Sun of Blood and Ruin

“An exhilarating tale of revolution, original magic, and divided loyalties, Sun of Blood and Ruin is a triumph. Rich with vivid characters, and an immersive landscape, Lares weaves a breathtaking, complex story grounded in Mesoamerican myth that pulls the reader into a fantastical journey of self-discovery, courage, and the meaning of freedom. Don’t miss this one!” – Ehigbor Okosun, author of Forged by Blood

“Lares makes a triumphant debut with a vivid epic set in an alternate 16th-century colonial Mexico…Lares has a talent for historic detail and…the vast supporting cast is equally well integrated and easy to keep track of despite its size. Interweaving history, mythology, romance, and swashbuckling action, this is a surefire hit.” – Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Sun of Blood and Ruin is an exciting adventure with plenty of swordplay and magic, but is also a beautiful love letter to pre-colonialist Mesoamerican cultures.” – Christina Orlando, Tor.com

“A fast-paced, smart historical fantasy…Weaving together narrative strands of identity, colonialism, indigenous belief and self-determination with swashbuckling adventure, Sun of Blood and Ruin introduces a powerful new voice to the genre.” – Grimdark Magazine

”[An] ambitious debut… Ideal for speculative-fiction readers longing for a fresh setting, Zorro fans, and those looking for a nuanced historical-fantasy treatment reminiscent of Rebecca Roanhorse and R.F. Kuang.” – Booklist

“Lares’s debut is an action-filled historical fantasy set in an alternate 16th-century Mexico, featuring Mesoamerican mythology and a unique blend of magic and adventure.” – Library Journal

Mariely Lares is the Sunday Times bestselling author of Sun of Blood and Ruin, the first in a historical fantasy duology inspired by Mexican history and mythology. She holds a degree in computer science engineering and lives in San Diego, where she can be found doing all the outdoorsy things, rescuing dogs, and writing her next book.