BOOK TOUR: Cast in Firelight by Dana Swift (+Giveaway)

Cast in Firelight by Dana Swift

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Publishing Date: January 19, 2021

Synopsis:

The first book in an epic, heart-pounding fantasy duology about two royal heirs betrothed to be married, but whose loyalties are torn, and a ruthless enemy who threatens their world, perfect for fans of Sabaa Tahir, Hafsah Faizal, and Renée Ahdieh.

Adraa is the royal heir of Belwar, a talented witch on the cusp of taking her royal ceremony test, and a girl who just wants to prove her worth to her people.

Jatin is the royal heir to Naupure, a competitive wizard who’s mastered all nine colors of magic, and a boy anxious to return home for the first time since he was a child.

Together, their arranged marriage will unite two of Wickery’s most powerful kingdoms. But after years of rivalry from afar, Adraa and Jatin only agree on one thing: their reunion will be anything but sweet.

Only, destiny has other plans and with the criminal underbelly of Belwar suddenly making a move for control, their paths cross…and neither realizes who the other is, adopting separate secret identities instead.

Between dodging deathly spells and keeping their true selves hidden, the pair must learn to put their trust in the other if either is to uncover the real threat. Now Wickery’s fate is in the hands of rivals..? Fiancées..? Partners..? Whatever they are, it’s complicated and bound for greatness or destruction.

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MY JOURNAL ENTRY: 

MY REVIEW: 

REVIEW: Cast in Firelight by Dana Swift 

Plot: Adraa, the royal heir of Belwar, and Jatin, the royal heir of Naupure, have been known almost their whole lives they were arranged to be married and unite two of Wickery’s most powerful kingdoms. After a disastrous first meeting, the two kept up and fierce rivalry from a distance through letters. However, they meet again almost a decade later under two hidden identities that make the perfect team in unraveling a hidden crime scheme that may be larger than the entire kingdom. They begin to trust each other, and develop feelings they must repress knowing they are secretly betrothed already while working to save all of Wickery. 

My thoughts: Firstly I want to say I was surprised to discover after finishing the book set in a South Asian setting through the authors note that this story is not #OwnVoices. The author explains she created the characters with the idea that her children would be able to see themselves in the story, and I respect that, but feel the need to disclaim it regarding the representation. I cannot comment on the accuracy or handling of the representation myself and I HIGHLY suggest you read the reviews of South Asian reviewers before reading the book! This is highly important to hold the story accountable, and I do not agree with the publishers marketing strategy here. With that being said I did really enjoy this novel. I thought the magic system was unique to any I’ve previously read, and still easy to grasp. I immensely enjoyed the dynamic of Adraa and Jatin’s rivalry, especially when they were interacting without knowing it. Their banter and bond was so good. I thought the author wrote fight scenes very authentically and it really kept the story high in energy and tension. The development of how they infiltrated the crime ring in Belwar was so interesting and engaging. I remember thinking while reading that I hadn’t felt this invested in a romantic fantasy plot in a LONG time. The pacing was really good as well, and the ending while open for more to come, left me satisfied and hopeful. 

RATING: ★★★★.5/5

***Thank you to the author and TBRBeyondTours for providing my eARC to participate in the tour. Check out their website for the rest of the tour schedule and giveaway info!!!! All opinions are my own. 

BOOK PLAYLIST:

1. Gold Rush by Taylor Swift
fitting line:
"I don't like a gold rush, I don't like anticipating my face in a red flush"
2. I Wanna Be Yours- Arctic Monkeys
fitting line:
"Secrets I have held in my heart
Are harder to hide than I thought
Maybe I just wanna be yours
I wanna be yours"
3. You're Somebody Else- Flora Cash

fitting line: 

"well you look like yourself but your somebody else" 
4. Defenceless by Louis Tomlinson
fitting line: 
"No, you don’t have to keep on being strong for me and youActing like you feel no pain, you know I know you do
And I can't get inside when you're lost in your pride
But you don't have a thing to prove"
5. Young God by Halsey 
fitting line:
"You know the two of us are just young Gods

And we'll be flying through the streets with the people underneath"

About the Author:

Dana Swift started making up fantasy worlds when she was eleven years old and hasn’t stopped since. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned degrees in English and Advertising. While in college, Dana competed as a saber fencer and learned a thing or two about fighting, parrying and how it feels to fall in love with your sparring partner. She currently lives with said husband in Miami, Florida.

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See the rest of the tour stops HERE!

Giveaway (US Only):

One person will win a finished copy of Cast in Firelight. The giveaway ends on January 25th.

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