When I first heard of this novel, I wasn’t interested. It wasn’t until later, when I heard it described as a queer Latinx dystopian fantasy, that I added it to my TBR. I’m so glad I did; We Set the Dark on Fire is an exquisite, relevant debut, and I loved it.

From the beginning, I was very intrigued by the world-building. The novel starts with a myth that carries the society the story takes place in, about the Sun God and Salt God. The Sun God falls in love with two women, one the princess of the island he watches over and one the Moon Goddess. When he can’t choose, he takes both as wives, one to be his partner and one his lover. This is the basis of the dystopia: an academy trains two types of girls — Primeras are intellectual, meant to help their husband with work, while Segundas are sensual, intended to please their husband and have children — and upon graduation one of each is wed to the highest bidder.

While such an idea is frightening, Mejia manages it brilliantly. Discussions of sexism, poverty, immigration, and more are expertly woven into the story’s foundation, a startling mirror to our current political climate.

From this, the plot arises. Daniela Vargas and Carmen Santos are chosen to be Primera and Segunda to Mateo Garcia, son of a very prominent man in society and aspiring president. The story is very layered and incredibly interesting, even when the action has slowed. Every chapter adds to the intrigue, to my own suspicion, and I was loath to stop reading. As the story progresses, there’s spying, nefarious plots, rebellion, and forbidden romance. Every element is given the attention it deserves, and together they make for a captivating novel.

I loved the protagonists so much. Daniela and Carmen are both Latinx young women, fierce in their own ways, unique and complex. The former is stoic and strategic while the latter is proud and playful, but both have secrets. Watching these two ladies adapt to their situation and grow as characters was a treat. I enjoyed seeing Daniela and Carmen pave their own paths, together and individually, two girls wanting to help bring down the patriarchy.

My favorite part of this novel, undoubtedly, was the romance. It was sapphic, slow-burn, and absolutely amazing. At first, I had no idea how Daniela and Carmen would ever get to a romantic relationship, given that they were at each other’s throats in the beginning. But slowly, passionately, they transition from enemies to allies to friends to lovers. It was pure gold. Every scene with the two of them was delightful, and always ended too soon. My lesbian heart is full, and if one thing lasts in the sequel, I hope it’s this budding romance. Please, Tehlor Kay Mejia, give my queer queens the happy ending they deserve.

Lastly, I was not at all prepared for that cliffhanger. I suspected part of it in the final chapters, but I had no idea how wonderfully horrible it would really be. Until the sequel releases, I’ll be here wondering what might happen next, trying to contain my desperation.

I think I’ve said everything I wanted to say. I loved We Set the Dark on Fire so much; it’s completely worth all of the hype people give it. With corrupt government officials, a forbidden sapphic romance, rebellion, feminist themes, strong protagonists, as well as a ton of adrenaline and emotion, it’s basically everything a person could want. If this is the return of YA dystopian novels, I’m absolutely here for it.