“Gabriella Buba writes the way the ocean moves: rhythmic and rolling, with dark currents and a powerful grace. Saints of Storm and Sorrow elegantly weaves the rich tapestry of Filipino folklore into a poignant, harrowing tale of magic and rebellion and sacrifice. Every page is drenched in the pain and hope that characterized our centuries-long struggle. This is fantasy at its finest, but it’s also a story about us, and about how my love for you is one with our love for the motherland.” Thea Guanzon, New York Times, USA Today and Sunday Times bestselling author of The Hurricane Wars
“Action, magic, romance… An unforgettable story filled with inspiration from myths across the Philippine islands. Crafted with exquisite detail that will resonate with fantasy fans–from those seeking new adventures to those like me, aching for the familiar.” K.S. Villoso, author of The Wolf of Oren-Yaro
“A story of secret identity and concealed powers through a magical mixed kid’s double life—the narrative architecture of Filipino folklore crashing against the rise of colonial power—I’m obsessed and so glad there’s more of Buba’s story to come.” Maya Gittelman, Reactor, “Reviewer’s Choice: The Best Books of 2024”
“Saints of Storm and Sorrow is a vicious examination of the struggles a colonized culture must endure to survive, bundled in a devastating storm of rage, grief, and lost love. Love, betrayal, incredible worldbuilding, and righteous female rage… hell yeah!” Rebecca Thorne, author of Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea
“I am feral for this book. Buba has written a sublime, devastating tale that crackles with romance, dazzles with political intrigue, and snarls with the pent-up fury of those who suffer under colonization. And that fury must be released. Saints of Storm and Sorrow will hook you from its tumultuous beginning, draw you into a richly realized Filipino world, and crush you with emotion.” Mia Tsai, author of Bitter Medicine
“10 Best New Fantasy Books by Asians and Pacific Islanders” BookRiot
“With prose as immersive and bracing as a sea storm, Saints of Storm and Sorrow is a stunning debut. Readers will be swept away by Lunurin’s struggles as she is torn between the life she’s building under the bonds of colonial rule and a vengeful goddess pounding at her mind’s door. This aching, rage-soaked novel is a must-read.” Nicole Jarvis, author of A Portrait in Shadow
“Saints of Storm and Sorrow weaves an unforgettable journey into a world where gods walk among mortals and even the quietest whispers can spark a revolution. The thrilling action and complex characters provide a springboard from which Buba masterfully delves into the nuanced relationship between the colonizers and the colonized. Lush, vibrant, and spellbinding—this folklore-inspired fantasy gripped my imagination (and my heart) from the beginning and never let it go.” Kyla Zhao, author of Valley Verified and The Fraud Squad
“Saints of Storm and Sorrow is an absorbing, compelling story of resistance and determination, offering fantasy readers a richly detailed world full of characters with exceptional emotional depth. Buba is a powerhouse, providing an unflinching examination of colonialism and the full range of tenderness, loyalty, and pain in the complex relationships between her characters, all with equal skill. ” Faye Delacour, author of The Lady He Lost
“Readers who like their folklore with plenty of politics will find their fix with this one.” –Publishers Weekly
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