“We Set the Dark on Fire burns bright. It will light the way for a new generation of rebels and lovers.” —NPR“Mejia pens a compelling, gripping story that mirrors real world issues of immigration and equality.” —BuzzfeedFive starred reviews!!In this daring and romantic fantasy debut perfect for fans of The Handmaid’s Tale and Latinx authors Zoraida Córdova and Anna-Marie McLemore, society … The Handmaid’s Tale and Latinx authors Zoraida Córdova and Anna-Marie McLemore, society wife-in-training Dani has a great awakening after being recruited by rebel spies and falling for her biggest rival.
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. Both paths promise 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 pedigree is a lie. She must keep the truth hidden or be sent back to the fringes of society.
And school couldn’t prepare her for the difficult choices she must make after graduation, 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 will she give up everything she’s strived for in pursuit of a free Medio—and a chance at a forbidden love?
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I couldn’t put this book down. Daniela is such a freaking badass. She’s destined to be one of two wives to an influential man, and she’s prepared most of her life for that destiny.
Except, her life is a lie, and there are people who know that–and will leverage it to secure her help, whether she wants to or not.
It was seriously so good. Amazing world building, phenomenal characters, complicated lady friendships that edge into something more. Just perfection!
Tehlor Kay Mejia has fashioned a gripping tale of romance and rebellion. Dani captivated me and held my heart in a vice grip all the way to this book’s stunning conclusion.
An excellent addition to the cannon of literature (like The Hunger Games and Handmaid’s Tale) that shines a lens on class inequity, sexism, and how often culture and history play a role in reinforcing or bringing it down.
Pretty good. I think a story with this kind of political intrigue could use a larger cast of characters, more moving parts, but it was overall very enjoyable, easy to read, and I liked the characters and world-building.
What an incredible novel. The most impactful aspect of this novel is the powerful allegory. The novel focuses on high society keeping a wall at the border to keep the poor in poverty and rich, well, rich. This wall prevents people from trying to get a better life. It sends a powerful message to the reader regarding the argument about the wall in the United States of America. This wall isolates, it keeps the wealthy blind to the needs of others, and in this high society, the rich have two wives to maintain the household, functioning similarly to A Handmaid’s Tale. This novel challenges the ideas presented in this novel; it opens the readers’ minds with a compelling narrative and argumentative plot.
Mejia challenges the reader with her storytelling and plot. Furthermore, by using Dani, the story opens the eyes. Dani’s family saved her from poverty by risking everything and spent everything they had in order to give their daughter the best chance at the best life. However, Dani sees the injustices around her, she stops becoming selfish and opens her eyes, seeing a chance to fight against the hierarchy.
It is a powerful message to readers, inspiring them to think about the world and everything in it. It is an inspiring novel made more exceptional by character development and dynamics. The friendship, the romance, and he LGBTQ representation give the novel depth. To see Dani grow from a scared girl to one willing to fight for others at the risk of her life makes an impact on the reader. Then there is the development in her friendship with Carmen. To see the friendship blossom and grow into something more throughout the progression of the novel is beautiful. We Set the Dark on Fire moves at a beautiful pace and brings to life the struggle these women face in trying to conform to social standards and their inner fight to dismantle the corrupt system.
We Set the Dark on Fire is a thoughtful and provoking novel with an incredible message to inspire readers and activists alike.
The writing is fantastic. I can’t seem to get enough of books about women in oppressive situations. I absolutely love books that present powerful women who take action to shape their lives on their own terms. Can’t wait for sequel.
Left me on a cliffhanger!!! Can”t wait for the sequel!
A vivid tale of political intrigue, power, and resistance that will thrill the hearts of readers.
We Set the Dark on Fire simmers with political revolution and forbidden love between two powerful young women—I couldn’t put it down.