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The Nightfire Quartet #4
Queen of Shadows and Ruin
Zarya must become the darkness…
Soaring through the sky to the frozen mountains of Andhera, Zarya knows that only she can save her home from annihilation. Ruthless armies hunt her friends and toxic dark magic spreads through the land, consuming all it touches. To fight back, she and Rabin must find dangerous new allies.
In a palace of black marble, Zarya finally meets her father—the mysterious Raja Abishek. She approaches warily. For years she was told to fear this man, that he seeks to steal her power. But Abishek welcomes her with open arms, with gifts and lavish celebrations.
Rabin is sure the king can help them, turning the tide of war and decay. And when the magic binding Zarya’s heart to Rabin begins to fail, only Abishek can offer a cure. Zarya dreads the thought of placing their lives in his hands… But can she hesitate, when Rabin might be torn from her forever?
As Zarya makes her choice, ancient magic breaks loose, and her world shatters. In a ruined and long forgotten city, her love for Rabin will be tested to its limits. An army of shadows marches against her, destroying all in its path, and everything Zarya loves will be lost, unless she can face the darkness inside her—and release its devastating power.
An absolutely gripping fantasy romance that’s perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Rebecca Yarros, and Carissa Broadbent, Queen of Shadows and Ruin is the epic final volume in the Nightfire Quartet.
See why readers love Nisha J. Tuli’s irresistible fantasy
“Yes, yes, yes! An infinite amount of yeses!… I have no words to express how addictive this story is… The ending had me literally gasping.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I need the next part now!! The slow burn and secrets made this book so good!!! I highly recommend!” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Y’allllllllll. I am obsessed with this book… I read this so fast, and I didn’t want to put it down… The tension is fantastic.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This story had me from the first sentence… No spoilers, but you’ll need a fan for the heat!” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Umm wow. I am literally left speechless!… The plot, character development, and world building were absolutely stunning! I couldn’t get enough.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Rich imagery, persistent tension, blossoming friendships, and beautiful found family. It had my heart working overtime… I cannot stop thinking about what happens next.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“What an exciting rollercoaster ride this was!… The world was fantastic, luscious, sultry, restless… I need the next book!!” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“OMG OMG OMG OMG… I didn’t know what to expect because I loved Artefacts of Ouranos so so so much and thought ‘she can’t top this’ but I have never been happier to be wrong… &l
Soaring through the sky to the frozen mountains of Andhera, Zarya knows that only she can save her home from annihilation. Ruthless armies hunt her friends and toxic dark magic spreads through the land, consuming all it touches. To fight back, she and Rabin must find dangerous new allies.
In a palace of black marble, Zarya finally meets her father—the mysterious Raja Abishek. She approaches warily. For years she was told to fear this man, that he seeks to steal her power. But Abishek welcomes her with open arms, with gifts and lavish celebrations.
Rabin is sure the king can help them, turning the tide of war and decay. And when the magic binding Zarya’s heart to Rabin begins to fail, only Abishek can offer a cure. Zarya dreads the thought of placing their lives in his hands… But can she hesitate, when Rabin might be torn from her forever?
As Zarya makes her choice, ancient magic breaks loose, and her world shatters. In a ruined and long forgotten city, her love for Rabin will be tested to its limits. An army of shadows marches against her, destroying all in its path, and everything Zarya loves will be lost, unless she can face the darkness inside her—and release its devastating power.
An absolutely gripping fantasy romance that’s perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Rebecca Yarros, and Carissa Broadbent, Queen of Shadows and Ruin is the epic final volume in the Nightfire Quartet.
See why readers love Nisha J. Tuli’s irresistible fantasy
“Yes, yes, yes! An infinite amount of yeses!… I have no words to express how addictive this story is… The ending had me literally gasping.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I need the next part now!! The slow burn and secrets made this book so good!!! I highly recommend!” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Y’allllllllll. I am obsessed with this book… I read this so fast, and I didn’t want to put it down… The tension is fantastic.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This story had me from the first sentence… No spoilers, but you’ll need a fan for the heat!” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Umm wow. I am literally left speechless!… The plot, character development, and world building were absolutely stunning! I couldn’t get enough.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Rich imagery, persistent tension, blossoming friendships, and beautiful found family. It had my heart working overtime… I cannot stop thinking about what happens next.” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“What an exciting rollercoaster ride this was!… The world was fantastic, luscious, sultry, restless… I need the next book!!” Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“OMG OMG OMG OMG… I didn’t know what to expect because I loved Artefacts of Ouranos so so so much and thought ‘she can’t top this’ but I have never been happier to be wrong… &l
474 pages, Paperback
First published March 6, 2025
351 people are currently reading
2610 people want to read
About the author
Nisha J. Tuli
19 books4,917 followersVisit my website to sign up for my newsletter and download a bonus chapter from Rule of the Aurora King!
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Nisha J Tuli is a USA Today and international bestselling author. Her book, Trial of the Sun Queen, became a BookTok hit, selling over a million copies and finding its way into the hands of A-list celebrities.
When she isn’t writing or reading, she can be found in the gym or the kitchen (to eat, not to cook) or maybe knitting scarves to survive a Canadian winter. She lives in Manitoba with her husband, their two kids, and their fluffy Samoyed.
---
Nisha J Tuli is a USA Today and international bestselling author. Her book, Trial of the Sun Queen, became a BookTok hit, selling over a million copies and finding its way into the hands of A-list celebrities.
When she isn’t writing or reading, she can be found in the gym or the kitchen (to eat, not to cook) or maybe knitting scarves to survive a Canadian winter. She lives in Manitoba with her husband, their two kids, and their fluffy Samoyed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 277 reviews
March 8, 2025
WHAT WAS THAT ENDING?? 😭😭😭 I was sitting there like… this is it?? 😩 The way everything wrapped up so fast after all that build-up?? I needed MORE. More tension, more detail, more time for things to breathe instead of whiplash. 😤
And don’t even get me started on the naivety 😮💨 in the first half. WHY did they trust Abhishek so easily? Like, babes, where is your survival instinct?? 😭😭 I was mentally screaming at them. I get that their naivety was kinda needed for the plot, but still. Be so for real. 🤨
That being said, this series owns me. 😮💨💖 The worldbuilding? ✨ Gorgeous. The magic system? 🪄 Unique. The romance? 😩🔥 Zarya and Rabin have had me in a chokehold 😮💨 since book one, and their bond still made me all soft. 🥹💘 There were moments that had me clutching my phone, and the emotional beats hit hard when they hit. 😭💔
💘 Epic Fantasy Quest
✨ Fated Mates
💘 Chosen One
✨ Betrayal & Deception
💘 Found Family
✨ Slow Burn to Rushed Ending
But overall… this was my least favorite in the series. Pacing was all over the place. The first half dragged 💤, the middle was solid, but then the ending came at light speed and left me blinking like ??? 🤨 It felt like there was a whole chunk missing. 😩 Like, why did we spend AGES in one part of the book but barely get time for the final showdown? 😭
And Rabin??? Sir. 🫠 Trust your gut. The way he kept ignoring his instincts despite being literally HIM was so frustrating. 😤 And some character choices?? Felt out of nowhere (looking at you, Ekaja 👀). 🤨
But despite my gripes, I still love this world. 💖✨ I’ll forever be obsessed with the magic, the tension, and the sheer epicness of this series. 😮💨🔥 Was it a perfect finale? No. ❌ But would I still devour more books from Nisha J. Tuli? Absolutely. 💖🥰
And don’t even get me started on the naivety 😮💨 in the first half. WHY did they trust Abhishek so easily? Like, babes, where is your survival instinct?? 😭😭 I was mentally screaming at them. I get that their naivety was kinda needed for the plot, but still. Be so for real. 🤨
That being said, this series owns me. 😮💨💖 The worldbuilding? ✨ Gorgeous. The magic system? 🪄 Unique. The romance? 😩🔥 Zarya and Rabin have had me in a chokehold 😮💨 since book one, and their bond still made me all soft. 🥹💘 There were moments that had me clutching my phone, and the emotional beats hit hard when they hit. 😭💔
💘 Epic Fantasy Quest
✨ Fated Mates
💘 Chosen One
✨ Betrayal & Deception
💘 Found Family
✨ Slow Burn to Rushed Ending
But overall… this was my least favorite in the series. Pacing was all over the place. The first half dragged 💤, the middle was solid, but then the ending came at light speed and left me blinking like ??? 🤨 It felt like there was a whole chunk missing. 😩 Like, why did we spend AGES in one part of the book but barely get time for the final showdown? 😭
And Rabin??? Sir. 🫠 Trust your gut. The way he kept ignoring his instincts despite being literally HIM was so frustrating. 😤 And some character choices?? Felt out of nowhere (looking at you, Ekaja 👀). 🤨
But despite my gripes, I still love this world. 💖✨ I’ll forever be obsessed with the magic, the tension, and the sheer epicness of this series. 😮💨🔥 Was it a perfect finale? No. ❌ But would I still devour more books from Nisha J. Tuli? Absolutely. 💖🥰
March 7, 2025
“There’s never been anyone like her before. Nor will there be again.”
Who cried their way through the ending? Mee, I did!!
I was panicking during the last third, wondering how everything would go and if everyone would survive and live happily ever after...luckily, Nisha J. Tuli wrapped everything up perfectly, and I'm so happy with the way it ended. Though I wouldn't mind several more books in this series, or a spinoff, or novella.
If you've read the last book, you know who it is we meet at the start. I wasn't convinced this character had everyone's best interests at heart, lo and behold, I was right. It just took us a while to get to that point.
I didn't mind the slower pace, I was actually on the edge of my seat, waiting for that character to show their true face (no, I did not mean for this to rhyme, but hey). Once they did, the pacing picked up, we learned some interesting things and the book was hard to put down.
I love how Rabin and Zarya's relationship continued to grow, despite everything that was thrown at them. And how Rabin was STILL determined to make things right, even if all was good, he was like "NO!!! I WILL DO THIS!!", he's so precious.
The two of them are goals, honestly, they only get stronger and they do it TOGETHER which is the most important thing. They're among my favourite book couples.
Speaking of couples, we got to see more of Yasen and Miraan. I loved following them while Zarya and Rabin were ~elsewhere~. They're so cute together, and Miraan helps Yasen deal with some of his own issues. If we do get a novella in the future, it would be amazing if it followed them.
Yasen is still my favourite character in the whole series, not that I was expecting it to change, I'm just letting everyone know that he's the best. And funniest. Big thank you to Nisha for writing him!!!
I'm glad Row got a chance to shine, he deserved it probably more than anyone. And he managed to get justice for another character while doing it, win win.
His bond with Zarya broke my heart and put it back together again, all in this book. There's one line where he calls her his daughter that had me sobbing, I wish it had always been like that for them, they've come so far.
Of course, the battle scenes were epic, as expected. The plot development was excellent, and like I already said, the ending was perfect, but I did get the impression that the book was a bit rushed.
It didn't feel quite the same as the past few books, but it also didn't feel dramatically different. It was still such a great read, but books 2 and 3 are definitely my favourites in the series.
I don't want to say goodbye to Rabin, Zarya and their friends, I really don't, I know I'm going to miss them so much. I hope we'll see them again, or that Nisha will write a similar series so I can fall in love with her characters all over again.
4.5
*Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Who cried their way through the ending? Mee, I did!!
I was panicking during the last third, wondering how everything would go and if everyone would survive and live happily ever after...luckily, Nisha J. Tuli wrapped everything up perfectly, and I'm so happy with the way it ended. Though I wouldn't mind several more books in this series, or a spinoff, or novella.
If you've read the last book, you know who it is we meet at the start. I wasn't convinced this character had everyone's best interests at heart, lo and behold, I was right. It just took us a while to get to that point.
I didn't mind the slower pace, I was actually on the edge of my seat, waiting for that character to show their true face (no, I did not mean for this to rhyme, but hey). Once they did, the pacing picked up, we learned some interesting things and the book was hard to put down.
I love how Rabin and Zarya's relationship continued to grow, despite everything that was thrown at them. And how Rabin was STILL determined to make things right, even if all was good, he was like "NO!!! I WILL DO THIS!!", he's so precious.
The two of them are goals, honestly, they only get stronger and they do it TOGETHER which is the most important thing. They're among my favourite book couples.
Speaking of couples, we got to see more of Yasen and Miraan. I loved following them while Zarya and Rabin were ~elsewhere~. They're so cute together, and Miraan helps Yasen deal with some of his own issues. If we do get a novella in the future, it would be amazing if it followed them.
Yasen is still my favourite character in the whole series, not that I was expecting it to change, I'm just letting everyone know that he's the best. And funniest. Big thank you to Nisha for writing him!!!
I'm glad Row got a chance to shine, he deserved it probably more than anyone. And he managed to get justice for another character while doing it, win win.
His bond with Zarya broke my heart and put it back together again, all in this book. There's one line where he calls her his daughter that had me sobbing, I wish it had always been like that for them, they've come so far.
Of course, the battle scenes were epic, as expected. The plot development was excellent, and like I already said, the ending was perfect, but I did get the impression that the book was a bit rushed.
It didn't feel quite the same as the past few books, but it also didn't feel dramatically different. It was still such a great read, but books 2 and 3 are definitely my favourites in the series.
I don't want to say goodbye to Rabin, Zarya and their friends, I really don't, I know I'm going to miss them so much. I hope we'll see them again, or that Nisha will write a similar series so I can fall in love with her characters all over again.
4.5
*Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
April 11, 2025
I started this series when I had sun poisoning on vacation in mexico and it’s kind of crazy a year later it’s all over ??? wild
March 25, 2025
I have absolutely loved the first three books in the NightFire Quartet but this book was a disappointment.
Nothing really happens until the 50-60% point. I almost DNF’ed this book twice but pushed through because I have loved the series up to this point.
The second half of the book made up for the slow first half. I honestly think the first half could have been shorter and we could have gotten more of the battle and aftermath. This could have been 5 star if we only got the second half.
Nothing really happens until the 50-60% point. I almost DNF’ed this book twice but pushed through because I have loved the series up to this point.
The second half of the book made up for the slow first half. I honestly think the first half could have been shorter and we could have gotten more of the battle and aftermath. This could have been 5 star if we only got the second half.
May 6, 2025
(4.25/5) A fantastic ending to a series I literally could not put down for 4 days straight. Nisha J. Tuli did a fantastic job developing these characters and a world that I will dearly miss.
A sincere thank you to the UK publisher, Second Sky for gifting me a finished copy of this book, Queen of Shadows and Ruin.
A sincere thank you to the UK publisher, Second Sky for gifting me a finished copy of this book, Queen of Shadows and Ruin.
March 9, 2025
4.25⭐
This book perfectly wrapped up the Nightfire Quartet series and definitely was a roller coaster ride while reading! I loved being back in this world with Zarya and Rabin, and we can't forget about Yasen either! This picked up right where the last book left off and I loved seeing how our favorite characters grew even more in this story. Nisha gave us several twists and had me panicking a few times as well, but I loved every minute! The ending was everything I could have wanted for them and I highly recommend this series if you want romantasy with an amazing plot an delicious spice!
What to expect:
-Dragon shifter
-Found family
-Unique magic
-Touch her and die
Thank you Nisha and her team, Second Sky Books, and NetGalley for letting me read and review an ARC in exchange for my honest opinions!
This book perfectly wrapped up the Nightfire Quartet series and definitely was a roller coaster ride while reading! I loved being back in this world with Zarya and Rabin, and we can't forget about Yasen either! This picked up right where the last book left off and I loved seeing how our favorite characters grew even more in this story. Nisha gave us several twists and had me panicking a few times as well, but I loved every minute! The ending was everything I could have wanted for them and I highly recommend this series if you want romantasy with an amazing plot an delicious spice!
What to expect:
-Dragon shifter
-Found family
-Unique magic
-Touch her and die
Thank you Nisha and her team, Second Sky Books, and NetGalley for letting me read and review an ARC in exchange for my honest opinions!
February 4, 2025
This was a beautiful, action packed ending to this series. I love Nisha J Tulis writing and each book gets even better for me. Zarya and Rabin face so many trials in this book and overcome so much. Even Yasen has to learn how to overcome some personal issues. This book is filled with twists and turns and parts where I didn’t know how Zarya was going to get out of it. The fighting scenes are much less in this book however we get so much information that I think it makes up for that. The ending was perfect and I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves found family, a strong FMC, unique magic, and so much more.
Thank you so much Second Sky for the arc!
Thank you so much Second Sky for the arc!
July 5, 2025
If you prefer your FMC to have a brain and your MMC to have a personality this is not the series for you. Rabin is as interesting as a towel that got left outside in the rain and Zarya is an absolute nincompoop — it's been four entire books of her being illogical and inconsistent; I am TIRED.
March 1, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Second Sky for the e-arc!l in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own!
First, ugh, Nisha Tuli, I love your work. With this being the final book in the Nightfire Quartet, I just want to say this has been the BEST one in the series and I’m so glad to have been able to follow along in this journey!
This was a solid 4 star read for me! I greatly enjoyed the additional world building that was written as Zarya and Rabin explored a part of the kingdom we saw very briefly at the end of the previous book. I was super excited to finally read the inevitable meet up of Zarya and her father, Raja Abishek. This was a build up that was well worth the wait of the previous three books and I could feel the various conflicting emotions Zarya was feeling during this introduction.
I also felt the plot twist was well-written (albeit, a tad predictable) and I really liked getting the different POVs of the side characters!
Finally, my dear Rabin….I’m not sure how many times I can say I love him, but I will definitely try to convey this properly. The chemistry between him and Zarya is one of my favorites in the romantasy genre and I loved how the readers got to see more of their marriage and the new dynamic of their relationship.
One of my main gripes with this book was just how quick paced it was. I wish there were times the writing got to slow down and just embrace the moment it was in. There were also times that the writing felt a bit repetitive and drawn out in areas that could have moved a bit faster.
Some of the action scenes were also a bit confusing and harder to read due to not being able to fully picture what was happening. It felt more like being told, rather than being shown, in other scenes too.
Still, this is a very solid read and I definitely have been recommending this series to anyone new to romantasy and want to dive right in!
I cannot wait to see what else Nisha has in the works!
First, ugh, Nisha Tuli, I love your work. With this being the final book in the Nightfire Quartet, I just want to say this has been the BEST one in the series and I’m so glad to have been able to follow along in this journey!
This was a solid 4 star read for me! I greatly enjoyed the additional world building that was written as Zarya and Rabin explored a part of the kingdom we saw very briefly at the end of the previous book. I was super excited to finally read the inevitable meet up of Zarya and her father, Raja Abishek. This was a build up that was well worth the wait of the previous three books and I could feel the various conflicting emotions Zarya was feeling during this introduction.
I also felt the plot twist was well-written (albeit, a tad predictable) and I really liked getting the different POVs of the side characters!
Finally, my dear Rabin….I’m not sure how many times I can say I love him, but I will definitely try to convey this properly. The chemistry between him and Zarya is one of my favorites in the romantasy genre and I loved how the readers got to see more of their marriage and the new dynamic of their relationship.
One of my main gripes with this book was just how quick paced it was. I wish there were times the writing got to slow down and just embrace the moment it was in. There were also times that the writing felt a bit repetitive and drawn out in areas that could have moved a bit faster.
Some of the action scenes were also a bit confusing and harder to read due to not being able to fully picture what was happening. It felt more like being told, rather than being shown, in other scenes too.
Still, this is a very solid read and I definitely have been recommending this series to anyone new to romantasy and want to dive right in!
I cannot wait to see what else Nisha has in the works!
March 2, 2025
Thank you to the published and NetGalley for allowing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I have loved this series from the beginning, eating them up like my favorite dessert. The colorful way this series was written had me in a chokehold, and the world building was so good and unique.
That being said, this felt rushed to me. I realize that it being the last book in the series, much of the world/color had to be passed up to wrap up the series. The ending was fine, but I just kept missing the elements that made this series so good in the first place.
I’m glad to have read this series, because it was a refreshing change from standard magic systems, and so colorful, as I mentioned.
I have loved this series from the beginning, eating them up like my favorite dessert. The colorful way this series was written had me in a chokehold, and the world building was so good and unique.
That being said, this felt rushed to me. I realize that it being the last book in the series, much of the world/color had to be passed up to wrap up the series. The ending was fine, but I just kept missing the elements that made this series so good in the first place.
I’m glad to have read this series, because it was a refreshing change from standard magic systems, and so colorful, as I mentioned.
February 1, 2025
Beautiful conclusion to the Nightfire Quartet!
I was stressed A LOT during the book... Nisha sure knows how to pull at our heartstrings :)
We learn even more about both Zarya and Rabin's stories (along with more information on their family members) and it is all truly heartbreaking. I did feel like some of the parts defeating the "big bad" were a little bit rushed, but all in all I loved this book.
All of the characters stories wrapped up nicely (though there are certainly some I would love to see in future spin offs!).
Thank you to Nisha J. Tuli for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
I was stressed A LOT during the book... Nisha sure knows how to pull at our heartstrings :)
We learn even more about both Zarya and Rabin's stories (along with more information on their family members) and it is all truly heartbreaking. I did feel like some of the parts defeating the "big bad" were a little bit rushed, but all in all I loved this book.
All of the characters stories wrapped up nicely (though there are certainly some I would love to see in future spin offs!).
Thank you to Nisha J. Tuli for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 9, 2025
2⭐️
Let's start with what I liked about the final instalment of the series. We kept the found family aspect going strong. Yasen basically held the book on his shoulders for me, now that is a best friend. The magic system held strong, and the romance had its sweet moments. I enjoyed Rows storyline in this one immensely, too.
But if I'm being honest, the only reason I didn't DNF this is because reviews said it got better at the halfway point, and I was already 45% in. In my review for book 3, I said the author had left a lot of questions to be answered and not a lot of time to do it. And yet we spent half the book with our main characters being nothing less than incredibly stupid.
This was the first book in the series level naivety. How could they not tell that the king was bad news when it was being made so stereotypically obvious. They'd already been betrayed once by someone they trusted, and yet they're just like sure we'll abandon the people we're meant to help to piss about here. Each time they delayed, i had to put the book down and sigh.
It did pick up in the second half, but by that point, I was genuinely quite annoyed at them and the ending felt rushed. Especially when someone just handed them the solution to all the issues and we don't get all the much of a final fight.
Spoilers below because i must mention Amrita
I am genuinely sad that she got left as stuck as a tree. It clearly changed her personality, and that never gets explained really. Plus, she's not needed as a seal anymore, I really thought she would be released. She was a big miss for me. Her character provided a much needed female friend for zarya.
Let's start with what I liked about the final instalment of the series. We kept the found family aspect going strong. Yasen basically held the book on his shoulders for me, now that is a best friend. The magic system held strong, and the romance had its sweet moments. I enjoyed Rows storyline in this one immensely, too.
But if I'm being honest, the only reason I didn't DNF this is because reviews said it got better at the halfway point, and I was already 45% in. In my review for book 3, I said the author had left a lot of questions to be answered and not a lot of time to do it. And yet we spent half the book with our main characters being nothing less than incredibly stupid.
This was the first book in the series level naivety. How could they not tell that the king was bad news when it was being made so stereotypically obvious. They'd already been betrayed once by someone they trusted, and yet they're just like sure we'll abandon the people we're meant to help to piss about here. Each time they delayed, i had to put the book down and sigh.
It did pick up in the second half, but by that point, I was genuinely quite annoyed at them and the ending felt rushed. Especially when someone just handed them the solution to all the issues and we don't get all the much of a final fight.
Spoilers below because i must mention Amrita
I am genuinely sad that she got left as stuck as a tree. It clearly changed her personality, and that never gets explained really. Plus, she's not needed as a seal anymore, I really thought she would be released. She was a big miss for me. Her character provided a much needed female friend for zarya.
March 10, 2025
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
3.5 hearts
Queen of Shadow and Ruin is the conclusion to the Nightfire Quartet focused in Indian/Asian mythology. Zarya is prophesized to be the one to free them all. With her found family, she has defended against the dark and started a revolution. Now it is time to bring the story to a close and figure out what it means really means to free them all.
Zarya is wanted in multiple lands now. In hiding from her murderous sister she has gone to the one place Rowe, the man who raised her, always warned her would mean her death. In this conclusion to the story, she will need to face her father and determine if he really is the bogey man she was raised to believe in or if he is just a father who was denied a relationship with his daughter. Rabin, the love of Zarya’s life and husband, believes in her father and is sure she will be safe; it is only because of his trust that she is willing to travel to meet her father.
Yasen, is a great side character and helps to carry the story when he and Zarya are forced to split. I love the plutonic friendship that has formed between the two and he is always someone who can be depended on. That is probably why his character description describes him as “Emotional support companion and King of our Hearts”, which is so true. He adds some levity and comic relief to the story to lighten some of the more emotional moments.
The reader will also get some tender and steamy moments with Zarya and Rabin. I do like them as a couple and it doesn't hurt that Rabin can shift into a dragon, which makes him all the sexier. Their relationship remains strong though out the book even when they are put into some dire situations. I love the idea of the bond between them and how it was magically enhanced through tattoos binding them together.
Queen of Shadows and Ruin was a decently strong conclusion to the quartet. I never trusted the king, but being in the palace added some additional tension to the story as I waited to see, with Zarya, if he would help her in her efforts with the revolution or end up being the disappointment and danger she was always led to believe. There were still some surprises to be had there as his motivations were revealed. I didn’t expect how the prophecy would be fulfilled and so that was a great twist to the story.
The ending wrapped up well and tied together most of the loose ends of the series. The epilogue was also a nice touch to let the reader know how all surviving characters were doing ever the events of the book, which I think is a must for a series like this. I also appreciate that Nisha J Tuli gave a character list at the beginning of the book to help the reader remember who all the characters were and some of the important plot points from the other books. I needed some of the reminders as it has been a few months since reading the last books.
Solid overall romantasy series with interesting magic, cool world building and unusual foundational lore.
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
3.5 hearts
Queen of Shadow and Ruin is the conclusion to the Nightfire Quartet focused in Indian/Asian mythology. Zarya is prophesized to be the one to free them all. With her found family, she has defended against the dark and started a revolution. Now it is time to bring the story to a close and figure out what it means really means to free them all.
Zarya is wanted in multiple lands now. In hiding from her murderous sister she has gone to the one place Rowe, the man who raised her, always warned her would mean her death. In this conclusion to the story, she will need to face her father and determine if he really is the bogey man she was raised to believe in or if he is just a father who was denied a relationship with his daughter. Rabin, the love of Zarya’s life and husband, believes in her father and is sure she will be safe; it is only because of his trust that she is willing to travel to meet her father.
Yasen, is a great side character and helps to carry the story when he and Zarya are forced to split. I love the plutonic friendship that has formed between the two and he is always someone who can be depended on. That is probably why his character description describes him as “Emotional support companion and King of our Hearts”, which is so true. He adds some levity and comic relief to the story to lighten some of the more emotional moments.
The reader will also get some tender and steamy moments with Zarya and Rabin. I do like them as a couple and it doesn't hurt that Rabin can shift into a dragon, which makes him all the sexier. Their relationship remains strong though out the book even when they are put into some dire situations. I love the idea of the bond between them and how it was magically enhanced through tattoos binding them together.
Queen of Shadows and Ruin was a decently strong conclusion to the quartet. I never trusted the king, but being in the palace added some additional tension to the story as I waited to see, with Zarya, if he would help her in her efforts with the revolution or end up being the disappointment and danger she was always led to believe. There were still some surprises to be had there as his motivations were revealed. I didn’t expect how the prophecy would be fulfilled and so that was a great twist to the story.
The ending wrapped up well and tied together most of the loose ends of the series. The epilogue was also a nice touch to let the reader know how all surviving characters were doing ever the events of the book, which I think is a must for a series like this. I also appreciate that Nisha J Tuli gave a character list at the beginning of the book to help the reader remember who all the characters were and some of the important plot points from the other books. I needed some of the reminders as it has been a few months since reading the last books.
Solid overall romantasy series with interesting magic, cool world building and unusual foundational lore.
July 1, 2025
“I was never just a girl. I was always the reckoning.”
This book is pure warpaint. Queen of Shadows and Ruin doesn’t tiptoe into the finale, it claws its way in with shattered crowns, ancient gods, and the kind of love that’s too big to survive quietly.
Zarya is done surviving. She’s becoming. She steps into her power with fire in her hands and fury in her bones, ready to face divine enemies, betrayals, and the haunted legacy of a world built to break her. And Azar? Our blade-in-the-dark, emotionally blocked warlord? He’s finally hers in all the messy, magical, unhinged ways that matter.
“You were never too much. They were just too small.”
— this line alone had me staring into the void.
The romance here is raw, earned, and ruined. This is love that’s been torn down and rebuilt -not soft, but honest. They fight. They bleed. They choose each other, not because it’s easy, but because it matters.
🕯️ Tropes That Will Eat You Alive:
👑 God-touched girl becomes her own weapon
🖤 Battle couple energy (with emotional knives)
⚔️ Enemies to lovers, now co-ruling chaos
🔥 "I love you" but it's actually "I’d destroy heaven for you"
🏛️ Final war + divine reckoning + slow-danced trauma
This finale is for readers who want their queens to burn it down, their kings to kneel, and their stories to feel like both an ending and a rebirth.
“I am ruin. And I am yours.”
Do not read this unless you’re ready to cry, scream, and maybe whisper “long live the queen” under your breath.
8/10 would ride into battle beside her again.
This book is pure warpaint. Queen of Shadows and Ruin doesn’t tiptoe into the finale, it claws its way in with shattered crowns, ancient gods, and the kind of love that’s too big to survive quietly.
Zarya is done surviving. She’s becoming. She steps into her power with fire in her hands and fury in her bones, ready to face divine enemies, betrayals, and the haunted legacy of a world built to break her. And Azar? Our blade-in-the-dark, emotionally blocked warlord? He’s finally hers in all the messy, magical, unhinged ways that matter.
“You were never too much. They were just too small.”
— this line alone had me staring into the void.
The romance here is raw, earned, and ruined. This is love that’s been torn down and rebuilt -not soft, but honest. They fight. They bleed. They choose each other, not because it’s easy, but because it matters.
🕯️ Tropes That Will Eat You Alive:
👑 God-touched girl becomes her own weapon
🖤 Battle couple energy (with emotional knives)
⚔️ Enemies to lovers, now co-ruling chaos
🔥 "I love you" but it's actually "I’d destroy heaven for you"
🏛️ Final war + divine reckoning + slow-danced trauma
This finale is for readers who want their queens to burn it down, their kings to kneel, and their stories to feel like both an ending and a rebirth.
“I am ruin. And I am yours.”
Do not read this unless you’re ready to cry, scream, and maybe whisper “long live the queen” under your breath.
8/10 would ride into battle beside her again.
March 6, 2025
Nisha J. Tuli delivers an epic and sizzling conclusion to the Nightfire Quartet. I seriously maintain the stance that this series is completely underrated. It has a little bit of something for everyone and the final book in the series delivers.
Nisha does a wonderful job of wrapping up the story in the best possible ways -- weaving together key story points that have had us in knots since book one. This story is interwoven with political intrigue, betrayal, love and loss, and "what the hell is happening?!" vibes. I loved getting to watch Zarya and Rabin's relationship shape over the books and it was nice to see them much more settled in this book. That doesn't mean that Nisha doesn't put these two through the damn wringer! And she makes it hurt. I got to one point and I was practically wincing alongside them. Additionally, I loved getting more in Yasen's POV here. He is one of my favorite characters and I loved the inclusion of his POV as it pushed along a different plot, one that intersects with Zarya and Rabin's. I also loved getting to see other characters again including Row, Vik, and others -- continuing earlier plot lines and drawing them to their final conclusions.
I also really enjoyed the pacing of this book -- Tuli kept the story moving with twists and turns, playing on those "who can you trust?" vibes. It leaves the reader on the edge of their seat as they tumble into the final moments of this book. Overall, if you skip these series, try again. Pick it up and enjoy this now complete series!
4.5/5
Nisha does a wonderful job of wrapping up the story in the best possible ways -- weaving together key story points that have had us in knots since book one. This story is interwoven with political intrigue, betrayal, love and loss, and "what the hell is happening?!" vibes. I loved getting to watch Zarya and Rabin's relationship shape over the books and it was nice to see them much more settled in this book. That doesn't mean that Nisha doesn't put these two through the damn wringer! And she makes it hurt. I got to one point and I was practically wincing alongside them. Additionally, I loved getting more in Yasen's POV here. He is one of my favorite characters and I loved the inclusion of his POV as it pushed along a different plot, one that intersects with Zarya and Rabin's. I also loved getting to see other characters again including Row, Vik, and others -- continuing earlier plot lines and drawing them to their final conclusions.
I also really enjoyed the pacing of this book -- Tuli kept the story moving with twists and turns, playing on those "who can you trust?" vibes. It leaves the reader on the edge of their seat as they tumble into the final moments of this book. Overall, if you skip these series, try again. Pick it up and enjoy this now complete series!
4.5/5
March 6, 2025
✨𝒜𝑅𝒞 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌 ✨
📖: Queen of Shadows and Ruin (The Nightfire Quartet Book 4)
"𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦. 𝘕𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘶𝘴, 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘸𝘪𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯."
In this final installment, Zarya must confront ancient evils, long buried secrets, and deep betrayals. She and her allies and chosen family make their final stand against the darkness and injustice.
Series Tropes:
💫Chosen one
🐉Dragon Daddy
🏰Kingdom rebellion
🧑🧑🧒🧒Found family
📜Prophecies & magic
🚫Touch her & 💀
🔥Slow burn 🌶️
“𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘥."
Zee’s journey of self-discovery has been fraught with loss, betrayal, and danger. Growing up isolated, she has always dreamed of family, adventure, and love. With all that she’s endured and survived to get to this point, she’s determined to do whatever it takes to save the realms and protect those she loves. But will she lose everything she holds dear?
In addition to the scorching romance between her and the MMC, we are also gifted with budding romances and second chances for other characters.
My heart was not ready for this story to end! Nisha kept my heart in a vice grip the entire time and has created incredible characters that have permanently imprinted on my heart.
With thrilling magic, captivating characters, and an epic slow burn, this series has everything I love in a fantasy romance! Queen of Shadows and Ruin is an emotional and stunning conclusion to the series.
So grateful to the author, Second Sky, and NetGalley for the ARC opportunity! This is my honest and voluntary review
📖: Queen of Shadows and Ruin (The Nightfire Quartet Book 4)
"𝘐'𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦. 𝘕𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘶𝘴, 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘸𝘪𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯."
In this final installment, Zarya must confront ancient evils, long buried secrets, and deep betrayals. She and her allies and chosen family make their final stand against the darkness and injustice.
Series Tropes:
💫Chosen one
🐉Dragon Daddy
🏰Kingdom rebellion
🧑🧑🧒🧒Found family
📜Prophecies & magic
🚫Touch her & 💀
🔥Slow burn 🌶️
“𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘥."
Zee’s journey of self-discovery has been fraught with loss, betrayal, and danger. Growing up isolated, she has always dreamed of family, adventure, and love. With all that she’s endured and survived to get to this point, she’s determined to do whatever it takes to save the realms and protect those she loves. But will she lose everything she holds dear?
In addition to the scorching romance between her and the MMC, we are also gifted with budding romances and second chances for other characters.
My heart was not ready for this story to end! Nisha kept my heart in a vice grip the entire time and has created incredible characters that have permanently imprinted on my heart.
With thrilling magic, captivating characters, and an epic slow burn, this series has everything I love in a fantasy romance! Queen of Shadows and Ruin is an emotional and stunning conclusion to the series.
So grateful to the author, Second Sky, and NetGalley for the ARC opportunity! This is my honest and voluntary review
April 28, 2025
Once again Tuli gives readers a masterclass on finishing a series. 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐮𝐢𝐧 starts out with a lot of character and relationship building, picking up where book three left off. But, you know something isn’t quite right. Rabin knows something isn’t quite right. But the desire to have a home, a family, sometimes skews what we know to be true. Our girl Zarya is a certified bad ass with a giant freaking heart. And honestly, I need more FMCs that are criers when so full of love and emotion because I can relate. 😭
⚔️ At about 50%, things get REAL. Truths are revealed, people start to die (I promise, no one you love!), and prophecy comes alive. If you pick up on the little clues throughout the series, you have a good idea of what is coming. If not, you’ll have some awesome surprises.
🧡 I love this series, it is one of my very favorites. I know The Artefacts of Ouranos is what most readers are familiar with but 𝗗𝗢 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗦𝗟𝗘𝗘𝗣 𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐭 is action packed, full of relatable characters, and love. So much love. (And yes, some of it is spicy 🥵)
⚔️ At about 50%, things get REAL. Truths are revealed, people start to die (I promise, no one you love!), and prophecy comes alive. If you pick up on the little clues throughout the series, you have a good idea of what is coming. If not, you’ll have some awesome surprises.
🧡 I love this series, it is one of my very favorites. I know The Artefacts of Ouranos is what most readers are familiar with but 𝗗𝗢 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗦𝗟𝗘𝗘𝗣 𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐭 is action packed, full of relatable characters, and love. So much love. (And yes, some of it is spicy 🥵)
February 14, 2025
“Get your hands off my wife.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Queen of Shadows and Ruin was an incredible ending to the Nightfire Quartet. Since this is book 4 and the final book of the series I don’t want to say too much about the plot overall, but this story kept me stressing until the very end.
Nisha did such an amazing job of tying up all the loose ends and giving a thoroughly satisfying ending for all of my favorite characters.
One thing I love about Nisha’s writing is her ability to balance romance with an in depth fantasy plot. Even though the couple has been together since an earlier book, she makes the romance engaging and I never grew tired of the relationship between Rabin and Zarya.
Thank you so much to Nisha Tuli and Second Sky books for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Queen of Shadows and Ruin was an incredible ending to the Nightfire Quartet. Since this is book 4 and the final book of the series I don’t want to say too much about the plot overall, but this story kept me stressing until the very end.
Nisha did such an amazing job of tying up all the loose ends and giving a thoroughly satisfying ending for all of my favorite characters.
One thing I love about Nisha’s writing is her ability to balance romance with an in depth fantasy plot. Even though the couple has been together since an earlier book, she makes the romance engaging and I never grew tired of the relationship between Rabin and Zarya.
Thank you so much to Nisha Tuli and Second Sky books for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
March 14, 2025
Ngl I could’ve used a refresher before going into this last book.
The pacing felt soooooo slow for the first half and the whole time I was just waiting for the shoe to drop. Then boom, it was go time!
I just love the found family trope and this one was so good. I loved Zarya/Rabin’s romance but pretty sure I love Zarya/Yasen’s friendship and Zarya/Row’s growth more.
Great series, highly recommend!
The pacing felt soooooo slow for the first half and the whole time I was just waiting for the shoe to drop. Then boom, it was go time!
I just love the found family trope and this one was so good. I loved Zarya/Rabin’s romance but pretty sure I love Zarya/Yasen’s friendship and Zarya/Row’s growth more.
Great series, highly recommend!
February 1, 2025
The first book I read by Nisha was a Heart of Night and Fire. Since then I have gone on to read every other book Nisha has written and it was a honour to get the Arc for the final instalment of the Nightfire Quartet.
This book was the perfect end to the story of a young girl fighting for love, family and freedom. The way Nisha gets you to be truly invested in all the different friendships and relationships is a feat to her skills. This was a rollercoaster of emotions and I feel that Nisha has given all of the characters the ending they deserved.
This book was the perfect end to the story of a young girl fighting for love, family and freedom. The way Nisha gets you to be truly invested in all the different friendships and relationships is a feat to her skills. This was a rollercoaster of emotions and I feel that Nisha has given all of the characters the ending they deserved.
March 6, 2025
Let me finish wiping away my tears. Phewww let me just say, Nisha knows how to wrap up a series. First, the Artefacts of Ouranos and then the Nightfire Quartet? I can’t believe we’re here again saying goodbye to yet more of her characters that have turned into family.
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again- the magic system in this series is SO COOL. It’s so unique and I love how we see the progression of power throughout the series.
Yas is still my favorite. I love that he got so much air time and he was the one making me chuckle on numerous occasions. The friendship between Yas and Zarya is #goals.
And dragon boy, Rabin- I love you. They could never make me hate you.
Another hit, Nisha! Can’t wait for everyone to read it! Thank you for the early copy!
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again- the magic system in this series is SO COOL. It’s so unique and I love how we see the progression of power throughout the series.
Yas is still my favorite. I love that he got so much air time and he was the one making me chuckle on numerous occasions. The friendship between Yas and Zarya is #goals.
And dragon boy, Rabin- I love you. They could never make me hate you.
Another hit, Nisha! Can’t wait for everyone to read it! Thank you for the early copy!
March 27, 2025
Absolute Perfection!
I have been along for the ride since the beginning; since being knee deep into the Trial of the Sun Queen, only to learn there was another series by Nisha J. Tuli!
I can't even begin to explain what this series means to me. I have felt every single moment alongside Zarya and Rabin will always rank among one of the top book boyfriends/husbands. Both characters are written with such passion one can feel it in every word. Zarya's ability and determination to define herself beyond her past and despite knowing very little of her origins is so relatable and thrilling to witness.
The "building your own family" trope is so perfectly executed and I will always love and miss the Yasen+Zarya+Rabin trifecta! The banter and love is something that will stay with me forever.
Do yourself a favor and read this entire series...multiple times...forever... you won't be disappointed.
I have been along for the ride since the beginning; since being knee deep into the Trial of the Sun Queen, only to learn there was another series by Nisha J. Tuli!
I can't even begin to explain what this series means to me. I have felt every single moment alongside Zarya and Rabin will always rank among one of the top book boyfriends/husbands. Both characters are written with such passion one can feel it in every word. Zarya's ability and determination to define herself beyond her past and despite knowing very little of her origins is so relatable and thrilling to witness.
The "building your own family" trope is so perfectly executed and I will always love and miss the Yasen+Zarya+Rabin trifecta! The banter and love is something that will stay with me forever.
Do yourself a favor and read this entire series...multiple times...forever... you won't be disappointed.
March 8, 2025
Thank you Nisha J Tuli, Second Sky, and Netgalley for the ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
First I just want to say that I am so late on not only this review, but the read as well! I guess life gets busy when you get two puppies at once! 🤣
This book is the final journey in the world that is Rahajhan. It is the ending to an incredible series, The Nightfire Quartet Series. It was released on March 6th, 2025!
➼ found family
➼ betrayal
➼ fated mates
➼ Indian mythology
Trigger warning(s):
Throughout this series, you get the opportunity to fall in love with an array of characters, an incredibly unique storyline that is action packed, and the amazing writing from none other than Nisha. I had a rollercoaster of emotions throughout the whole series, with the characters and their growth and/or betrayal, the plot twists left and right, and the tragedies (or not?). I think this is a great series and world to get into, especially with it being inspired by Indian Mythology! Truly though, Nisha's books always slap.
Now for this book. I truly loved this ending. Maybe I'm just a sucker for a series' ending and a happily ever after, but I thought it was perfect! Obviously there are going to be flaws, like that character really betrayed so and so? The plot twist you could honestly see coming from a mile away BUT I will be honest here, I am very good at detecting the plot twists in books, but I had so much hope before this book about the plot twist and was lowkey shocked when it was revealed. Like I KNEW that would be the twist but I was really holding out hope that it wouldn't be. I would say this final book is exhilarating while also being rushed by the end. The final fight was just after 75% through the book and then it was over like that. I truly thought, for the length of this book, that it would take about 50% of the book for the final "battle", when it barely took 25%. It definitely could have been extended to 5 books to make a more action packed final battle, but at the same time I think four books was the perfect amount.
Zayra Rai is an incredible heroine! She is inspiring and extremely determined to save others. She had so much growth throughout the whole series and I loved being able to see her grow!
Rabin Ravana is THE MAN! I seriously love Rabin so much, y'all don't even understand. But in this book? FOLLOW YOUR GUT BABE! A lot happened throughout this book, but I loved seeing him fight for those he loves!
Book boyfriend? UH YES! We love Rabin here and I won't accept any slander!
★★★★★
🌶️🌶️
💧💧
"𝘕𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘶𝘴, 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘸𝘪𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯."
First I just want to say that I am so late on not only this review, but the read as well! I guess life gets busy when you get two puppies at once! 🤣
This book is the final journey in the world that is Rahajhan. It is the ending to an incredible series, The Nightfire Quartet Series. It was released on March 6th, 2025!
➼ found family
➼ betrayal
➼ fated mates
➼ Indian mythology
Trigger warning(s):
Throughout this series, you get the opportunity to fall in love with an array of characters, an incredibly unique storyline that is action packed, and the amazing writing from none other than Nisha. I had a rollercoaster of emotions throughout the whole series, with the characters and their growth and/or betrayal, the plot twists left and right, and the tragedies (or not?). I think this is a great series and world to get into, especially with it being inspired by Indian Mythology! Truly though, Nisha's books always slap.
Now for this book. I truly loved this ending. Maybe I'm just a sucker for a series' ending and a happily ever after, but I thought it was perfect! Obviously there are going to be flaws, like that character really betrayed so and so? The plot twist you could honestly see coming from a mile away BUT I will be honest here, I am very good at detecting the plot twists in books, but I had so much hope before this book about the plot twist and was lowkey shocked when it was revealed. Like I KNEW that would be the twist but I was really holding out hope that it wouldn't be. I would say this final book is exhilarating while also being rushed by the end. The final fight was just after 75% through the book and then it was over like that. I truly thought, for the length of this book, that it would take about 50% of the book for the final "battle", when it barely took 25%. It definitely could have been extended to 5 books to make a more action packed final battle, but at the same time I think four books was the perfect amount.
Zayra Rai is an incredible heroine! She is inspiring and extremely determined to save others. She had so much growth throughout the whole series and I loved being able to see her grow!
Rabin Ravana is THE MAN! I seriously love Rabin so much, y'all don't even understand. But in this book? FOLLOW YOUR GUT BABE! A lot happened throughout this book, but I loved seeing him fight for those he loves!
Book boyfriend? UH YES! We love Rabin here and I won't accept any slander!
★★★★★
🌶️🌶️
💧💧
"𝘕𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘶𝘴, 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘸𝘪𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘰𝘤𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯."
February 4, 2025
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. - arc & monthly book box pick reviewer
What an incredible end to a fantastic romantasy! Most of all, I'll miss Yasen as well as Yasen's man. Yes, you read it right, our favorite man finally found his favorite man!! I'd love a novella or something that focuses on them. I can't get enough of them!
Zarya and Rabin really go through it all in this book, but their love, faith, and trust withstand it all, and it was incredible to see them find that solace, that peace in knowing they have each other. Both have been so lonely and so alone for such a long time, and now, they truly have each other, and I was just so happy for them. I do feel sorry for Rabin because everything he thought turned upside down, and he really didn't deserve any of it. It was brutal and heartbreaking to see him experience all that. Zarya persevered through A LOT in this book, too. Let me tell you, the problems and conflicts they went through in this book, holy moly! Atrocious father, murderous sister, literal demons from another realm, another abusing father, our main characters really saw it all!!!
I love these characters a lot. Zarya with her fierce perseverance and unyielding morals, Rabin with his broody and quiet resolve, Yasen our heart and excellent soldier, and the rest of the cast; they all create a magical synergy that isn't found that often. I'd read at least 2 spin-off series with 2 couples from the Nightfire Quartet.
I give 4 stars, though, because again, I felt like the book would have benefited from being shorter, and also because Zarya and Rabin made some mistakes that they shouldn't have. Being kindhearted doesn't exclude being suspicious or at the very least cautious, and Rabin with his brilliant military mind should have connected some dots sooner. So at least for me, there was never a question "is he evil or not" since the answer had been very clear. To keep it short, they were too trusting when everything else screamed that they shouldn't.
However, I still love these characters, and I am just so fascinated by this majestic worldbuilding!!! The layering, the history, the background in this worldbuilding are out of this world!! It really doesn't get any better!!
If you love romantasy, spicy romantasy that combines excellent romance and even more excellent worldbuilding, look no further!! I love this series so much!!! Also, if you haven't read the author's Artefacts of Ouranos, please do!! Nisha J. Tuli writes amazing romantasy!
What an incredible end to a fantastic romantasy! Most of all, I'll miss Yasen as well as Yasen's man. Yes, you read it right, our favorite man finally found his favorite man!! I'd love a novella or something that focuses on them. I can't get enough of them!
Zarya and Rabin really go through it all in this book, but their love, faith, and trust withstand it all, and it was incredible to see them find that solace, that peace in knowing they have each other. Both have been so lonely and so alone for such a long time, and now, they truly have each other, and I was just so happy for them. I do feel sorry for Rabin because everything he thought turned upside down, and he really didn't deserve any of it. It was brutal and heartbreaking to see him experience all that. Zarya persevered through A LOT in this book, too. Let me tell you, the problems and conflicts they went through in this book, holy moly! Atrocious father, murderous sister, literal demons from another realm, another abusing father, our main characters really saw it all!!!
I love these characters a lot. Zarya with her fierce perseverance and unyielding morals, Rabin with his broody and quiet resolve, Yasen our heart and excellent soldier, and the rest of the cast; they all create a magical synergy that isn't found that often. I'd read at least 2 spin-off series with 2 couples from the Nightfire Quartet.
I give 4 stars, though, because again, I felt like the book would have benefited from being shorter, and also because Zarya and Rabin made some mistakes that they shouldn't have. Being kindhearted doesn't exclude being suspicious or at the very least cautious, and Rabin with his brilliant military mind should have connected some dots sooner. So at least for me, there was never a question "is he evil or not" since the answer had been very clear. To keep it short, they were too trusting when everything else screamed that they shouldn't.
However, I still love these characters, and I am just so fascinated by this majestic worldbuilding!!! The layering, the history, the background in this worldbuilding are out of this world!! It really doesn't get any better!!
If you love romantasy, spicy romantasy that combines excellent romance and even more excellent worldbuilding, look no further!! I love this series so much!!! Also, if you haven't read the author's Artefacts of Ouranos, please do!! Nisha J. Tuli writes amazing romantasy!
February 12, 2025
Welcome to the ending of the Nightfire quartet. While this book wrapped up this series wonderfully, be warned that you will be thrown for an absolute RIDE of gaslighting kings and emotional damage. BUT IN THE BEST WAY I SWEAR. It was an absolute pleasure being back in this world with our wonderful found family. Zarya and Rabin are closer than ever and Yasen is learning to grow emotionally while also being the protective best friend he's always been. We thankfully pick up right where we left off in book 3 and Nisha did not hold back in jumping into action, manipulative characters, trust issues and twists that had me panicking over if we were going to get a happy ending.
I loved every single second of this book, but if you're a fantasy or Romantasy lover how could you not enjoy a story of dragon shifting, found family, touch her and die coded love interests and the unique magic system Nisha has created in this series.
The characters continued to grow so much in this story and it was so fun to reflect back on where we started to where they are now. Zarya has grown so much into herself from the beginning of this world and seeing her become a bad*ss who fights for those she loves has been an incredible journey. The stakes had gotten even higher in this finale, the world of these characters are at risk. The ending we were delivered was such a breathe of fresh air and it was everything I could have hoped for for this little found family. I highly recommend this series if you are a Romantasy reader. Nisha always delivers a great cast of characters, an amazing plot and not to mention spice that will have you grinning. Pick up this series and while you're at it more of Nisha's back log, you will not be disappointed.
Thank you so much to Second Sky books and Nisha and her team for gifting me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I loved every single second of this book, but if you're a fantasy or Romantasy lover how could you not enjoy a story of dragon shifting, found family, touch her and die coded love interests and the unique magic system Nisha has created in this series.
The characters continued to grow so much in this story and it was so fun to reflect back on where we started to where they are now. Zarya has grown so much into herself from the beginning of this world and seeing her become a bad*ss who fights for those she loves has been an incredible journey. The stakes had gotten even higher in this finale, the world of these characters are at risk. The ending we were delivered was such a breathe of fresh air and it was everything I could have hoped for for this little found family. I highly recommend this series if you are a Romantasy reader. Nisha always delivers a great cast of characters, an amazing plot and not to mention spice that will have you grinning. Pick up this series and while you're at it more of Nisha's back log, you will not be disappointed.
Thank you so much to Second Sky books and Nisha and her team for gifting me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
March 8, 2025
“I'll find you in another life.
No matter where the winds scatter us, I will search across continents and swim through oceans, and I will find you again.”
From the very first page, the short, punchy chapters and the irresistible pull to uncover what happens next had me thoroughly hooked!
The story picks up seamlessly from where the previous book left off, with Zarya fleeing to seek refuge in her father’s kingdom. Raja Abishek has intrigued me ever since he was first mentioned in the series, and now I finally meet the man himself.
Watching Zarya reconnect with her father was fascinating, yet I couldn’t shake the lingering sense that Abishek might be too good to be true…
As the plot unfolds, dark secrets are unearthed, and the true extent of Zarya’s power is revealed, raising the stakes to a new height.
The final chapters, packed with intense sword fights and moments that push Zarya and Rabin’s bond to its limits, kept me on the edge of my seat and my glued to my Kindle!
Speaking of Zarya and Rabin—their romance is simply off the charts, deliciously fiery, and heart-melting!
I was glad to see some of the characters I’ve adored finally receive second chances and the well-earned endings they deserve, especially Yasen and Row.
Overall, it has been a wonderful journey witnessing Zarya’s growth – from the uncertain heroine of the 1st book to the powerful woman she becomes in this finale.
The author has done a masterful job crafting intricate world-building and creating well-developed characters.
I look forward to discovering more of this author’s work in the future!
I received an advanced review copy through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!
⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: Death, sexual content, war, torture, confinement
No matter where the winds scatter us, I will search across continents and swim through oceans, and I will find you again.”
From the very first page, the short, punchy chapters and the irresistible pull to uncover what happens next had me thoroughly hooked!
The story picks up seamlessly from where the previous book left off, with Zarya fleeing to seek refuge in her father’s kingdom. Raja Abishek has intrigued me ever since he was first mentioned in the series, and now I finally meet the man himself.
Watching Zarya reconnect with her father was fascinating, yet I couldn’t shake the lingering sense that Abishek might be too good to be true…
As the plot unfolds, dark secrets are unearthed, and the true extent of Zarya’s power is revealed, raising the stakes to a new height.
The final chapters, packed with intense sword fights and moments that push Zarya and Rabin’s bond to its limits, kept me on the edge of my seat and my glued to my Kindle!
Speaking of Zarya and Rabin—their romance is simply off the charts, deliciously fiery, and heart-melting!
I was glad to see some of the characters I’ve adored finally receive second chances and the well-earned endings they deserve, especially Yasen and Row.
Overall, it has been a wonderful journey witnessing Zarya’s growth – from the uncertain heroine of the 1st book to the powerful woman she becomes in this finale.
The author has done a masterful job crafting intricate world-building and creating well-developed characters.
I look forward to discovering more of this author’s work in the future!
I received an advanced review copy through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!
⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: Death, sexual content, war, torture, confinement
September 10, 2025
DNF 81% and the only reason I made it this far was I read before bed and didn't want to start a new book late at night.
I want to slap the author or the editor or both.
Spicy/smutty but the constant use of the p-word is supppper crass to me. And never mind the scene where they literally bow-chicka-wow-wow in water which is TERRIBLE lube. And this one spicy scene where the male love interest is like under some magic control but he still plows her like a cornfield against a tree, which with the context of both their mental states in that moment is super disturbing.
But also these are direct quotes from the text:
● "For sure this time?"
● "You and I are a done deal."
● It needed to be done, but this room and these people were seriously creeping him out.
● badass
● He wasn't a dick. In fact he was a pretty decent guy,
● ...to discover he was naked except for his underwear (so clearly not naked???)
● wearing only a bra and panties (the word "panties" appears at least three times.)
● "When I recalibrated the [spell that joins two people]..."
● as she hightailed it
● When he detected nothing, he immediately laid her down and began chest compressions while blowing air into her mouth (There's nothing inherently wrong with this, I just find it hard to believe when surrounded by magic this guy was like 'AH! CPR!')
● He didn't shake. He didn't move. He just fried the fucker to a crisp.
● ...as he fried them all to dust (this is a totally different chapter to the previous frying)
Imagine anaemic looking chicken boiled in water that someone put the hottest-hot hot sauce on, which is not flavour but is just unpleasant burning.
That is this book.
I want to slap the author or the editor or both.
Spicy/smutty but the constant use of the p-word is supppper crass to me. And never mind the scene where they literally bow-chicka-wow-wow in water which is TERRIBLE lube. And this one spicy scene where the male love interest is like under some magic control but he still plows her like a cornfield against a tree, which with the context of both their mental states in that moment is super disturbing.
But also these are direct quotes from the text:
● "For sure this time?"
● "You and I are a done deal."
● It needed to be done, but this room and these people were seriously creeping him out.
● badass
● He wasn't a dick. In fact he was a pretty decent guy,
● ...to discover he was naked except for his underwear (so clearly not naked???)
● wearing only a bra and panties (the word "panties" appears at least three times.)
● "When I recalibrated the [spell that joins two people]..."
● as she hightailed it
● When he detected nothing, he immediately laid her down and began chest compressions while blowing air into her mouth (There's nothing inherently wrong with this, I just find it hard to believe when surrounded by magic this guy was like 'AH! CPR!')
● He didn't shake. He didn't move. He just fried the fucker to a crisp.
● ...as he fried them all to dust (this is a totally different chapter to the previous frying)
Imagine anaemic looking chicken boiled in water that someone put the hottest-hot hot sauce on, which is not flavour but is just unpleasant burning.
That is this book.
June 12, 2025
This series is so massively underrated. I believe it is better than her more popular work and I believe it is better than so many other popular fantasy romance series out there. Tuli layers, a nuanced, political plot, increasing character development, heavy themes of chosen versus forced ignorance and chosen family, and she does it with such tailoring to this generation of readers. The characters are crass, unabashed, angry, and hard to love. Many of them are naïve, spiteful, and operate with clouded judgment. But their transformation and growth from book one to book 4 is so beautiful to watch and while they don’t turn into completely different people which can really take you out of the story at times when reading other fantasy books, their growth is gradual and believable, and it had me as the reader sitting with some of their beliefs and trauma to ponder over. My only minimal critique of this book would be that they were way more trusting than in prior books than this one in a bit of that is understood being that they are introduced to family after feeling so lost without one for a very large part of their lives, But I do feel they could’ve been a bit more questioning. Overall, I will be rereading the series again I’m sure I will find new elements that I didn’t even discover yet and I’m really grateful to the author for writing this and bringing it into my heart.
February 27, 2025
Queen of Shadows and Ruin is the final instalment in a highly addictive romantasy adventure. This is probably the best of the series as this book made me anxious at multiple points. Zarya finally faces her father and it’s everything I wanted it to be. People have commented that the pacing at this point is a bit slow, but I liked this, it was clear that Zarya was struggling to come to terms with the truth. This lead to some delays as she was grappling with her inner thoughts. So I felt this was a realist depiction of how this could play out if it was a real life scenario. The pace does certainly pick up and there are epic action scenes. There’s a final face off that I felt did end a bit too quickly for the build up but this is likely down to my personal preference.
Overall I thoroughly loved this series, its addictive qualities and the interesting characters. The romance is everything and I want to everyone to find a Rabin.
Everything is wrapped up by the end of the series too, including some side plots. This made for a highly satisfying read with no loose ends.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.
Overall I thoroughly loved this series, its addictive qualities and the interesting characters. The romance is everything and I want to everyone to find a Rabin.
Everything is wrapped up by the end of the series too, including some side plots. This made for a highly satisfying read with no loose ends.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.
February 28, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Second Sky for this advance readers copy, in exchange for an honest review. Queen of Shadows and Ruin is the fourth and final book in Nisha J. Tuli’s Nightfire Quartet and I was SO excited to read this ahead of its publication next week. I have absolutely loved this whole series and so, my hopes were high for this conclusion.
While this was not my favorite book in the series, it was still so enjoyable and fun to read. The characters, the setting, and the challenges all continued to entertain, to keep me on the edge of my seat, and to keep me crossing my fingers for a happy ending. I won’t add any spoilers but, I loved the ending and thought it was a great place to leave the series.
I will definitely be reading this author’s other romantasy book series and will be interested in anything else she puts out! Her world building is truly unlike anything I’ve read so far, with added folkloric elements and fantasy plot lines so well built, and the slow burn romance is the best compliment, with a great payoff! I’d absolutely recommend this series to other romantasy lovers and hope that more people pick up these books!
While this was not my favorite book in the series, it was still so enjoyable and fun to read. The characters, the setting, and the challenges all continued to entertain, to keep me on the edge of my seat, and to keep me crossing my fingers for a happy ending. I won’t add any spoilers but, I loved the ending and thought it was a great place to leave the series.
I will definitely be reading this author’s other romantasy book series and will be interested in anything else she puts out! Her world building is truly unlike anything I’ve read so far, with added folkloric elements and fantasy plot lines so well built, and the slow burn romance is the best compliment, with a great payoff! I’d absolutely recommend this series to other romantasy lovers and hope that more people pick up these books!
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