We Set the Dark on Fire – Book Review

This week I review We Set the Dark on Fire (book review)! If you’ve been following my blog for a while you might notice that this was one of the books I used for the First Chapter Challenge. Yes, I am horrible at finishing things I start. Obviously, the winner of the First Chapter Challenge is then We Set the Dark on Fire since I’ve finished it. Anyhow, here’s my review!

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Title: We Set the Dark on Fire

Author: Tehlor Kay Mejia

CAWPILE: 8.4

Star Rating: 4 Stars

Format: Physical Copy

Publisher: Katherine Teagan

Date Published: February 26 2019

Goodreads Description: At the Medio School for Girls, distinguished young women are trained for one of two roles in their polarized society. Depending on her specialization, a graduate will one day run a husband’s household or raise his children, but both are promised a life of comfort and luxury, far from the frequent political uprisings of the lower class. Daniela Vargas is the school’s top student, but her bright future depends upon no one discovering her darkest secret—that her pedigree is a lie. Her parents sacrificed everything to obtain forged identification papers so Dani could rise above her station. Now that her marriage to an important politico’s son is fast approaching, she must keep the truth hidden or be sent back to the fringes of society, where famine and poverty rule supreme.

On her graduation night, Dani seems to be in the clear, despite the surprises that unfold. But nothing prepares her for all the difficult choices she must make, especially when she is asked to spy for a resistance group desperately fighting to bring equality to Medio. Will Dani cling to the privilege her parents fought to win for her, or to give up everything she’s strived for in pursuit of a free Medio—and a chance at a forbidden love?

I received a review copy from Jonathan Ball Publishers. All opinions are my own.

Characters

I will admit that I wasn’t entirely sold on Carmen in the beginning. I had a feeling she would be a bit of a one-dimensional villain, and I was so glad to be wrong. Her story is so layered and it plays out so well.

Dani was an instant favourite. I loved how “grey” she was, and by grey, I mean that she saw both the good and bad sides of the conflict and she was very in the middle at some point. Her character progression was just amazing and I love how she went from selfish to selfless throughout the story.

I wanted a bit more from Sota and Alex, so I’m hoping for more character development in the second book.

Characters = 8

Atmosphere

The worldbuilding isn’t bad. The lore and the mythology are woven through the story in a very unique way and I lived for the real-world comparisons. Especially with how we cling to ancient “myths” thousands of years after they took place and how they influence our lives still.

One thing that bothered me was the physical world-building. I didn’t feel well orientated in the physical world and I wasn’t entirely sure what technology fit where.

Atmosphere = 7

Writing

I couldn’t put this book down. I was completely sucked in and at some point, I forgot I was reading. The writing just completely pulled me in. It was so smooth and clear and I just enjoyed every part of it.

Writing = 9

Plot

The plot was really straightforward, but not in a bad way. It was easy to follow and the concept is great. I feel like this book breathes new life into old fantasy tropes and it does it so well.

I don’t want to give any spoilers away, so I’ll just say this book is a must-read.

Plot = 8

Intrigue

I couldn’t stop reading, so I was very intrigued. This is what I want my fantasy books to be. The world and characters fit well together and the premise of two wives is so intriguing and makes for very interesting relationship dynamics.

AND the ROMANCE. *Fans self* Oh boy, do I ship it. There’s intrigue and chemistry and forbidden love. All of my favourite things. I ship it hard.

Intrigue = 9

Logic

As I said, things made sense in this book. I never had a moment where I was like “what now?” and the book kept me hooked the whole time. The characters act completely in line with what we know of them and when a perspective shifts it makes sense.

Logic = 9

Enjoyment

Overall I really enjoyed this book and I cannot wait for the sequel!

Enjoyment = 9

Let me know your thoughts on We Set the Dark on Fire.

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