We Set the Dark on Fire

(Hardback)

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We Set the Dark on Fireburns 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.Buzzfeed

Five starred reviews!!

In this daring and romantic fantasy debut perfect for fans of The Handmaids Tale and Latinx authors Zoraida Crdova 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 husbands 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 schools 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 couldnt 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 shes strived for in pursuit of a free Medioand a chance at a forbidden love

Reviews

We Set the Dark on Fire burns bright... it will light the way for a new generation of rebels and lovers. NPR.org With its achingly slow-burn romance and incisive examination of power structures, this is a masterfully constructed novel, made all the more impressive as its 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) 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) Reminiscent of Margaret AtwoodsThe Handmaids Tale,We Set the Dark on Fireburns with parallels to todays biggest news headlines. Readers will walk away with thought-provoking questions to ponder, and the storys ending will ignite further fascination. BookPage (starred review) Mejias 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 We Set the Dark on Fire is dystopian YA as youve only dreamed it could be. Mejias story is specific yet universal, intricate and vast; its 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 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 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 books stunning conclusion. Tochi Onyebuchi, author of Beasts Made of Night We Set the Dark on Fire simmers with political revolution and forbidden love between two powerful young womenI couldnt put it down. Audrey Coulthurst, author of Of Fire and Stars A vivid tale of political intrigue, power, and resistance that will thrill the hearts of readers. New York Times bestselling author Traci Chee 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 Mejias given us a gift in this lush, rebellious, queer, Latinx story. Latinxs in Kid Lit "Magical, explosive and fierce,We Set The Dark on Fireis a book that reminds readers that power is in the people and change starts the fire within their veins." The Young Folks.com

Author Bio

Tehlor Kay Mejia is an author and Oregon native. Her short fiction has appeared in the All Out and Toil & Trouble anthologies from Harlequin Teen. We Unleash the Merciless Storm is her second novel. You can find her on Twitter @tehlorkay.