We’re thrilled to announce Monica Sanz’s Of Saints and Monsters, forthcoming Summer 2027 from Erewhon Books.
On the sultry, rain-swept, tropical island of San Cristobal, Marcella Montenegro is ready to leave behind her life as a Vessel—a life where her personal aura is used to power the magic of a wealthy Santo, someone believed to have been chosen by the gods for their position in society. Marcella is luckier than most, having grown up bound to a Santo who has become her closest friend—Sulema Castillo—but it’s still a life sentence. They both dream of a way out of this system, but when Sulema is betrothed to the Comandante from a rival island, any plans for freedom are dashed. An alliance is deemed necessary to eliminate the mysterious monstruos destroying towns far and wide, yet the Comandante seem to be hiding something about their methods. As Marcella gets closer to the Comandante in search of the truth, allegiances are tested, beliefs are questioned, and escape feels only further out of reach.
From author Monica Sanz:
Of every book I’ve ever written, Of Saints and Monsters means the most to me. Marcella’s story is about a yearning so deep it aches and the messiness and frustration of existing in a world that strips away her choice and voice and, quite literally, her life. Still, she doesn’t give up on her dreams, doing everything she can to secure her freedom. Diana understood what I was trying to say. Not just understood but connected with it. Her enthusiasm, insight, and love for Of Saints and Monsters is a dream come true, and I could not ask for a better companion on this journey to bring Marcella’s story to all of you!
Editorial Director Diana Pho says:
In Of Saints and Monsters, Monica Sanz infuses deep passion, culture, and politics in her portrayal of an island nation rocked by hurricanes, terrorized by magical beasts, and stirred by magic and faith—all leading up to a political marriage that could tear their society apart if things go awry. In the eye of this storm is the dynamic and tumultuous sisterhood between Marcella and Sulema: women yearning for desire and independence on their own terms. Monica’s inspiration, drawing from Puerto Rico’s history and heritage, permeates throughout every sentence. The novel is full of beautiful set pieces, high emotional stakes, family drama, and cinematic action! I’m so excited to introduce the world of San Cristobal to readers in 2027!”
Monica Sanz is the author of many fantasy novels including Seventh Born and Mirror Bound. When not lost in one of her many made-up worlds, Monica can be found on the sunny beaches of South Florida where she resides with her husband and their three children or scouring YouTube for new bands to feed her music addiction.
