Cast in firelight

Gr 7 Up--Debut author Swift has created an exciting and romantic fantasy featuring witches and wizards set in a richly detailed South Asian world, where magic is bestowed upon people by nine Deities. It's a land governed by those with the Touch, who can cast up to nine colors (fortes) of magic, and the Untouched, who have no magic. Princess Adraa has been betrothed to the neighboring country's Prince Jatin since she was eight. She hasn't seen him since a disastrous meeting nine years ago. He's returning from his wizard studies and they're expected to marry upon Adraa's upcoming 18th birthday. Adraa assumes Jatin will be as arrogant now as he was as a child. He could cast magic using all nine colors when he was young, but aside from her forte for fire, Adraa believes she's not as skilled. She's not Touched on both arms like most others and is ashamed of being different. Adraa's determined to stop a gang from distributing an addictive drug throughout her country and in finding out where the magic-fueled firelight she invented for her city is being diverted. As Adraa and Jatin alternate points-of-view, readers discover they are keeping secrets not only from each other, but from their families as well. VERDICT A satisfying romantic fantasy with a badass heroine and memorable setting. Readers of this first book in a duology will relish knowing tantalizing secrets before the characters dos. Recommend to fans of Susan Dennard and Roshani Chokshi.--Sharon Rawlins, New Jersey State Library, Trenton

Pledged to each other since childhood, Adraa and Jatin navigate the complex politics of their respective kingdoms. Adraa is the heir to Belwar, and while powerful in most types of magic, she has yet to take the royal ceremony to prove her competency in all nine forms and, with it, her right to someday rule. With half its population Untouched by the Gods--unable to use magic--Belwar struggles with inequities between the Touched and Untouched, reminiscent of societal class divisions. Adraa's strong sense of duty to her people leads her to fight against the corruption within her kingdom. Jatin, heir to their more magical neighbor Naupure, has spent years polishing his nine colors of magic at the academy, away from the realities of ruling. He and Adraa compare their magical prowess and progress through letters. When Jatin finally leaves the academy, a series of mishaps results in both of them hiding their true identities even as they grow closer in their fight against a ruthless gang. This intricate world with magic-fueled, action-packed fight scenes and snarky, colloquial banter is loosely infused with Asian Indian cultural references. The story also discusses questions of gender inequality, freedom, self-worth, and identity. Adraa and Jatin both have black hair; in contrast to the cover image, the text makes clear that Adraa is very dark-skinned while Jatin has lighter brown skin. Will appeal to fans of fast-moving fantasy adventures. (deities and their powers, author's note) (Fantasy. 14-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Gr 7 Up—Debut author Swift has created an exciting and romantic fantasy featuring witches and wizards set in a richly detailed South Asian world, where magic is bestowed upon people by nine Deities. It's a land governed by those with the Touch, who can cast up to nine colors (fortes) of magic, and the Untouched, who have no magic. Princess Adraa has been betrothed to the neighboring country's Prince Jatin since she was eight. She hasn't seen him since a disastrous meeting nine years ago. He's returning from his wizard studies and they're expected to marry upon Adraa's upcoming 18th birthday. Adraa assumes Jatin will be as arrogant now as he was as a child. He could cast magic using all nine colors when he was young, but aside from her forte for fire, Adraa believes she's not as skilled. She's not Touched on both arms like most others and is ashamed of being different. Adraa's determined to stop a gang from distributing an addictive drug throughout her country and in finding out where the magic-fueled firelight she invented for her city is being diverted. As Adraa and Jatin alternate points-of-view, readers discover they are keeping secrets not only from each other, but from their families as well. VERDICT A satisfying romantic fantasy with a badass heroine and memorable setting. Readers of this first book in a duology will relish knowing tantalizing secrets before the characters dos. Recommend to fans of Susan Dennard and Roshani Chokshi.—Sharon Rawlins, New Jersey State Library, Trenton