Power, Politics, and Passion: Black Salt Queen by Samantha Bansil Review

Black Salt Queen had everything I want out of a fantasy novel right now. It’s a story steeped in political intrigue, lush world-building, and dynamic characters who feel as real as they are formidable.

At the center of the story, we’ve got Hara Duja Gatdula, the aging queen of Maynara who can literally move the earth with her power. But she’s getting weaker, and her heir, her daughter Laya, is just as fierce, controlling the skies with all the unpredictability of a storm. Watching and scheming from the sidelines is Imeria Kulaw, the head of a rival family whose cutthroat ambition is a real threat to the throne. Each of these women has her own secret weakness and they’re all ready to do whatever it takes to come out on top.

The world-building in Black Salt Queen is absolutely immersive and evocative, but never so dense that it becomes overwhelming. Samantha Bansil strikes the perfect balance, offering tantalizing glimpses of Maynara’s rich history and cultural depth without bogging the story down in exposition. The setting feels alive, a tapestry woven from tradition, magic, and political turmoil.

One of the standout elements for me is the political intrigue. It’s woven tightly into the narrative, creating a sense of constant tension that kept me turning pages. Every maneuver and whispered conversation felt like it carried real weight, with the stakes only growing higher as the story unfolded. I loved how the political machinations were never just window dressing; they shaped the choices of the characters in ways that felt both organic and deeply engaging.

But what really sets Black Salt Queen apart is the incredible cast of female characters. Each of them is strikingly complex, strong, and driven, yet deeply human in their flaws and contradictions. These women aren’t just archetypes or stand-ins for tropes; they’re fully realized people, driven by ambition and loyalty, love and fear. They make decisions that sometimes feel as messy and complicated as real life, which made me care about them all the more.

The interpersonal relationships, especially the romantic entanglements, are another highlight. There’s a beautiful nuance to how these relationships unfold, often laced with toxic elements that are portrayed with honesty and care. It’s refreshing to see female characters who are allowed to be messy in their desires and loves, rather than confined to neat, sanitized roles. I also loved the queer representation woven seamlessly throughout the story. It felt natural and genuine, never tokenistic. Overall, Black Salt Queen is a stellar debut that feels like a breath of fresh sea air in the genre. Bansil has a talent for balancing epic world-building with intimate, character-driven drama, and she brings a fresh perspective that I’m really excited to see more of. I’m already ready for the sequel!