“We Set the Dark on Fire simmers with political revolution and forbidden love between two powerful young women—I couldn’t put it down.” - Audrey Coulthurst, author of Of Fire and Stars
“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.” - Tochi Onyebuchi, author of Beasts Made of Night
“With its achingly slow-burn romance and incisive examination of power structures, this is a masterfully constructed novel, made all the more impressive as it’s a debut.” - ALA Booklist (starred review)
“A richly constructed world full of fantasy and diversity, with a mystery that will keep them guessing until the very end.” - School Library Journal (starred review)
“A vivid tale of political intrigue, power, and resistance that will thrill the hearts of readers.” - New York Times bestselling author Traci Chee
“This fierce, feminist novel throws memorable characters into a provocative set of circumstances, and the constant twists will leave readers yearning for the conclusion.” - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
”This well-crafted fantasy offers a mirror that reflects themes in our own difficult world, namely privilege, immigration, and individualism versus the common good. A queer subplot with sensual tenderness adds rich complexity to the story. Thrilling and timely.” - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Frequent twists and turns and questions of whom to trust make for a page-turner,
as does a clandestine queer romance. Unresolved questions at the fiery end are
likely to leave readers eager for the promised second half of the duology.”
- The Horn Book
"Magical, explosive and fierce, We Set The Dark on Fire is a book that reminds readers that power is in the people and change starts the fire within their veins." - The Young Folks.com
Reminiscent of Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, We Set the Dark on Fire burns with parallels to today’s biggest news headlines. Readers will walk away with thought-provoking questions to ponder, and the story’s ending will ignite further fascination. - BookPage (starred review)
“We Set the Dark on Fire is dystopian YA as you’ve only dreamed it could be. Mejia’s story is specific yet universal, intricate and vast; it’s fire and smoke and the phoenix rising from the ashes.” - Tor.com
“With lots of action and palace intrigue, the novel is a page turner.” - New York Journal of Books
“Tehlor Kay Mejia makes an impressive debut in this thrilling tale of political intrigue… The author offers terrific suspense, compelling Latina heroines, a sizzling, forbidden romance and an interesting political backdrop of a nation with an entire mythology and founding narrative that conveniently supports the status quo.” - Buffalo News
“Mejia’s given us a gift in this lush, rebellious, queer, Latinx story.” - Latinxs in Kid Lit
“A stunning debut. Tehlor Kay Mejia weaves a gorgeous narrative where etiquette can be wielded like a weapon and where wit can be just as powerful as a sword.” - Rin Chupeco, author of The Bone Witch
“We Set the Dark on Fire burns bright... it will light the way for a new generation of rebels and lovers.” - NPR.org
“Mejia’s debut creates a lush and beautiful Latinx-inspired world featuring complex female characters. With thrilling adventure, unexpected twists and a cliffhanger ending, readers will clamor for the next installment.” - Shelf Awareness (starred review)
“Mejia pens a compelling, gripping story that mirrors real world issues of immigration and equality.” - Buzzfeed