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Burn the Sea Series
Before I Bow
Not yet published
Expected 13 Apr 27The stunning sequel to bestseller Burn the Sea, Before I Bow is an anticolonial historical fantasy about one of India's fiercest queens that culminates in a battle for the heart—and future—of her kingdom.
Queen to a people. Mother to an heir. A reckoning to her enemies.
Five years have passed since Abbakka Chowta drove the monstrous Porcugi from the shores of her homeland, but she knows a strategic retreat when she sees one. Biding her time while raising her daughter in Ullal away from her husband's manipulations, she is resolved to keep her family and her homeland out of the Porcugi's grasp.
Negotiations with a neighboring kingdom soon reunite Abbakka with her husband, and even with the protection of her community of fierce women, Abbakka finds herself more vulnerable than ever. She now must balance strength, statecraft, and secrecy to protect them all from the Porcugi's rising tides . . . but when a long-lost friend reappears in the unlikeliest of places, the queen must decide whether the alliance can be trusted or her daughter's future will be plunged beneath the waves.
The stunning conclusion to Mona Tewari's historical fantasy of 1500s South India, Before I Bow is an unflinching exploration of allegiances of the heart, the blood, and the blade . . . and the sacrifices we make to uphold our fiercest beliefs.
Queen to a people. Mother to an heir. A reckoning to her enemies.
Five years have passed since Abbakka Chowta drove the monstrous Porcugi from the shores of her homeland, but she knows a strategic retreat when she sees one. Biding her time while raising her daughter in Ullal away from her husband's manipulations, she is resolved to keep her family and her homeland out of the Porcugi's grasp.
Negotiations with a neighboring kingdom soon reunite Abbakka with her husband, and even with the protection of her community of fierce women, Abbakka finds herself more vulnerable than ever. She now must balance strength, statecraft, and secrecy to protect them all from the Porcugi's rising tides . . . but when a long-lost friend reappears in the unlikeliest of places, the queen must decide whether the alliance can be trusted or her daughter's future will be plunged beneath the waves.
The stunning conclusion to Mona Tewari's historical fantasy of 1500s South India, Before I Bow is an unflinching exploration of allegiances of the heart, the blood, and the blade . . . and the sacrifices we make to uphold our fiercest beliefs.
- GenresFantasy
Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 13, 2027
About the author
Mona Tewari
2 books126 followersMona Tewari has long been fascinated by the ways in which narratives of legends and histories shape our views of the present. A graduate of Caltech and UCSF, Tewari practiced as a pediatric dentist for years before turning to writing fiction. As the daughter of two immigrants from India, she didn’t see herself represented in popular media while growing up and became determined to show her daughters they belong in every world. Tewari lives with her husband, daughters, and dogs in New England.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 5, 2026
Read for work, Mona omg 🤩😭🤩😭🤩😭🤩😭🤩😭
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Sequels are extremely hard for an author to nail, but I think they’re exceptionally difficult in the historical fantasy genre. In recent years, I’ve seen countless authors fumble their way through lore they’ve carefully established, rush their endings, or abandon important story and character elements (seriously, sometimes they simply evaporate). Honestly, the list goes on. Naturally, I had those same fears when I sat down with this book.
Burn the Sea brought a sense of originality to a fantasy landscape filled with recycled storylines and familiar lore. A combination of history that doesn't receive recognition, a warrior queen refusing to bow, a culture that's ready for the literary spotlight. But does Before I Bow bring that narrative to a satisfying, holistic conclusion? That was the test Mona Tewari faced, and compared to her contemporaries in the genre she passes with flying colours (I know many readers will give this 5 stars no doubt), but personally, I feel...neutral.
Momentum is incredibly important to a narrative’s execution. I previously read Burn the Sea in a single day because the writing had such an enrapturing quality. The story ended at a fever pitch, promising that book two would open with the same ferocity. So many plot points had been set in motion, and I was eager to see where they would lead (an important one being Thevan's return, hallelujah).
However, I do think the opening five-year time jump hampered the book. I wish we got the story of those five years, and not where Book 2 began. It took me a while to feel settled back into the world, especially with our Queen and a little princess taking on an increasingly important role in the narrative. The threat of the Porcugi remains, with their looming tar of colonization continuing to hang over the narrative. Meanwhile, Rani Abbakka makes some choices that will undoubtedly frustrate readers, I know they certainly frustrated me.
Before I Bow also revisits the fantastical elements, with Matanta reassuming a role that reminded me of Aslan from The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.
Overall, do I think the ending was memorable? Did it stick the landing? I’m still ruminating on that one.
What I will say is that Before I Bow is ultimately a testament to a mother’s love and enduring sacrifice, intertwined with the relentless weight and responsibility of leadership. There are never any easy choices.
My thanks to Bindery Books for the early copy!
Burn the Sea brought a sense of originality to a fantasy landscape filled with recycled storylines and familiar lore. A combination of history that doesn't receive recognition, a warrior queen refusing to bow, a culture that's ready for the literary spotlight. But does Before I Bow bring that narrative to a satisfying, holistic conclusion? That was the test Mona Tewari faced, and compared to her contemporaries in the genre she passes with flying colours (I know many readers will give this 5 stars no doubt), but personally, I feel...neutral.
Momentum is incredibly important to a narrative’s execution. I previously read Burn the Sea in a single day because the writing had such an enrapturing quality. The story ended at a fever pitch, promising that book two would open with the same ferocity. So many plot points had been set in motion, and I was eager to see where they would lead (an important one being Thevan's return, hallelujah).
However, I do think the opening five-year time jump hampered the book. I wish we got the story of those five years, and not where Book 2 began. It took me a while to feel settled back into the world, especially with our Queen and a little princess taking on an increasingly important role in the narrative. The threat of the Porcugi remains, with their looming tar of colonization continuing to hang over the narrative. Meanwhile, Rani Abbakka makes some choices that will undoubtedly frustrate readers, I know they certainly frustrated me.
Before I Bow also revisits the fantastical elements, with Matanta reassuming a role that reminded me of Aslan from The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.
Overall, do I think the ending was memorable? Did it stick the landing? I’m still ruminating on that one.
What I will say is that Before I Bow is ultimately a testament to a mother’s love and enduring sacrifice, intertwined with the relentless weight and responsibility of leadership. There are never any easy choices.
My thanks to Bindery Books for the early copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Before I Bow is absolutely phenomenal! This is the second book in The Fearless Queen Duology, the followup to Burn the Sea and it is such a worthwhile read! Mona Tewari is such a gifted storyteller and within her books she creates such an immersive experience that it’s easy to get lost in them. She explains the food, the culture, the clothing, the weaponry so vividly and in such a captivating way that I was inspired to look them up and see real world examples. The character development is so well done I found myself deeply invested in their progression, trying to determine the different strategic angles ahead of time, and grieving the losses that they endured. Mona Tewari told Abbakka Chowta’s story in such a powerful way and I can not recommend this duology enough.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Everything I could have hoped for after the explosive opening Bury the Sea delivered, and then some.
Before I Bow picks up five years after the Porcugi were driven from Ulall's shores. Unfortunately, victory hasn't translated into peace. If anything, it's started a rather ominous ticking clock, as Abbakka and her ever-expanding collection of companions set out to secure allies (and inadvertently acquire a few enemies) in the hopes of ensuring that, when those scaled bastards inevitably return, it'll be for the very last time.
Reading BIB felt rather like Tewari had broken into my brain, rifled through my grievances with the first book, and gone, "Yeah, I got you, mate."
And BOY HOWDY, did she.
Everything I adored about Bury the Sea was dialled up to eleven, while practically every niggle I'd had was not only addressed but, in several cases, turned into something infinitely more satisfying than whatever I'd have suggested myself. It's not often a sequel manages to improve upon its predecessor so comprehensively, but here we are.
Among the many, MANY things we got:
1. More Matanta. My King. My beloved. No further explanation necessary.
2. Larkmashpa's chronic wet-paper-blanketism becoming an ACTUAL PLOT POINT. Not only did Tewari acknowledge it, but the man developed SELF-AWARENESS. Character development! We love to see it!
3. More Devi and Abbakka. Enough to have me alternating between making embarrassing little noises of affection and actively fighting for my emotional wellbeing. (spoiler alert I lost).
4. Less court gossip, more murder-y court politics. Scheming, danger, and considerably more incentive to watch one's back. Delicious.
5. Pacing so impossibly smooth that I was beginning to suspect the entire book had been churned from butter. Not a lull, not a slog, and certainly not a moment when I wanted to put the bloody thing down.
6. Abbakka continuing to be an absolute Goddess, effortlessly retaining her crown as my favourite FMC for the SECOND YEAR RUNNING. Frankly, the competition ought to be embarrassed.
What makes it all the more satisfying is that none of these improvements feel like concessions. BIB doesn't abandon what made its predecessor so compelling; it takes those foundations and builds something richer, more assured, and somehow even more emotionally devastating on top of them.
We got so much of the ensemble cast from the first book that I loved and more of them. We get Parushi, we get Tevan, we get the one dickhead who I won't name for spoilery purposes but you bet your ass I was cheering my booty off. And the new characters Tewari introduced to the table only added a delicious new level of trickery, deception and occasionally genuine friendship.
Speaking of emotional devastation.
TWO BOOKS IN A ROW WITH EPILOGUES THAT REDUCED ME TO AN UGLY SOBBING WRECK.
Tewari and I are no longer friends. Our relationship is irreparably damaged, and I shall be lodging a formal complaint.
Naturally, I will also be demanding that every single book she writes from this point onwards be drip-fed directly into my bloodstream via IV. Preferably without interruption.
Before I Bow picks up five years after the Porcugi were driven from Ulall's shores. Unfortunately, victory hasn't translated into peace. If anything, it's started a rather ominous ticking clock, as Abbakka and her ever-expanding collection of companions set out to secure allies (and inadvertently acquire a few enemies) in the hopes of ensuring that, when those scaled bastards inevitably return, it'll be for the very last time.
Reading BIB felt rather like Tewari had broken into my brain, rifled through my grievances with the first book, and gone, "Yeah, I got you, mate."
And BOY HOWDY, did she.
Everything I adored about Bury the Sea was dialled up to eleven, while practically every niggle I'd had was not only addressed but, in several cases, turned into something infinitely more satisfying than whatever I'd have suggested myself. It's not often a sequel manages to improve upon its predecessor so comprehensively, but here we are.
Among the many, MANY things we got:
1. More Matanta. My King. My beloved. No further explanation necessary.
2. Larkmashpa's chronic wet-paper-blanketism becoming an ACTUAL PLOT POINT. Not only did Tewari acknowledge it, but the man developed SELF-AWARENESS. Character development! We love to see it!
3. More Devi and Abbakka. Enough to have me alternating between making embarrassing little noises of affection and actively fighting for my emotional wellbeing. (spoiler alert I lost).
4. Less court gossip, more murder-y court politics. Scheming, danger, and considerably more incentive to watch one's back. Delicious.
5. Pacing so impossibly smooth that I was beginning to suspect the entire book had been churned from butter. Not a lull, not a slog, and certainly not a moment when I wanted to put the bloody thing down.
6. Abbakka continuing to be an absolute Goddess, effortlessly retaining her crown as my favourite FMC for the SECOND YEAR RUNNING. Frankly, the competition ought to be embarrassed.
What makes it all the more satisfying is that none of these improvements feel like concessions. BIB doesn't abandon what made its predecessor so compelling; it takes those foundations and builds something richer, more assured, and somehow even more emotionally devastating on top of them.
We got so much of the ensemble cast from the first book that I loved and more of them. We get Parushi, we get Tevan, we get the one dickhead who I won't name for spoilery purposes but you bet your ass I was cheering my booty off. And the new characters Tewari introduced to the table only added a delicious new level of trickery, deception and occasionally genuine friendship.
Speaking of emotional devastation.
TWO BOOKS IN A ROW WITH EPILOGUES THAT REDUCED ME TO AN UGLY SOBBING WRECK.
Tewari and I are no longer friends. Our relationship is irreparably damaged, and I shall be lodging a formal complaint.
Naturally, I will also be demanding that every single book she writes from this point onwards be drip-fed directly into my bloodstream via IV. Preferably without interruption.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Blending South Indian history, mythology, and fantasy, Tewari crafts a richly imagined tale of power, duty, and destiny that offers a refreshing alternative to traditional European-inspired fantasy.
As the second and final book in the duology, Before I Bow raises the emotional stakes while bringing the story to a meaningful conclusion. The sequel builds on the strengths of the first installment, offering greater emotional complexity, a more developed heroine, and continued political intrigue within a distinctive historical fantasy setting. Tewari’s attention to cultural detail remains a highlight, with vivid descriptions of food, clothing, traditions, and weaponry that bring the world to life and establish a strong sense of place.
The novel’s greatest strengths lie in its distinctive setting, determined heroine, and exploration of resistance, motherhood, and the personal cost of leadership. However, pacing and the handling of the time jump may not work equally well for every reader, and the conclusion may leave some wanting a more fully realized payoff.
There is also a slower reentry into the story. Readers expecting the same immediate momentum as the first book may find the transition less engaging, particularly as the narrative takes time to reestablish its characters and circumstances. While this allows for a deeper exploration of the story’s emotional landscape, it does take some time for the sequel to regain its momentum.
Overall, Before I Bow is a satisfying conclusion that stands out for its rich cultural worldbuilding, determined heroine, and exploration of power, resistance, motherhood, and the cost of leadership. Tewari’s blend of South Indian history, mythology, and fantasy continues to offer something fresh and distinctive. While the slower reintroduction to the story, time jump, and pacing occasionally affect the momentum, the sequel builds on the strengths of the first book with greater emotional depth and a meaningful resolution. It may not have the same immediate pull as its predecessor, but it offers a rewarding continuation for readers invested in the characters and their world.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I am pleasantly surprised how strong "Before I Bow" held up to the expectation the first book created. Such heartbreaking, yet awe evoking representation of a fight for freedom.
The book managed to immerse me into the story deeply. It is a well crafted showcase of what it means to lead a country, but also what the fight for power brings with it.
One of Tewari's strengths, which I already loved in the first part, is definitely to convey the journey from a faceless monster to one of empathy and understanding. The moment someone is not a stranger anymore, the dynamic and emotions change so immensely. The snakes become more humane once they see their grief for their fallen child. The neighbour's they fought for a piece of land become respectable once met. The disappointed friend sees the strengths and growth once they drop the act.
I appreciate that representation. It truly captures the complexity of war and politics, but also kinship. But it also, especially with the Portuguese as colonizers, shows the truth of history. It is written by its victors. I appreciate that the author turned around this statement by representing the Portuguese as not human, when it used to be the other way around.
I also appreciate the amount of research that must have gone into it. Often, historical fictions struggle with creating a realistic word around the subject - their sole focus is one aspect. I personally felt that this was not the case at all here. It felt as if Tewari truly knew what she was talking about, more than just aspects of Rani Abbakka's story. The details about food, clothes, politics, horses, etc. gave this story so much more depth. (And my browser's countless more tabs of topics I want to read up on and foods I want to try)
I have read an ARC of this book, and I must say that the story definitely holds up. The prose continues to be gorgeous, though there were still some parts that will hopefully be smoothed out in the final release.
Even with those few bumps, this definitely makes it to my favorite books of the year, and I definitely want to come back to it after reading up on these topics. Thank you for that lovely experience! :)
The book managed to immerse me into the story deeply. It is a well crafted showcase of what it means to lead a country, but also what the fight for power brings with it.
One of Tewari's strengths, which I already loved in the first part, is definitely to convey the journey from a faceless monster to one of empathy and understanding. The moment someone is not a stranger anymore, the dynamic and emotions change so immensely. The snakes become more humane once they see their grief for their fallen child. The neighbour's they fought for a piece of land become respectable once met. The disappointed friend sees the strengths and growth once they drop the act.
I appreciate that representation. It truly captures the complexity of war and politics, but also kinship. But it also, especially with the Portuguese as colonizers, shows the truth of history. It is written by its victors. I appreciate that the author turned around this statement by representing the Portuguese as not human, when it used to be the other way around.
I also appreciate the amount of research that must have gone into it. Often, historical fictions struggle with creating a realistic word around the subject - their sole focus is one aspect. I personally felt that this was not the case at all here. It felt as if Tewari truly knew what she was talking about, more than just aspects of Rani Abbakka's story. The details about food, clothes, politics, horses, etc. gave this story so much more depth. (And my browser's countless more tabs of topics I want to read up on and foods I want to try)
I have read an ARC of this book, and I must say that the story definitely holds up. The prose continues to be gorgeous, though there were still some parts that will hopefully be smoothed out in the final release.
Even with those few bumps, this definitely makes it to my favorite books of the year, and I definitely want to come back to it after reading up on these topics. Thank you for that lovely experience! :)
October 4, 2026
Synopsis:
Five years have passed since Abbakka Chowta drove the monstrous Porcugi from the shores of her homeland, but she knows a strategic retreat when she sees one. Biding her time while raising her daughter in Ullal away from her husband's manipulations, she is resolved to keep her family and her homeland out of the Porcugi's grasp. Negotiations with a neighboring kingdom soon reunite Abbakka with her husband, and even with the protection of her community of fierce women, Abbakka finds herself more vulnerable than ever. She now must balance strength, statecraft, and secrecy to protect them all from the Porcugi's rising tides . . . but when a long-lost friend reappears in the unlikeliest of places, the queen must decide whether the alliance can be trusted or her daughter's future will be plunged beneath the waves.
Review:
I recently devoured the first book of this duology - Burn The Sea and so was thrilled to be an early reader for this book. I had to read it right away - TBR be damned. This book had the same beautiful writing and imagery that I've come to love from the first. I did find it took time to build the plot and develop the characters, so the action did not start until later in the book. Having fallen in love with the characters, I kept reading nonetheless and was not at all let down with the twists and action that came later on. I said this in my first review - I am not a usual fantasy reader - but Mona has me reconsidering my stance. This book is the perfect ending to this brilliant duology. Ullal will stay with me forever. These stories are inspired by a real-life warrior queen of the same name - and I LOVE a badass FMC, even moreso when she was a real person!
Five years have passed since Abbakka Chowta drove the monstrous Porcugi from the shores of her homeland, but she knows a strategic retreat when she sees one. Biding her time while raising her daughter in Ullal away from her husband's manipulations, she is resolved to keep her family and her homeland out of the Porcugi's grasp. Negotiations with a neighboring kingdom soon reunite Abbakka with her husband, and even with the protection of her community of fierce women, Abbakka finds herself more vulnerable than ever. She now must balance strength, statecraft, and secrecy to protect them all from the Porcugi's rising tides . . . but when a long-lost friend reappears in the unlikeliest of places, the queen must decide whether the alliance can be trusted or her daughter's future will be plunged beneath the waves.
Review:
I recently devoured the first book of this duology - Burn The Sea and so was thrilled to be an early reader for this book. I had to read it right away - TBR be damned. This book had the same beautiful writing and imagery that I've come to love from the first. I did find it took time to build the plot and develop the characters, so the action did not start until later in the book. Having fallen in love with the characters, I kept reading nonetheless and was not at all let down with the twists and action that came later on. I said this in my first review - I am not a usual fantasy reader - but Mona has me reconsidering my stance. This book is the perfect ending to this brilliant duology. Ullal will stay with me forever. These stories are inspired by a real-life warrior queen of the same name - and I LOVE a badass FMC, even moreso when she was a real person!
October 9, 2026
Before I Bow had a seamless start, it picks up 5 years after the end of Burn the Sea. We continue to follow Rani Abbakka as she navigates a complex political climate while she continues her fight against the Porcugi (the half man/half snake monsters intent on colonizing the coast). The Porcugi have demand a tithe in exchange for safety - from them - and Abbakka continues to refuse to bow to their demands. Once the momentum built up it didn’t let go until the very end. There was so much ferocity from this fearless queen who knew exactly when to listen and when to take action.
The heart of this book was all of the relationships Abbakka fostered. Between her and her daughter Devi, Parushi, Nallini and with other leaders. The insightful lessons from Matanta the green lion were woven so smoothly into the storyline at the most beautiful perfect moments. I feel like I need to reread just those chapters one more time!!!
Also the food descriptions really made me hungry and I want to try so many of them - banana halwa, ganne ke ras (sugarcane juice), tamarind chutney, and more. I want a Burn the Sea cookbook!!
Thank you Bindery Books for this early copy!
The heart of this book was all of the relationships Abbakka fostered. Between her and her daughter Devi, Parushi, Nallini and with other leaders. The insightful lessons from Matanta the green lion were woven so smoothly into the storyline at the most beautiful perfect moments. I feel like I need to reread just those chapters one more time!!!
Also the food descriptions really made me hungry and I want to try so many of them - banana halwa, ganne ke ras (sugarcane juice), tamarind chutney, and more. I want a Burn the Sea cookbook!!
Thank you Bindery Books for this early copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
September 29, 2026This was one of the most seamless duology transitions I've ever read. Mona Tewari does a beautiful job of picking up right where she left us in Burn the Sea. Within the first few pages it felt as though I'd never left the story. Additionally Tewari writes with such immersive language, the clothes, foods and traditions come to life.
Before I Bow is a continued tale of perseverance, resistance and the belief that community can overcome. Rani Abbakka is determined in her goal to resist the Porcugi, though it never feels like a power play. Her resistance is rooted in her care for the people of Ullal, and the knowledge that they can thrive without submitting to the manipulations of the Porcugi and their allies.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this duology and rate it among my top reads for 2026. I find it hard to separate Burn the Sea and Before I Bow in my mind because they are both so well written. I highly recommend them both to anyone looking for a historical fantasy retelling. Thank you to NetGalley, and Bindery for the ARC of Before I Bow.
Before I Bow is a continued tale of perseverance, resistance and the belief that community can overcome. Rani Abbakka is determined in her goal to resist the Porcugi, though it never feels like a power play. Her resistance is rooted in her care for the people of Ullal, and the knowledge that they can thrive without submitting to the manipulations of the Porcugi and their allies.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this duology and rate it among my top reads for 2026. I find it hard to separate Burn the Sea and Before I Bow in my mind because they are both so well written. I highly recommend them both to anyone looking for a historical fantasy retelling. Thank you to NetGalley, and Bindery for the ARC of Before I Bow.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“A fierce queen, a mother’s devotion, and an unyielding fight for freedom.”
The story balances intense political statecraft with deeply personal stakes. What I loved most about this book was watching Rani Abbakka navigate the delicate balance between being a strong ruler and a devoted mother. Her fiercest strength comes from her determination to protect both her daughter’s future and her people’s homeland from the invading Porcugi. She fights for her land with every breath, surrounded by her incredible community of women, and her refusal to back down, even when forced into vulnerable negotiations and unexpected reunions is inspiring.
A big thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book!
The story balances intense political statecraft with deeply personal stakes. What I loved most about this book was watching Rani Abbakka navigate the delicate balance between being a strong ruler and a devoted mother. Her fiercest strength comes from her determination to protect both her daughter’s future and her people’s homeland from the invading Porcugi. She fights for her land with every breath, surrounded by her incredible community of women, and her refusal to back down, even when forced into vulnerable negotiations and unexpected reunions is inspiring.
A big thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I started this without reading Burn the Sea and honestly I struggled to get into the story at first. The world and characters felt a little difficult to follow without the context of the first book. But i understood later and I really appreciate the blend of South Indian history, mythology, and fantasy. The themes of leadership, motherhood, and sacrifice also sound beautiful and meaningful. I feel like I might have connected with the story better if I'd read the first book beforehand. Definitely recommend reading this duology in order.
Thank you for the ARC.
Thank you for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Abbakka is such a compelling character, and I loved seeing her strength and determination throughout the story. A fantastic read!
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