The book switches between the three POVs but we also get a lot of insight into two other characters- Ferma and Samson. Elena was the heir to the throne of Ravence, Yassen was Arohassin’s most notorious assassin, and Leo was the ruler of Ravence. The main characters in this book were Elena, Yassen, and Leo. The author wanted to give the readers time to settle into the new world but personally it was a bit slow for me I could genuinely picture the kingdom of Ravence and it reminded me of the planet Tatooine from Star Wars, but make it culturally rich you know? It was really slow till about 40% of the book and I do understand why. It stood out to me from so many books as I had never read or even heard of a South Asian fantasy set in a desert combined with elements such as fire.Īparna Verma truly knows how to create magic with her writing, the little details in descriptions and emphasis on smaller things was what made this book as great as it is. The Boy with Fire is a magnificent and unique book with so much world building and spectacular characters. South Asian books are limited in the publishing industry, especially ones by Indian authors, so I was happy and excited to know there is a South Asian fantasy book with a mostly South Asian cast, finally being written!! The Boy with Fire is a thrilling South Asian fantasy novel that will keep you on your toes!! It is set in the kingdom of Ravence ruled by Leo, who is Elena’s father. Thank you to the author and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review! The first of The Ravence Trilogy, The Boy with Fire is the tale of a world teetering on the edge of war and prophecy, of fate and betrayal, of man’s irrevocable greed for power - and the sacrifices that must come with it. But when an ancient prophecy threatens to undo his lifetime of work, Leo wages war on the heavens themselves to protect his legacy. There’s still too much work to be done, too many battles to be won. Leo Ravence is not ready to give up the crown. With the coronation only weeks away, she must learn quickly or lose her kingdom.

She only lacks one thing: the ability to hold Fire. Trained since birth in statecraft, warfare, and the desert ways, Elena knows she is ready. But when Yassen seeks refuge with an old friend, he’s offered an irresistible deal: defend the heir of Ravence from the Arohassin, and earn his freedom.Įlena Ravence prepares to ascend the throne. Now, he’s on the run from the authorities and his former employer. Yassen Knight was the Arohassin’s most notorious assassin until a horrible accident. Pub Date:31st August 2021 ĭune meets The Poppy War in Aparna Verma’s The Boy with Fire, a glorious yet brutal tour-de-force debut that grapples with the power and manipulation of myth in an Indian-inspired epic fantasy.

The Boy with Fire by Aparna Verma