Book Review of Cast In Firelight

Cast in Firelight by Dana Swift has been on my TBR for a while. The sequel (Bound in Firelight) was released in January, and that put it back on my radar. Also Swift is also represented by Metamorphosis Literary Agency, and I’m prioritizing supporting fellow MLA authors. But, I probably would’ve picked this up regardless of that connection. The cover is gorgeous, the magic system is interesting, and the characters are inspired by Indian culture – all appealing qualities.  

Cast in Firelight is told from two alternating POVs, Adraa – the royal heir of Belwar – and Jatin, the royal heir to Naupure, who have been in an arranged marriage since they were children. Jatin has been away from home getting formal training, while Adraa has been at home, getting to know her kingdom through practical on-the-job training. Adraa is a one-armed touch – she has markings that indicate she is a witch on one arm, instead of both arms, as would be expected for someone of her station. This, plus Adraa’s fierceness, makes her a relatable and compelling character. She and Jatin have been communicating through letters, which goes as well as one might expect; miscommunications and misunderstandings galore, culminating in a nicely done mistaken identity trope. The tension of the reader knowing Adraa and Jatin have already met, but they don’t know it, is one of the most engaging things about the book.

The action, fight scenes, color-magic from the gods, the mystery of the plot, and the tension between Adraa and Jatin, definitely make this a fun read! When the story hits the climax, the action really picks up and there are some nice twists I didn’t see coming. While I would’ve liked more rich setting and cultural details, that’s definitely my personal preference. I also would’ve liked to experience the villain being more of an active player in the story. But the exciting, high-stakes events and the scheming that comes to light at the end, set up the next book very effectively.

If you like unconventional, badass princesses, and charming princes who aren’t threatened by such women, you will enjoy Adraa and Jatin’s love story. It has the feel of enemies to lovers, without the toxicity that often afflicts that trope. Same if you’re hungering for stories that feature non-western cultures and POC.  Fans of the arranged marriage trope will eat this up, and snatch up the sequel too.

Solid 4 star read!