Despite the (welcome) rise of fantasy set in Indian-inspired worlds, Mona Tewari distinguishes herself with Burn the Sea. She blends the history of Abbakka Chowta, a real queen of Ullal, with vivid and rewarding fantastical elements that never feel like mere ornamentation. The result is a story that feels both deeply rooted and imaginatively expansive.

I was captivated throughout and finished eager for more. Abbakka’s struggle to balance duty, strength, and survival is as compelling as the monsters and magic she confronts. And while the Porcugi loom large, Tewari makes it poignantly clear that the malice and misogyny Abbakka endures are an evil of equal weight.

After finishing the story, I think Tewari’s voice stands out in a growing field, offering a tale that feels fresh, rich, and resonant.

“If you wanted me to be a bauble, you never should have given me a blade.”

Have you ever come across a book that feels like it was meant to find you? As if the universe conspired to place it in your hands at the exact moment you needed it? That’s how Burn the Sea felt for me.

We’re living in a powerful literary moment where authors are reclaiming the legacies of forgotten queens and warriors. Women who defied empire, patriarchy, and erasure. Burn the Sea stands tall among them. In this evocative reimagining, Tewari breathes fiery new life into Rani Abbakka Chowta, the legendary queen who resisted Portuguese colonizers. But in Tewari’s world, the threat is mythic: the Porcugi, half-snake, half-human invaders descend on Ullal, lusting after its riches and sovereignty.

At the heart of the novel is Abbakka: a young woman grieving, ascending, and resisting not just foreign invaders, but the crushing weight of duty, the cost of power, and the treachery within her own walls, and heart. She is both blade and balm, burdened and simply brilliant. Her journey isn’t just a fantasy epic, the novel showcases the importance of resistance, resilience, and reckoning.

What sets this book apart is Tewari’s fearless commentary on complicity, a theme rarely touched in fantasy. While Abbakka fights tooth and nail against the Porcugi, others are quick to sell her out for profit, glory, or self-preservation. These moments were well planned and the emotional punches hit.

I’m endlessly grateful to Bindery Books for championing authors like Mona Tewari for uplifting stories that are unapologetically fierce and culturally rich. As I close this review, I leave you with a line that will be ringing in your head for a while “Come back to me.”

Ohhhhh I love this. I love this I love this I love this. Burn the Sea checks all the boxes for me: a determined young heroine; themes of anti-colonialism, the cost of war, and grief; and a smattering of friendships, romances, relationships, and politicking that work so well with the main plot.

The novel is a fantastical retelling of Portuguese attacks on South India in the 1500s, where the Portuguese are depicted as monstrous, snake-like beings from the sea (Porcugi) who would rather make demands than fair trades. Who’d rather stoke the flames of war than negotiate peace. Abbakka Chowta, a real life queen of Ullal, is portrayed as a younger sister who never intended to rule. When an attack from the Porcugi changes everything, Abbakka is forced into political positions she never imagined, including a strategic marriage with a neighboring king. But will it be enough to save her people?

Like I said, I loved basically everything about this. Abbakka is everything I love in a protagonist. She’s bold and brave and strategic and unyielding. Fiercely protective. Unendingly proud of her people. Full of grief but unable to process it in the face of everything she’s dealing with. I so enjoyed getting to know her and I immediately looked up the real life Abbakka to learn more about who she was.

While Abbakka was for sure my favorite character, the other supporting characters in this are no less lovable. I really enjoyed the multiple dynamics in here, in particular Abbakka’s friendship with her friends from childhood, Thevan and Parushi, as well as her friendship with a monk who appears later in the book. And although a good 30% or so of this book is revealed in its synopsis, I still found myself emotional as events played out, and there were some moments that really Got To Me. You know what’s coming based on the blurb, yet the way Mona Tewari writes ensures you don’t lose any of that emotional weight. The characters, the prose, the plot... everything is just so good. Truly.

I was so engrossed in this story that I finished it in a day, which I haven’t done in several months, if not years. Every chapter just made me want to read more, and I’m so very excited for its release in April 2026.

Thank you to CJ Alberts, Bindery, Boundless Press, and NetGalley for inviting me to read the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

“If you wanted me to be a bauble you should have never given me a blade” …

Rajkumari Abbakka is headstrong, loyal, and trying her best to cope with the shitstorm she finds herself in. Thrust onto the thrown by circumstances beyond her control, she grasps at pieces of lessons from her tutors, family, and the spirits themselves to protect her people from enemies that have been plotting her demise long before she knew they were not 50 year old rumours. She is far from a bauble and is deadly with a blade.

“Burn The Sea” is an epic story steeped in tradition, fantasy, and political intrigue. From the prologue to the final sentence which sets the tone for an enticing sequel, this book transported and grounded me to the shores of Ullal. I could smell the incense and turmeric in the air, feel the flower garlands settle around my neck, and hear the battle cries of the soldiers who fought against the fearsome Porcugi.

Against the backdrop of tremendous loss, our main character, Abbakka is asking how can she best serve her people. Trying her best not to fold to the pressures of politics, she’s trapped between negotiating with murderous monsters or taking up arms and risking the lives of her subjects. In the midst of all of this, our Rajkumari is caught between two men, a Raja who hides behind his advisors and a General who hides behind his duty.

To me, this book was perfectly paced and well written. The themes explored, particularly in the context being immersed in an Indian fantasy-scape, were also incredibly important. The fearsome Purcugi who demand tithes in spices and attack without question are akin to a historical allegory reflecting the British who came to Hindustan and ripped the spices from the land in “exchange” for modernity, and does so without ever feeling pedantic. The author’s clever storytelling intricately folds the narrative of colonisation into a fantasy landscape in a way that is thoughtful and refreshing.

I am anxiously waiting for the continuation of this epic story and look forward to seeing just how far Abbakka is willing to go Burn the Sea.

I love a book that leaves me hungry and this one does that expertly. First, the descriptions had my mouth watering and then the end has me hungry for book 2! Very few books make me want to learn the history they're based on but this book was so good that I went down the Wiki rabbit hole reading about Abbakka Chowta. This book was SO good I can't recommend it enough.

A huge thank you to the publisher who provided me with an EARC of this to read/review.

I was hooked from the cover and description and was so well done in this type of book, it uses the historical fantasy genre perfectly and was able to create the world perfectly. I enjoyed getting into this world and how everything worked with the romance concept. Mona Tewari was able to weave a strong storyline and I cared about what was happening with the world and characters. I enjoyed getting to read this as a opening chapter in the Burn the Sea Duology series, and left me wanting to read more in this series and from Mona Tewari.

◛⑅·˚ ༘ ♡ burn the sea.


ੈ♡˳ final rating: 4.5/5

i received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. this did not affect my rating, and all opinions expressed below are my own.

the way i flew through this book was insaaaane i don’t think i’ve read a book this fast in a while! i absolutely loved abbakka, the main character. her devotion to her country, her bravery, her determination to be the best leader she can be—she is such a beautiful character who has brought justice to her real-life self. going into this book, i had no idea about the inspiration behind this book—portugal’s attacks against south india—which was very interesting to her a glimpse of in such a unique way. there better be another book coming soon because i don’t think i can handle waiting so long to find out what happens next 😭🤍 thank you for blessing us with this amazing story!!

thank you to netgalley and bindery books for this arc!

I know this book isn't out for a while, but after reading the description of this book I HAD to put this near the top of my TBR pile. I have no regrets because I absolutely LOVED this book, it was everything you could want and more. Abbakka is a well-written character and I love her. This story had such a hold on me that I could not stop, even when my clock read 2:17 am and I had to be up in 4 hours for work. It was worth every bit of missed sleep, and I can't recommend this book to everyone enough!

Quick very high level summary.
A retelling that takes place in 16th century South India where the Porcugi (half-men, half-snakes) who attack from the sea and Abbakka Chowta, a trained warrior princess does all she can to protect her people.

My take.
We have a strong female MC, moral ambiguity, mythical monsters, political intrigue, masterful imagery and a bit of romance. This story was immediately immersive for me. The author does and amazing job of creating a vivid depiction of the world and the creatures with narrative. Abbakka is everything you have to have in an MC. She is strong, resilient, vulnerable and relatable. There is a lot of symbolism throughout this story and I really enjoyed it. We have of compromise, sacrifice and personal growth that are intertwined with mythology that makes for beautiful imagery and vivid world building.

The blending of mythic monsters and historical colonial themes made this a really intriguing read that help my interest the entire time. So much so I could not put it down. There are twists that I did not expect and was left in shock after reading. I do wish there was more about the Porcugi of course but I do understand the direction the author was trying to go. Overall this was an amazing read that was well written and engaging. Absolutely enjoyed the blend of history, mythology and fantasy this book offered!

I received an e-ARC of Burn the Sea through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The story started a little slow for me, but by around chapter nine it completely hooked me—I couldn’t put it down after that. Mona brings Abbakka Chowta, the fierce and determined main character, to life in such a compelling way. Abbakka’s strength, courage, and determination to protect her people really made the story stand out.

The book follows Abbakka as she faces treacherous seas, political tensions, and enemies who will stop at nothing to bring her down. The mix of danger, resilience, and her unyielding spirit against the odds made this such an engaging read. By the time the story hit its stride, I was fully invested in both Abbakka’s journey and the richly built world.

I loved the blend of history, action, and emotion. If you enjoy strong heroines, sea-inspired tales, and stories of defiance and survival, this book is a must-read.

Burn the Sea is a stunning fantasy novel that had me hooked from the very beginning. The characters are so well written and vivid that I couldn’t stop tapping through the pages on my Kindle. Mona Tewari’s use of imagery is absolutely beautiful, bringing the world and its magic to life in such a powerful way. I loved everything about this book, from the immersive storytelling to the unforgettable characters. A true gem for fantasy readers!

"Little one, you are the sun."
A phenomenal debut. Tewari takes us to rich historical tapestry of a setting, filled with veracity and delectable cultural detailing.
Intricate character relationships give the story depth and heart. Fierce and poignant, a searing arrow of a book.

Thank you to Bindery Books for sending this to me! I loved every second of this book! It did take me a minute to get through because, well, life. But the story was amazing, right up my alley and perfect timing!

Themes of anti-colonialism, cost of war, and grief plus friendships and romance intertwined with the plot amazingly!
.
This is a fantasy retelling of the Portuguese attacks on South India in the 1500s. The Portuguese resemble snakes from the sea would prefer to demand things instead of coming to an fair agreement.

Abbakka is the younger sister who never wanted to rule but is thrust into the position, including a marriage of convenience with a neighboring king. She is fierce, brave and strategic and she doesn't give up easily!

I was invested in this story from page 1 and VERY excited to get the shelf trophy in April 2026!!

This book is a historical/fantasy retelling of Abbaka Chowta, the fierce queen of Ullal. It depicts how she led her kingdom through court betrayal, arranged marriage, familial conflict, and the onslaught of the Portuguese - depicted as half snake/half man creatures. The book as a whole tries to flip the narrative of history books and western countries trying to "other" and "marginalise" colonised countries, and attempts to "other" or "demonise" the colonisers as barbaric and savage (words that were previously used to describe people from colonised countries).

Right off the bat, I loved the cultural references (didn't realise there was a glossary until I finished the book which would have been helpful in hindsight as I had to look up a lot of words I didn't know). The writing was beautiful and artfully done, and really made me feel like I was in the jungles and fields of South India. There are very very few (if any) fantasy books featuring South Indian stories, characters, or worlds, so this was refreshing and delightful to see. The ending wrapped up quite well, although there was something that was a bit unexpected. Regardless, I enjoyed this book thoroughly and am excited to read more from this author and read more literature featuring the South Asian diaspora.

I had some critiques, I felt the characters themselves were a bit flat and one-dimensional, but considering many of these people were historical figures I can understand the author might have been trying to represent them in a respectful and honorable manner. The middle of the book really dragged on for me, and I lost and gained interest throughout the middle as I wasn't sure what the goals and motivations of the main character was (maybe she was trying to fight for Ullal while juggling court politics? it just felt like it went on for awhile). The romance felt lacking in chemistry and depth, but I also acknowledge it was probably not a focus of this book. There was a focus on telling rather than showing and there were times where the author really didn't trust the reader to recall previous information and stated previous scenes over and over again as if we (the reader) was not capable of remembering past events. However, apart from these minor critiques this was a fantastic novel and I'm really excited to see what the author writes next!

I was invited to read this from NetGalley and after reading the description I was excited to read this and it sounded right up my alley!

I was a big fan of Abbakka and Ethka’s relationship, those two would do anything for each other.

Aw my guy Thevan deserved better.

Vishwajeet is a loser, I was so over any interaction with him in this book.He drove me insane!!!! I needed my girlie free from this manipulator.

Aru started off strong, he has a way with words and he almost got me, but he’s pathetic really. What do you mean you’re a ruler and have some other man whispering in your ear telling you how to rule your lands! Grow a back bone PLEASE.

Overall, marry for love, men in power suck. Abbakka really is the best ruler.

Thanks NetGalley!

STUNNING

I ate this up. The character struggles were so raw and layered I immediately felt connected to them and the plot. The prose is so immersive I was completely transported while consuming every word of Burn the Sea

I got this as an arc on Netgalley and it will come out in April. I had a hard time following along due to brainfog and the amount of info presented but it didn't take away from the fact that this book was gorgeous. I am glad to have read this fiction retelling of a real life woman who was honestly very impressive. Stories about people fighting back against colonialism are often not taught in the West and I think people shouldn't just read this book but also research the main character.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC, which pulled me into an emotionally complex and vividly realized world. The main character’s struggles feel raw and layered, and the stakes—both personal and external—kept me turning pages. The prose is immersive, making the setting feel alive. There were moments where pacing slowed, particularly in introspective sections, but those pauses allowed the emotional depth to resonate. I loved the way the story explored loyalty, courage, and the burden of responsibility.

Secondary characters occasionally pull focus, but they add texture and complexity to the protagonist’s journey. High-stakes moments are balanced with quiet reflection, making the story feel full-bodied. Themes of grief, resilience, and friendship resonate without being heavy-handed. I felt emotionally invested in the outcomes and the character decisions felt grounded in realism. The ending is satisfying but leaves lingering questions, reflecting the story’s nuanced take on conflict and growth. A beautifully layered, thoughtful fantasy that blends action with profound emotion.

Burn the Sea is an original an at many times a breathtaking fantasy read.

Enjoyed pretty much the whole book. Abbakka is such a refreshing character who I believe is an example of a great FMC.

The Porcugi, the adaiman and Matanta are really well done and add a lot of depth to the plot.

Although the first half of the book was a little bit slow and had some issues that pull you out of the story I do believe this book is a solid read.

Can’t wait to know what happens next

Thanks to Bindery Books, NetGalley and the author for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

WOW. I am completely blown away. What a beautiful piece of writing with history and fantasy woven seamlessly together. The prose is stunning and creates a lush and vivid atmosphere for the story to play out. There are beats for reflection and emotion to really resonate throughout a plot full of complexities and compelling narrative. I'm impressed by the way every moving piece feels integral to the overall story and builds upon itself without ever feeling bogged down or too busy. Truly breathtaking work that made me feel alive, as if I was standing right next to the characters. I can't wait to read the sequel, and would recommend this to anyone and everyone. A must read.

Burn the Sea is a rich historical fantasy that calls attention to the true story of Rani Abbakka Chowta, a Queen who led her people and allies in a successful resistance against the Portuguese colonizers in the 16th century.

Mona Tewari’s writing brings history to life in a beautifully woven story of politics, love, loss, and a fight for freedom. I can’t fault the style, the pacing, the world-building. It’s lovely and well crafted. While there were some directions that the plot took that I found frustrating, it might be consistent with the historical inspiration and I think without would have made the plot and character development quite flat.

Instead of a magic system, we have an imagined belief system involving Spirits and this was one of my favorite parts of the book. The interactions our protagonist has with the Spirits is incredibly charming and adds another wonderful layer of depth to the story.

Burn the Sea flips the euro-centric historical script that often “others” those it seeks to conquer. This is told from the side of the people defending their shores against invasion and how they see the would-be colonizers.

This is the first in a duology and Book #2 has been announced so stay tuned for more!

I would highly recommend to fantasy and historical fiction lovers who adore a female protagonist leading a political fight for freedom against would be oppressors.

Thank you to Boundless Press at Bindery Books for providing this ARC for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Inspired by the true story of Queen Abbakka Chowta, this historical fantasy is rife with fierce women and anti‑colonial themes.

Burn the Sea is historical fantasy novel that re-imagines the Portuguese attacks on South India in the 1500s and follows our main character Abbakka Chowta based on real life historical figure.

The novel was quite different to other fantasy novels I have read. The book painted a picture of the vibrant landscape and world in which it took place as well as had a compelling opening. I enjoyed the complex themes that were raised which included exploring what sacrifices are needed to lead a kingdom and how far one would go. The main character hold a strength completely of her own and gives you somebody to root for.

While I enjoyed the book there were a couple of things that brought down my rating. I struggled to become immersed in the world due to two reasons. Firstly, the time periods in the book seemed to vary, we would follow action by action in a day then skip to weeks later. This made it difficult to grasp how to follow along, it felt like the kind of novel where I wanted to follow alongside the characters but struggled to do this because of the gaps in time. Leading into my second point, these gaps made it difficult to relate and empathise with the characters. The side characters at times seemed like one dimensional plot devices (with the exception of Nallini, I really enjoyed this character) and I felt like I was being told what to think about each character without having the chance to come to a conclusion myself. This novel has no shortage of tragedy which I think is actually really well done but would have been so much more impactful had I had the chance to grow attached to these characters. I struggled to get into the book at first as I felt the storyline in the first half fell a little flat and I wasn’t sure where it was going, it felt like I was just reading a recount of events with no climax - however, this completely turned around in the second half. The second half was a lot easier to read and presented a much clearer plot.

I particularly enjoyed reading the authors note and how she explains her attempt to other the colonisers rather than what history has done so frequently. This was clear throughout the novel and greatly contributed to one of the strengths I believed the novel has; giving you somebody to root for. The subject matter and themes the author has chosen to tackle are not simple and they are often forgotten in western historical accounts so I applaud her for this wonderful re-telling. As a First Nations woman in Australia, I felt empowered by Abbakka’s resolve and if nothing else, feel compelled to learn more.

I think the series has a lot of potential and would read the next book and would read other works from this author. I think there is so much of worth in the novel that I just want more of it and I wanted it to make me feel how the characters felt. Overall, Burn the Sea was enjoyable and has a great concept but I felt the characters lacked depth and the pacing was a little odd. However, I applaud the author for the fresh perspective and exceptional efforts at conveying nuance in political and moral decisions.

My favorite part about reading is getting a glimpse of something that is new to me while noting where I see similarities. While the court games, treachery, and battles are familiar; the people, mythology, and celebrations kept one of my favorite genres (historical fiction) fresh. The writing was beautiful and made me want to learn more about the real life Rani Abbakka.

As I was reading this book, I was thinking that it almost was historical fiction in feel except set in a fantasy world. And I think that that is a really good way of describing the luxurious world but always realistic political landscape in this book – so many fantasy books ignore what you actually have to do to rule a country, and so I loved that this didn’t shy away from the fact that sometimes an arranged marriage is the only option for the countries future even if it isn’t the best for yours. Of course when I read the authors acknowledgments at the end which discussed how this was actually a fantasy retelling of the story of Rani Abbakka Chowta, an amazing queen whom like so many others has been diminished in history books but this I feel was a worthy tribute because honestly it has no faults. Every piece of language is beautiful and lyrical and all the emotions feel so real. I will admit to staying up late for this book and I’m so happy that I started November with this book because it’s a five star of five stars!

This story is so rich. It is very well written and I love how the fantasy elements have been added that enhance historical events but it doesn't take away from the story.

I really liked our FMC. Abbakka really dealt with a lot throughout the book. I appreciate her strength, her wisdom, and her vulnerability during her grief when she had this unexpected responsibility to deal with.

My only detracting thing I have to say for this story is that I had a hard time trying to figure out how much time had gone by. It was jarring at times.

Thank you to Bindery and Boundless Press and NetGalley for the invite to read the e-arc!

WOW. EPIC FANTASY LIVES AND BREATHS AGAIN BECAUSE WOW. This book perfectly blends and interweaves the story of the real Queen Rani Abbakka Chowta and the Portuguese colonisation of India into an incredibly, lush, captivating fantasy story and after reading it I immediately went to look up the real history behind Rani Abbakka Chowta and the Ullal people and I think that is truly what historical fiction is meant to do as not only you enjoy these stories, they're meant to inspire you to learn about the stories of incredible historical figures and wow was I both entertained and enthralled by this story.

If the Dandelion Dynasty was about the colonisation of India from Portugal and had women at the centre of the story, it would be this book and oh my god it feels like it was meant to be read by me. It reminded me of the Dandelion Dynasty in that HEAPS happens in one book, like the book traverses YEARS but the story unravels in a way that doesn't feel rushed and feels natural but SO MUCH HAPPEN and you're left with 'what on earth is there to come'. There is also an INCREDIBLE discourse and commentary on colonisation and the erasure of native people through gifts and bartering and I feel like this is a part of history that I personally did not know a lot about but now I'm so invested in finding out more.

The characters are just so complex and interesting, Rani was an absolutely incredible main character her life was kinda horrific and traumatic but god she has got to be one of the most powerful and inspiring and just STRONG characters and to find out she's inspired by a real life queen? INCREDIBLE. Nallini and Parushi and the little girl gang they created that started as almost complete betrayals? ICONIC. Vishwajeet...you knew where it was going but you didn't know how bad it was going to be and honestly I'm really intrigued to see where his story goes especially his relationship with Aru...like I don't really trust either of them but also I need to know who is actually 'moral' or 'good'. Anyway I HIGHLY recommend this book it was incredible and genuinely cannot wait for book 2.

LIVE REACTIONS -
“and in that moment, i realised i did not mind being carried” me when my bf picks me up now im a spoiled gf who insists on being carried everywhere 🫡

ok i’m like halfway and do i like aru ? i went from loving him to not trusting him to thinking he’s a bit of a ditzy baby to now respecting him ? i’m stressed🧍‍♀️

Page 433 - OK THEVAN I SUSPECTED THIS BUT OH MY GODDDDDDD YEARNER ALERT

The best debut fantasy I have ever read!

Burn the Sea follows Abbakka Chowta, a young princess of Ullal, who must defend her coastal kingdom from the returning Porcugi—monstrous half-men, half-snakes seeking to reclaim the land they once failed to conquer. Forced to balance warfare, diplomacy, and sacrifice, Abbakka must decide whether an alliance through marriage will save her people or doom them to colonization. Inspired by true events and the 16th-century Queen Abbakka of South India, this historical fantasy celebrates resistance, courage, and the enduring power of freedom.

I flew through Burn the Sea in a blink of an eye. Incredibly action packed at every turn, filled with rich tradition and much yearning, the plot kept me on my toes from page one. I was engaged in Indian traditions I knew nothing about but the author made it easy to learn from absolutely zero.

The characters were full of life and when they breathed I felt their breaths next to me. I was as much a part of the world of Ulal as them.

Magic was so easily interwoven in the plot it seemed like a part of natural order. Massive green lion, Spirits and their blessing, Porcugi with the heads of cobras. All of it was written so well, I didn’t doubt its authenticity for a second.

One of my top reads this year!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of Burn the Sea by Mona Tewari.

This historical fantasy reimagines the story of Queen Abbakka Chowta of Ullal, blending myth and history into a compelling narrative about resistance, leadership, and identity. Tewari’s prose is lush and evocative, vividly capturing the coastal setting and the tension of a kingdom on the edge of invasion.

I particularly loved how the author personified colonial forces through mythic creatures — a creative metaphor that elevated the story’s themes. The pacing slows slightly in the middle, but the payoff is powerful, with a satisfying conclusion that ties together history, legend, and emotion.

Overall, a captivating debut perfect for fans of The Wolf Den, She Who Became the Sun, and Kaikeyi.

Rating: 4/5 ⭐
Will I recommend? Absolutely — especially to readers who love historical retellings with strong female leads and rich worldbuilding.

A lush historical fantasy full of strong, empowering women, political intrigue, and unexpected betrayals. Now I desperately need a sequel!

Burn the Sea by Mona Tewari is such a gorgeous, haunting read. The writing feels almost like poetry. It is raw, emotional, and full of depth. It’s one of those books that lingers with you long after you finish. Pick this up as soon as it comes out!

The blurb promised a mythical retelling of the Portugese colonisation efforts in South India, and the book delivered an interesting and exciting take on this version of history.
I loved reading this book - the casual mention of the variety of dishes, and the nod towards spices being the pride of the region was done really well. The different characters, the descriptions of the uniforms and clothing, and other details really brought the book to life and was a definite understanding of how old these cultures and traditions have existed in the region. The storyline itself was well balanced between nuggets of friendship and betrayals.
I wanted more, I wanted a resolution at the end but the story goes on beyond this book. I wanted to spend more time with the kingdom and see how things progress, and not getting that was my biggest disappointment.

Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC.

I think my favorite part of this book is when Abbakka is allowed to feel grief. Having lost the two people most important to her, while at the same time having the weight of a kingdom placed on her shoulders, she hurts. She cries. She reaches out to her friends for comfort. She isn’t indifferent; it’s not just a few token words and no reaction. It’s over a chapter or more of this pain, and these emotions become fuel for the fire that drives her. This isn’t a character losing their family to check off a box on a list of tropes; it’s a defining part of Abbakka’s life.

This is very much a book that has one of my favorite tropes: Character set on fire ends up being a phoenix and burns everything to the ground, and it’s a very well written trope. Abbakka is a complex character who makes mistakes, who trust where she shouldn’t, who surrounds herself with strong women — and the occasional man — and has to learn to wield soft power as well as bows and knives.

She puts her nation before her people, her people before herself, and stands on her beliefs. She is certainly not a hypocrite, willing to set her own shoulder to the wheel even when that may not be what her people need; she wants to help, wants to save lives, wants to make her family proud of her. But she’s aware of a woman’s role in this world, selling herself in marriage for the benefit of her kingdom, accepting her role as wife and mother as additional duties — and while she is pregnant an then has the kid, the focus is on her ruling. The childbirth scene is brief, and written more to show the bonds of sisterhood between Abbakka and the women who care for her.

Honestly, this is just a good book. The world building is excellent, the characters are strong, the romance and friendships feel natural and fully realized, and the villains are suitably villainous without being cartoonish. I don’t know if this is going to be a standalone or if there will be sequels set in this same world, but whatever the case, I will be keeping an eye out for more books from this author.

Thank you so much to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC!

I'm utterly in awe at the fact that this book is a debut. The cover was so striking, I simply had to give it a read, and I wasn't disappointed at all. Mona Tewari's prose and lyrical storytelling is brilliant. I look forward to reading book 2, as well as anything else she writes in the future!

From reading the blurb of Burn the Sea, I knew this was going to be a win for me. This book has everything I love in a novel - strong female characters, political intrigue, twists and turns and betrayals.

I loved that the author didn't shy away from the brutalities of war. Nothing takes me out of a story more than when there is war and no one dies. It's just not realistic! I thought Abbakka was a brilliant character. She is so strong and always stands her ground. She doesn't waver on her beliefs and takes the situation she's put into and thrives to be better. She is cunning and intelligent, but she is also flawed. I loved reading her story and I was rooting for her from page one. The cast of side characters were also fantastic. Everyone felt fleshed out and I was emotionally attached to nearly all of them!

I can see where some might struggle in the middle because the pace does slow. However, it is all necessary for the final build up and the betrays that happen! Everything in this book is very intentional and well thought out.

I highly recommend picking this one up, especially if you love a good character study and political intrigue.

Hoping there is a sequel after that ending!! If there is, I'm first in line to pick it up.

A huge thank you to Netgalley and CJ at Bindery Books for providing me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Burn the Sea is an amazing fantasy reimagining of the historical Rani Abbakka Chowta. In the story ,Abbakka is a strong woman who wants to do the best she can by her people. This often leads to her making choices she would rather not make and having to choose the lesser of two evils. She is constantly being undermined and underestimated by men, but she never lets this stop her in her attempt to be the best ruler for her people that she can be. The fantasy aspects of this story are engaging and allow for a vivid picture of what is happening. While the story starts off a little slow, the action, political intrigue, and emotional relationships that happen once it picks up are well worth the read. This was an amazing story and I can't wait to read the next book!