4.5/5 stars! Nisha is an amazing writer and I was excited to read this book. I mean; LOOK AT THIS COVER! Obsessed! The idea of this story reminded me a bit of Old Magic, which was a favorite YA fantasy book years ago. I really enjoyed this. Laila is an interesting and well-developed character and she truly wants to make things better. Ahvi is likable, although sometimes frustrating in his decisions. This is a great coming-of-age + magic warfare story.

I absolutely loved the premise of this book and I definitely feel that it’s a South Asian version of Percy Jackson!

The world building and plot were engaging and easy to follow, however, at certain points, the pacing felt rushed and difficult to fully absorb as a reader. Additionally, at times I found the story less engaging, as it seemed that events were occurring to the characters rather than the characters actively driving the storyline forward.

As for the characters, I enjoyed Laila’s character and how fierce she was. Her relationship with Karan felt rushed and I feel the tension was quick to go in the book. Laila was quick to forgive Karan’s actions and I would have loved to have had more of a confrontation.

I did enjoy this book overall and I recognise how important it is to finally have a book featuring South Asian mythology and folklore.

Thank you to NetGalley a Union Square & Co for proving me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.

I thought this book had so much potential!! Unfortunately, it fell a bit flat for me. While I found the Indian mythology the book was based around to be intriguing, I think that the plot of the book dragged on a bit. I also felt like it was a bit over-descriptive overall, relying a lot on telling the reader exactly what was going on (with a lot of extra description) instead of “showing” the reader. I also thought that certain parts moved too quickly while others dragged on.

Fierce female protagonist, lore steeped in cultural history and mythos, alongside a budding romance that keeps you turning the page - all woven into a fun adventure. Definitely a great start for plenty of building on with sequels after this. Wonderful adventure that I was very happy to partake in!

2.5 stars. I desperately, *desperately* wanted to love this. Supernatural meets Hindu mythology? With enemies to lovers?? And a STUNNING cover??? I was READY. Unfortunately the execution fell very flat, and I will not be picking up the sequel. The romance was really rushed, the plot was moved forward by really convenient happenstance, and while the side characters were cute, I didn't really understand why they were there. I thought the concept of "descendants" who can trace their lineage back to the main players in the Mahabharata was really interesting, but it almost... didn't matter? I did really love that the main character was a descendant of Draupadi and she took no shit, but I wish there had been more exploration of Karna's legacy, especially because it's such a complicated one. That might also be because I know the myths, and maybe this wasn't meant for someone with a super extensive background in Hinduism... so I guess it would be a good introduction to Hindu mythology for someone who has never read it before.

Speaking of Hindu mythology details: maybe it was just the version I was taught, but I'm pretty sure Karna isn't the one to taunt Draupadi during the dice game? Which immediately made me question the supposed conflict/complexity of the MC and LI's relationship, but it could just be a version difference.

I had a blast reading this YA novel by Sharma. A fun blend of mythology with the badassness and energy of Buffy. So much fun!

Ok so I just finished this last night and I have to say I really enjoyed it! This is the first book I've read from Nisha Sharma and I like her writing style, so I'll definitely be reading more from her. I really liked the main female & male protagonists, Laila & Karan, and enjoyed both their POVs. I loved learning about Indian Mythology & Folklore! I felt engaged throughout the story; the pace was great, there was action, funny parts, and some romance. 🥰📚 #BookReview #Romance #IndianMythology #NishaSharma #Fiction #Books #Reading

This book kind of reminded me of Percy Jackson. It was fast paced, and had an amazing FMC.

I love books on mythology, and this was such a cool take on it. I believe the author does a great job of sharing South Asian culture and maybe even some Hindu mythology.

I love to learn about other cultures, and I’m obsessed with traditional literature. I am familiar with stories from my own culture, and it’s not often that you get such well written fantasy books tying those things in nowadays.

I hope she writes a sequel soon. I would say it left room for one.

I love a strong FMC, and I love romance. I also love that the romance aspect of the book did not overpower the plot and take away from the strength of the FMC.


Thank you for the ARC NetGalley!

When I heard that Nisha Sharma is doing like a urban Fantasy , i was pumped , I've already read a few of their books at this point . I liked the magic and the mythology of this story , i can't wait until its officially in stores so i can buy with my own money

Thank you to NetGalley/Union Square & Co for providing me with an ARC of this book. I absolutely loved Illusions of Fire. It is a fun fast paced YA with characters that you can root for. My favorite character was the resident child genius, Boo. As stated in Nisha Sharma's authors notes she has been researching the mythology for years and took bits and pieces of that research to build the mythology within this book. I didn't mind the exposition of the mythology and at times felt like I was piecing the stories together with the books cast of characters. Based on the ending there is potential for sequels which I appreciated because I did enjoy the environment the book takes in. I will say I felt like the villain's motives were very run of the mill and a bit creepy but it didn't take away from the story. Lastly, I will say I wanted more horror/suspense when Lalia, Karna and co. faced the different types of demons at no point did I truly believe our hero's were going to lose or were in real danger.

I am OBSESSED with this book. The South Asian mythology and culture was so refreshing to read and gave an original and unique spin on the traditional 'romantasy genre/enemies to lovers' tropes. The FMC is strong and determined, hardly a wilting flower which I enjoyed - especially for her age. The twist had me gasping and the story kept me turning pages. Absolutely loved this.

If you’re a Percy Jackson fan, this one’s definitely for you!
It has everything: mythology, magic, a strong female lead, plot twists and you can’t take your eyes off the pages.

I love mythology, and I’m always happy to get to know folklore and legends I’m not familiar with: the Mahabharata has fascinated me, and I’m already doing my research and getting more into it! I appreciated the author’s recommendation regarding what to read to get to know more about it - I think another nice touch would have been adding an index to keep track of the deities and the other creatures.

I gave this book 3.5/5: I enjoyed it and already recommended it to a couple of friends, and I'm planning to read the sequel! But, personally, I felt like the writing style was childish at times - despite the book having an adult(ish?) audience - and the romance felt a bit rushed. It nicely alternated between dialogues and descriptions, but I would have liked some more focus/explaining the Mahabharata.

(also can we take a sec to appreciate the GORGEOUS cover? thank you.)

What an incredible debut novel by Nisha Sharma!! Illusions of Fire had me hooked from the first chapter. This is a South Asian YA fantasy that brought me back to my childhood, devouring Percy Jackson under the covers in my childhood home.

Laila is my girl. Anyone who wants to get to her has to get through me first. Just a phenomenally written character. The male lead, on the other hand, is my enemy and his character, actions, and the handling of his actions is the reason for me removing a star here.

Thank you to Union Square Publishing & Co. and NetGalley for this ARC.

This book was a great debut by Nisha Sharma. I enjoyed the premise, the main characters were funny, engaging, and the story kept me intrigued til the last page. I couldn't put it down!

This was a fun story. Reading this made me want to dive more into the culture and some of the gods and creatures mentioned. The aunties were hilarious and I loved reading them. The two main characters were enjoyable as well.

(Goodreads review posted 26/01/2025: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7228248534)

The second i saw this on netgalley, I knew i had to read it - before or after publication, that didn't matter. So i want to extend a huge, heartfelt thank you to the publishers, author, and netgalley for giving me an ARC. Look at that cover, absolutely gorgeous. That synopsis? Sign me up, holy shit.

As someone who grew up reading percy jackson, I often wondered what something similar, with ideas closer to home would look like. Nisha Sharma delivered, and I have to say, it was a satisfying story. It has a protagonist with massive pressures placed on her by virtue of her birth, but it doesn't show her to be infallible - she's got her flaws, her weaknesses, and her resentment for the position she's put in right from the start, which i really appreciated seeing. The other characters occasionally lacked depth but given that this book reads as the first in the series, it's understandable and seems like they'll be fleshed out at a later date.

I'll be honest - the book gets so massively dark right towards the end, with the villain being so incredibly disgusting that I actually had to close the book for a second, but it worked to up the stakes, as did the ending - i think Nisha has set up a good first installment for the series.

To be honest, the only reason i gave this a 4/5 instead of a straight 5 is the humor style that got used - it wasn't really for me. The humor is very MCU humor with a few too many "oh, shit, he's right there isn't he?" moments peppered in for my liking, but that's a personal gripe i had.

Illusions of Fire is a solid a debut fantasy. I absolutely love young adult fantasies because they have so much to offer.

Illusions of Fire by Nisha Sharma is a refreshing change from your typical mythology inspired reads.

The book is like if Buffy, Supernatural, and Percy Jackson had a sassy love child. If you like your reads to have found family, female rage, and buckets of mythology then you should give this a read.

18 year old Laila is a Daughter of Drapaudi, a long line of women descended from the goddess herself. She is being raised and protected by 3 asuras, demons, who traded a lifetime debt for immortality. But Laila crosses paths with a demon hunter, and family histories begin to unwind.

I must admit that I knew nothing of Hindu Mythology before going into this book, but I have really enjoyed learning a snippet of the vast lore through this book.

There were a couple of moments that mentioned issues that probably could’ve been covered my tactfully in a YA book but overall I enjoyed the writing style.

This will be a must read book later this year.

“Illusions of Fire” by Nisha Sharma is a lovely blend of mythology and suspense with a dash of romance. We have a fierce and determined protagonist and a slow-burn romance. The plot twists keep you guessing until the very end. Fans of her previous books will love the intensity and depth of this novel. Adults will also enjoy this YA fantasy.
Thanks to NetGallery and Union Square & Co for an advanced copy of this eBook in exchange for my honest review.

I LOVE YA FANTASY!!! seriously, always so good! The magic, the action, the family drama, and the tension between Karan and laila had me hooked, this was such a good fantasy debut.