FEBRUARY 2020 - AudioFile
Narrator Kyla Garcia returns for the second audiobook in the We Set The Dark on Fire series. Carmen’s cover as the sensual second wife of a ruthless politician is blown. Garcia voices her with the hard, ruthless edge of a girl trained since childhood to be a soldier for the resistance group La Voz. Disillusioned with the resistance's leader, who is now under the influence of a hostile new recruit, Carmen must choose between the rebellion’s success and saving the girl she loves. Garcia uses a variety of tones and Spanish accents to create distinct characters who add authenticity to this Latinx-themed fantasy. Her consistent, unhurried pace builds tension and keeps listeners on edge. A.K.R. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine
From the Publisher
"A second—and final—volume that not only surpasses the accomplishments of its celebrated predecessor, but takes it to a higher, brighter level. Thrilling, timely, and terrific." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"Where the first volume was subtlety and shadows, this is emotion and adrenaline, and it will carry readers through to an ending that feels entirely earned." — Booklist (starred review)
"A fast-paced journey, complete with daring escapes, assassinations, and a few steamy encounters." — Horn Book Magazine
"A powerful series that defies the tropes of dystopian young adult fiction." — Tor.com
"Carmen's struggle to save Dani is fast-paced, the plot full of arresting events that mirror current political and racial divides, and readers will surely root for the couple as Carmen fights for a happy ending. Mejia writes an utterly captivating and thoroughly satisfying ending for the two young women." — Shelf Awareness
"With a Latinx cast, a queer romance, and a timely challenge to a corrupt government, readers will be clamoring for this story about finding home, purpose, and family–and taking down a patriarchal dictatorship along the way." — ALA
“An incredible sequel to a fantastic debut.” — The Nerd Daily
"Timely, powerful, and moving, We Unleash The Merciless Storm is a stunning conclusion to a dynamic duology." — TheYoungFolks.com
Praise for We Set the Dark on Fire: ★“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)
★“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)
“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
“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
“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
TheYoungFolks.com
"Timely, powerful, and moving, We Unleash The Merciless Storm is a stunning conclusion to a dynamic duology."
The Nerd Daily
An incredible sequel to a fantastic debut.
Shelf Awareness
"Carmen's struggle to save Dani is fast-paced, the plot full of arresting events that mirror current political and racial divides, and readers will surely root for the couple as Carmen fights for a happy ending. Mejia writes an utterly captivating and thoroughly satisfying ending for the two young women."
Tor.com
"A powerful series that defies the tropes of dystopian young adult fiction."
Booklist (starred review)
"Where the first volume was subtlety and shadows, this is emotion and adrenaline, and it will carry readers through to an ending that feels entirely earned."
ALA Booklist (starred review)
Praise for We Set the Dark on Fire: ★“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
"With a Latinx cast, a queer romance, and a timely challenge to a corrupt government, readers will be clamoring for this story about finding home, purpose, and family–and taking down a patriarchal dictatorship along the way."
Horn Book Magazine
"A fast-paced journey, complete with daring escapes, assassinations, and a few steamy encounters."
Audrey Coulthurst
We Set the Dark on Fire simmers with political revolution and forbidden love between two powerful young women—I couldn’t put it down.
New York Times bestselling author Traci Chee
A vivid tale of political intrigue, power, and resistance that will thrill the hearts of readers.
Rin Chupeco
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.
Tochi Onyebuchi
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.
Booklist (starred review)
"Where the first volume was subtlety and shadows, this is emotion and adrenaline, and it will carry readers through to an ending that feels entirely earned."
New York Times bestselling author Traci Chee
A vivid tale of political intrigue, power, and resistance that will thrill the hearts of readers.
Kirkus Reviews
★ 2019-12-08
Tragedy and heroism interweave in a story about revolution, resistance, and beautiful queer love.
After the devastating ending to We Set the Dark on Fire (2019), Carmen Santos, no longer the Segunda to Mateo Garcia, Medio's most powerful heir, is on the run toward the La Voz headquarters. Carmen used to be one of the resistance's most well-respected members, but after years away on undercover assignment, she finds the fabled El Buitre's wavering leadership has taken a new, hazardous direction. Proving that her allegiance to the cause remains as strong as ever is more difficult than expected, her heart torn between her beliefs and Dani, the girl she has fallen in love with but doesn't know yet if she can fully trust. Shifting perspective and setting to Carmen and the La Voz camp (after the first novel centered Dani and the capital) is a bold choice that ultimately pans out as readers are rewarded with Carmen's strong, determined voice and Mejia's lush writing depicting the complexities of the ongoing fight against oppression in a divided, Latinx-inspired world. Carmen's divided heart rings true, her daring actions meeting deadly consequences that realistically intensify the narrative without losing track of what the fight is all about: equality for all. A second—and final—volume that not only surpasses the accomplishments of its celebrated predecessor, but takes it to a higher, brighter level.
Thrilling, timely, and terrific. (Fantasy. 14-18)
