The Republic of Salt

The Mirror Realm Cycle #2

by Ariel Kaplan

In this riveting sequel to The Pomegranate Gate, Toba, Naftaly, and their allies must defend a city under siege—while the desperate deals they’ve made begin to unravel around them.

After a near-disastrous confrontation with La Caceria, Toba and Asmel are trapped on the human side of the gate, pursued by the Courser and a possessed Inquisitor. In the Mazik world, Naftaly’s visions are getting worse, predicting the prosperous gate city of Zayit in flames and overrun by La Caceria. Zayit is notorious for its trade in salt, a substance toxic to the near-immortal Maziks; if the Cacador can control the salt, he will be nearly unstoppable. But the stolen killstone, the key to the Cacador’s destruction, could eliminate the threat—if only Barsilay could find and use it.

Deadly allies and even more dangerous bargains might be the only path to resist La Caceria’s ruthless conquest of both the mortal world and the Maziks’, but the cost is steep and the threat is near. A twisty, clever entry in The Mirror Realm Cycle, The Republic of Salt asks what personal morals weigh in the face of widespread danger and how best to care for one another.

Genres: Fantasy, Jewish, Queer, Historical Fiction, Historical, Historical Fantasy, Adult

480 pages, Hardcover

First published October 22, 2024

Reviews

[Bean · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent addition to the first book. There was a bit of a shuffle with the main cast of characters that differed from its predescesor, but the new dynamics were just as engaging. We're also in the throes of the politics, which I did find very interesting, but not as much as the character dynamics. There are no shortages of twists and turns and the entire last act sent my heart rate through the roof. I immediately had to google if there would be a number three. YOU CAN'T LEAVE ME HANGING LIKE THIS.

[Hannah Rowan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never have I read a fantasy so unique. Like its predecessor, The Republic of Salt is rich with Jewish mythology and culture. I love the diverse cast of characters we follow of different ages, races and genders. I especially like that you get to follow the perspective of two elderly women. It is not something I often see in fantasy. I adore all of our characters along with the relationships and friendships that have developed in this series. If you love found families you’ll enjoy that aspect. The dynamic and banter between the characters was one of my favorite parts. I found myself laughing a few times throughout the book. The pacing was a bit slow for me at times, as the characters to go on a long journey to get to the destination they all meet up in. I do enjoy political intrigue in my fantasy and this was certainly full of it. I was a bit confused at times, as it has been about a year since I read the first one. The world is very complex and can be hard to follow at times. But I do enjoy the fact that it is complex and unique. I would recommend rereading the first one before diving back into the sequel or waiting till the entire trilogy is out so you can read them back to back. Luckily there is an extensive glossary included, which I always really appreciate. I adore this series and can’t wait for the next book!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of one of my most anticipated releases in exchange for my honest review!

[T Davidovsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Republic of Salt returns to the story of Naftaly, Toba (Bet), and their mortal and Mazik companions as La Caceria grows in power, threatening war and destruction. The last book focused on the city of Rimon. This one brings readers to the city of Zayit, which is similarly vibrant, bursting with magic, mystery, intrigue, and danger.

Even as the stakes get higher in this book, it's still the characters that are the real highlight. Everyone, including the side characters, is precious and needs to be protected at all costs. Asmel is sidelined a little bit, which is disappointing, but he's busy losing his memory, so it's not his fault. Aside from him, every character is such a pleasure to read about. The developing dynamic between Toba and Tsifra is extremely compelling. Elena and the old woman are just as fun and sassy as they were in The Pomegranate Gate. Obviously Barsilay and Naftali are super cute. Barsilay's own personal conflict about kingship is interesting, and it's refreshing to see him refuse to buy into the idea (that shows up in a lot of fantasy) about how the right monarch can make monarchy good. At this point, it's not particularly subversive for a fantasy book to take a stance against monarchy, but this one does do a good job of showing how tempting crowning kings can be, even when it goes against everyone's values.

Another highlight of the book is the worldbuilding. The Jewish and Kabbalistic inspiration is obviously a treat, but the magic system itself is also interesting. It's quirky and trippy, and it never takes itself too seriously. Although it's not always a lighthearted book, the narration is still full of subtle humor. Overall this series is proving to be an absolute gem.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for providing a digital copy of this book. All opinions are my own.*

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come when my buddy read over! 🌿

(FINAL REVIEW:)

This was a great continuation of the Mirror Realm series, but this review is going to be a bit hard because there were things that I LOVED, and a few elements that I didn’t. 😕

First the positives. I thought the expansion of the world was done very well with the addition of Zayit. As a fantasy version of Venice, I really liked that Kaplan drew historical elements from the real life city while still making it feel different and new. The character development for all the ones introduced in the first book was wonderful to see and I really enjoyed seeing a more reckless Toba (even though she irked me at times), a more insightful side of Naftaly, and the wonderful expanse of the old woman’s banter with the group. 😂

The things I didn’t particularly like were the romances between Toba and Asmel and Naftaly and Barsilay. It just felt groomish to me or for someone who really enjoys a weird 600-something-year-old magical being who loves hitting on a freshly turned 20-something year-old. Just made me feel a bit weird reading it half the time. 🤢

But really though, this should be on your radar regardless of the romance. The world building, the magic system, hell the food magic done here? Come prepared with snacks. I’m really excited to see where Kaplan will go with the third book, but also really hopes she restates the plots again because man I was slightly confused here and there. 😅

Big thank you goes out to Erewhon Books and NetGalley for accepting my request to read this in exchange for an honest review. Also, @lookma.i.read and I are starting a petition (now that our buddy read is over) to have a spinoff or a novella of the old woman and her background. She’s too boss bitch to NOT have an origin story!! ❤️

Publication date : October 22!!

Overall: 3.75/5 ⭐️

[Gabbi Levy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok people, I’m going to need more of you to read Ariel Kaplan’s fantastical trilogy set in a magic alternate universe Inquisition Spain.

Where The Pomegranate Gate is courtly and academic (while still being a lush and romantic adventure!) The Republic of Salt turns the danger, intrigue, and magic up to eleven. Kaplan has invented a truly remarkable world and populated it with complex, compelling characters.

Dangerous dreams! Queer love! Mud monsters! Demons! Science experiments! A truly excellent cat! A sword fight moment to give Inigo Montoya’s “I am not left handed!” a run for its money!

Run, don’t walk! (Do it for the OG Toba, who could never 😥)

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing | Erewhon Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Mona · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really don't know what went wrong (time pressure?) but this was far off from book one. I missed the fairytelesque ideas, the time for character development a lot. The pacing was of with a slow, grating travel and too quick switches between the different groups of characters. In the second half especially I couldn't connect with the characters at all. And from page one the writing style was off, clumsy, no atmosphere...
It's still a 3* for the amazing and unique world but I'm not sure I'll pick up book three.

[Dee Hancocks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Republic of Salt is the second instalment in The Mirror Realm Cycle. I was so thankful the book picks straight up from the first one. We follow the beloved characters on an epic adventure. The characters are so different from usual reads, following older characters feels fresh and interesting as they have so much wisdom and life experiences to work with. Although, I found this book was less about the characters and more focused on the clever plot. I absolutely love the Jewish mythology and unique world. I think I definitely have a soft spot for portal fantasy.
I would say definitely reread book one so you get the most out of this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.

[chris mango reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

THE REPUBLIC OF SALT lacks the fun energy of THE POMEGRANATE GATE - while I still enjoyed the world building, the plot was a lot slower paced and felt a bit meandering at times, following the characters, who are split into two separate groups, from place to place.

I also really disliked both romantic relationships, which both feature an age/power differential and also just felt very flat to me - why do any of these people like each other? (especially Naftaly, a character I found particularly grating and needy in this installment).

Note that this book doesn't really really have a self contained arc/plot of its own and reads a lot like the set up for the next book (which I'm not sure I'll be picking up).

[Netanella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am loving this series, and I cannot believe that I have to wait until the final book is published to see how everything resolves!

The Republic of Salt is the complex sequel to The Pomegranate Gate and it follows the journeys of the original characters from the first book. I am most fascinated by the relationship between the two sisters, Toba(bet) and Tsifera the Courser, and how things seem to be constantly changing. The worldbuilding here is rich in Jewish folklore, culture, and history, and the political machinations are worthy of any Machiavellian scheme.

I'm also pretty happy that two of the central characters are old women, both Elena and "the Old Woman", whose name has never been revealed. Senior characters are a rarity in most SFF, and here the Old Woman actually serves as useful, since she is the one that stays grounded to the most daily occurrences that most of the other characters seem to miss as they are going about their epic tasks of saving or destroying the worlds.

I eagerly await the yet-to-be-published final book, The Kingdom of Almonds, sometime next year! Kudos to the author for such an amazing book!

[lookmairead · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 Reasons to Read:

- Kaplan has an original feeling & fascinating hold in fantasy. She’s a “new-er voice” & I’d argue with my heavy fantasy lovers, this series needs to be in their TBR’s.

- This magic system was made for foodies. My goodness- I’m so hungry after reading this. Lentil soup, anyone?

- The world building kinda gives me Inception, the movie, x mythology-vibes My favorite were the mud animals & the carnivore horses…. But really, lots interesting gems at play here that Kaplan builds.

3 Things to Consider…

- Is it weird to love the characters growth and dialogue but still dislike their decisions for romance? I need to believe and root for the love. And there was plenty of romance… but I felt like this extent was almost not needed. But note, it’s closed door and not spicy.

- I don’t know when we’ll see updates for the next book, but I have no idea what comes next. And though I’ll ponder this for months, if incomplete series drive you nuts, take note.

- In Book 1, I had an audio/kindle mix and I missed having that option in book two. (Don’t get me wrong @netgalley & Kensington Publishing- I am forever grateful for the ARC on this- I didn’t realized I had become attached to the narrator’s style in the heavier parts of the book).


3.75/5 Rounded Up because I’m excited to watch Kaplan’s catalog grow.

[Jamie Feuerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great continuation of book one, loved the expanding of this world. It is a VERY lore heavy fantasy novel so there were a lot of moments where I was confused but I pushed through it. It was interesting to read more of the political side of things in this book, and I hope we get more in book three.

I didn’t love how the group was split up for most of the book but I did like how who characters were paired with was changed up somewhat from book one, though not as much as I’d like. I’d love to see different dynamics play out more in book three, which it seems like will finally happen based on where this left off. I have an ARC of the next (and final) book so I’m excited to read it.

[Ashley Daviau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed this immediately after reading the first book because I needed more of this world. And it definitely didn’t disappoint! It wasn’t QUITE as good as the first but it came pretty darn close. The world Kaplan has built is just absolutely breathtaking and the story is stunning. I’m very much looking forward to reading more from Kaplan!

[Madison Pollard-Shore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unlike a lot of second books in the trilogy, I found The Republic of Salt to be just as engaging as the Pomegranate Gate, and an overall very enjoyable read.

Despite not remembering a lot of the Pomegranate Gate from when I read it over a year ago, I was immediately sucked back in to the world, and my fear and fascination with the Maziks returned.

Trapped on opposite sides of the gate, Toba and Naftaly learn that what they do can impact each other, and they are forced to rely on each other, and a whole host of supporting characters. Personally, I adore Barsilay, with his resentment for what is being expected of him, and his attempts to reject his fate. After all, who hasn't wanted to rebel against what was expected of them?

The world building in this is spectacular, and the weaving of Jewish history and lore into this epic fantasy is so well done - I cannot wait for the third in the trilogy to come out!

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Pomegranate Gate offers one of the most unique premises I’ve encountered in historical fantasy. So I am willing to try the sekuel The Republic of Salt.

The storytelling still beautiful and mezmerize. The worldbuilding and slow pacing still intense and challenging and adds another layer of complexity.

The multiple characters are fascinating and written beautifully. I feel they representing diversity from real life.
The plot is dense, brimming with political intrigue and higher stakes for our main characters. It is imtriquing and make me engaging until the end.

I genuinely wish I could fully appreciate all brilliant concepts and ideas the author aimed to sharing with readers. 
I still felt I might not the best targeted reader for this book, but i saw the potential.

Thank you Netgalley and Solaris from Rebellion Publishing for providing copy of this ebook. I have voluntarily read and reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Expecting release date: 12 September 2024

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

nice continuation of the first book which i really liked but i felt all the plot threads did get quite messy towards the second half

[Ran · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[mattea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A huge thank you to NetGalley and to the publishers for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

The Republic of Salt starts right where the Pomegranate Gate left off, with our main team injured and scattered, with Toba Bet a flock of birds, and a magicless Asmel in the mortal world. On the other side of the gate, just outside Mazik Rimon, Elena, Naftaly, and the old woman have to nurse Barsilay back to health after he nearly died at the hands of the Courser.

While we spend the first third of the book or so traveling from Rimon to Zayit on both sides of the gate, this gives us a great insight into the world that Kaplan has built for us. Both groups are being pursued by the enemy, and must use their wits and cunning to evade la Caceria. I especially enjoyed the exploration of the Mazik world that Barsilay and Naftaly were traveling through, as well as the complex feelings that Toba Bet, Asmel, and Tsifra were battling on the mortal side.

Near the middle the pace slows as all the characters must set up the plot and prepare for the siege of Zayit by Tarses. Our group splits even more, so that our seven characters are now in four groups. This made the POV switches more drastic than earlier, as you have to catch yourself up to what all the different characters have been accomplishing recently. Here, the only part I was truly invested in was Toba Bet and Tsifra. They both are constantly battling within themselves, and it's captivating to read. Toba Bet must come to terms with being a buchuk, and what it means that the elder Toba is gone. Where does she fit into the world? Tsifra must also balance her hatred of Tarses, and her love of her sister with the knowledge that she is forever bound to him, and still secretly craves his approval and affection.

The pace picks up again near the end of the book, with showstopping conflicts between our main group of protagonists and Tarses's forces. With an ending that had me on the edge of my seat, I cannot wait for the third book!

[Marta Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok it’s been about a year since I read The Pomegranate Gate so it took me a few chapters to get back into the swing of things. Essentially Toba and Asmel are in the mortal realm which is clearly bad as being a Mazik means salt is poisonous to Asmel and Naftaly and the two human women are in the Mazik realm.
I did find the beginning a little slow as the various characters are all traveling and we get lots of different viewpoints as they each tell the reader what’s happening. This is fantasy that seats itself in history whilst adding Jewish myths to it which I found incredibly interesting. I will state that Naftaly is my favourite character even though those around him constantly underestimate and frankly baby him. Of course it’s the oldest female that made me smile the most because she’s quite simply a gem to read about ! There’s romance here but I just didn’t need it to be frank and I really enjoyed the juxtaposition as characters we thought bad could do a complete turn around. The later half when characters start to come together was fabulous and that ending is cruel because I turned the page and there was no more ! I certainly recommend this book if you enjoyed the first in this series although perhaps read closer together if possible to keep the flow going.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved jumping back into this world and mythology, and especially back with these characters. They're multi-faceted, and their interactions and relationships with one another are fascinating to see how they develop, especially Toba Bet (her developing relationships include herself).

(That's not to say she's my favourite, Barsilay still exists so . . . )

The magic system and world continues to take very direct inspiration from Jewish folklore, which is lovely and unique. This book was more of a road novel in that our characters were traveling for much of the book, and while I'll get to the plot in a moment, the format did give more glimpses of the world itself, which I loved.

However, having so much of the story be the different groups traveling did make the story seem a bit meandering and very much fall into the middle book trope of moving pieces into place for the grand finale.

I don't doubt that the finale will indeed be grand. We have fascinating world building, intriguing magic and lore, and absolutely compelling characters with stakes. There's so much to this series, that to be quite honest, this book did get by a bit on the goodwill built up from the first instalment when it comes to things like plot and character development. But sometimes, that's still enough to have a good time.

Thank you to the publisher, Erewhon Books, and to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Shayla · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc<3
I gave The Pomegranate Gate 5 stars when I read it earlier this year- I thought it was so interesting and unlike any other fantasy I had read. I still stand by that which is why I’m sad that I didn’t enjoy this one. I think unfortunately this book suffered a bit of “second book syndrome.” We spend a lot of time (like over 100 pages) in the beginning just traveling (which I’m typically cool with) but it just felt really boring and much less character heavy than I remember the first book being. I also had a pretty hard time trying to remember and understand what we were doing and why from the first book- I think I did this book a huge disservice by not re-reading The Pomegranate Gate. This is an arc which I know means that it is not a final copy, but I thought it was worth mentioning that there were a hefty amount of grammatical and spelling errors throughout. I enjoyed a couple of the character arcs we saw in this but I was also disappointed by how other characters seemed to completely fall flat. Overall I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t enjoy it either. I will definitely be re- reading both books before the third comes out next time.

[Mindy Schaper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book.

Loved the first book, and if it's possible, loved this one even more.

It has everything I love in fantasy:

- a big world with lots of places to travel to
- a large cast of characters, each unique
- adventures
- battle against evil

The book is very inventive, with a lot of clever twists and turns.

The relationship really blew me away this book. I was not only touched and moved by the absolutely amazing and sweet writing, but impressed at how flawed each character is and how their relationships struggles are already manifesting in the early stages. It's very realistic.

I also really liked the level of romance shown. I liked the emotional connection and strong dialogue with the light touch, literally. I appreciated the closed door scenes.

I also love that unconventional characters are used, like Elana and the old woman. (And please tell me the saffron the old women stole will fund them next book.)

There are also some very funny lines in the book.

The writing was gorgeous. The action was exciting. The relationships were sweet.

And I love that it's Jewish.

I just love everything about this book.

[Tali Nusbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its 2 Pomegranate 2 Gate!!! This book took everything exciting and interesting from the installment and tripled down, to great effect. The world becomes so much more developed in this one, with deeper explorations of the magic system, character growth, and lots of twists and turns. Even though it was clearly a set up for the finale, this book really advanced the plot and leveled up in all the right ways. And most importantly, the vibes remain absolutely excellent.

Some random mildly spoiler-y thoughts:

- Sorry to OG Toba, but Toba (bet) rules
- The new POV characters are so much villainous fun. I was really into the dynamics with the Courser and the Peregrine, obviously.
- Who is the old woman??
- Can there be just a modicum more spice in these books?
- Poor Zayit


Thank you to Kensington Publishing and Netgalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Lenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pomegranate Gate was one of my favorite reads this year, and so it was a treat to jump into its sequel without much time to wait. The Republic of Salt has a bit of a slow start, but then things really take off, and I couldn't look away. I am deeply invested in this Jewish Kabbalistic mirror world and its inhabitants, particularly Tsifra, whose relationship with Toba was the book's highlight for me. Elena and the mysterious "old woman" were also given a lot to do, and I appreciate the inclusion of older women. Kaplan's worldbuilding and magic system are unlike any other fantasy book I've read, and the way she embeds Jewish language, folklore, food, and mysticism is stunning, but it won't be an obstacle for those interested in the series. I can't wait for the third installment.

[Phoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn’t remember a lot of the detail of The Pomegranate Gate, but as it turns out, it doesn’t matter. Kaplan’s prose is so engaging, despite the fact it’s frequently set at a slight distance, that I was drawn right into it again. Our protagonists are separated and in danger: some in the realm of the Maziks, others in the mortal realm; but because of the workings of the mirror, one affects the other.

There’s peril, warfare, siege, magic; there’s dreamwalking and demons and romance and humour. I’ve no idea how so much is packed in but the story was riveting. There’s a lot of plot, so less time to focus on the multiple characters, but I loved them just as much from the last time. We got to see a lot more of the romances playing out as well. Middle books are often tricky to handle, but there is enough compelling drama to pull you along. There are few fantasies like it.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an interesting second installment of this series. I thought it was a duology so surprised at the end, which was clearly also a beginning.
In this book there is a lot of hopping in between the Mazik cities and the mortal cities. More characters get their own bits of stories which makes for a confusing read at times.
However the world-building and details are so intricate and inspired that you are sucked in as a reader.
This book more so than book one was incredibly tense all the way through. Might be good to alternate this with a lighter book.
Our protagonists run into a myriad of issues both in their awake and dream worlds.
Such interesting concepts and ideas. I love the moral gray areas of the characters and their thought processes.
I cannot wait for the next book in the series.

[Venneh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, this is a pretty damn solid second book in a trilogy that raises the stakes, makes a side character undergo a really neat existential reckoning with herself, and has a bunch of queer kids trying to find their way as they're being uprooted by the Inquisition and transitions in the magic world. Hell of a cliffhanger. In for the last book.

[Phee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why did I think this was a duology? And why is there nothing about a sequel. I would have probably held off reading it if I had known. That being said I loved the continuation of this world and these characters.

[maddie's reading]

the cover?!?!?!??!? i need this book immediately

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining but I struggled to get back into this world and to remember all of the specific terminology and characters without much help from the first few chapters - it’s been quite a while since I read book 1 and I honestly still only have a vague recollection of what happened in it, so I don’t think I enjoyed this as much as I would have if it was fresh in my mind. I’m still curious as to how the series will conclude, however.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Either forgot to review this at the time, or Goodreads lost my entry. I remember it as a worthy sequel, with strong characters (particularly the female ones), high stakes, plenty of action, and clever thinking. I think the reader was good too. What I don’t recall is whether the story concluded or not….