Son of the Salt Chaser

Salt Chasers #2

by A.S. Thornton

The gift of magic may be a curse.

After her desert-transforming wish, Emel follows Saalim to Madinat Almulihi to reclaim all she has lost. But the seaside city is not what she expected. When she is tasked with assisting the palace healer, she is faced daily with the reminder that Saalim—focused only on seeking the revenge of those who killed his family—does not remember her at all.

Cursing the magic that destroyed her love and brought her to an unwelcoming city, Emel regrets her decision to leave her settlement. That is, until she meets Kas. Though inscrutable, he is the first person to help her forget her past, and the pull of finding happiness with him tempts her from the life she wished for with Saalim.

But darkness waits in the desert, and not all people in Madinat Almulihi are what they seem. When Emel understands she is entangled in the fate of the city—and of Saalim—she is faced with the realization that magic may be the most powerful card in her hand. It might be the only way to save all that she loves, but if she plays her hand wrong, it could destroy everything.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Audiobook, Fantasy Romance, Adult, Fiction

436 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2022

About the author

A.S. Thornton has evolved from book blogger to author with a particular fondness for writing forbidden love in ancient deserts.

She lives with her husband who deserves a trophy for the amount of gooey love scenes he’s edited. After spending time in Chicago and Colorado, they decided the snow is wholly overrated, and settled in Northern California.

When not writing, she’s taking care of dogs and cats as a veterinarian. You’ll never find animals at the center of her writing, though. Those fictional worlds don’t have veterinarians and her literal brain can’t accept that the poor critters would be without parasite prevention.

Reviews

[A. S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

It makes my heart so happy to have a completed version of Saalim and Emel's story in my hands. I hope you all love them as much as I do.

Thank you for being readers and fans. It means the world. <3

[Ai Takeuchi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading the book in one sitting: the kids had alot of extra screen time today! It was amazing to see how Emel and Saalim’s story ended. It left me wanting more about some of the other characters! I could not put it down!

[JLA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beta reader
I was so excited to dive back into this amazing world. I can't wait until it's fully published.

[Bright Star · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC from Edelweiss in exchange for a honest review.


2.5 stars

Well, it's hard to write this review.
After loving Daughter of the Salt King I was very excited to read this final book. But Son of the Salt Chaser wasn't what I expected. It wasn't what I wanted. If I have to sum up my emotions with one word, then this is it: frustration.

I'm frustrated at this book. It had the potential to be a great sequel, and yet it failed completely. Aside some (predictable) plot twists and a rushed final confrontation, nothing really happens. But you know what? I wouldn't have minded if the characters and their development filled this void. Instead, we didn't have that either. They weren't the same characters I feel in love with in the first book. It was like the author didn't know what to do with this story, and just filled the pages with some things until the final chapters. In the last 30 pages (out of 400) I found what I was looking for, but it was too late. I'm sad and disappointed.

Now more than ever I can say that this story should have been a stand-alone. With some additional chapters and a final closure, Daughter of the Salt King would have been perfect.

[Holly Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, the reason I signed up for this tour was because I loved the first and second CamCat Books duologies I had read -- The Marghazar Trials by Aamna Qureshi and the Gold Spun duology by Brandie June -- so I figured this duology would also be a winner. And boy was I right! In fact, this is one of those rare cases where the second book is even better than the first (and hearing that the author drafted and polished it when dealing with a newborn blew my mind!).

I listened to book one on audio before diving in to my ARC of book two (same as I had done for both of the previous duologies mentioned), and I’ll say CamCat does an excellent job with their audiobooks. The narrator of Daughter of the Salt King was fantastic, and I was glad I listened because I could hear how names and words should be pronounced before seeing them in print. I won’t get too in depth with Son of the Salt Chaser because I don’t want to spoil anything for those who haven’t read book one yet, but suffice to say I loved it even more than the first. Several times I was brought to tears realizing how something that seemed small in the first book was brought full circle in the second. The plotting was tight and nuanced and I loved the connection between the two books. There were also several times where I actually gasped at twists and reveals that shocked me, which honestly is a great measure of a book for me! Things may have been a wee bit tidy at the end, but it didn’t bother me at all because I just loved spending time in the story of Emel and Saalim and all those around them. Cannot recommend this one highly enough!

Rating: 5 stars!

**Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book for purposes of this blog tour. This review is voluntary on my part and reflects my honest rating and review of the book.

[MikeLikesBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to be an ARC reader for Son of the a salt Chaser. Unfortunately, I did not read the first book of the duology. I feel like I didn’t have a lot of the background of Saalim and Emel that would have enriched my experience listening to this audiobook. I loved the setting of the story. I could picture the struggles traveling the desert with lack of water. I like books with magic and this did not disappoint. I wasn’t surprised by the ending. I was expecting a happily ever after. It was a sweet ending and I felt it ended at a good place. I’m sure the biggest question that needed answered was “Is his snake big?”. The narrator was exceptional and made listening enjoyable. I would Read book one before jumping into book 2.

I want to thank Net Galley and IBPA for the audiobook. I give this review voluntarily and is my own opinion.

[Critical Sandwich · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was partially more interesting than the Daughter

I am happy I have read the series though. Jinni and desert isn't something I usually go for, but what I liked about this is that the characters were reluctant to use magic in the first place and in the end came to conclusion "all magic bad".
I didn't care much abuot the characters or the plot though. There were too many characters and I kept forgeting who was who

Series overview
Salt Chasers:
1. Daughter of the Salt King 3.5/5 stars
2. Son of the Salt Chaser: 2/5 stars
Series total: 5.5/10 stars

[Michelle (Bamamele.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the first book soooo much and this was a satisfying sequel overall. I love Emel and Saalim so much and it tore at my heart to have them separated with his memory gone. I think the setup and story progression worked well. The reveals were surprising and ultimately made sense. There was a section toward the end though that felt a bit disjointed with character motivations and actions not making the most sense, and I struggled through that part. But the actual end and conclusion was really beautiful and touching.
I’m so happy Emel and Saalim got the ending they earned❤️

4.5 stars

[JP · Rating 4 out of 5]

Son of the Salt Chaser by A. S. Thornton was the final book in the Salt Chasers series. The book starts with Saalim gong home. Heather must take his place as king and find answers. The tale was woven with much mystery and intrigue. Can Emel find peace there and live with her past? Will Saslim ever remember? All these things plagued me and the author took many twists and turns to reach the HEA. The audiobook was narrated by Vaneh Assadourian and she was excellent.
Thanks CamCat Books via NetGalley.

[Sophie (lambsbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I am strong," Emel continued. "Because I see your magic and say, I don't need it. I am enough." Emel stood. "You told me that comfort and power are bred from wealth. You are wrong. They are bred from suffering. And there is nothing the desert has taught me if not how to endure hardship."

[Kimberly #Audiofile · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I enjoyed the first story slightly more than this one but I still enjoyed this one. Book two focused on the aftermath of our fmcs wish.
There is a hea and a lot more f ups and downs in this one.
Worth the listen I really did like the premise of the storyline

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so excellent. Loved every minute.

[Alexis (Lexi.84.02) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing style is so beautifully written that it feels more like watching a movie than reading a book.

[Becca Mee · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars

I loved the first book in this series so I was so pumped to dive into SOTSC! I loved seeing Emel get on her feet and find confidence in who she is in this book after all of the abuse she suffered at the hands of her father. I also loved seeing Saalim’s POV and watching the him and Emel find their way back to each other. SON OF THE SALT CHASER was a romantic and magical story and I really enjoyed this duology! ⁣

[Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

“Remembering our past is the burdensome rite of living.”

I had meant to read this a long while ago but only now have gotten to reading it. Sad to say it was not as much of a delight as the first.

I felt like much of this book was filler.The characters sort of go about their lives for seemingly pages and pages and even when something eventful is meant to happen, it passes without much notice. For a book that’s over 600 pages the story dragged and I found myself bored. The moments intended to be emotional lacked depth and certain scenes were rushed when they could’ve lingered. I saw the twists coming long before they got there, making them lose their impact and I got tired of the same motifs being repeated too many times. For instance, if I heard anyone say “fewer eyes” one more time I was gonna chuck the book out the window.

To me the last book’s greatest triumph was it’s focus on the characters. In getting invested in their story it pulled the narrative along without much effort, not needing a ton of extra plot to fill in gaps, although what was there was just as good. This story however lacked character development and kind of obliterated what I had liked about the characters before. Old side characters wrapped up their plots quickly and then were disappeared until they were useful and new characters came in only to be underdeveloped so there was little to care about. Saalim and Emel were still meant to be the central focus but their personalities changed somehow to where they weren’t as enjoyable to read about anymore either.

I had so looked forward to exploring a new and even deeper, more complex side to the romance between Saalim and Emel but they barely interact for much of the book. Even when they finally do manage to spend time together for longer than the space of a page, everything leans sexual. Honestly their characters just weren’t reminiscent of who they were in the first book, it was as if I was reading a whole other story. Emel came off as a self-righteous know it all and standoffish to Saalim which was ironic given she spent so much time complaining about not being able to be close to him, a problem she often caused. And as for Saalim, his memory wipe took him back to an immature, angry version of himself which would’ve been fine had there been progress over the book but there wasn’t much. He continues to need reassurance over every decision, being so insecure in himself and his choices, becoming someone who just moons over Emel. As the jinni he had little decisions of his own but he still managed to have the confidence to love Emel, care for her respectfully and make choices about what he wanted. As this version of himself he’s kind of just an apologetic simp for lack of a better way to describe it.

I also believe that part of where this book went wrong was focusing on an underlying race and religion messaging plot. All the marginalization / discrimination language and actions surrounding salt chasers and then the discussions regarding Eiqab and Wahir were to me thinly veiled messaging that didn’t need to be there. Again it just created unnecessary filler that divided Saalim and Emel and poked holes in the previously established plot from the last book. Considering that Saalim never mentioned bias before when he was a jinni speaking about his home, he either lied to Emel or these things were introduced as a plot device for appeasement of certain readers, something I always think is not worth doing for authors.

There were other plot discrepancies along the way which nagged a bit, like Saalim saying he had wanted to be with Emel since the moment he saw her in this life and the last, well the first moment he saw her in his last life was with her as a child so that’s a bit disturbing if true. Otherwise it’s just a plotting error. Then there was the mystery surrounding Saalim’s mother. He struggles with his past and feelings towards her the whole book, yet when we finally have a chance to know her, her story becomes a throwaway for the main conflict and it’s as if Saalim never even comes to know about it. To me that was a big plot hole, the one thing in his past he had the most emotion over isn’t ever fully resolved. A lot of threads felt that way unfortunately, one I even had to ask the author for more clarity on (if it’s still up you can see it on the Goodreads page). Even having that answer, I still found that this book seemed to have a problem with making resolutions more implicit, a matter of inference and less explicit where details are fully fleshed out like before and we can know for certain the full conclusions without needing to fill in bigger gaps.

The ending was a little bittersweet but I can’t complain too much how things ended up. Even considering all of the above, the book was still entertaining. Was it as wonderful as the last? I would have to say no. I think it could’ve been had the author really just gone with a plot dedicated to Saalim and Emel, having them interact more and not going off on so much extra. In the end, shorter can be better if done with lots of development and nicely woven details.

Review on my blog: The Babbling Books Blog
Book 1 Review: Daughter of the Salt King

[Maggie BB · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me forever to finish this book only because I was reading a physical copy and I travel so much and couldn't always take it with me. . . It had nothing to do with how much I enjoyed the story!

This is such a satisfying continuation and conclusion to Emel and Saalim's story. So many twists and layers... chef's kiss!

[Evan❣️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Son of the Salt Chaser was a romantic and magical story and I really enjoyed this. I listened through audiobook and can say it was very well narrated! I loved seeing Emel get on her feet and find confidence in who she is in this book after all of the abuse she suffered at the hands of her father. I also loved seeing Saalim’s POV and watching the him and Emel find their way back to each other.

[Kaza · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as interesting as the first book. It felt like a lot of meaningless information. The story didn't really follow on well from the first book.

[The Library Ladies · Rating 2 out of 5]

(originally reviewed at thelibraryladies.com )

This was a highly anticipated read for me this fall. “Daughter of the Salt King” was a great surprise last year, blowing past all of my expectations of it. It also ended on a fairly massive cliffhanger, with one of our main character’s left with no memories of recent events and the other adjusting to a completely new world of choice and freedom. So it’s no surprise that I dove right into this book as soon as I could!

Emel always knew that playing with magic was quite literally tempting fate, leaving her wish to the interpretation of a mercurial god. But even knowing this, she never anticipated ending up where she is now: leaving the only home she’s know to follow the love of her life, a man who doesn’t even know her anymore. And once she reaches his city, she realizes that with freedom comes many scary choices and responsibilities. How can she make a life for her and her sister in this strange land and amount these strange people? For his part, while Saalim can’t deny the strange pull he feels towards Emel, he also has other challenges facing him and his city. A powerful threat is looming, can Emel and Saalim find their way back to each to other in time to face it together?

I hate writing this sort of review most of all. It’s always disappointing to finish a book and realize that I can’t give it a good review. But it’s all the worse when the book is the second part in a duology that I had been loving up to that point. Given how much I enjoyed the first book, I had extremely high hopes for this book. And man, did those hopes crash and burn.

To start with a few positives: the writing itself is still quite strong. The same general tone and feel of the story remained consistent with the first book, and when I first started this book, I was greatly enjoying this general feel in the same way I did before. It also starts out in an interesting way, picking up immediately after the events of the first book, following Emel and Saalim as they make their way across the desert to Saalim’s home city. Here, the story felt familiar and enjoyably, with action, the beginnings of a mystery, and Saalim and Emel awkwardly stumbling around each other, with Emel trying to get Saalim to remember who she is. But then we reach the city, and it’s like the story slams head first into a wall.

I really can’t emphasize enough how abrupt of a negative shift this book takes within the first quarter of the story. All of a sudden, the pace of the story dies. Emel and Saalim are separated. And nothing happens for long spells of time, with only the barest crumbs given to keep readers invested. It immediately began to feel as if the author had no clue what to do with this second book. The story felt floundering, with no real stakes and random subplots being thrown around here and there. Emel and Saalim are also reduced to shadows of their former selves. I honestly had a hard time recognizing these characters as the ones I enjoyed so much before.

The nature of their relationship was always going to prove difficult (this is exactly why I’m always extra nervous of “amnesia” storylines), but it’s handled extremely poorly here. Emel’s behavior never makes much sense. Saalim keeps seeking her out and giving obvious hints that he is struggling to understand his connection to her. But instead of trying to draw this feeling out, encouraging Saalim to remember, Emel is standoffish and cold. It makes zero sense for her character to behave this way. Even when we’re in her head, we get no explanation for her strange decision making here. It may seem like a small thing, but these are the sorts of strange character arcs and decisions that had me struggling to enjoy this book much at all.

Towards the final 10% or so of the book, the story finally comes together. But this was way too little and way too late to save my reading experience. I was incredibly disappointed by this book. And, looking back, I have no idea why this wasn’t left as a simple stand-alone story. The first book, with a few minor changes towards the end, could have been neatly wrapped up into one perfectly enjoyable package. Such a shame that that’s not what happened, and now we have a duology that, as a whole, I’d struggle to recommend to other readers.

Rating 6: Incredibly disappointing almost to the point of being unrecognizable from the lovely book that came before it.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you’re a fan of the amnesia theme, very slow burn romance, memory returns, a slight smattering of action and a lot of drama, this is the book for you. If you enjoy well thought out scenes and a lot of dialogue, this is also for you. This book I really tried to like but it just wasn’t to my liking. I feel as though, for those who had read the first book in the duology, all that was needed was to start at chapter 26. What really bothered me was that while Emel was pining after Saalim, he was banging his mistress and engaged to yet another woman. I’m not really a fan of the reader knowing more than the characters because I find it frustrating, and that’s my personal preference. If that doesn’t bother you, you’ll love this novel! It just wasn’t my taste.

A few topics I’m confused about. Why was magic such a far-off thought when Emel had all of her memories and was marked by the goddess/was self proclaimed "expert on jinni"? Emel did get her remarks here or there to those who slighted her, but they didn’t remember so I’m not sure how that was a win for her. Saalim kind of reminded me of Season 8 John Snow, “She is my queen” over and over. Even at the end when they were getting crowned, he asked Emel (after all they’ve gone through) did you do it all for my crown? I’m sorry? This woman befriended your mistress and went through worlds to what, get quips like this? I really wanted to like them as a couple but the chapter where Emel goes from deciding to be with Kas for the rest of her days to literally seeing him in an alleyway (in full parade garb? How was she not seen??) and then deciding oh never mind I’ll go back to pining after Saalim. I was bothered by the fact that besides her sister Emel wasn’t given any strong female friendships, all of her friends seemed to be men (again, I could be wrong here, I was listening to the audiobook version). Also, the use of salt chaser was overused. I was already over the term at chapter 6 and it persisted throughout. I personally prefer a stronger female main character instead of one who just waits for life to tug her along. I did appreciate the happily ever after, but the plot line just wasn’t strong enough for me.

[tinynightingales · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Son of the Salt Chaser" is the second installment in the Salt Chaser duology. It revisits a mystical desert similar to that of the Middle East. The story begins where book 1 left off with our protagonists, Emel and Saalem, entering a new timeline where they are strangers, Saalem has lost his magic, and Emel is the only person burdened by memories of the alternate timeline they barely survived in the first installment. Driven apart by magic and fate, Emel follows Saalem to his revitalized home kingdom hoping for their reconnection while Saalem battles against insurrection from unexpected foes.

This completed duology includes:
- concealed identities
- a far-off mystical desert
- dual POV
- second chance romance
- Aladin/prince of thieves/Scheherazade/one thousand and one nights vibes
- memory loss
- supernatural abilities
- star-crossed lovers - friends to enemies
- betrayal and reconciliation
- excruciating love where they are both salves to their circumstances (in a different way than book 1)

Just like book 1, "Son of the Salt Chaser" is a beautifully written book with a captivating fantasy setting. I really believe that is is Thornton's ability to show not tell, that brings this story to life. Each desert oasis, city canal, and sand dune are given such vivid imagery. However, in comparison to "Daughter of the Salt King," which was a complete 5/5 for me, book 2 falls short in a few categories. I felt that our two main characters stagnated in their development and the final plot resolution felt a bit underwhelming and sloppy. The antagonists' motivations didn't feel particularly compelling or convincing to me either.

All that said, I would still recommend this book to my friends; the ending is so beautiful, It's a good book that offers something very different than the stereotypical Eurocentric fantasy. Emel and Saalem's love is very dear to my heart.

I received this audiobook as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher

[Shreya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure what to expect from the second installment and final book of the Salt Chaser series, knowing that the previous book had some incredible writing and parts I appreciated, but lacked a certain something that made it a 4+ star book! Honestly I feel like this book was similar in nature but overall I still enjoyed reading!

TLDR: 3/5

Son of the Salt Chaser continues to follow our two main characters —this time told in a dual perspective — as they each tackle expectation, lost memories and fate that is out of their hands. Overall, I really enjoyed the world building in the series and especially in this book. I thought that the author does a great job of tackling some of the larger picture questions that were still remaining at the end of the last book. However, at this time I felt that the pacing was really lacking in some places. Some were overly drawn out or really didn’t have a point until later in the story and I wonder if they could’ve been consolidated or even left out. I also felt that our main female character really had almost a digression from her character growth in the beginning to middle of this book since she kept making really just horrible decisions. On the other hand though, I did really like the male main characters journey and thought his character background really made him shine (even more). In terms of the plot, I feel as though there was a lot happening all at once, and a lot of the explanations don’t come until the very end of the book so it felt very restaurant in those moments of reveal.

On another note, this was the first installment of the two that I read as an audiobook (thanks NetGalley!). I did really enjoy the narration and thought the voice acting was superb!

I think I would still recommend this series to anyone who’s interested in exquisite descriptive writing, fantasy stories modeled after historical fiction and those who love a complex romance arc!

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I was intrigued by the foreword of Book 1, Daughter of the Salt King; however, I don't read any series until it has been completed, blame it on a forgetful memory that reads too many books. I just finished reading both books, and was not let down. The author has done an excellent job assuring the reader stays mesmerized with the plot and characters. This duology will be one I will read again, and hope more readers decide to give it a try. I don't give out many 5 star ratings, but these 2 books definitely deserved it. I wish, however, Raheemah did get pregnant at the end, maybe Masira could bestow some magic Emah's way. Of course, if you are reading this, you have no idea what I'm referring to, besides, Raheemah IS NOT the FMC.

[Susanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fitting ending

As with all sequels I went into it hoping it would add to and improve the first, and Son of the Salt Chaser certainly did. I think I enjoyed it more than the first thanks to there being less unpleasantness, and more varried locations. (But I still enjoyed the first!)

The details, the history, the lore, the characters—everything about this book is intricate and flowing. It reads like a classic in so many ways.

I was so nervous this whole book that something or everything terrible would happen! But I was very pleased with the ending. :)

[Lydia Fussell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m honestly not quite sure how to pin point exactly what appeals to me in these books but I loved them and would definitely recommend them. It was very heartfelt. And there were parts that were so much more realistic compared with other similar fantasies.
The plot wasn’t overly complicated but I was fine with that. I only wish that Emel had been able to show off her magic more but I understand her aversion to it. And I think it fizzled a little near the end. However, I was content and satisfied with the ending.
I think the quality of the romance is what I liked the best.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantasy duology that should be talked about more. This was the perfect blend of adventure, fantasy, and romance. This book follows Saalim, jinni turned king, and Emel, daughter of the fallen Salt King as they travel to Saalim's kingdom, Madinat Almulihi.
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**spoilers from book 1**
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It had been a while since I read the first book, Daughter of the Salt King, and I was having trouble remembering what had happened in that book. In a way, it worked in my favor. I felt like I could relate to Saalim, the king who had forgotten his memories of being a jinni. Reading book 1 on its own can feel tragic- Emel and Saalim's love story was beautiful. But the reality of moving on, followed by the rediscovery of love was sweet and everything I needed this book to be. I've had overflowing bookshelves, but this is a duology that I would to keep on my shelves.

[M Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing *finish* to a great love story. A.S Thornton left us with a cliff hanger in the first book, so I was so excited to start this one. Starts off basically where Daughter left off. Really great journey of learning and love. Story “wraps up” at the end with a few interesting twists in the middle. So sad if this is the last of their story, but a great story to participate in. Highly recommend.

[Seiryuu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has become one of my all time favorites. The author explores her characters thoughts and emotions so deeply, I found myself forgetting I wasn't one of them. The lore and magic feel familiar but are so unique, and carry well throughout the whole story. I think this series is beautiful. I won't ever forget these characters or how they challenged my understanding of fear, family, love, and sacrifice. I'll be rereading and eagerly anticipating more works from this author!

[Heather]

Excellent book, though I hadn't read the first one yet. This isn't my normal genre, but I enjoyed the rich world and well-developed characters. While it reminded me of books like the Song of Wraiths and Ruin series, Spice Road, and mostly the City of Brass series, it was a unique entry that kept me reading to find out what would happen next. The writing is excellent, and I enjoyed the narration on the audiobook too.
TW for abuse of all kinds.