's the kind of heroine you'll follow to the end of the world, a character who inspires loyalty and dedication, and a character who has indeed the best BFF in the whole universe!

My man, Yasen!!!! I love that man so much. He supports Zarya in everything she does. He's the rock that is there for her plans to entertain the queen. He's the shoulder for her to cry on. He's the hot wingman of a friend, and he's also the heart of gold with endless, unconditional love. He's perfection, and towards the end, I was a growling, howling mess when I got so worried about him! Nobody should hurt my man, not even his author! I will riot!

Rabin, my obsession since I read the first book. We didn't even see him a lot in the first book, and I was already obsessed with him, and now in the second book, he really showed his true powerful self. Because honestly, what's not to love about a competent, powerful, and handsome male who doesn't let anyone tell him what to do and who to be?!

The ending of the book went bananas with the plot twists, so I will just say that Rabin deserves an award for Most Delightful In Groveling Love Interest. He's really good at it, and while I understand Zarya's surrender, I wished we'd see him grovel even more. haha 😂 We learned some of his secrets in this book, but we have much more to learn, and I can't wait!

"Sorry, about what, exactly? You have a thousand things to be sorry for!" hahaha I laughed out loud. Go, girl, give it to him straight!

"I beg of you. Then I'll let you go." and "I'm everything you want me to be." and THIS! "I'll say it with my mouth," he said. "And I don't just mean words." My goodness, have mercy on our souls and bodies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The worldbuilding was rich and vivid, and I felt like I was there the entire time! And the plot OMG!!!! I devoured this book in one sitting, and I was squealing and gasping! I really don't say more and spoil anything, but I'll say this:

Dance of Stars and Ashes has the best combination of fantasy, romance, and character arc that I have ever seen. The magic system and creatures are all very fresh, very unique, very detailed. The romance is slowburrrrn, steamy, witty, and full of banter and secrets meant to keep us up at night. Well, we will be up at night either by the steam or the secrets or probably both, to be honest. And Zarya's journey in this book demonstrates how good main characters become even greater: they grow and evolve, act on their own but also react to what is happening around them. Nobody has made Zarya stay and protect that city. She could leave any day. She chooses to stay and protect them, and that's her own decision. Dance of Stars and Ashes also has an amazing character ensemble with characters of various backgrounds and identities, including an f/f friends with benefits and more relationship.

But my point is that there's much more in Nisha's books than steamy romance, and don't get me wrong! I love steamy romance, and there's nothing wrong with that! But Nisha's books explore self-identity, self-love, friendship, and trust. They have beautiful, intricate worldbuilding and amazing character development.

I love very few characters as much as I love Zarya, Yasen, and Rabin.

Dance of Stars and Ashes is mind-blowing in all respects; it's an absolutely phenomenal romantasy that will capture and ensnare you body and soul.

5 stars aren't enough; I devoured it, and will devour it time after time again. You do not want to miss this beautiful steamy delight! Highly addictive and very, very, very hot! Clear your schedule and have a fan near you when you read this, because you'll need the time and air to process this beauty.

Dance of Stars and Ashes by Nisha J. Tuli is the second book in The Nightfire Quarter. Zarya’s story continues as she and her friends prepare for an important ceremony that will help save their city from the encroaching blight that has been terrorizing them. Along the way, Zarya continues to learn more about herself and the origin of her magic.

I *loved loved loved* this book and couldn’t put it down! It was full of adventure, friendship, and more of the “will they, won’t they” romance that the first book had as well. It was an emotional roller coaster with some stressful and sad moments but also some really heartwarming ones. Similar to the first book, I appreciated the Indian culture and mythology that was woven into the story, as I feel that’s not very common in mainstream fantasy novels. Also the art on the cover is beautiful as well!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for granting me an eARC in return for an honest review. This book is expected to be published on 2/16/24.

I was so thrilled when I received an email granting me immediate access to the book!
The beginning was quite slow but the end gripped me with its faster pace, leaving me yearning for the sequel.
Although the romance didn’t initially captivate me, the end makes me think that I will definitely like it more in the next book!
Just like in the first book, my favorite aspect is the friendship between Zarya and Yasen. Their relationship is so genuine and uncomplicated, it really is the highlight of the book to me.
I eagerly anticipate the release of the sequel!

Thank you to Second Sky and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of the second book in the Nightfire Quartet series.

Nisha J. Tuli did it again - she wrote a book that I absolutely couldn't put down. I genuinly don't know what is in her books but everytime I jsut get sucked in and am unable to escape. There is just something about her writing that I find so appealing and that simply works for me.

I am ever so grateful I got to read the second book in this series and once again I was not disappointed. As we were delving further into the world and especially into the romance aspect this was a real page turner for me and the romantic tension was just unparalelled. It really worked for me. I would have liked to see more about the specificalities of the magic especially from the side characters and more of the world building but I felt immersed all the way through and found this fast paced read entirely up my avenue.

The characters and the world really have grown on me and I couldn't help myself rooting for them but the thing that won me over the most was the slow burn - good god I have not read this amazingly well done slow burn in absolute ages. I am enthralled and I need more immediately.

I cannot believe that I am now suspended in waiting in 2 Nisha J Tuli series when all I need is more of her writing and worlds. I am counting down the days until her next releases and since I discovered her worlds and through this last installment she will remain a firm auto-buy author for me.

>> Review also posted on Goodreads.