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!

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.

Quite a slow paced, introspective fantasy with a heavy focus on politics and personal relationships, both familial and romantic. It’s not necessarily a huge page turner for those looking for something action packed, but I really enjoyed the gradual build up - it made the turning point that much more dramatic, and the emotional fallout more effective. The characters are so multi faceted that I’m still not sure who I’m rooting for, looking forward to book 2 so I can delve even deeper into the lore.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bindery Books for the ARC!

This was a unique story and beautifully written. The characters were well formed and the story has good pacing.

Black Salt Queen is rich in imagery and Philippine pre-colonial culture. I loved the world building, the intricacies between each characters, and the layered plot of the story. Although I loved Laya and Luntok, I really enjoyed the the dynamics between Imeria and Duja and their love/hate relationship spanning the last two decades.

I was surprised to be so invested in Ariel Sauros' character... he reminded me a bit of Milo Thatch from Atlantis.

I thought the first half of the book was a bit slow, with the second half taking off with action. I had hoped there were more interactions with the characters to give a more "show not tell" feeling.

I can't wait for the next book into the series and see what's in store for the characters.

This is a political fantasy the brings in Filipino mythology to create an interesting world for this story to take place in.

The Kingdom Maynara is ruled by Hari Duja who is blessed by the Gods to have the power of manipulating the earth. Her second daughter and heir, Laya has the ability to manipulate air and her youngest Eti can manipulate metal. Her oldest Bulan is a skilled sword fighter. Their family dynamic is complicated and plays into some of the issues that arise as the story progresses and the political unrest becomes more prominent.

Oposite this family is Imeria and her son Luntok. Luntok is in love with Laya and determined to marry her. Imeria and Hari Duja have a long history that has cause Imeria to maneuver her way closer to the throne and the potential downfall of Duja’s family.

There is a lot of political maneuvering to gain power and control of the country of Maynara and debate on who is best to lead. I believe that as a reader you have mixed feeling toward Laya and what she believes about her place in the world through most of this story. She is hard to love up until the end of this story. I feel like Imeria is portrayed as a great politicking mind but toward the end there are some comments that make it seems as though she got there through pure vengeance with no mind to the politics.
4.5 stars

Black Salt Queen is such a good story. I couldn't stop reading this book for a bit. I rate this story 5 stars because it's that good and the characters are perfect!

This was my most anticipated read for 2025! The complex relationships and morally gray characters made this story so intriguing. The twists, political alliances, and magic makes this everything I want in a fantasy. I especially loved the nod to a precolonial Philippines.

Loved this. If your favorite genre is "two people talking in a room" (I devour it in spades) with political intrigue and fraught interpersonal relationships, this is the book for you. Absolutely loved the thematic parallels between Duja and Laya, and how generational trauma affects the relationships we build with each other.

I didn't really buy the reason why Duja and Imeria fell out, but it's a small detail in an otherwise stellar book. It's beautifully written and has a great sense of place. An incredibly touching read.

Island fantasy with family dynamics, politics, and romance? Sign me up! It gave Island Game of Thrones.
I'm not going to lie, the first half of this book was slog. As the characters were introduced and the plot starts to form, the pacing was very mid... but the ending MORE than makes up for it! Will definitely recommend this one this year. I'm so glad I stumbled into this publisher's works this year; Every single title/work has been a hit!

Black Salt Queen had me hooked from the start! I will be waiting ever-so-impatiently to continue my adventure with the Gatdula sisters. This story had everything this fantasy reader could want, magic, royal court politics, secrets, romantic relationships that fit into the larger story, and an ending that had me reaching for a tissue. A seriously strong debut!

"Black Salt Queen" is an engaging story that interrogates how a desire for power influences love. This book takes place within a world where one family, the ruling line of a small nation, possess god-like powers which they can use to protect their people from the threat of imperialist forces which are expanding in the region. The book follows three main perspective characters. Duja is the queen, and is reckoning with declining health, doubt in her daughter Laya’s ability to take the throne, and growing tension with Imeria, her childhood lover and greatest enemy to her reign. Laya, a princess of Maynara and heir to the throne, is navigating both the judgement of her mother and a desire to be with Luntok, the son of Imeria whom she is forbidden from marrying. Finally, Imeria seeks the throne for her son, questioning the power of the ruling line. The story interrogates how a desire for power shapes the relationships between these and other characters, and how this intertwines with the politics of the nation.

This book is the first of a series, a does a great job setting up the world. I enjoyed the magic system a lot—while the royal line are thought to be the only family with otherworldly powers, other families are said to have once possessed their own, and seek to reawaken their lost abilities. The characters and their dynamics are also really interesting: Laya, Duja, and Imeria are all strong characters with unique views on power and relationships. There are also a cast of strong side characters with really interesting stories and motivations. I really enjoyed the world this book developed and look forward to reading more within the series.

My main issue with the book is that the scope is so broad that some characters and ideas felt unexplored. Bulan is the oldest princess, but was born without power, making her ineligible to rule; her relationship with Laya and anger at a world which denies her her birthright is super interesting but just not able to be explored in much depth in this book. Ariel, an alchemist from a neighboring land which has been conquered by foreign enemies is similarly super interesting but underdeveloped simply because this book is doing so much. There are many other ideas like this; characters with really compelling plots that the book just doesn’t have the time to explore. While this does help set up future books, it leaves this lacking some impact because so many ideas are not given as much depth as I would have liked. Moreover, by covering so much, even the main three characters’ stories lack some depth. It felt to me as though this book tried to do too much.

I am giving this book 4 out of 5 stars. I strongly suspect that I will love this series as more books come out. I am definitely hooked—the characters and their unique perspectives and goals are all super compelling and definitely motivate me to read more. However, this book suffered a bit from doing too much, and thus felt a bit surface-level at times. I look forward to reading more from the author!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bindery Books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

“Laya knew that a Gatdula’s reign was about more than ruling a country. To become a queen of Maynara was to become a god.”

A rich, luscious story full of morally grey characters, political intrigue, and love in its complex iterations.

On the tropical island of Maynara, three women battle within and without for power, glory, and for revenge. The Queen Hara Duja’s strength is failing, her daughter and heir Laya is young and impulsive, and Imeria Kulaw wants to claim the crown for her family.

“Most Gatdulas blazed brighter than the sun, as likely to burn the island to cinders as they were to bathe it in their glory.”

“What good was love in the face of power?”

I do enjoy a story where every character is a little bit awful. These characters had me simultaneously rooting for them, pulling my hair out in frustration, and feeling sorry for their circumstances.
I liked how the complexity of relationships within a royal court was portrayed, and the conundrum of valuing duty and power over love. In a world where many political fantasies are developed in Euro-Centric worlds, this was a refreshing take on fantasy and court intrigue with a tropical, Filipino-inspired backdrop.

Thank you Netgalley and Bindery Books for this ARC.

I love a story where our hero isn’t afraid to get messy. And that is definitely Black Salt Queen. Can’t wait for book two.

I really like how this story is woven together. It follows mainly the female royals and their antagonist. The relationship of the queen and her companion affects and sets the stage for the events that happen in the present moment. It took me a while to warm up to Laya, the princess who this story follows the most. She ultimately grows a lot because of what she goes through. Eti and Ariel were my favorite characters. I love how Ariel protects her and how she helps her family. The story has political intrigue, elemental magic, spice, and lgbtqia+ representation. It does end in a bit of a cliffhanger, but it's not a huge one.

Black Salt Queen by Samantha Basil
Series: Letters from Maynara, book one
Genre: Fantasy
Setting: Pre colonial Philippines
Length: 416 pages
Release Date: June 3, 2025

Thank you coloredpagesbt, bindery_books, and sam_bansil for the gifted copy of the arc.

“There can be no victory without betrayal.”

Black Salt Queen is a powerful and moving debut with themes of the fight for power and what one might do in pursuit of it. I was pleasantly surprised that this was the author’s first novel, the prose is so beautiful. The plot is one of political intrigue, magic, revenge, and all within the setting of the pre colonial Philippines. This novel is a multi POV that has two central romances: one is a sapphic relationship between rivals and the other is a heterosexual relationship that encapsulates young love. The pacing is slower as this is a character driven story and it is slower action wise. Bansil wrote a beautiful story that leaves room for nuance and I appreciated that she gave room for the reader to come to their own conclusions. Every plot device was done with intention and those twists! In and wait to see what’s next from Bansil.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bindery Books for the ARC of Black Salt Queen.

This is a sharp, ambitious debut that delivers court intrigue, tragic love, and generational power struggles with style. Set in a lush, precolonial Philippines-inspired world ruled by women and shaped by gods, the book’s magic system is both beautiful and brutal—especially as it slowly drains the queen’s life. I appreciated how unapologetically messy the characters were: power-hungry, petty, grieving, loyal in all the wrong ways. Laya and Imeria’s toxic rivalry-romance might be my favorite dynamic in the whole thing. It’s political, it’s dramatic, and it’s not afraid to get a little ugly.

If you’re into flawed heroines, high-stakes betrayal, and morally gray sapphics playing for keeps, you’ll want this on your shelf.

Thank you Netgalley for the eARC copy of this book.

In this book, you are following a few different characters which can get a little confusing, hearing from all the different POVs. The only problem I had was growing a connection with characters because of how often it was changed.

The story is magical and powerful. I felt it was a little rushed towards the end and the plot twist we receive on the epilogue is mind blowing and I can't wait to read the second book.

Laya and Luntok remind me of Romeo and Juliet, two lovers who can't be together due to family history. But it gets much more complicated than that. There is so many different plot twists and surprises throughout the book.

I would recommend to anyone looking for a drama filled story.

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!

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!