Sinner's Isle

Chapter 1


Rosalinda


One Day Before the Offering


The salt-stained breeze tugged Rosalinda s hair from its braid and whipped it about like angry serpents. She shoved the tendrils behind her ears and scowled, half expecting storm clouds to form above her head to match her darkening mood. But the sky was annoyingly blue.

Squalls never touched Sinner s Isle, after all. Even storms shunned the Majestics. If only the young king and his court would offer the same kindness. She knew that was a foolish dream. King Sebastián had left his castle and was currently sailing through the treacherous seas. He was coming for her.

Senorita, your braid has come undone, Cora, a maidservant, said from within Rosa s bedchamber. Please, come off the balcony so I may finish getting you ready.

Rosa ignored Cora, keeping her eyes focused on the sea. The only glimmer of freedom she d had in her eleven years on the isle. She was eighteen now. A woman. Though considered less than one because of the power she possessed.

Senorita?

Rosa sighed.

In silence, she left the balcony, swept over to the vanity bench, and sat down, placing her hands on her lap. She kept perfectly still, her spine straight, her chin high. Just as she d been taught to do since she was a little girl. But inside, in the hidden depths of her soul, she raged like a snared beast.

Cora clicked her tongue as she shuffled in front of Rosa. Cora s wrinkled face and skin were covered with plain muslin, as were all the servants of the palace. Dona Lucia, their mistress, would not have her guests see anything on the isle but beauty, perfection, and vitality. And age, especially on a Majestic--a woman with magic coursing through her veins, blessed by the goddess Xiomara herself--was the opposite of those things, in la dona s eyes.

You are a mess, Senorita. And after all the work I just did. She pinned loose strands of Rosa s nearly black hair back into place. Stay still, por favor.

Angela Montoya lives in Northern California with her family. She is the granddaughter of the celebrated activist and poet laureate Jose Montoya. When she isn’t with her partner, two children, goats, chickens and dogs, you can find Angela co-hosting Of the Publishing Persuasion.

Sinner s Isle is a dazzling debut with magic, pirates, sea monsters, and a steamy star-crossed romance. Angela Montoya s charming and diverse crew of characters will sweep you off your feet as they take you on an adventure full of magic and mayhem. Aiden Thomas, New York Times bestselling author of Cemetery Boys and The Sunbearer Trials
 
Steeped in enchantments, fierce friendships, a lush new world to discover, and a sizzling romance that is bound to steal your heart, Sinner s Isle is a jewel of a story. A swashbuckling, magical adventure. Rebecca Ross, New York Times bestselling author of Divine Rivals
 
Sinner s Isle is the perfect blend of romance and adventure with a cast of characters that you ll be rooting for long after you close the pages. Be prepared to laugh, swoon, and cry in equal measure. Margie Fuston, author of Cruel Illusions
 
I loved this adventure set on high seas and magical isles, of star-crossed love between a headstrong witch and a dashing pirate, and of two friends with an unbreakable bond. What a refreshing, visceral experience you can't help but devour this tale, smiling and cheering for our heroes the entire way through. Marie Lu, New York Times bestselling author of Stars and Smoke
 
A lush, unapologetically swoony tale of romance and adventure, Sinner s Isle stole my heart from the very first page and never let it go. Lyssa Mia Smith, author of Revelle
 
Angela Montoya s Sinner s Isle tugged at my heartstrings. This gorgeous debut will make you swoon as Rosa and Mariano embark on individual journeys to reclaim what was ruthlessly stolen from them while also navigating a love that heals better than bloodthirst and revenge. Amparo Ortiz, author of Last Sunrise in Eterna

A dashing adventure with a lively cast of characters and dangerous magic! Emily Thiede, author of This Vicious Grace

"A swashbuckling, swoonworthy standout."