This debut trilogy of fantasy books featuring a badass female lead and warrior heroine is now complete! If you’re craving action with a tight, character-driven storyline, you’ve come to the right place!
A character-driven fantasy from the POV of a queen, daughter of a mass murderer who was betrothed to her father’s enemy’s son to bring peace to the land. Five years after her marriage falls apart, she finds herself attempting reconciliation in a strange land, where enemies wait every step of the way…
BUY NOW
01/01/2020—Booklist: Review
“Villoso’s debut draws on Filipino culture and myths to create a detailed fantasy world and uses the first person narrative of a beleaguered queen to explore a tale of secrets, lies, betrayal, and treason. The story ends with a shocking revelation, setting the stage for the next book in the Chronicles of the Bitch Queen.”
11/26/2019—Library Journal: Other Coverage, “Everything Old Is New Again | Sf/Fantasy Preview 2019”
11/01/2019—Library Journal: Starred Review
“Readers will be swept in by this strong protagonist and stunning worldbuilding, with a plot full of questions and surprises. Villoso’s cunning, exciting debut is a new fantasy epic that readers will clamor for.”
09/17/2018—Publishers Weekly: Starred Review
“[A] remarkable tale of nonstop tension, action, and betrayal . . . This excellent work will appeal to all readers of epic fantasy.”[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Lists
02/03/2020—Ms. Magazine: Book List, “February 2020 Reads for the Rest of Us”
02/01/2020—Polygon: Book List, “19 new science fiction and fantasy books to check out in February”
01/31/2020—io9: Book List, “All the Brand-New Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books You Need to Know About for February”
01/01/2020—Ms. Magazine: Book List, “Reads for the Rest of Us: Feminist Books Coming Out in 2020”
12/30/2019—Herald Planet: Syndication, “Ars To-Be-Read: Five books we’re most excited to read in 2020”
11/15/2019—Ars Technica: Book List, “Ars To-Be-Read: Five books we’re most excited to read in 2020”[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Interviews and Podcasts
02/18/2020—Reddit r/fantasy: Interview
02/25/2020—Fantasy Inn: Interview
02/12/2020—DIY MFA: Interview
12/18/2019—Book Riot/SFF Yeah!: Mention
02/18/2020—Qwillery: Interview
02/10/2020—Civilian Reader: Interview[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Blog Reviews
02/17/2020—Fantasy Inn: Review
“The Wolf of Oren-Yaro is a spectacular book with a fast-placed plot, amazing character work, and phenomenal micro & macro world-building.”
02/17/2020—Lynn’s Book Blog: Review
“I enjoyed this very much, in fact I couldn’t wait to pick it up again … It has great world building … I can’t wait to read No.2.”
02/17/2020—Qwillery: Mention
02/17/2020—Rusty’s Reads: Review
“I highly recommend this raw, highly emotional journey that is fresh and unparalleled.”
02/17/2020—Grimdragon: Review
“K.S. Villoso is a dynamic new voice in fantasy … I cannot recommend this enough.”
02/14/2020—Utopia State of Mind: Review
“The Wolf of Oren-Yaro is a book that should not be missed.”
02/14/2020—Novel Lives: Review
“The Wolf of Oren-Yaro has been one of my most anticipated reads … it definitely lived up to my expectations”
02/12/2020—Moon & Coffee: Review
“This book is an absolute must-read.”
02/06/2020—Realms of My Mind: Review
“It’s a book one that has successfully gotten its claws in me, and I will definitely be back for the sequel”
02/06/2020—Superstardrifter: Review
“Fantastically written”
01/29/2020—Realms of My Mind: Mention
01/24/2020—Elitist Book Reviews: Review
01/22/2020—Civilian Reader: Author Byline
01/13/2020—She Leads, He Reads: Review
01/07/2020—Books, Bones & Buffy: Book List
01/01/2020—aquavenatus: Book List
11/17/2019—Scarlett Readz & Runz: Mention
10/17/2019—Civilian Reader: Book List
10/13/2019—Off the TBR: Review
09/27/2019—Thoughts Stained With Ink: Book List
09/21/2019—Books, Bones & Buffy: Mention
09/21/2019—She Leads He Reads: Book List
09/14/2019—Powder & Page: Mention
08/28/2019—Novel Lives: Other Coverage
07/24/2019—Off the TBR: Other Coverage
[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Book 2: The Ikessar Falcon” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:center” link=”|||”][vc_column_text]Virtual Events
10/01/2020—Argo Bookshop: “Storytelling as Resistance” with Evan Winter
09/26/2020—The Word on the Street Toronto: “Self-Publishing Superstars, Ideas & Imagination”
09/08/2020—Orbit Live: Q&A and Conversation with Andrea Stewart
09/01/2020—The Burning White Paperback Tour: “Creating Great Characters” with Brent Weeks
07/23/2020—San Diego Comic Con @ Home: Orbit’s New Voices in SF&F
05/26/2020—Orbit Live: Q&A and Conversation with Evan Winter
Magazine
08/01/2020—Library Journal: Starred Review
“The power plays are woven tightly into the action, as Villoso broadens her worldbuilding and adds some surprising twists … Political intrigue and personal angst abound in this exciting sequel to The Wolf of Oren-Yaro, making this a must for epic fantasy readers.”
07/20/2020—Publishers Weekly: Review
“Villoso crafts believable, complex characters and spices up the politics with dragons and magic. Fantasy book readers will enjoy this intricate epic and be pleased by the broadening scope of the series.”
Web
09/22/2020—Locus: Book List, “New Books : 22 September 2020”
09/22/2020—Locus: Author Byline, “K. S. Villoso Guest Post–“In Search of What Was Lost: Decolonization Through Fantasy Fiction””
09/21/2020—Avaaz Media: Interview
09/02/2020—Ms. Magazine: Book List, “September 2020 Reads for the Rest of Us”
“yes, the sequel is just as badass as the first.”
07/24/2020—Ricepaper: Interview
Blog
09/22/2020—Pages in Waves: Review
“There is no doubt that K.S. Villoso is a very talented storyteller … a marvelous epic fantasy book.” (Caffeine Book Tours: Philippines)
09/22/2020—Accio Blog: Review
“All the action, adventure, suspense and magic that I loved in the first book was amped up to about a hundred in this sequel … Overall, I give this book five wild, fire-breathing dragons out of five. The story was great, the writing was fantastic, and the characters were all deeply human and flawed.” (Caffeine Book Tours: Philippines)
09/21/2020—Her Book Thoughts: Review
“This is the epic fantasy you’re looking for! K.S. VIllosos’ writing was always visual, so close at hand it is searing! The Ikessar Falcon is a sequel that will captivate you with its furious and excellent pacing, it will not let you go. If somebody wants a stay-up-all-night kind of book that will leave them breathless? Chronicles of the Bitch Queen series will always be at the tip of my tounge!” (Caffeine Book Tours: Philippines)
09/21/2020—Jonna and her Wails: Review
“I loved The Ikessar Falcon possibly even more than The Wolf of Oren-Yaro, which is a big deal because that first book is already the cherry on top of a vanilla sundae (or the crispy skin of lechon).” (Caffeine Book Tours: Philippines)
09/21/2020—White Sky Project: Other Coverage
(Caffeine Book Tours: Philippines)
09/19/2020—Papertea & Bookflowers: Review
“I can’t tell you how much I love this book … The characters are all so real, complex and flawed.” (Caffeine Book Tours: International)
09/19/2020—A Cup of Cyanide: Review
“Villoso deftly balances dark humor, banter, and a plot with serious themes.” (Caffeine Book Tours: International)
09/18/2020—Heart’s Content: Review
“A very very happy reading. Five very very impressed, heart-felt stars.” (Caffeine Book Tours: International)
09/18/2020—Perks of Being Noura: Review
“If you’re looking for am adult fantasy that will keep you hooked for hours on end then please pick this one up.” (Caffeine Book Tours: International)
09/18/2020—Vanshika’s Books: Review
“The book was such a fantastic follow up to The Wolf of Oren-Yaro. As you go through it, you can see that K. S. Villoso really put a lot of work into building on the world she’d established … I really found myself lost in the world.” (Caffeine Book Tours: International)
09/18/2020—Library Ladies: Review
“I really enjoyed this book. It felt like it took what the first book laid down as a foundation and started really building up from there. Everything just felt more fully fleshed out, and the story was even more exciting. Of course, it’s no surprise that Talyien’s story doesn’t end here with rainbows and butterflies, so I’m excited to see what happens in the third book.”
09/17/2020—My Fangirl Chronicles: Review
“I highly recommend this series if you’re looking for a character-driven adult fantasy that has a fierce heroine, incredible world-building, complicated relationships and characters, and that will leave you craving for the next installment at the end!” (Caffeine Book Tours: International)
09/17/2020—Last Reader: Review
“This book has left me wanting for more! I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for an epic fantasy novel inspired by Southeast Asian culture with intricate characters and beautiful writing. I can’t wait for the next book!” (Caffeine Book Tours: International)
09/17/2020—Mac n’ Books: Review
“The world that K.S. Villoso created is so finely crafted and immersive that this book will grab you from page one and throttle you until the very end, but still leave you mesmerized and excited for the next installment of the series, which only promises to build on the wonderful story so far. You will not regret picking up this series whether you’re a fan of fantasy or social commentary” (Caffeine Book Tours: International)
09/17/2020—Utopia State of Mind: Review
“While I utterly fell in love with Tali in the first book, what I adored in the sequel was how much Villoso expanded on Tali’s world. I will always be in awe of how masterful Villoso is able to balance a growing world, political tensions, and betrayals. The Ikessar Falcon is one of the best fantasy sequels I’ve read in a while.” (Caffeine Book Tours: International)
09/16/2020—Alliterates: Review
“I am utterly surprised that a sequel could be this good. I am very tempted to give a 6th star just for the recap … Villoso draws on the humanity and complexity that has been seriously overlooked in fantasy for too long … I love it when authors mess with our perceptions. This book is sweet pain and a mindfuck and a half. If the Wolf of Oren-Yaro was a dagger, the Ikessar Falcon is the assassin.”
09/16/2020—Bookathon: Review
“I highly recommend this series if you’re a fan of intense and character driven adult fantasy. It will keep you on the edge of the seat with its beautiful writing and intricate world building.”(Caffeine Book Tours: International)
09/15/2020—Garik16’s SciFi/Fantasy Reviews and Other Thoughts: Review
09/15/2020—Moon & Coffee: Review
“You are truly missing out on some masterful storytelling set in a Southeast Asian inspired world if you don’t pick this series up ASAP.” (Caffeine Book Tours: International)
09/15/2020—Novels and Nebulas: Review
(Caffeine Book Tours: International)
09/15/2020—Phrases & Pages: Review
“I mentioned in my review of THE WOLF OF OREN-YARO that reading the story felt like a swift kick to the teeth, and THE IKESSAR FALCON is no different. I was left feeling just as battered and bruised as the characters and yet, I cannot help but impatiently wait for more.”(Caffeine Book Tours: International)
09/15/2020—Love Yo Shelf: Review
“K.S. Villoso’s writing is a sword that never dulls.”(Caffeine Book Tours: International)
09/14/2020—Camillea Reads: Review
“K.S. Villoso is one hell of a writer … The Ikessar Falcon is a highly gut-wrenching fantasy book that left me staring at the wall a while after finishing it. If you are a reader who appreciates, well-written and thoughtful themes paired with a fast paced action, I highly recommend picking up this series!” (Caffeine Book Tours: International)
09/14/2020—Small Stained Pages: Review
“I am a sucker for plot and high-stakes politics and The Ikessar Falcon delivers that and more.” (Caffeine Book Tours: International)
09/14/2020—Superstardrifter: Review
“Just as when I read it the first time, I enjoyed The Ikessar Falcon very much … Intrigue and political maneuvering are happening on both sides of the sea, and we go on a thrillride through it just as Tali does.”
09/13/2020—Thoughts Stained With Ink: Review
“I loved this book even more than I did the first and it’s most likely going down as one of my favorite reads this year.” (Caffeine Book Tours: International)
09/06/2020—Civilian Reader: Mention
08/29/2020—Forever Lost in Literature: Mention
08/28/2020—Realms of My Mind: Mention
08/22/2020—James Nicoll Reviews: Mention
07/08/2020—Lynn’s Book Blog: Mention
Check out Legacy of the Lost Mage, set in the same world of Agos-agan!