SINNER'S ISLE

A beautiful witch tricks a handsome pirate into helping her escape from exile.

Majestics are powerful women blessed with magical gifts by the goddess Xiomara. After a former monarch of the Kingdom of Coronado learned how to weaken their powers, and the church deemed them wicked, Majestics were banished to Sinner’s Isle. Once a Majestic comes of age, she’s eligible to participate in the Offering, an annual event during which the king and noblemen visit the island to ritually bind with a Majestic of their choosing. Everyone knows that Rosalinda, who can control terrifying phantoms, is the most likely prospect for King Sebastián. When she and Juana, her seer best friend, are caught by their controlling mistress, Doña Lucía, as they attempt to run away, Rosa submits to her fate. But then she meets Mariano, the Prince of Pirates, whose ship was overtaken by the king’s men. Initially, Mariano, whose mother was killed by a Majestic, would do anything to get off the island, but after meeting Rosa, whom he finds both conniving and enchanting, he’s determined to escape with her at his side. Montoya’s debut is a stunning addition to its genre, offering a world infused with Mexican folklore, a charming cast, a bewitching romance, and a fast, yet evenly paced, adventure. Spanish is seamlessly woven throughout the text. Readers will fall for Rosa and Mariano, who are unapologetically irresistible and strong-willed. Characters are various shades of brown; some are queer.

A swashbuckling, swoonworthy standout.