Review of ‘Saints of Storm and Sorrow‘ by Gabriella Buba. In this Filipino-inspired fantasy debut, Gabriella Buba weaves a tale of hidden powers and divine wrath. Follow the journey of Maria Lunurin, a bisexual nun with a stormcalling gift, as she navigates a world of colonization and perilous love.
“This rage and bloodlust isn’t yours. It doesn’t have to be your only birthright.”
– Saints of Storm and Sorrow
Gabriella Buba
‘Saints of Storm and Sorrow’ by Gabriella Buba is an ambitious Filipino-inspired fantasy with a an interesting plot but some pacing and writing issues
Synopsis
Maria Lunurin has been living a double life for as long as she can remember. To the world, she is Sister Maria, dutiful nun and devoted servant of Aynila’s Codicían colonizers. But behind closed doors, she is a stormcaller, chosen daughter of the Aynilan goddess Anitun Tabu. In hiding not only from the Codicíans and their witch hunts, but also from the vengeful eye of her slighted goddess, Lunurin does what she can to protect her fellow Aynilans and the small family she has created in the convent: her lover Catalina, and Cat’s younger sister Inez.
Lunurin is determined to keep her head down—until one day she makes a devastating discovery, which threatens to tear her family apart. In desperation, she turns for help to Alon Dakila, heir to Aynila’s most powerful family, who has been ardently in love with her for years. But this choice sets in motion a chain of events beyond her control, awakening Anitun Tabu’s rage and putting everyone Lunurin loves in terrible danger. Torn between the call of Alon’s magic and Catalina’s jealousy, her duty to her family and to her people, Lunurin can no longer keep Anitun Tabu’s fury at bay.
The goddess of storms demands vengeance. And she will sweep aside anyone who stands in her way.
Review
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley and Titan Books for this eArc.
In Gabriella Buba’s debut, Saints of Storm and Sorrow, we are plunged into a Filipino-inspired fantasy that weaves a complex tale of colonization, hidden identities, and divine wrath. The cover is absolutely stunning and sets the stage for the vibrant yet tumultuous world within.
The story centers on Maria Lunurin, a bisexual nun with a hidden gift of stormcalling, living under the oppressive rule of the Codicían colonizers. The pacing, however, felt uneven. It took me until around 25% into the book to get fully invested, and the middle sections became confusing with scenes that seemed unnecessary. The narrative’s foundation —a richly imagined Filipino history— did keep me engaged. It’s a fantasy steeped in cultural nuances, though at times it veers more into romance territory, especially with the tension between Lunurin, Catalina, and Alon.
Lunurin is an interesting protagonist. Her stormcalling powers, influenced by her emotions, are compelling, and her internal struggles as both a nun and a stormcaller add depth. However, her relationship with Catalina often felt forced and diminished her character’s strength. Catalina came across as unnecessarily antagonistic, which sometimes made Lunurin appear too malleable. On the other hand, Alon Dakila is a standout. His unwavering support and respect for Lunurin make him the book’s most admirable character.
Buba’s writing has both brilliant moments and inconsistencies. I was fully immersed at times, eager to see where the story would lead, but other moments left me confused. Some phrasings disrupted the flow and clarity. Despite these issues, the historical backdrop of the narrative—the 16th century Philippines under Spanish rule—was compelling. The blend of fantasy and Filipino history was well-done, though I occasionally struggled to distinguish fantasy terms from cultural elements due to my unfamiliarity with Filipino culture.
Saints of Storm and Sorrow tackles themes of identity, loyalty, and resistance. Lunurin’s dual identity as a nun and a stormcaller reflects the broader struggle of her people against colonization. The dynamic between duty to her family, her people, and the vengeful goddess Anitun Tabu drives the story’s tension. Buba explores these themes with a keen eye, though the romance subplot sometimes overshadowed the more profound elements of the narrative.
Would I recommend it?
Overall, Saints of Storm and Sorrow is an ambitious debut that blends lush fantasy with rich cultural history. Despite its pacing issues and occasional writing missteps, it offers a fresh perspective in the fantasy genre. For readers who enjoy morally complex characters and culturally infused storytelling, this novel is worth a read. Gabriella Buba has crafted a world that, while imperfect, is undeniably captivating.
Rating
6/10
Details
- Trigger warnings / Abortion, death, rape, rape of a minor
- Representation / Asian main characters, queer main and side characters
- Genre / Fantasy
- Pages / 486
- Publication date / June 25th, 2024
- Publisher / Titan Books
- About the author / Gabriella Buba is a writer and chemical engineer who likes to keep explosive pyrophoric materials safely contained in pressure vessels or between the covers of her books. She writes Filipino epic fantasy for bold, bi, brown women who deserve to see their stories centered.
With love,
heavenlybookish 