This was a bit of a difficult and disappointing read for me. I think I went in expecting something that this wasn’t. I don’t think I could write a comprehensive review on this one

I enjoyed this book but I also found that the description in my opinion gave me a different description than the actual plot in some parts.

3.5 stars rounded up. Black Salt Queen is an engaging Filipino-inspired political fantasy set on a tropical island, centered around a royal family who possesses the magical ability to control the weather and the elements and their struggle to maintain power.

It's got a large cast of complicated characters whom I felt like I got to know well, some more than others. The loving yet ruthless royal family consists of three sisters, the powerful and brash heir Laya, who can control wind; Bulan, who has no magic so she has trained to become an expert swordswoman; and Eti, the youngest, who knows small magics to do with decorating metal.

There are queer characters, for example the sapphic relationship between the queen and her old friend and rival (I loved their mean girl toxic love story though); and Bulan is asexual, but queerness isn't the main focus of the story.

The writing was strong, the pacing compelling, and I enjoyed the complicated puppy love of flirty Laya and Luntok, a childhood sweetheart from a traitorous family who could never be hers. I was rooting for how they ended; I found him to be a shallow narcissist obsessed with power and Laya deserved better. Luckily this wasn't a romance. I liked how Laya was unlikable and reckless, though I wish she'd had more character development. I wanted to understand her as more than a shallow, impetuous princess who liked to flirt.

It's only not getting 4 solid stars because I found the story got overly melodramatic in the second half for my tastes. It was also heavy on political machinations and family drama, not my favorites, and I was hoping for more action and plot. It's a solid character-driven epic political fantasy, however.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book transported me to a completely different world with a found family that I felt sucked into. There were adorable precious moments, and then plot twists you do not see coming. On top of it, the author sprinkled in a bunch of details, so much so that I feel I will totally need to buy a physical copy of this book and do an annual read of it, as I'll be able to gain something new from it each time.

This is truly a wonderful book. I did struggle to keep up with all the characters, but those that I was able to keep track of, I did already feel a bond to, which is impressive.

The writing style is also beautiful. You can tell the author put their soul into creating this work of art, and I am here for it. I definitely recommend this to fantasy lovers - no one is going to want to miss out on this book. It's simply too magical and too good of a story.

I'll be saving up to finish this wonderful book in person once it gets released so I can have the full experience.

I received a free ARC copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Black Salt Queen by Samantha Basil , follows brash crown princess Laya, her mother Queen Duja ,desperately trying to find a cure for the magic sapping the very life from her, Laya's lover, Luntok, and lastly, Luntok's mother, Imeria who aims for Duja's throne ( tfw when breakup so bad you commit treason)


The story was well paced, with believable characters each with their own goals and ambitions, and the world building was well structured.

Recommending this if you liked Asioaf (specifically the Dornish).

I liked this book! I like that it had women in charge and how everything would just be better if that were a reality. I liked the themes of betrayal, secrets, and the magical realism that was in this book. Overall, it was a great story and kept me entertained throughout reading

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

When it came to publishing my second book under my imprint, Violetear Books, I knew I wanted to build on the themes we established with our debut. I love stories of power, corruption, love, betrayal, and discovery. I love unapologetic characters who will do whatever it takes to achieve what they want, even if it means betraying those they love most.

I’ve had the pleasure of reading Black Salt Queen multiple times throughout its journey from draft to completion, and each time I find myself discovering new layers to love. Samantha Bansil has created a story that feels alive in every sense of the word. Inspired by precolonial Philippine culture, this fantasy is steeped in rich history, vibrant traditions, and a matriarchal power structure where women and secrets rule. The world is so immersive, every inch beautiful and brimming with tension and magic, that you can’t help but lose yourself in its depths.

What truly hooked me, though, were the characters. Each one is so deeply complex, so unapologetically human, that they feel like living, breathing people. The multiple POVs weave together seamlessly, offering a mosaic of perspectives that highlight the intricate relationships and stakes in this lush, dangerous world. At the heart of it all are two romances: a sapphic love story between two rival mommies that is bittersweet and heartbreaking, and a heterosexual that captures the fragility and intensity of young love. These relationships unfold amidst schemes and betrayals, weaving seamlessly into the broader narrative and reminding us of the strength and fragility of love.

From the fierce rivalries to the quiet, tender moments, Black Salt Queen explores themes of power, loyalty, and the blurred line between love and hate with incredible prose. Sam’s writing is electric, pulling you into a whirlwind of betrayal, passion, and ambition. Every time I finished, I found myself longing to revisit the characters, the story, and the vivid world that feels more real than the city I live in.

This is the kind of book that stays with you, the kind that you think about long after the final page is turned. The twist of an ending will leave your mouth agape. Sam has crafted something truly extraordinary, and I can’t wait for you to experience it. Black Salt Queen is a love letter to bold, complex women and the secrets they wield in a world brimming with magic and intrigue.