Praise for Of Saints and Monsters
“At turns beautiful and brutal, Of Saints and Monsters left me breathless and aching for the island of my ancestors. Monica Sanz delivers a Caribbean epic rich with moral intrigue, searing romance, and colossal stakes; a powerful indictment of empire that asks the vital question: when systems of power prey on the vulnerable, is anyone truly free? This book makes an irrefutable case for sovereignty—of patria and of self.” —Venessa Vida Kelley, USA Today bestselling author-illustrator of When the Tides Held the Moon
“Sanz has created an immersive, rich world where culture, politics, and religion are woven into a potent, and extremely enjoyable narrative. Forceful prose propels the reader through this lush and colorful setting, following Marcela, a fierce, complex heroine who navigates it with resourcefulness and courage as she fights for true freedom and her own humanity. The romance burns bright, but it was the depth and emotion of the friendship between Marcela and Sulema that had me in a chokehold until the end.” —Andrea Eames, author of A Harvest of Hearts and A Tangled Magic
“Rich with atmospheric magic and sharp political insight, Of Saints and Monster draws beautifully from Puerto Rican history and culture to tell a breathtaking story about faith, freedom, and the courage to challenge the systems that demand your sacrifice. Monica Sanz has created a world that feels both timeless and startlingly relevant—I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.” —Carolina Flórez-Cerchiaro, author of Bochica
“Of Saints and Monsters is a stirring tale of sisterhood, religious corruption, and the quest for freedom set on a tropical island assailed by chimeric monsters. With its determined heroine, inventive magic system, heightening stakes, and endlessly twisting plot, Sanz’s beautiful and empowering novel kept me eagerly turning the pages until the very end. Highly recommended!” —Kimberly Bea, author of The Changeling Queen and The Curse of Feathers
