Parents' Guide to

We Set the Dark on Fire

By Andrea Beach, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Compelling dystopian fantasy with a Latinx twist.

Book Tehlor Kay Mejia Fantasy 2019
We Set the Dark on Fire Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 14+

Based on 1 parent review

VIBookcrate
VIBookcrate Adult
April 28, 2019
age 14+

Handmaids Tale Vibes

Daniela Vargas is the top student at her school for girls. This particular school specializes in preparing young girls for a marriage to an important man. To be the Primera or the Segunda – one of the two wives that men of importance get. Dani has a big secret. One that could cost her life and the lives of her family. She was not born where she says she was – therefore should not be there. She is considered cursed. Drawn into a rebellious group by blackmail she has to decide whose side she is on – where her loyalties lie and who she can trust. This story drew me in – it had a definite handmaids tale vibe to it. Lots of intrigues, political drama, oppression and rebellion. There were some unexpected twists – not your typical take on ya tropes. Violence: there is a rebellion occurring – there are protests, bombings, fires and violent arrests. There are flashbacks to her childhood where their area was very unsafe. There is an oppressive and aggressive male character who uses his size and authority as a way to intimidate our female characters. Sex: It is mentioned throughout the book. There are no relations allowed between the husband and his wives until a certain age but it is apparent that he is predatory. There is a forbidden love relationship between two women but not more than kissing and “sexual awakening”. There is also mention of adultery. Language: Fairly clean. Substance: Alcohol use but minor.
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What's the Story?

WE SET THE DARK ON FIRE tells of a strictly divided society where the men at the very top each marry two women, a Primera and a Segunda. Despite her impoverished background, Daniela rose through the ranks to become the highest-achieving Primera of her class. Her place as first wife of the nation's most promising politician is assured. But her world starts to fall apart when her new husband's Segunda is none other than Carmen, her worst tormentor throughout her school years. And it keeps crumbling as her eyes are opened to those who are paying the real price to maintain her gilded cage. When she's asked to spy for the rebellion, it'll take all her training, and the support of the woman she loves, to avoid being found out.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (3 ):

Debut novelist Tehlor Kay Mejia brings a refreshing Latinx twist to the first part of this absorbing, two-volume, dystopian story. Mejia ably builds a world that feels like a Caribbean island nation, complete with a compelling mythology and peppered with Spanish or Spanish-derived words and names. And especially strong is her ability to maintain a sense of dread and menace that keeps the pages of We Set the Dark on Fire turning.

Daniela and Carmen are relatable characters learning about the world around them, as it really is, for the first time. Other characters are mostly predictable clichés, from the magnetic leaders of the rebellion to the scheming, controlling mothers-in-law. But it'll provoke a lot of thought about women in society, social inequality, the walls that keep people out, and the walls that keep people in. Strong sensuality and mature themes make it best for teens and up.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the sexy stuff in We Set the Dark on Fire. How much is OK? Is reading about it different from seeing it in movies, videos, or games? Why?

  • Why is it important for books, movies, and other media to represent different cultures, races, sexual orientations, etc.? Do you often connect with the characters you see and read about? How? If not, why not?

  • Societies that separate themselves with walls have been around for a long time, yet the story of keeping the best people in and the worst people out resonates today as strongly as ever. Has reading about this divided society changed what you think about the effectiveness or wisdom of building walls between people?

Book Details

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