Release date: 7th October
Illusions of Fire is a mythological fantasy following two descendants on Indian demi-gods, Laila and Karan, as they change fate by their meeting. It has everything – romance, demons, betrayal, a neurodivergent genius, kidnappings, destiny and a mysterious biker.
I loved the mythology aspect to this book! As a Westerner, I found the exposure to a different culture refreshing without being alienating. Everything was explained well. I could follow what the different creatures were, who the different gods were and what they were famous for.
The plot was interesting, if a little predictable. I liked how everything linked to stories from the Mahabharata (Sanskrit epic of ancient India, narrating the story of the Kurukshetra War) and the book itself made me want to learn more about Indian mythology. The characters were fully formed despite being forced into fairly inflexible roles and the minor character were given enough time for readers to invest in them. The villain could have used more depth. To begin with, he was a mystery and that worked but towards the ending, he comes across more cartoonish than true villain.
The romance was restrained and very sweet, making this suitable for YA without losing the appeal for older readers. The raunchy scenes took a backseat for the plot where lesser authors would have pushed for more spice over substance which is refreshing for the fantasy genre at present. If I had to criticise, I’d say they bonded a little too quickly, forgiveness was offered without any inner turmoil and any reluctance felt disingenuous. No-one seemed to give in to their feelings! Everyone was very understanding and rational at all times, perhaps the most fantastical part of the novel.
The imagery is vivid and there’s a focus on touch which works well with the theme of fire throughout. The inner monologues and character motivations are simplistic but authentic, more complexity would have elevated the whole but it works as is. I utterly adored the character, ‘Boo’ – a child genius with neurodivergent inferences and a career in government intelligence. Overall, the diversity present is welcomed and we definitely need more mainstream Asian literature. However, I would have appreciated more diversity of sexuality and disability. I’m pinning my hopes on the sequel, there’s some groundwork there which I hope develops.
The pacing was fairly casual for a story where half the time they’re fighting for their lives. I genuinely enjoyed reading Illusions of Fire but it was easy to put down which is a shame. I love a novel I can lose an evening to! That said, it doesn’t put me off – I’m looking forward to the sequel. Hopefully Sharma will give her characters a bit more imperfection to let this good story break through into brilliant.
| Criteria | Scores | Our Score |
| Artistic Achievement | 1 – 5 | 4 |
| Pacing | 1 – 5 | 3 |
| Characters | 1 – 5 | 4 |
| Writing Style | 1 – 5 | 4 |
| Originality | 1 – 5 | 5 |
Written By: ivetafox
Favourite Game – Long Live the Queen || Favourite Film – Sweeney Todd || Favourite Book – Wuthering Heights
About: Ivy is a disabled, autistic writer from the UK, passionate about inclusive gaming. When not reviewing, she can be found writing short stories and micro fiction or reading the latest gothic novel.
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