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.

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!!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bindery Books for the eARC of Black Salt Queen. I requested this ARC based on the cover and description, and it blew me away. The imagery and world this author has created are completely engrossing. I loved the diverse representation, the tragic romance, and the magical elements.

I was a solid four stars until that last fourth of the book - superb culmination, wrapping up a lot of storylines (and preparing us for hopefully a book 2!). The characters are so well described by their actions, that conversations are almost secondary, but even the language that the speak to each other is beautiful.

I always prefer characters that are imperfect, and make bad decisions, even when coming from a good place. So many of the characters here are that, which makes for an even richer story.

You're a freaking liar author this is no debut. This is a masterpiece. Art. Poetry. A blessing to read. Thank you NetGalley and Violetear for the ARC in exchange for an honest review, my happiness lays in your hands.

A queen and her 3 daughters reign over a pre-colonial Philippines-inspired kingdom with powers blessed by the gods. They come at a cost, Duja the queen growing weaker and weaker with time. She seeks a cure to sustain her powers and keep her lovestruck petty daughter Laya from having to take the throne. Meanwhile, noblewoman and Duja's angsty ex-lover Imeria wants to usurp the throne, angered by their tragic falling out 22 years ago when Imeria revealed a secret that risked Hara's entire crown and legacy. Imeria's son Luntok is Laya's lover but they can't be together for the same reason Imeria and Duja couldn't be together: a bloody past and historic cultural divide too significant to ignore. Everything changes when they both separately get their hands on a drug that would let them achieve their goals. If you like:

complicated mother-daughter relationships
complicated sister relationships
complicated parenthood
complicated family really
"I want you but I can't have you" angsty romances
jibes at the colonial western world (my personal favorite)

then this is so for you. The story itself is told through multiple POVs mainly of Duja, Laya, and Imeria and multiple letters to and from different characters culminating towards an impending doom only you as the reader playing god blessed to see and understand all POVs can foresee. I was so hooked, I felt so many emotions while reading this. For example, second-hand embarrassment at Laya and Luntok's obsessive young love, dread at what I knew was coming, and pure glee at some beautifully crafted sentences. There was a colorful cast of characters but it was so easy to keep track of them all. We get the easy-to-hate but also very passionate spoiled princess Laya, the stressed but devoted mothers Duja and Imeria, the nerdy sweet scholars that balance their counterparts, and that bastard Luntok. Kidding! I (maybe) understand Luntok was also in a difficult position, torn between the princess he loves and the mother and people who rely on him. Still, I don't have to like him.

The book did come with some choppy parts, which is expected. The action scenes were written awkwardly and the pacing was off especially towards the end. About half the book is spent slowly building the plot and drama but the resolution and ending only had a few chapters that made for a rushed pace. I wish we got to see more about Bulan my poor neglected baby, especially since both her other sisters got chapters of their own and it felt odd that she didn't. Her history had POTENTIAL. And what about Pangil? I'm holding out though, I know there's a sequel.

Overall, absolutely beautiful colorful vibrant crazy debut. You better watch out author, I'm so binging everything you're ever coming out with from now on. 3.5/5

This isn’t my normal cup of tea, but I had a blast. I have been trying to make it more of a goal to read outside my comfort zone and read things I’m not sure I would love, but have elements I might like and this was one of those that smashed my expectations. I had a good time!

This was a beautifully done start to the Letters from Maynara series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed in this type of book. The characters had that element that I was looking for and was hooked from the first page. It uses the fantasy element well and left me wanting to read more in this world. Samantha Bansil wrote this perfectly and am excited for more.

LOVE that we’re seeing more filipino fantasy in publishing rn, deserved !! out of the many i’ve seen coming out, i strongly think this one might be my favorite. this is also probably one of my favorites from the bindery books i’ve read— the imprints are acquiring fresh, interesting work in their respective genre spaces and this is no exception. the writing in particular is a strongsuit here— it’s gorgeous and intricate & exactly what fantasy prose should be. also, LESBIANS!!!!! the only weakness here is that the characters are not as strong as they should be for such a politically heavy story, but there’s so much potential here from bansil as an author.

In a world of fantasy books, Black Salt Queen stands out. I love the setting and culture Basil created with this novel. It is rich and interesting and realistic in ways that sometimes feel painful. The characters are nuanced and complex. Precolonial Philippine culture is not something I was familiar with, but I feel like this novel genuinely taught me something, as well as telling an incredibly satisfying story. Upon finishing it, I had an in-depth conversation with my husband about some of the larger issues and topics addressed. Even now, I am still thinking about it. I believe this book will be a stand out- amongst the best of 2025.

I loved this book!

1. Great Worldbuilding
2. Great Character Development
3. I loved how it is different to what I have read before, this is a great read!

I think it is great to see more south Asian fantasy and this doesn't disappoint. Everything was beautifully written, the characters, the plots...everything! I loved the three perspectives, it really added to the story and the character development. The characters were really, really well written. I thought that despite there being heaps of characters, they were still well written - which can be hard! I also enjoyed the pacing of this novel, I felt like the plot was well developped throughout the story. I loved the political parts of the story, I found that interesting as well.

While the start of the book was on the slower side (world building often is, lots of exposition to squeeze in at the beginning) once it picked up, I couldn’t put it down! What a story of desire, power, sacrifice, and consequence — absolutely beautiful and haunting. I’ve been thinking about it for days since I finished it!

Firstly, thank you NetGalley & Bindery Books for providing me an ARC of this story!

This book was full of lush imagery, vivid detailing and powerful emotional conflict. From beginning (slowly wading into the world of political prestige and slighted lovers) to the shocking climax of the middle (which leads you to wonder what possible fate is left for these characters) to the sweeping conclusion (full of mystical battles and overcoming the odds) - this was an incredible journey to go on.

My one concern for the plot was the fact that the last third of the book felt very rushed, or better yet conveniently and quickly ended, in order to progress the story along faster. I felt as though MORE time could have been spent drawing out the final act to help make the high-stake consequences and actions have greater impact with the reader and to the story as a whole.

Overall (and with that tease at the end!?) I'm very much looking forward to a sequel and anything else this author creates in the future!

Thank you NetGalley and Bindery (Violetear!!!) for this eARC!! This book was actually the reason I became a subscriber of Kevin’s.

I will preface this review by saying I am a Filipino-American woman who absolutely adores fantasy featuring female coming of rage stories. And it felt so GOOD and validating seeing one inspired by pre-colonial Philippines, written by a fellow Filipino-American! It also released on my birthday so the stars truly aligned for me for this book. Anyway, on to the review.

We mainly follow 3 women in this story, with a few minor POV changes throughout. Laya, the heir to the throne; Duda, the current queen; Imeria, the scorned ex-lover of the queen who wants the throne. All three of these women are very power-oriented, and want the throne/want to cling to the throne for a variety of reasons, but when you break it down to the basics, it’s all about control. The three of them have incredible powers, which is the reason the current family even has the throne, but some powers are more secret than others. This three-way battle for the throne leads to all sorts of alliances, betrayals, and extremely toxic relationships.

These characters are so toxic, and I mean that in the best way. It gives us the drama, it gives these characters depth and nuance. You honestly don’t know who to root for a lot of the time! With the exception of my beloved king Aki and little Eti, these characters are just one bad, selfish decision after another. They try to mask it like it’s the best option for everyone, but we know it isn’t. We know they just want to be in charge. And I love that for them.

Luntok was an interesting character. Have I ever seen a more delusional man? He is in love with Laya. Laya is in love with him. He’s the descendent of a traitor to the throne, so they can’t be together. But he’ll do anything to be with Laya - even if that “anything” is something that Laya expressly does not support. His character is so compelling because he acts like he’s driven by love, but really at this point, he’s driven by obsession.

The cultural representation was subtle but there! In the names, in the clothing descriptions, in the food. I’m not an expert in Filipino culture since my mom was so assimilated into the US at such a young age, but I always love to see it in books and other media.

And gosh what an ending!!! Samantha, you sure know how to hook a reader and leave them hanging off a CLIFF waiting for the sequel!!!!

This book is a stunning story featuring complex characters, all with differing and sometimes conflicting motivations. The island setting was beautifully descriptive and key element in the story. The inclusion of magic and Filipino mythology added such beautifully complex layers to the story as a whole. I found myself often seeing motivations from each characters perspective, and really enjoyed that each character was very multidimensional. Overall this was a very enjoyable read with a number of twists and turns!

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

Rating: 3.5 stars (rounded up for Netgalley)

Black Salt Queen is a multi-generational tale of power, magic, and love in a kingdom inspired by precolonial Filipino culture. The Gatdula clan has been the ruler of Maynara for several generations, but their hold on their power is rapidly slipping. Hara Duja, the current queen, is hiding her fading strength from the rest of her council and especially from the rival Kulaw clan. Laya, the most powerful magic holder in years, has yet to gain her people's trust in her ability as the next queen. Imeria has a decades-long axe to grind against the Gatdula family, and she will stop at nothing to fulfill her quest,

This is a solid read for people who like more action and political machinations in their fantasy and/or more imperfect, flawed women characters in positions of power. Duja, Laya, and Imeria all make decisions that are self-serving, unnoble, and sometimes wildly off-key, but their personalities are so alive that you can follow the consistency of their logic. They are best viewed in terms of their relationships: Duja, an uncertain queen and even more uncertain mother; Laya, a lover who acts before she thinks; Imeria, a partner who follows her loyalties to the end.

However, good characters can only take a book so far before they get hampered by other aspects of storytelling, specifically in the pacing and worldbuilding. The plot is dragged too long. promising big reveals and larger setups, but ultimately ends in a single coup that could have been set up and resolved a hundred pages earlier. There could have been more space to explore how magic plays a role in their economy, or how King Aki deals with the court. Much of the flavor is simply explained away, and I would have loved to live more fully in Maynara. The precioso could have been more fleshed out: maybe show its trade? its history? its whispers? These details could have been baked into a more complex plot, and while I am confident that Bansil could weave these in, there isn't much left happening in the timeline to justify their page space.

Other voices are also conspicuously absent here. For a story that hinges heavily on public perception in a Filipino society, the public is not often heard. Even the council elders are just there for set dressing and do not carry enough weight in the minds of the main characters. It's not chismoso or pakialamero enough. There isn't enough of *noise* to feel like the protagonists are drowning in the weight of their expectations, which is the case for a lot of Filipino families and neighborhoods. Just take a look of r/ChikaPH or sit in a noche buena with extended family and you'll know what I mean: everything from the way you tuck your hair to how you hold your spoon is under scrutiny and whispered about in the biting, joking passive-aggressiveness only a Filipino can muster. While I do appreciate the author's efforts in making sure that the elements from precolonial history are not merely aesthetic filters nor used in Orientalist gaze,

I think I'm hard on this book because I know it has the potential to be more. Right now, it's a good, solid genre read that I enjoyed on vacation.

Black Salt Queen by Samantha Bansil is a mesmerizing dark fantasy brimming with intrigue, power, and sacrifice. Set in a richly imagined world where the sea holds deadly secrets, the story follows a fierce heroine as she navigates betrayal, ancient magic, and her own destiny. Bansil’s lush prose and gripping plot twists keep readers enthralled, while the morally complex characters add depth to this haunting tale. A captivating read for fans of atmospheric and emotionally charged fantasy.

4,5⭐️

"Black Salt Queen" is a fantasy book, where it's hard to belive it's from a debut author, as the prose and story are a mature breath of freshness. Writing is so beautiful, it avoids clichés for the sake of characters expressions; it flows naturally, in a constant string of cause-effect. I really liked how Bansil connected elements of fantasy with a bigger, more nuanced plot.

In BSQ there are several characters who lead the narration. Young lovers, the son of a traitor and a daughter of ruling queen, who must answer the question how much can they sacrifice in the name of their love. Two mothers, who are intertwined by a common past. Voices from the revolution and royal court. And one alchemist, brought from outside the border, writing letters to his deceased love.

The plot focuses on the intrigue rising in the royal court, discussions of revolution, revenge and magic, as it lays deep inside each heart, yet doesn't manifest itself constantly. Bansil doesn't use it lightly, for her magic is not a plot resolution, it's a last resort eith consequences, and that settles the tone of the story. It's genius. Every each of the elements that build BSQ is well thought, precise like a cog in a machine. It's on such a high level of eloquence and preparation that I was truly surprised it was a debut. There is a bright future in writing in front of Bansil.

The only reason I've lowered my rating is the ending, as I am not entirely convinced with it. I liked many elements of it, especially the resolution at the very end (great twist and cliffhanger), but I wish a plot with Imeria and Duja was treated similarly. I understand why it was like it was, yet the feeling of it being rushed never left. But that's the only thing I am not sold on. The rest is truly brilliant.

“I’d follow you anywhere. I’ve been chasing you since the moment we met.”

This book had me absolutely mesmerized from the first page. Sam’s ability to create such a unique and intriguing world and magic system will capture your interest and keep you coming back for more. The characters are so complex and multi-faceted that they feel more realistic than your average book. They are flawed, obsessive, and power hungry in a way that is unlike anything I’ve ever read. The entire time I was begging to switch POVs so I could get into the heads of all the characters and pick apart their motivations.

This story was so refreshing and different from your average coming of age or love stories. The relationships between families, lovers, and enemies are so intertwined and unexpected. You find yourself rooting for couples while simultaneously wishing they would part ways. I can’t even put into words the way this book made me feel from start to finish. It was a rollercoaster of emotions and I wish I could read it for the first time again.

Sam is an incredible storyteller that will snag your attention from the first page. She has been added to my list of authors that I will automatically read anything they create. The cliffhanger at the end really got me and I can’t wait for the next book!

Thank you so much to Sam and Bindery Books for trusting me with reviewing this amazing story!

This was a fresh, lush, powerful new fantasy—I loved Bansil's world-building and character development. A truly stunning debut and I cannot wait to read more!

I absolutely loved this book! As a Filipino it’s nice to see my people’s culture represented in a work of fiction, that is NOT trauma or poverty porn (which has been the case for many years!) Samantha is a brilliant writer and her work shines through the pages! I’m so excited to read what she has in store for all of us! Solid 5 out of 5!