‘Islands of Blood and Storm’ by Kacen Callender

'Islands of Blood and Storm' is a two book fantasy series by Kacen Callender.

Girls aren’t supposed to ask as many questions as she does; girls aren’t supposed to want to read and learn the sciences or attend universities in faraway empires. Yet she asked her questions and learned the sciences and went to her university, where she was one of the top students in her field, researching the properties of various plants and herbs and taking note of their medicinal uses and their effects on kraft.

In 'Queen of the Conquered,' Sigourney Rose, still a child, is the only one to survive a murderous attack on her family—a family of formerly enslaved people. Her family were the only ones in power in a Caribbean-inspired world who were not pale-skinned Fjern. Seeking revenge, Sigourney prepares for years on her secret path to power, using her 'kraft' to read and manipulate minds.

The second book in the series, 'King of the Rising,' continues the story of the first book. But while in the first book the reader sees through Sigourney's eyes, the second part is told from Løren Jannik's perspective.

And the series has aro/ace representation, particularly in the second book!

Although the books were sometimes redundant and had some inconsistencies (particularly in the second book), this fantasy series with ace representation is a must read!

CW: racism, severe (sexual) abuse, suicide, suicidal ideation, torture, colonialism