Member Reviews
I was so excited to get the ARC of Storm of Ink and Book by Nisha J. Tuli. I was happy to read the third book because Zarya might be one of my most favorite FMC ever - I have loved watching her confidence grow over the Nightfire Quartet series. Rabin is an awesome MMC and his devotion to Z is so precious. The spice was spicy, for sure - but it really added to the story. As per usual, Shiromi Arserio nailed the narration, even with multiple POVs, there were different intonation and feel. Great action, romance, more character building - I cannot wait for the final book in this series!
I adore Nisha J Tuli, and the Nightfire Quartet! It’s always such a treat to read one of her books, and Storm of Ink and Blood is no exception. Shiromi Arserio really brings this adventure to life, a really enjoyable listen!
Storm of Ink and Blood by Nisha J. Tuli | 4 Stars
Get ready for a spellbinding dive into dark magic, rebellion, and, oh yes, some serious heat.
“Storm of Ink and Blood” is everything I crave in a fantasy romance—intense magic, a forbidden love that burns even when you don’t want it to, and a heroine who’s not afraid to get her hands dirty. This audiobook totally delivered on the steamy, high-stakes adventure front, and Shiromi Arserio’s narration? Absolutely perfect. Her voice brought this twisted, beautiful world to life and gave Zarya the fiery edge she needed.
The World
Ishaan is a city of stark contrasts: a glittering paradise for the nobles and scholars, and a brutal prison for the vanshaj, a class bound to magical slavery for crimes that no one even remembers. The worldbuilding here is lush, and Tuli nails the feel of a city simmering with tension and rebellion, while dark magic pulses just beneath the surface. Zarya, outraged by the injustices she sees, throws herself into the heart of the rebellion—and it’s easy to get swept up with her.
The Romance
Then there’s Rabin. The ex who betrayed her, the man who sparked her forbidden magic, and the one person Zarya’s determined to forget. But love and betrayal don’t just vanish overnight, and every encounter between them is laced with tension, passion, and just the right amount of pain. It’s a romance that isn’t afraid to get messy, and if you’re here for the steamy, complicated connections, this book will have you hooked.
Final Take
For fans of intense fantasy romances where the stakes are sky-high and the passion even higher, “Storm of Ink and Blood” is a perfect listen. Arserio’s narration adds depth to the characters and makes every twist, betrayal, and heated moment hit that much harder. And Zarya’s journey through magic, rebellion, and love is one I was sad to leave when the book ended.
If you’re ready to escape into a world of dark magic, rebellion, and all-consuming romance, Storm of Ink and Blood should be next on your list.
Warning: You may end up binge-listening this one in one go.
This is my favourite of Tuli’s series (that I’ve read) and I think this book is my favourite of this series. It had everything I like in a book and especially in Tuli’s books! She’s fantastic with character building and building connections between those characters. I definitely don’t mind reading longer series if this is how it goes! I love how I’m never bored in basically any moment in her books. I quickly like the characters, root for them early on, their villains are my villains. For me that’s not only a sign of a good writer but a good reader! Tuli knows her work, uses her strengths to make a really good book and capture her readers’ attention.
Obviously I can’t really talk much about the plot because, well, it’s the third book in a quartet so I’m a bit limited. What I can tell you is that it’s a solid plot – I wasn’t confused (which I’m always happy about) and also it worked so well with the characters and world-building. The plot flowed so well from the previous book and I can’t wait for the fourth book! What I liked is that there was an extensive glossary so you could refer back to the various characters and places in the book. There’s also a map on her website so clearly she knows how to treat her readers.
Like I’ve said so many times before, I absolutely loved the cast of characters in here. Rabin and Zarya have been so through much and they continued to go through a lot in this book; which I both hated and loved. I love angst, but at what cost, right? I love how they became closer in this book and there were so many scenes that had me grinning. Something I really liked was that Zarya still stands up for herself, makes Rabin know she won’t just let him walk all over her. Which he absolutely loves, which is something I love. As much as I’d love for them to just not have to go through more battles and turmoil; they just do it so well! They work together fantastically and I like that they lean on each other. They aren’t afraid to be weak.
Tuli is also really good with her side characters. Yasen is my absolute favourite and I love him ever so much. Yasen is a bigger side character, so he’s seen a lot – and I love Tuli for that. I also love that she puts in so much work for all the other side characters too – which isn’t something I can say for a lot of fantasy books! I actually tended to forget that the side characters in here are only side characters because they feel like main characters!
I really like the magic system in the book, it’s a very interesting one and I like how Tuli wrote it and tied all the different knots together. It’s neatly woven into the world-building and explained in a way that doesn’t bother me, isn’t too long – which, yet again, is not as common as I would like it (in fantasy books). I liked how the magic was also tied to power and not only freeing yourself but freeing others and the power that comes from that too.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for letting me review this book.
The main character has grown so much, and I love that. I'm beginning to like her more with each book. Can't wait fo the final one! But towards the end of this book, the main couple's relationship felt almost rushed.
I love that we get to see more of the world, but I'm also excited for even more in the next book.
The audiobook narrator is also an amazing fit. Really easy to listen.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a romantasy series to read.
Includes:
Found family
Enemies to lovers to... and so on
Slow burn
Intriguing magic
Storm of Ink and Blood delivers an intense, darkly magical journey that doesn’t hold back. Zarya’s story takes on new depth in this third installment, as she faces the devastating aftermath of Rabin’s betrayal and immerses herself in the gritty fight for freedom in Ishaan. The audiobook brings Zarya’s turmoil to life beautifully, capturing the raw emotions, fierce tension, and inner strength that drive her character forward.
Ishaan is depicted with vivid contrasts, from the luxurious lives of the nobles to the harsh, magical slavery endured by the vanshaj. The world-building is rich and immersive, painting the city in all its cruelty and complexity. Zarya’s determination to use her forbidden magic for good, despite the risks, makes her an incredibly compelling heroine. Her dynamic with Yasen and the rebel group builds the suspense, and each twist in the rebellion keeps the stakes high.
But Rabin’s reappearance stirs up all the old wounds and undeniable chemistry, bringing an emotional edge to the story. His role as both ally and source of pain complicates Zarya’s journey, adding layers to her struggle. Their interactions are a powerful mix of tension and passion that fits perfectly into the unfolding drama.
With action, romance, and a world brimming with dark magic, Storm of Ink and Blood is a gripping addition to the series. And as Zarya steps closer to harnessing her dangerous power, the audiobook’s ending leaves you with just enough of a cliffhanger to make you eager for the next chapter in this addictive saga.
There is something keeping me back from adoring this series and I am not sure if it's the characters and their actions or the writing style.
Big thanks to Nisha J. Tuli and Netgalley for the audioARC in exchange for a review.
Once again, wasn't paying attention and i got book 3, in a series I haven't read books 1 or 2 in.
I'm positive I would have enjoyed this more having read the first 2.
Oh well.
It took me a minute to get into the book and I had to restart it once or twice. The narrator was excellent but again, I missed the first 2 books so the characters already were familiar with themselves.
I love the social justice stance they strive for, getting rid of the ink and saving everyone.
There's a bit of steam and lots of inner battles, my favorite!
4 stars
First of all- THANK YOU for starting with the character list ! I’ve needed this for book 1 and book 2! With such unique names it makes it hard to keep the characters straight.
After getting this ARC, I read book 1 and 2. Similarly, this is a slow burn romantasy. It picks up right after Dance of Star and Ashes. Zarya is on a search for her family, even though she’s been told they won’t accept her. She is also determined to keep Rabin away after she feels he betrayed her by withholding information in the last book.
On their journey, Zarya and Yasen find themselves in a whole new world where people are being used as magical slaves. They connect with a rebellion group plotting for a fight for their freedom. Zarya realizes she is the connection to free the vanshaj if she can unleash her power. But how to unleash, she’ll need someone’s help. Enter Rabin!
Loved the continued development of Yasen / Zarya and the slow burn / rebuild of Zarya and Rabin’s relationship.
Narrator was great -
Thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Spicy
Action
Political Intrigue
Indian Mythology
Dragon shifter love interest
Book 3 of the Night Quartet Series
An action packed and deliciously spicy must read fantasy series.
After the Rabin’s betrayal, Zarya and Yasen leave the comfort of home to go to the dangerous city of Ishaan. This is the home of her half siblings who rule the city and is responsible for the unfair way the vanshaj are treated.
Zarya discovers that her dark magic is not evil and can serve a purpose that will free the shackles of the oppressed. With the help of her best friend they form a plan to release the magic of vanshaj workers and together they form an army to stop the government from suppressing their magic.
This book is fast paced and exhilarating, filled with so much action and intrigue. You can look forward to a lot of grovelling from Rabin and everyone who read the previous books should know how well he can “grovel”.
This series just gets better and better with every new book and is one of my favourite series of all time.
Shiromi Arserio did an amazing job narrating this audio book. I was hooked form beginning to end. Audio books are a great way to learn pronunciation of words that are not familiar to those who do not share the same dialect. It was fun and exciting and her pace is fantastic. I highly recommend this audio series. It is just fantastic, dreamy and thrilling.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Select for a free copy of this advanced copy of this audio book in exchange for this honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this arc!!
What a good book! I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. I loved the main characters! They had great chemistry and worked so well together. I loved how the book just flowed. My first by this author but will not be my last!!!
Another great story from Nisha! Following Zarya on her journey, I was ready to see where the story would take us next after that ending in book 2!!
We now venture to Ishaan, the capital and home of the Royal family (her half siblings), where the Vanshaj are just as shackled as everywhere else. She's trying to help free them from the confinement of their neck tattoos. We see her test and experiment with her magic, sometimes going well, sometimes not so much.
I was ready to see some grovelling from Rabin after his betrayal and was not disappointed. Throughout this story, secrets are uncovered, and schemes are plotted. Starting a resistance doesn't go as smoothly as they'd hope, and Yasen is there with her through it all. He is still my favourite 😍
Thankyou to Netgally for this audiobook for review.
Thank you NetGalley and Second Sky for the audio ARC in exchange for my honest review
Pub Date: October 4, 2024
4.25 stars
This series keeps getting better and better! I am so excited for the final book to see how everything wraps up. Plenty of action, plenty of character growth, and plenty of spice!
I think the narrator does a good job with this series and I think it is important to keep the same one for a series where possible. Not my favorite narrator but I still enjoy the audio.
A good continuation for the series, though it's starting to feel a bit stretched out. It had its strong moments, especially with the dynamic between Zarya and Rabin. Their relationship FINALLY took a step forward, with Zarya beginning to trust Rabin again. Rabin’s honesty and clear communication stood out, especially compared to the last book, where miscommunication caused too much unnecessary drama.
I enjoyed the intrigue around Zarya’s father and the prophecy, along with the new characters and quests that put our heroine in danger. But the pacing felt slow at times, and some challenges seemed a little too easily resolved. The worldbuilding remains fascinating, with vivid descriptions that transported me to foreign places, making everyday chores feel a little less boring.
Yasen is still my favourite character, and I’m rooting for him and his new love interest.
As for the audiobook, the narrator did a solid job capturing the cultural tone of the setting. I usually prefer multiple narrators for different POVs, and I wish we had a male narrator for Rabin’s parts.
found this to be the perfect romantasy,with just enough magic and spice.
This is the third installment of the Nightfire Quartet.
Zarya, still reeling from Rabins betrayal, realizes she must ask for his help as she fights for the freedom of the people of Ishaan .
As she supports this revolution you see the relationship between Rabin and Zarya grow and change,which ignites her magic even more and furthers the intensity of the book,having me hooked.
Nisha J. Tuli has brought her story to life with her excellent world building,and you are right in the thick of it with the characters as you explore all the magic and action in this Asian inspired fantasy. I mean,who can resist a dragon shifter man?
Shiromi Arserio’s is perfection as a narrator, as her different inflections portray the characters perfectly as she moves seamlessly between them .
I highly recommend this series to anyone craving fantasy,second chances,magic and romance.
Nisha Tuli is just a queen at what she does! I am always drawn into her world building and the slow burn romances are to die for. Zarya has been devastated by Rabin’s betrayal, but she needs his help to free the people born into magical slavery. I listened to the audiobook and the narration was perfection! Definitely another great book in this series!
I love this series!
4.4 🌟 3.5 🌶
The way we got more in-depth character development and communication.
The description of the food makes me hungry ever time it comes up.
Rabin... that man is EVERYTHING! He is big, strong, dominating and also a soft teddy bear. Melt, swoon, I NEED MORE!
Zarya... Can we say BADA** Queen!! I need her to realize more often that she can do the things and to do them.
Yasen... OH OUR AMAZING YASEN! His loyalty, his devotion, his friendship😍🫶🫂😭 He is the ultimate friend and all friendships should be compared to him.. PERIOD!
I had so much fun diving into Storm of Ink and Blood by Nisha J. Tuli. Huge thanks to Nisha J. Tuli, NetGalley, & Dreamscape Select for the audiobook ARC! Honestly, this wild ride in The Nightfire Quartet series was everything I needed—and it did not disappoint! 😍 Zarya’s character growth? Wow, the girl has leveled up! She’s gone from the hesitant girl we met in Book 1 to someone fierce and empowered, fully embracing her magic and jumping headfirst into the rebellion. 🔥
✧ Enemies-to-lovers vibes ❤️🔥
✧ Slow burn 🔥
✧ Found family 💕
✧ Magic powers 🪄
✧ Rebellion against injustice ⚔️
✧ Second chance romance 💔
✧ Epic world-building 🏰
✧ Cliffhanger ending 😭
Let’s talk Zarya and Rabin for a sec because, wow, their chemistry is on another level! 💥 She’s trying to move on from the whole betrayal thing (still hurts, tbh), but Rabin? Obsessed. Like, I lived for the enemies-to-lovers tension between them—it was HOT. But...I feel like Rabin could’ve done a bit more groveling for what went down in the last book. 😅 I mean, I get it—she makes him work for it, but the tension was so thick I wanted to scream, “Just TALK already!” 😂
The world-building? Amazing. Ishaan feels so real, and the way Nisha contrasts the lives of the rich nobles and the enslaved vanshaj was heartbreaking but added so much depth. Zarya stepping into her power had me cheering for her the whole time. 🙌 And the found family? My heart! 💕 Yasen and the rebels gave me such warm fuzzies, and I’m so here for that dynamic.
Now, the spice? Yes, please! 🌶️ While it’s open-door (just a heads-up), it never overshadows the plot, which I appreciate in fantasy romance. The slow burn was torturous in the best way, but sometimes I did want to shake these two and say, “Enough with the staring—just kiss already!” 😂
If I had one small complaint, it’s that some of the secondary characters deserved more spotlight. They’re so intriguing, and I hope we see more of them in the next book. And that ending?? How dare you end it on a cliffhanger like that, Nisha?! 😭 I need the next book yesterday.
Shoutout to Shiromi Arserio, the audiobook narrator, who was fantastic! She captured all the emotions and brought these characters to life so well. Seriously, perfect narration.
Now excuse me while I impatiently wait for the next installment… 🙈
I enjoyed this audiobook quite a lot.
The romance elements were greatly done and the growth of the relationship was so on point . There’s a lot to unpack in here from twisted and suspenseful moments to sweet and spicy scenes.
I think many readers will enjoy this book just as much as I have while listening to the great narrators
Very grateful to the publisher for my alc, opinions are my own
What do you do after a book that has everything and hits all your notes? You just stare at the wall for a while. And that is what I did when I finished listening to this book. The angst, the plot twists and the action were everything that I needed and wanted. It was fabulous! However, it was the growth of the FMC/MMC characters and their relationship that was absolutely wonderful and everything I had come to expect from this series.
How I cheered when I first started listening to this book and realised Shiromi Arserio was narrating this book. Shiromi has narrated all the books in this series and she is absolutely wonderful. Her character range and differentiation is amazing, but it's her pronunciation of many words within the audiobook that really set her apart as one of the most wonderful audiobook narrators that I have had the pleasure of listening to.
Big thanks to Netgalley, Dreamscape Select, Second Sky and Nisha J Tuli for a copy of this audiobook. This is my honest opinion.