Interesting novel full of cultural richness and interplay of characters. Didn’t quite gel for me and I am confident it will have a strong market presence. Thank you to the author. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.

this was great!! I absolutely loved the story and world building/backstory and the characters were very lovable. it felt very magical and I would definitely recommend to friends and my audience! the writing is beautiful and the plot kept me intrigued. I also absolutely loved the lgbtq rep in this!! it was so beautiful.

Thank you Bindery Books and Netgalley for the ARC.

I love this book. I just cannot encapsulate my thoughts into how I feel. It's so beautifully written and I feel like trying to explain my enjoyment is like explaining a candy bar. It's better to savor the moment that explain the taste.

- political intrigue
- bi4bi sapphics
- matriarchy
- filipino folklore
- powerful complex women
- forbidden love
- 3rd person multi-POV

OKAY I NEED BOOK TWO RNNNNNN GIMMMMMMME. GIMME. GIMME. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?????

I love how Laya and her sisters have such distinctive personalities?? In fact -- that can be said of all the characters: they are so multifaceted and the development is IMMACULATE. So much drama like all hell breaks loose and things don't go the way I want them to and like akjsgnfksjgbkfgbkjf
Love love love those tidbits of Filipino folklore sprinkled throughout and can't wait for more of this magic in the future books of the series. The prose is enthralling and immerses you in the world, it is so beautifully penned that it stays with you for weeks. LOVE fuels everything, and Black Salt Queen is a commentary on the dual fragility and strength of love, of how it can on one hand morph into betrayal and vengeance; and on the other into belonging and power. It has you rooting for the latter and then have your heart pulled out of your chest when that doesn't happen.

Don't let the cover fool you this book is full of feminine rage and uncutesy vengeance -- but if you squint it looks like a rainbowwwwww so :3 also this is forbidden love squared cause you get 2 forbidden love pairings from rival kingdoms weewoo

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange of an honest opinion.

I liked the book and the story has definitely so much potential, but the writing seemed off at times. It felt way too descriptive, from places to the characters feelings.

It has a bit of everything, political schemes, magic, romance, but my favorite part was how the Filipino culture was part of this mix too, which you don’t get to see very often in a fantasy book.

Even with this, I often felt like I was forcing myself to finish this book, that’s the reason why I’m rating it a 3.75, since it never fully captured my attention, even when it has all the things that I like.

Dang, Bindery. You’ve seriously got the magic touch this year. Yet another incredible author and story!

Black Salt Queen is an absolute powerhouse—lush, emotionally charged, and unapologetically complex. From the very first page, I was completely hooked. The world-building is wonderful, the setting is vivid, and the story had me in a chokehold.

But where this book really shines? The characters and their relationships. They are forces: each driven by a mix of duty, passions, trauma, and very human desires. No one is good. No one is evil. They're all complicated people making impossible choices. Their relationships—fraught with tension, betrayal, love, and generational trauma —are incredibly well-written. They have been shaped by their experiences and you can understand why they make the decisions they do - even if you don't like them. These people feel real and they're as complex as we all are.

If you like your fantasy emotionally intelligent, female-led, and dripping with betrayal and power plays, this one’s for you. Truly unforgettable.

Thanks so much to Bindery, the author, and Colored Pages Book Tours for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.

4.5 stars
I absolutely loved this book. I just finished reading the ARC and I will be immediately preordering the book.
The characters were fantastically well developed with ample backstory. The world building felt rich and realistic. There was a good bit of political manoeuvring. There never felt like an obvious choice for the characters to make when pushed to make decisions between families and love.

Thank you to Bindery Books and Colored Pages Book Tours for the ARC of Black Salt Queen by Samantha Bansil.

I’ll be honest...I had a hard time connecting at first. Laya, our first point of view character, is sharp-edged and frustrating in the most intentional ways. But this book is like quicksand. You think you're on solid ground, and then it starts shifting. You keep going, just a few more pages, just until you understand what this character’s deal is, and then suddenly you're consumed, completely immersed in this lush, dangerous, and devastating world.

This book is full of complex women. Powerful women. Heartbroken women. Women who betray and who love and who claw their way toward survival. Each of them is written as whole and complicated, and as I read I found myself shifting alliances, sympathizing with people I thought I hated, and questioning what justice and loyalty even meant in this world.

The multiple points of view were absolutely the right choice. Each one pulled back another layer of the world, of the characters, of the political and divine structures that govern Maynara. Every choice felt deliberate, every revelation earned. The result is a tangled web of power, faith, and identity where no one is innocent and every action has weight.

The world building here is phenomenal. Inspired by precolonial Philippines, the cultural roots of the setting feel tangible and rich with meaning. Samantha Bansil’s homage to that legacy is not just present in aesthetics, but woven deeply into how power moves in this world, divine magic tied to the elements, legacy passed through blood and politics, and the looming shadows of colonization, even if unnamed.

There’s also something to be said about the prose. It’s lyrical without being distant, evocative without sacrificing clarity. I found myself rereading sentences not because I was confused, but because I wanted to sit in them a little longer. It’s the kind of writing that makes you feel like you're being pulled deeper into a story that’s been waiting to be told for centuries.

This is a book of ambition. A book where love and loyalty are dangerous, and where the cost of power is always, always steep. I won't say anything more about the ending other than: I am still reeling. Thank the gods there’s more to come.

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“A queen made of salt, sorrow, and secrets—hauntingly beautiful and fiercely unforgettable.”

Samantha Bansil’s Black Salt Queen is a lush, atmospheric fantasy that sinks its teeth into you from the very first page. Set in a world where the ocean holds secrets and power pulses beneath every wave, this story masterfully blends dark folklore, political intrigue, and slow-burn romance.

The writing is poetic and immersive—every line feels soaked in salt and magic. Bansil builds a world that is both beautiful and brutal, with rich cultural elements and a haunting sense of place. The protagonist, with her fierce determination and deep vulnerability, is the kind of heroine you root for even when the tide turns dark.

What stood out most was the way femininity, power, and myth are woven together. There are themes of sacrifice, rebirth, and the tension between duty and desire that give the story emotional depth. The romance is subtle but simmering—perfect for those who love tension-filled, slow-burn dynamics.

If you enjoy stories like The Bone Season, The Priory of the Orange Tree, or dark ocean fantasy with morally complex characters and lyrical prose, you’ll devour this.

Thank you so much @coloredpagesbt @sam_bansil @bindery_books for giving me the opportunity to read this beautiful, heartwarming and whimsical read. 🩵

What an incredibly refreshing and unique debut fantasy! Black Salt Queen was a riveting political fantasy with unlikable protagonist and a vibrant cast of characters.
Laya's development throughout the book from a selfish princess to a strong, determined queen was so admirable. I especially loved watching her learn to rely on herself, especially at the end during her standoff between Luntok and Imeria. I also like that the different POVs brought more depth to the characters and story as a whole. I'd love to hear from Bulan more in the future, as I found her character fascinating.
I also really loved that the romance(s) weren't the main part of the story. The plot didn't suffer as a result of too many romantic tropes, either. The romance that was in the story served to develop the characters and their toxic inclinations!
The worldbuilding in terms of location was really great. The author did a great job crafting a scene of wealth and luxury, as well as a commentary on the risks of imperialism. I do wish that there had been a stronger sense of place within the story, though.
The ending left me so excited for the next book. Readers of fantasy don't want to miss this incredible debut fantasy by Samantha Bansil. Thank you so much to NetGalley and Bindery Books for the eARC!

I’m so thrilled to see more Filipino voices emerging in the fantasy genre—finally getting the recognition they deserve! Out of the recent releases, I’m pretty sure this one has become my favorite. This book stands out even among the Bindery titles I’ve read, showcasing how they’re curating some of the most exciting and innovative work in the genre.

The prose is stunning—rich, detailed, and exactly what I crave in fantasy. It's everything that immersive world-building should be. And can we talk about the lesbians? Yes, please!

Thank you Colored Pages book tours, NetGalley, Bindery Books and the author for this opportunity.

Overall i liked the book for what it stood for and the cover is gorgeous. For me, the beginning and the end most definitely delivered. Unfortunately, i didn’t feel much of a connection to the characters to get deeply connected. There were some quotes and moments that grabbed my attention but that was about it. The world building and some of the love connections/feelings were done well.

Wish the author much success.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC copy!

I was immediately intrigued by the idea of a political fantasy set in a magical Philippines! This is a solid debut from a talented author, and I appreciated the setting, the cast, the queer representation, and the family drama. If you're looking for something action-packed and very plot forward, this probably isn't for you. If you're interested in political scheming/alliances and family tension, I would recommend!

While the world itself was lovely, I found the worldbuilding in the first part of this book to be a bit clunky and the pacing ground down while the reader was talked at. I think pacing in general was not the book's strongest point.. I don't mind a slow-burn book, but I found it quite slow in the first half. It does pick up in the end, but things could have accelerated 50 pages earlier. I think that overall the book leaned more on the tell-don't-show side of things which I didn't love. Whether it was world building, character relationships, or otherwise, it didn't feel quite organic at points.

Overall an enjoyable read, despite my notes.

What a wild ride! This had a little bit of everything that I enjoy reading: romance, magic, political intrigue, family drama, betrayal, and angst. The prose was so soothing and beautiful to read. The world-building was extensive that illustrated a lush and tropical setting. The plot was compelling and kept my attention throughout the story as it had a mix of political conflict, relationship dynamics, and consequences of a past event with hints of a lurking threat from a Western entity. The characters were diverse and complex who make very human decisions and mistakes and who each tug at your heartstrings in their own ways. The book depicted many different types of sexualities and they all felt very natural in relation to the characters. If you enjoy diverse fantasies with strong and ambitious women, queer characters, intense political plotting, family drama, and nuanced romance, this is the book for you!

Black Salt Queen is an amazing debut novel. It combines a rich world with complex characters and secrets that have yet to be uncovered. This book is an absolute page-turner, I didn't want to put it down while I was reading. Each character POV is well balanced and leaves you wanting more from the story. The ending will have you begging for book two before you know it. This is an excellent read!

Black Salt Queen is a good royal intrigue book. It was fast-paced and a fast read. However, there just wasn't a lot of substance to the characters. As some other reviews said, we were told a lot and not shown. I did not feel an emotional connection to any characters. I am not sure if we were meant to like anyone or not. There was a lot of background plot we weren't given, like walking in at the end of a terrible divorce and being told to choose a side, not knowing anything about anyone. All that being said, I did enjoy it. It just wasn't as great as it could have been.

I really enjoyed Black Salt Queen! I found it atmospheric, filled with gorgeous descriptions and details. Samantha Bansil has created a lush, vivid and bustling world, and I will definitely be picking up the next book(s) in the series to see what happens next. Please note that I found the ending of this book very satisfactory. It really stands on its own (except, of course, the epilogue which opens the door to more adventures). I am happy that there’s more to come, but it was refreshing to have closure already.

What I loved about the book:
*spoiler alert* I loved what I have decided to call the reversal of the love story. It’s one of the few books that I read that starts with the protagonist being in love and in a fulfilling (for sure sexually, but I think emotionally as well) relationship, and that ends with the protagonist realizing that it was NOT true love and tossing the ex-lover down a cliff. Loved it.
I loved the magical system. It was very clear who could do what and why, and the descriptions of how the magic works (with the hands wrapping around the bonds of energy) were very clear.
I loved the political intrigue and the betrayal. Political fantasies are my favourite, and this really delivered.
*spoiler alert* I loved the battle scene. It had great avatar the last airbender vibes, it was extremely well written and cinematic, and despite being short, I really got the feeling for how tumultuous it was, and of the crowd and the chaos.
I loved the lore. I don’t think I ever read a book inspired by Filipino culture and history and, though I picked up on the critique to colonialism, I must admit I have no idea of the myths and legends the book is based on. I love mythology, and I am excited to dive into the Filipino pantheon.
I loved the fashion. There are AMAZING description of gowns. I can’t wait to see more illustrations.

Finally, a personal comment. I see that the Violetear Books has ‘a type’: romantic fantasies where the (morally grey) protagonist is a woman that can in some way wield or weaponize water, and where there is an antagonistic figure that can wield or weaponize fire. I have no issue with either Black Salt Queen or Inferno’s Heir, and I think that both books are amazing in their own right, but I would love to read something outside of this format in the future!!

Bindery is absolutely killing it with all their books and this is no exception! I love the premise of the story and the execution didn't fail. I was so invested right from the start and it kept my interest, making it hard to put the book down.

absolutely epic! i really loved the characters, especially the dueling queen and matriarch, and the magic felt well-integrated and logical. the book gets better and better from its already great start. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

Okay, first of all, this was entertaining. It might lack a bit more action or adrenaline, but it definitely did not lack drama 😂 I was entertained all throughout. And while the book focused largely on the political aspects, I think love and humanity are at its core. Without spoiling too much of the book, I have to say that loving and being human was a big motivator for a lot of mistakes and decisions made by the characters. Love (whether it be toxic, wholesome, familial, romantic, guilt-based) fueled them to act—to betray, to protect, to exact revenge. Laya, Duja, Imeria...these characters were so obviously flawed, passionate, and hurting. And I rooted for them anyway. Because they were compelling, they were tragic, they were real.

The plot was not too complicated (two families vying for the throne, one forbidden romance in the past, one forbidden romance in the present, a betrayal and revenge forming, magic and gods are also involved). However, it was a page-turner for me. Again, I think this is largely due to the characters and their drama. There was a lot of history and secrets to uncover, and reading the journey of each of the characters was fascinating. Sometimes I did feel like some plot and character details were lacking, which can be confusing at times, too.

I also loved that there was queer rep in the book! Two of the main cast are bi and were in a sapphic relationship (which was a big part of the plot! Expect romance, tragedy, betrayals! Rhaenicent vibes!), and one minor character was ace! (the ace character happens to be my favorite, and it's a shame she didn't have her own chapters 😆)

I liked the precolonial Filipino setting. The writing of it was lush and rich, and I loved seeing bits and pieces of Filipino folklore and legends embedded into the world-building of this book. I do wish there was a bit more? Like maybe specific customs and food and tradition maybe? However, I know the author can't put everything in one book of course. So I liked it enough. I have to say though, southerners and capital people having a rivalry? That I can very much see in modern-day Filipino society unfortunately 😅 I've seen people from Manila (usually rich socialites) insult, look down on, and use harmful stereotypes against southern Filipinos (particularly Visayans [and I take offense too because my parents are from Visayas, we're Ilonggos]). It's this type of simple ignorance that divides modern-day Filipinos. And to see this particular detail reflected in Black Salt Queen was definitely interesting. Maybe if there's a sequel, this will be explored more? Fingers crossed!

Anyway, this is it for now. I don't want to ramble too much or spoil too much. I'm part of a book tour and a longer review will be posted on my blog on my tour date!

Thank you so much to Bindery Books and Colored Pages Book Tours for sending an e-arc my way! This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.