"The Best New Fantasy Books by Asians and Pacific Islanders" BookRiot on Saints of Storm and Sorrow

This powerful sequel to Saints of Storm and Sorrow brims with unruly magic and pirates, moon-eating dragons and sizzling Sapphic romance. Enthralling Filipino-inspired fantasy for fans of The Hurricane Wars, R.F. Kuang and Tasha Suri.

Five years after the fall of the Palisade in Aynila, the Codicians are closing in with a vast armada. Lunurin and Alon have been working desperately to solidify their alliances across the archipelago, but petty rivalries, suspicion, and conflicted loyalties threaten to undermine their efforts. To stand any chance, they must unify the disparate factions of their forces at the festival of the eclipse, when the laho will swallow the moon, and the islands' magic will be at its strongest.

Inez has been training as a tide-touched healer, but the gentle side of her goddess's gift does not come naturally to her. When she hears rumors that her sister, Catalina, has returned to the archipelago, Inez embarks on a dangerous journey over the sea. Aboard a pirate ship, she meets the fierce firetender Umali, who has no fear of her own power, and burns brighter than anyone Inez has ever known. Yet Inez worries her untamed, hungry magic may prove too much even for a pirate captain, and the threat of the Codicians' return hangs heavy over both their heads.

Three goddesses stand ready to fight. But without human allies, even their power may not be enough to keep Aynila and the archipelago free.