“Egypt had Cleopatra”…”Greece had Helen of Troy. And India had Draupadi. Know how powerful you are”.

Many readers know Nisha Sharma for her romance novels, but in Illusions of Fire? She’s incendiary. Pardon the fire pun, but it just works so well in this scenario. This book is just badass goodness. For majority of the book we follow Karan and Laila, and the duo are dealing with an indescribable bond while also fighting off some unsavoury mythological creatures and an icky villain (seriously a major creep). Throw in some eccentric Massi's, skilled sidekicks, and meddling gods and you're in for a treat. Gopal and Boo, I know everyone's going to LOVE them.

Ever since I read Percy Jackson as a kid, I always wondered if an author would ever dive into the stories I heard and learned growing up. Illusions of Fire is rooted in Hindu mythology and I’m so glad authors are exploring stories and sharing them with audiences. It stuns me that Nisha just gets it. She’s finding those gaps that readers of colour have been yearning for, and then just causally writes an amazing book. It’s something l’ll never get tired of no matter what.

Yes, this is a high energy book. But I like the little details. The Jasmine and incense scents, the chai machine, the slight crunch of an onion ring...sometimes I need the sensory descriptions in novels to ground me. It’s a balance that Nisha does perfectly. Overall, I know this book is going to connect massively with readers. The best part? We’re off to more adventures, and I can’t wait.

Throwing in one more quote that I loved “history is written by the victor. Interpretations have truth because they’re written by the quietest characters, right?”

Thank you so much Union Square & Co and NetGalley for the ARC. Out in February 2025 you don’t want to miss this.

OKAY MYTHOLOGY! This was such a fun read!
I was so excited to see the Nisha Sharma had announced her fantasy debut and it did not disappoint!

The romantic tension/connection between Laila and Ahvi!! Off the charts! Nisha Sharma has a knack for weaving a beautiful storyline! One of my favorite parts of this story was actually the characterization of Laila. Maybe one of the most well-written YA main characters I've read!

You will LOVE this book if you like the monster-slayer aspect of Buffy The Vampire Slayer, the magical aunties in The Chilling Adventure of Sabrina, some really fascinating mythology, and healthy dose of heartfelt romance. I can't wait to read the next one!

Thank you to NetGalley and Union Square & Co for the ARC!

Oh what a delightful read this was! I read and loved several of Nisha’s books. I was super excited to read this one when she announced it. I love mythology of any origin. This is right up my alley. It did not disappoint. It appears to be set up for many more book. I wait with bated breath for more.

I voluntarily read an early copy.