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Sinner's Isle
The fiery tale of a powerful witch who will do anything to escape the remote island she’s being held captive on, including blackmail an infamous, charming pirate who washes up on shore, from debut author Angela Montoya.
Rosalinda is trapped on Sinner’s Isle under the watchful eye of a power-hungry headmistress. And thanks to her vicious phantoms, Rosa is the most favored at this year’s Offering, where Majestics’ powers will be on full display so the wealthy may choose one to serve them for life.
For years, she has been kept under the watchful, calculating eye of Doña Lucia. Now eighteen, Rosa will be the prized commodity at this year’s Offering, a fiesta for the wealthy to engage in drink, damsels, and debauchery. That is why she must flee—before someone forces the vicious phantoms within her to destroy everything she touches.
Handsome, swashbuckling Mariano has long sailed the high seas as the Prince of Pirates. Then the king’s fleet attacks his father’s infamous ship, leaving him marooned on Sinner’s Isle with only an enchanted chain meant to lead him to his heart’s desire. Instead, he falls into the hands of a brazen (although) bewitching headache—Rosa.
Together they must outwit each other and their enemies before the Offering ends and it’s too late to escape the perils of Sinner’s Isle.
Rosalinda is trapped on Sinner’s Isle under the watchful eye of a power-hungry headmistress. And thanks to her vicious phantoms, Rosa is the most favored at this year’s Offering, where Majestics’ powers will be on full display so the wealthy may choose one to serve them for life.
For years, she has been kept under the watchful, calculating eye of Doña Lucia. Now eighteen, Rosa will be the prized commodity at this year’s Offering, a fiesta for the wealthy to engage in drink, damsels, and debauchery. That is why she must flee—before someone forces the vicious phantoms within her to destroy everything she touches.
Handsome, swashbuckling Mariano has long sailed the high seas as the Prince of Pirates. Then the king’s fleet attacks his father’s infamous ship, leaving him marooned on Sinner’s Isle with only an enchanted chain meant to lead him to his heart’s desire. Instead, he falls into the hands of a brazen (although) bewitching headache—Rosa.
Together they must outwit each other and their enemies before the Offering ends and it’s too late to escape the perils of Sinner’s Isle.
370 pages, Paperback
First published October 31, 2023
113 people are currently reading
10213 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 570 reviews
March 13, 2024
enemies to lovers?? tangled vibes?? impeccable twists? yeah immediate 5 stars
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November 22, 2023
✨SLAYYYYY (literally)✨
*Spoilers below*
I’ve loved everything Joy Revolution has put out so I knew I had to read this. Fantasy isn’t my go-to genre, but Sinner’s Isle was absolutely perfect!!! The world was easy to understand; the romance (there was even a little secondary one) was really charming. It was definitely a slow burn in terms of both romance and justice.
I was immediately so ready for violence to befall those villains. I was quite literally pacing around my room waiting for Rosalinda to unleash those shadows of hers on those terrible people and HOOBOY the emotions I felt when that time finally came. It was so satisfying. Mariano also got to have his hero moment and, personally, I love that for him.
Not gonna lie, I was STRESSED at points there because it had me in the first half. Real talk the way I screamed when King Sebastián was [redacted] but the way I SCREAMED when he [redacted] Santi. And let’s talk about that big reveal??? My heart!!! Ugh the ending really solidified how good this book was. Everything just made my little vindictive, romantic heart so happy.
I read this via audio and absolutely recommend it. The audiobook was perfectly narrated, and I really got lost in the story. I’m wondering if there could potentially be a sequel??? Or another book in the same world??? I’m very intrigued by the sirens and more pirates because I definitely wanted more boat action!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Thanks so much to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley and to PRHaudio for an ALC. All opinions are honest and my own.
*Spoilers below*
I’ve loved everything Joy Revolution has put out so I knew I had to read this. Fantasy isn’t my go-to genre, but Sinner’s Isle was absolutely perfect!!! The world was easy to understand; the romance (there was even a little secondary one) was really charming. It was definitely a slow burn in terms of both romance and justice.
I was immediately so ready for violence to befall those villains. I was quite literally pacing around my room waiting for Rosalinda to unleash those shadows of hers on those terrible people and HOOBOY the emotions I felt when that time finally came. It was so satisfying. Mariano also got to have his hero moment and, personally, I love that for him.
Not gonna lie, I was STRESSED at points there because it had me in the first half. Real talk the way I screamed when King Sebastián was [redacted] but the way I SCREAMED when he [redacted] Santi. And let’s talk about that big reveal??? My heart!!! Ugh the ending really solidified how good this book was. Everything just made my little vindictive, romantic heart so happy.
I read this via audio and absolutely recommend it. The audiobook was perfectly narrated, and I really got lost in the story. I’m wondering if there could potentially be a sequel??? Or another book in the same world??? I’m very intrigued by the sirens and more pirates because I definitely wanted more boat action!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Thanks so much to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley and to PRHaudio for an ALC. All opinions are honest and my own.
November 14, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Children's for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
This was like seeing an iceberg in the ocean and discovering there was nothing underneath surface. The storyline and the beginnings of the world building word very interesting and unique, but everything was only surface level.
I liked the main characters on their own, but nothing divine happened with them together. These two had like 5 scenes together in the whole book and then they were burn the world down in love by the end. Uh what? I understand there was some version of a mating bond, but I personally don't think having a mating bond automatically equals being in love, especially since these two had very little interaction (they didn't even know each other's names until over half way through the book).
But the end redeemed some of this; it almost felt like it belonged to another story with how explosive it felt and some swoon worthy scenes, but it felt disjointed since it didn't really have the rest of the story to back it up.
This could have been way more epic I think if maybe some other POV's were included and the story was elongated. Definitely had the makings for a great duology that ended the same way this one did.
But kudos to the author for her debut novel.
This was like seeing an iceberg in the ocean and discovering there was nothing underneath surface. The storyline and the beginnings of the world building word very interesting and unique, but everything was only surface level.
I liked the main characters on their own, but nothing divine happened with them together. These two had like 5 scenes together in the whole book and then they were burn the world down in love by the end. Uh what? I understand there was some version of a mating bond, but I personally don't think having a mating bond automatically equals being in love, especially since these two had very little interaction (they didn't even know each other's names until over half way through the book).
But the end redeemed some of this; it almost felt like it belonged to another story with how explosive it felt and some swoon worthy scenes, but it felt disjointed since it didn't really have the rest of the story to back it up.
This could have been way more epic I think if maybe some other POV's were included and the story was elongated. Definitely had the makings for a great duology that ended the same way this one did.
But kudos to the author for her debut novel.
February 8, 2023
Giving this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️because I wrote it. 😆
Want to read
January 24, 2022“pitched as Pirates of the Caribbean meets SERPENT & DOVE, in which a powerful witch being held captive on a remote island will do anything to escape it before a week-long fiesta for the wealthy to consort with majestics like her, including blackmailing an infamous, charming pirate who washes up on shore”
THIS SOUNDS SO GOOD AND I WILL NOT KNOW PEACE UNTIL I HOLD THIS BOOK IN MY HANDS
THIS SOUNDS SO GOOD AND I WILL NOT KNOW PEACE UNTIL I HOLD THIS BOOK IN MY HANDS
April 30, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up.
Very cute, light read. The story is very YA fantasy, but I loved the worldbuilding with the Majestics, the Sinner's Isle, the pirates, and the kingdom politics.
It's a good palate cleanser in between darker, heavier reads.
I'd read more from this author.
Very cute, light read. The story is very YA fantasy, but I loved the worldbuilding with the Majestics, the Sinner's Isle, the pirates, and the kingdom politics.
It's a good palate cleanser in between darker, heavier reads.
I'd read more from this author.
June 11, 2023
18-year-old Rosalinda is a Majestic - a witch - who has lived on Sinner's Isle with other Majestics for the last decade. Every year, all Majestics over the age of 18 are paraded around for wealthy men to appreciate and bond to. If chosen, a Majestic cedes her free will to her male bonded and he gains her power. In turn, the women are told that this binding saves their souls from the sin of being Majestics. Desperate to avoid this fate, Rosalinda and her best friend plan to escape the island before the binding.
Mariano is the prince of pirates, the son of the most feared pirate in the world. When his father dies, he gifts Mariano with a magical stone, telling him to follow it to his heart's desire. When Mariano follows the chain, he and his best friend Santi end up shipwrecked on Sinner's Isle. Determined to leave with treasure, the two plan to steal riches and a ship.
What unfolds is a YA fantasy reminiscent of a combination of Serpent & Dove and Fable. This was a fun, lighthearted read with themes of found family, friendship, and love. My only real complaint with this book was the insta-love between the main characters. I love the fated mates trope, but only when it seems like they have reasons to be soul mates. The MCs in this book were just infatuated with each other immediately, and I wish it had been clearer why they loved one another over any of the other characters in the book. Rosalinda was also a little gullible, but I'm giving her grace for being 18.
✅ YA Romantic Fantasy
✅ Pirates
✅ Witches
✅ Fated Mates
✅ Queer rep
✅ POC MCs
✅ Found Family
Thanks so much to Angela Montoya and Random House Children's for this ARC through NetGalley. Sinner's Isle will be available October 31st, 2023.
Mariano is the prince of pirates, the son of the most feared pirate in the world. When his father dies, he gifts Mariano with a magical stone, telling him to follow it to his heart's desire. When Mariano follows the chain, he and his best friend Santi end up shipwrecked on Sinner's Isle. Determined to leave with treasure, the two plan to steal riches and a ship.
What unfolds is a YA fantasy reminiscent of a combination of Serpent & Dove and Fable. This was a fun, lighthearted read with themes of found family, friendship, and love. My only real complaint with this book was the insta-love between the main characters. I love the fated mates trope, but only when it seems like they have reasons to be soul mates. The MCs in this book were just infatuated with each other immediately, and I wish it had been clearer why they loved one another over any of the other characters in the book. Rosalinda was also a little gullible, but I'm giving her grace for being 18.
✅ YA Romantic Fantasy
✅ Pirates
✅ Witches
✅ Fated Mates
✅ Queer rep
✅ POC MCs
✅ Found Family
Thanks so much to Angela Montoya and Random House Children's for this ARC through NetGalley. Sinner's Isle will be available October 31st, 2023.
October 30, 2023
”She didn't want to just be seen and considered appealing. She wanted to be heard. To be understood. But men, especially powerful men, never listened.”
This YA diverse standalone fantasy is perfect for readers who are ready for an adventure that reads a lot like a Disney movie (in the best way possible).
You’ve got pirates and witches (which are called magestics here), a church who seeks control and lots of deceit. I only wish it was longer!
Rumour has it that Angela Montoya is writing a vampire book next?! Sign me up!
Thank you so much to Penguin Random House and Penguin Teen for my ARC, I appreciate it ☺️
4/5⭐️
This YA diverse standalone fantasy is perfect for readers who are ready for an adventure that reads a lot like a Disney movie (in the best way possible).
You’ve got pirates and witches (which are called magestics here), a church who seeks control and lots of deceit. I only wish it was longer!
Rumour has it that Angela Montoya is writing a vampire book next?! Sign me up!
Thank you so much to Penguin Random House and Penguin Teen for my ARC, I appreciate it ☺️
4/5⭐️
November 25, 2023
Soapy, swashbuckling, romantic and funny. This is a delight. I enjoyed the world and was very entertained
November 3, 2023
I enjoyed the setting and political system the most. The majestics and their unique gifts were fun. This story is great for young adult readers, who enjoy feminist themes, representation in the cast of characters, and themes of self-belief and embracing one’s shadows, wrapped in a straightforward plot.
I don’t fit the demographic totally, as I prefer more complicated and nuanced plot and relationships, and I thrive on unpredictability and no-win scenarios. But I still had a good time. I’m so excited for this book to be out in the world and find its readers! They’re going to love it.
I don’t fit the demographic totally, as I prefer more complicated and nuanced plot and relationships, and I thrive on unpredictability and no-win scenarios. But I still had a good time. I’m so excited for this book to be out in the world and find its readers! They’re going to love it.
April 18, 2024
*4 SHADOWY STARS*
"She didn't want to just be seen and considered appealing. She wanted to be heard. To be understood. But men, especially powerful men, never listened."
Oooh, I actually enjoyed this one a lot!
I've been in a terrible reading slump lately, but I feel like this book might have shook me out of it, or at least a little bit. I did manage to finish this one rather quickly. I enjoyed both Rosa and Mariano, both were kickass, though they were both rather quick to judge and jump to conclusions. There were some plot twists that I probably should have seen coming but didn't, so that was a nice surprise!
If you're a fan of romantasy, enemies-to-lovers, pirates and adventures, this might be for you! I do prefer a more slow burn romance, but honestly, there's only so much you can do in 350-ish pages, so I'm not too mad about it. I am hoping for another book in this universe to tie everything up some more. Maybe about Juana? Or Isobel? Wouldn't say no to that!
"She didn't want to just be seen and considered appealing. She wanted to be heard. To be understood. But men, especially powerful men, never listened."
Oooh, I actually enjoyed this one a lot!
I've been in a terrible reading slump lately, but I feel like this book might have shook me out of it, or at least a little bit. I did manage to finish this one rather quickly. I enjoyed both Rosa and Mariano, both were kickass, though they were both rather quick to judge and jump to conclusions. There were some plot twists that I probably should have seen coming but didn't, so that was a nice surprise!
If you're a fan of romantasy, enemies-to-lovers, pirates and adventures, this might be for you! I do prefer a more slow burn romance, but honestly, there's only so much you can do in 350-ish pages, so I'm not too mad about it. I am hoping for another book in this universe to tie everything up some more. Maybe about Juana? Or Isobel? Wouldn't say no to that!
June 30, 2023
DNF at 41%.
Nobody is more disappointed than me. Nobody!!!
When I tell you Sinner's Isle was one of my most anticipated releases of the year, I genuinely mean it. It's pitched as Pirates of the Caribbean meets Serpent & Dove... what is not to love?
I really didn't connect with this book, at all. I started off by not totally enjoying the writing style, but I've read - and finished - books in the past where that's been the case, so I carried on. I made it to 41% before realising that I simply had no desire to see it through.
Rosalinda and Mariano, at face value, should have been great main characters. She's got shadow magic, he's a pirate, she doesn't trust guys, he hates Majestics. I didn't find myself drawn to either of them. Rosa was probably my 'favourite' of the two, and I'm using that term very loosely, only because Mariano was made out to be this super famous son of a super famous pirate, but we don't really ever see that (not to mention, he's rather one-dimensional). In addition, his best friend, Santi, was probably meant as comic relief, but I personally found him annoying.
As I've already mentioned, I made it 41% through this book and at that point, Rosa and Mariano had only seen/spoke to each other twice, if I recall correctly. I'm kind of proud of myself for making it through as much of this book as I did, given it has insta-love. This is a HARD-no trope for me. I can't stand it. Also, at 41%, they hadn't yet made it off of Sinner's Isle. Maybe I had misinterpreted the premise of the book, but I had assumed it would be them meeting and escaping from the island at the beginning, and the rest of the plot would follow on from there, but that was unfortunately not the case.
As a side note, if you're like me, and hate spiders (particularly tarantulas)... do yourself a favour and quietly slide this book off of your TBR. I wish someone had warned me before I picked this up.
Overall, I'm devastated to have not enjoyed (or even been able to finish) Sinner's Isle. I have been looking forward to it ever since Angela's book deal was announced, but alas, it wasn't for me.
Thank you to Sam at Penguin Random House for sending me a free eARC via Netgalley!
↠ DNF at 41%, 1 star
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Nobody is more disappointed than me. Nobody!!!
When I tell you Sinner's Isle was one of my most anticipated releases of the year, I genuinely mean it. It's pitched as Pirates of the Caribbean meets Serpent & Dove... what is not to love?
I really didn't connect with this book, at all. I started off by not totally enjoying the writing style, but I've read - and finished - books in the past where that's been the case, so I carried on. I made it to 41% before realising that I simply had no desire to see it through.
Rosalinda and Mariano, at face value, should have been great main characters. She's got shadow magic, he's a pirate, she doesn't trust guys, he hates Majestics. I didn't find myself drawn to either of them. Rosa was probably my 'favourite' of the two, and I'm using that term very loosely, only because Mariano was made out to be this super famous son of a super famous pirate, but we don't really ever see that (not to mention, he's rather one-dimensional). In addition, his best friend, Santi, was probably meant as comic relief, but I personally found him annoying.
As I've already mentioned, I made it 41% through this book and at that point, Rosa and Mariano had only seen/spoke to each other twice, if I recall correctly. I'm kind of proud of myself for making it through as much of this book as I did, given it has insta-love. This is a HARD-no trope for me. I can't stand it. Also, at 41%, they hadn't yet made it off of Sinner's Isle. Maybe I had misinterpreted the premise of the book, but I had assumed it would be them meeting and escaping from the island at the beginning, and the rest of the plot would follow on from there, but that was unfortunately not the case.
As a side note, if you're like me, and hate spiders (particularly tarantulas)... do yourself a favour and quietly slide this book off of your TBR. I wish someone had warned me before I picked this up.
Overall, I'm devastated to have not enjoyed (or even been able to finish) Sinner's Isle. I have been looking forward to it ever since Angela's book deal was announced, but alas, it wasn't for me.
Thank you to Sam at Penguin Random House for sending me a free eARC via Netgalley!
↠ DNF at 41%, 1 star
Blog ✦ Bookstagram ✦ BookTwitter ✦ BookTok
September 29, 2023
Take note, there's a new must read YA Romantasy author on the scene!! This debut from Angela Montoya was fantastic!!! A pirate and a witch fall in love despite all the odds and I was totally here for it! I loved the world, the magic, the two love interests, just everything!!
Attracted by the gorgeous cover, this story really delivered on action, romance and twists I didn't see coming. It also felt fresh and original and marks a solid start to a new series and I for one can't wait for more! Great on audio too narrated by Ana Osorio.
Many thanks to Penguin Teen Canada for a beautiful gifted hardcover copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review! Highly recommended for fans of authors like Adrienne Young and Isabel Ibanez.
Attracted by the gorgeous cover, this story really delivered on action, romance and twists I didn't see coming. It also felt fresh and original and marks a solid start to a new series and I for one can't wait for more! Great on audio too narrated by Ana Osorio.
Many thanks to Penguin Teen Canada for a beautiful gifted hardcover copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review! Highly recommended for fans of authors like Adrienne Young and Isabel Ibanez.
November 3, 2023
I was captivated by the book as soon as I saw the gorgeous cover and read the premise!
The story follows a young witch and a marooned pirate, both of whom are desperate to escape the enchanted Sinner’s Isle. It’s an exciting story filled with drama and adventure, friendships and political intrigue, sea monsters, magic, and an epic romance. It’s an immersive world, rich and descriptive with fascinating lore, mythology, and magic. I was so fascinated by the Majestics, women with unique magical gifts, and how others worked to control and suppress them while still objectifying and using them. This patriarchal society controls powerful women by binding them to men of status and influence, and there are some great messages about freedom, the corruptive nature of power, gender inequities, and more.
Rosa and Mariano both have interesting arcs, and I enjoyed the dual narration. It revealed so much about each character – their motivations, their feelings about each other, and what was happening around them. And they have a fantastic love story with some swoon-worthy chemistry. Watching these two fall for each other while plotting to free Rosa’s imprisoned best friend, helping the newly crowned King to safety, using and learning more about magic, and finding a way to escape the island is all so intriguing, pulse-pounding, and romantic. There’s also a secondary romance that I adored, and I can’t wait to see how both of these pairings develop in the next book.
The characters are all fantastic, and there are some definite found family vibes happening with Rosa, Mariano, their friends, and some allies. But I think my favorite is Santi. He is hilarious, and he often stole the show in scenes because of his quick wit, candor, and effervescent personality. He and Mariano are opposites in temperament and personality, but they are such great friends. I love their banter and how it breaks up some of the more intense moments. Rosa and Juana have a wonderful friendship, too, and it very much parallels Santi and Mariano’s.
Overall, I thought this was a great debut novel. It’s exciting and suspenseful, and the romances and world-building are fantastic. I would definitely recommend Sinner’s Isle to romantasy readers and readers of YA fantasy.
The story follows a young witch and a marooned pirate, both of whom are desperate to escape the enchanted Sinner’s Isle. It’s an exciting story filled with drama and adventure, friendships and political intrigue, sea monsters, magic, and an epic romance. It’s an immersive world, rich and descriptive with fascinating lore, mythology, and magic. I was so fascinated by the Majestics, women with unique magical gifts, and how others worked to control and suppress them while still objectifying and using them. This patriarchal society controls powerful women by binding them to men of status and influence, and there are some great messages about freedom, the corruptive nature of power, gender inequities, and more.
Rosa and Mariano both have interesting arcs, and I enjoyed the dual narration. It revealed so much about each character – their motivations, their feelings about each other, and what was happening around them. And they have a fantastic love story with some swoon-worthy chemistry. Watching these two fall for each other while plotting to free Rosa’s imprisoned best friend, helping the newly crowned King to safety, using and learning more about magic, and finding a way to escape the island is all so intriguing, pulse-pounding, and romantic. There’s also a secondary romance that I adored, and I can’t wait to see how both of these pairings develop in the next book.
The characters are all fantastic, and there are some definite found family vibes happening with Rosa, Mariano, their friends, and some allies. But I think my favorite is Santi. He is hilarious, and he often stole the show in scenes because of his quick wit, candor, and effervescent personality. He and Mariano are opposites in temperament and personality, but they are such great friends. I love their banter and how it breaks up some of the more intense moments. Rosa and Juana have a wonderful friendship, too, and it very much parallels Santi and Mariano’s.
Overall, I thought this was a great debut novel. It’s exciting and suspenseful, and the romances and world-building are fantastic. I would definitely recommend Sinner’s Isle to romantasy readers and readers of YA fantasy.
January 9, 2025
This was not bad, 3.5ish stars. The concept and magic system were really fun, but the pacing was a bit off. The main characters interacted like twice and were madly in love? I love a good fated mates situation, but it really only works if there’s additional development to make the bond work despite that. In this case it felt like that was all they going for them.
As with this author’s other book, I loved the banter and side characters! Overall a fun read, but not the best.
As with this author’s other book, I loved the banter and side characters! Overall a fun read, but not the best.
November 12, 2023
3⭐️this was.. fine. There was nothing really that exciting or interesting about the plot or characters for me to be really invested, it was a bit predictable and the romance was very much instalove with only like 5 scenes together. Overall, it passed the time and I’m not sure I’d recommend tbh but you do you💫
2023
October 22, 2025Latine Heritage Month TBR
Valentine's Day TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Joy Revolution
Valentine's Day TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Joy Revolution
November 14, 2023
2.5 rounded down cause Im a hater. Especially so cause with that cover and the promise of pirates, I was DISAPPOINTED. HOW do you write a book with pirates and hardly have any piracy? The nerve.
Nothing really happened after the start of the book, so a good chunk of it just went on by, trying to convince me that these two leads are supposed to have this ridiculous connection. I've never been one for insta love, but I am a sucker for things like soul mates—except when they are actually called mates. Ew. And in this regard, bruh. What the fuck.
Worst of all, I spent all that time thinking, instead of Mariano and Rosa belonging together, that the king was a much better option—all the traits are RIGHT THERE. But whatever. How you expect me to believe those two belong together without an ounce of angst or any tension is beyond me. Booooring. Not to mention, also very random. I understand insta-whatever happens out of nowhere, but goddamn, was each romantic scene utterly ridiculous and out of place. Not ONCE was I convinced they made sense in any retrospect.
The last 30% is what really saved this book's proverbial ass, along with two side characters. Sometimes, friends, violence is the answer.
Nothing really happened after the start of the book, so a good chunk of it just went on by, trying to convince me that these two leads are supposed to have this ridiculous connection. I've never been one for insta love, but I am a sucker for things like soul mates—except when they are actually called mates. Ew. And in this regard, bruh. What the fuck.
Worst of all, I spent all that time thinking, instead of Mariano and Rosa belonging together, that the king was a much better option—all the traits are RIGHT THERE. But whatever. How you expect me to believe those two belong together without an ounce of angst or any tension is beyond me. Booooring. Not to mention, also very random. I understand insta-whatever happens out of nowhere, but goddamn, was each romantic scene utterly ridiculous and out of place. Not ONCE was I convinced they made sense in any retrospect.
The last 30% is what really saved this book's proverbial ass, along with two side characters. Sometimes, friends, violence is the answer.
May 7, 2025
Just finished Sinner's Isle and it was so good! It has pirates of the Caribbean vibes and was a beautiful story about an island of witches breaking free from the kingdoms' clutches! It was so good and I'm surprised it has so little reviews on goodreads... BUY THIS NOW FOR NEXT SUMMER!
June 19, 2024
controlling and communicating with spiders sounds really cool when I don't think about it too hard
February 9, 2024
So....
Let's start with the good, the world building, and the overall world lore. It was great. As someone who does not really read fantasies, I was kinda dreading the world-building part but I was pleasantly surprised!! It was probably the best part of the book and, at times, felt like the only good part of the book... so let's get on with the bad.
First off, maybe it's just me being unused to the fantasy plot format but I did not enjoy the way the story progressed, there was a lot of back and forth that at times felt unnecessary and it made the book drag. Second of all, the characters, and with that, the romance. Urgh, such a disappointment, I did not care for most, if not all of the cast of characters at times. The villains were giving mustache-twirling cartoon villains that I could not for the life of me take seriously. The main couple had like 4 good moments in the entire book and the QUEER COUPLES??? GOOD LORD WHAT HAPPENED??? I was looking forward to the LGBTQ diversity in this book but Jesus they SUCKED. I can count on one hand the number of times all of the queer couples in this book had genuine, tender, emotional moments in a book that is over 350 pages. Not to mention that one of them has an age gap that, for me personally, is weird (as a 21 year old if an 18- 19 year old wanted to be in a relationship with me I'd start throwing up everywhere). Personally, this book was just not a book for me, I was expecting something completely different so it was a miss, unfortunately. :(
2 stars.
Let's start with the good, the world building, and the overall world lore. It was great. As someone who does not really read fantasies, I was kinda dreading the world-building part but I was pleasantly surprised!! It was probably the best part of the book and, at times, felt like the only good part of the book... so let's get on with the bad.
First off, maybe it's just me being unused to the fantasy plot format but I did not enjoy the way the story progressed, there was a lot of back and forth that at times felt unnecessary and it made the book drag. Second of all, the characters, and with that, the romance. Urgh, such a disappointment, I did not care for most, if not all of the cast of characters at times. The villains were giving mustache-twirling cartoon villains that I could not for the life of me take seriously. The main couple had like 4 good moments in the entire book and the QUEER COUPLES??? GOOD LORD WHAT HAPPENED??? I was looking forward to the LGBTQ diversity in this book but Jesus they SUCKED. I can count on one hand the number of times all of the queer couples in this book had genuine, tender, emotional moments in a book that is over 350 pages. Not to mention that one of them has an age gap that, for me personally, is weird (as a 21 year old if an 18- 19 year old wanted to be in a relationship with me I'd start throwing up everywhere). Personally, this book was just not a book for me, I was expecting something completely different so it was a miss, unfortunately. :(
2 stars.
January 19, 2024
I read quite a lot of YA fantasy, but this fantasy romance felt so refreshing. The premisse and setting felt new and exciting, and the story was so fun to read. I really liked the romance, as well as a reveal towards the end of the book.
December 16, 2024
I liked it! Strong themes of feminism, down with the patriarchy vibes, and trusting your gut. Things came together in a very "only in stories" kind of way, but I was rooting for everyone to get a happy ending so am I mad? No. The love story was definitely of the insta-love-ish variety, but there were reasons, so I'll allow it; plus even though they were attracted to each other, it wasn't all overly ridiculous continuous descriptions of their hotness, so thank you for that.
There's a moment near the last act of the book when that suddenly made me go...am I reading a retelling of Tangled??? lol! I would argue there are some similarities. I like Tangled, don't get me wrong, but that one scene being so similar was like a light-bulb moment, haha.
Overall, I think it'll be a fun one to discuss for book club (and it's a standalone!). The excerpt at the back of the book for Montoya's next book intrigued me, so I'm excited to see more from this new author.
There's a moment near the last act of the book when that suddenly made me go...am I reading a retelling of Tangled??? lol! I would argue there are some similarities. I like Tangled, don't get me wrong, but that one scene being so similar was like a light-bulb moment, haha.
Overall, I think it'll be a fun one to discuss for book club (and it's a standalone!). The excerpt at the back of the book for Montoya's next book intrigued me, so I'm excited to see more from this new author.
October 30, 2023
An engaging and absolutely fun read! Dig into this story if you like:
-powerful witches and hunky pirates
-Princess Bride references
-Aztec and Mexican mythology
-fast-pace, engaging cliff hangers in every chapter
-slow burn, enemies to lovers romance.
-powerful witches and hunky pirates
-Princess Bride references
-Aztec and Mexican mythology
-fast-pace, engaging cliff hangers in every chapter
-slow burn, enemies to lovers romance.
January 11, 2024
5⭐️
rep: all latine cast (some afro latine as well), queernormative world, hinted demisexual fmc, many queer sc’s
OH MY GODDDDD???? okay ngl i read this maaainly bc this cover is jaw dropping gorgeous and i heard latine fantasy and i didn’t need to know anything else. BUT OMFG IM SO GLAD I DID BC OMFGG THIS BOOK???? EVERYTHINGGGG. I WAS GIGGLING KICKING MY FEET, LAUGHING OUT LOUD, SCREAMING LIKE OMG I FELT IT ALL AND IT FEELS LIKE ITS BEEN SO LONG SINCE A BOOK MADE ME FEEL THIS MUCH???? IT WAS GIVING TANGLED VIBES SOMETIMES SO HARD THAT I WAS HYPERVENTILATING LIKE PLSSS I LOVE IT HERE
okay the latine inspired world was fucking AMAZING??? like everything about it had a connection to our real world (be it while our continent was colonized or now) and OMFG IT WAS TRULY GENIUS?? LIKE OMG THE LINKS TO COLONIZATION, MISOGYNY, THE CHURCH BEING HEAVILY INVOLVED???? SO FUCKING REAL AND RELEVANT AND UGHHH
the chARACTERS???? i would say they were not perfect in any way bc i truly love women’s wrongs lmfao!! UGH ROSALINDA WAS SUCH A BADASS BABE I ADORED HER AND SHE WAS SO CUNNING AND UGHH AND THEN MARIANO BABY BOY UGHHHH IM SO GONE FOR HIM!! THEIR BANTER WAS EVERYTHING LIKE I SIMPLY CANT AND OMFG MARIANO WAS SOOO FLYNN RYDER CODED??? UNWELL. BUT MY FAVE CHARACTER HAD TO BE SANTI OMFG HE HAD ME LAUGHING LEGIT OUT LOUD EVERY TIME HE OPENED HIS MOUTH LIKE PLS PROTECT HIM AT ALL COSTS
FOUND FAMILY. ROMANTASY. TANGLED VIBES. HILARIOUS BANTER. WOMEN RAGE. LATINE MYTHOLOGY MIXED IN. HELLO THIS IS ALL U NEED IN YOUR LIFE RUN DONT WALK
rep: all latine cast (some afro latine as well), queernormative world, hinted demisexual fmc, many queer sc’s
OH MY GODDDDD???? okay ngl i read this maaainly bc this cover is jaw dropping gorgeous and i heard latine fantasy and i didn’t need to know anything else. BUT OMFG IM SO GLAD I DID BC OMFGG THIS BOOK???? EVERYTHINGGGG. I WAS GIGGLING KICKING MY FEET, LAUGHING OUT LOUD, SCREAMING LIKE OMG I FELT IT ALL AND IT FEELS LIKE ITS BEEN SO LONG SINCE A BOOK MADE ME FEEL THIS MUCH???? IT WAS GIVING TANGLED VIBES SOMETIMES SO HARD THAT I WAS HYPERVENTILATING LIKE PLSSS I LOVE IT HERE
okay the latine inspired world was fucking AMAZING??? like everything about it had a connection to our real world (be it while our continent was colonized or now) and OMFG IT WAS TRULY GENIUS?? LIKE OMG THE LINKS TO COLONIZATION, MISOGYNY, THE CHURCH BEING HEAVILY INVOLVED???? SO FUCKING REAL AND RELEVANT AND UGHHH
the chARACTERS???? i would say they were not perfect in any way bc i truly love women’s wrongs lmfao!! UGH ROSALINDA WAS SUCH A BADASS BABE I ADORED HER AND SHE WAS SO CUNNING AND UGHH AND THEN MARIANO BABY BOY UGHHHH IM SO GONE FOR HIM!! THEIR BANTER WAS EVERYTHING LIKE I SIMPLY CANT AND OMFG MARIANO WAS SOOO FLYNN RYDER CODED??? UNWELL. BUT MY FAVE CHARACTER HAD TO BE SANTI OMFG HE HAD ME LAUGHING LEGIT OUT LOUD EVERY TIME HE OPENED HIS MOUTH LIKE PLS PROTECT HIM AT ALL COSTS
FOUND FAMILY. ROMANTASY. TANGLED VIBES. HILARIOUS BANTER. WOMEN RAGE. LATINE MYTHOLOGY MIXED IN. HELLO THIS IS ALL U NEED IN YOUR LIFE RUN DONT WALK
March 11, 2024
This had so many things that I love in a fantasy novel. We got an island full of powerful women born with incredible magic, albeit they’re being held there against their will (didn’t love that part, but it is the catalyst for our story). We got a really cool X-Men type variety of magic with no two “Magestics” having the exact same power (on page atleast). We got a sexy Pirate MMC who I wasn’t sure if I wanted to kiss or slap for a large portion of the book (def kiss!). And we got queer rep… a lot of it!! (which always makes me a happy camper!)
Girls born with magic are called Magestics and are shipped off to live on Sinner’s Isle, away from a society that is scared of what they could do. It doesn’t matter that they haven’t done anything wrong, it just matters that they could. But for Rosalinda, she watched her parents and brother die as she was spirited away during childhood. Taken because of her shadow magic… very powerful shadow magic.
Now that she’s old enough, the Madame of the island (for lack of a better word), Doña Lucia, is selling her off to the highest bidder… or rather, she’s the biggest prize at the Offering. A yearly fiesta where the girls with the most power are married and bound to rich men who can use them. For Rosa, that means some man will be able to use her shadows to kill and she doesn’t want that. While her shadows are a part of her, she’s scared of what terrible things they could unleash.
In comes Mariano: the sexy son of the Pirate King. He’s come to Sinner’s Isle for riches, but what he finds is so much more… a girl who needs his help to get off the island and away from servitude.
There is a lot that goes on that I want to talk about, but I don’t like spoiling stories! I’d rather you read about it and hate the Doña with me. Or fall in love with King Sebastian (whom I need more story of, pleaseeeeeeeee) like I did. While I should have been swooning over Mariano, I was vibing with the King. Be still my aching heart and heal me with a kiss! 😘
I got Pirates of the Caribbean, Serpent & Dove, and X-Men vibes, which sounds like a weird mixture, but it’s so good and utterly perfect!!! I loved the characters, especially Isabella and her spiders! I loved all the representation and really want more books that ate like this one did!
Girls born with magic are called Magestics and are shipped off to live on Sinner’s Isle, away from a society that is scared of what they could do. It doesn’t matter that they haven’t done anything wrong, it just matters that they could. But for Rosalinda, she watched her parents and brother die as she was spirited away during childhood. Taken because of her shadow magic… very powerful shadow magic.
Now that she’s old enough, the Madame of the island (for lack of a better word), Doña Lucia, is selling her off to the highest bidder… or rather, she’s the biggest prize at the Offering. A yearly fiesta where the girls with the most power are married and bound to rich men who can use them. For Rosa, that means some man will be able to use her shadows to kill and she doesn’t want that. While her shadows are a part of her, she’s scared of what terrible things they could unleash.
In comes Mariano: the sexy son of the Pirate King. He’s come to Sinner’s Isle for riches, but what he finds is so much more… a girl who needs his help to get off the island and away from servitude.
There is a lot that goes on that I want to talk about, but I don’t like spoiling stories! I’d rather you read about it and hate the Doña with me. Or fall in love with King Sebastian (whom I need more story of, pleaseeeeeeeee) like I did. While I should have been swooning over Mariano, I was vibing with the King. Be still my aching heart and heal me with a kiss! 😘
I got Pirates of the Caribbean, Serpent & Dove, and X-Men vibes, which sounds like a weird mixture, but it’s so good and utterly perfect!!! I loved the characters, especially Isabella and her spiders! I loved all the representation and really want more books that ate like this one did!
May 14, 2024
this is sooooo tangled vibes and so cute
November 14, 2024
I’ll read anything with pirates. I also need to know if we’re getting a second book???
October 21, 2023
Where do I even begin with Sinner's Isle? This is a really great book for those that grew up loving the movie, Sinbad. Much like watching that move 100 times, I will be reading this story over and over! This debut novel from Angela Montoya was absolutely breathtaking. It's filled with love, laughter, heartbreak, and action.
I love the depth of all the characters from our show-runners to the side characters, everyone just feels like they play such an important and essential part of the story. Santi was such a sunshine delight throughout and the twist about him I was slamming my hand down on my desk screaming with delight and gasping.
I really loved the implementing of heartsong, I thought it was a beautiful addition to the story.
This book does not contain actual spicy scenes, it's closed door with some adult tones and I thought they were implemented so beautifully.
I received an earc from the author through netgalley. What a joy this was to read!
I love the depth of all the characters from our show-runners to the side characters, everyone just feels like they play such an important and essential part of the story. Santi was such a sunshine delight throughout and the twist about him I was slamming my hand down on my desk screaming with delight and gasping.
I really loved the implementing of heartsong, I thought it was a beautiful addition to the story.
This book does not contain actual spicy scenes, it's closed door with some adult tones and I thought they were implemented so beautifully.
I received an earc from the author through netgalley. What a joy this was to read!
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