From Powells.com
Our favorite books of the year.
Staff Pick
This story is absolutely mind-boggling and touches on important topics such as queer relationships, privilege, sexism, and the inner workings of politics while continuing to be a quick read. The ending leaves you on the edge of your seat waiting for the next book in the series. Recommended By Rin S., Powells.com
Kept away from the lower classes on the other side of the wall, the elite girls of Medio are trained to either bear children or run households as one of two wives granted to each powerful man. Daniela Vargas is impeccably trained to be the perfect wife, but she also holds a secret that if revealed would mean her death. If possible, my review for this book would be all flame emojis because this book is FIRE! I fell in love with the characters immediately and was holding my breath for them the whole book. There are moments of such amazing tenderness in the midst of extreme oppression and darkness that it will break your heart right open. Set in a Latinx world, We Set The Dark on Fire also touches on extremely relevant issues like immigration, privilege, fascism, and sexism while featuring a beautiful LGBTQ love story. Recommended By Christine R., Powells.com
With a Handmaid's Tale-esque society, poly-Latinx culture, and espionage, We Set the Dark on Fire is the perfect dystopian novel for the older YA reader. If that doesn't check all your boxes, add queer love, consent culture, and one sexy shower scene. Recommended By Andy A., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
In this daring and romantic fantasy debut perfect for fans of The Handmaid's Tale and Latinx authors Zoraida C rdova 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?
Review
“Mejia’s given us a gift in this lush, rebellious, queer, Latinx story.” Latinxs in Kid Lit
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
Review
"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)
Review
“We Set the Dark on Fire burns bright... it will light the way for a new generation of rebels and lovers.” NPR.org
About the Author
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 Set the Dark on Fire is her first novel.