About the author
Born and raised in Venezuela, Gabriela Romero Lacruz is author of the #1 Sunday Times bestselling novel, THE SUN AND THE VOID. She graduated with a BS in chemical engineering from the University of Houston and, after a stint in oil and gas, launched The Moonborn, a clothing, accessories, and stationery brand featuring her own illustrations. She writes dark and twisty fantasy stories set in places that remind her of home, so in her mind, she’s never too far from the beaches and mountains of Venezuela. She also illustrates book covers for select clients.
Bibliography
The Sun and the Void (2023)
The River and the Star (2025)
THE SUN AND THE VOID
An instant #1 Sunday Times Bestseller!
Two women embark on a unforgettable quest into a world of dark gods and ancient magic in this sweeping fantasy debut inspired by the history and folklore of colonial South America.
Reina is desperate.
Stuck on the edges of society, Reina’s only hope lies in an invitation from a grandmother she’s never met. But the journey to her is dangerous, and prayer can’t always avert disaster.
Attacked by creatures that stalk the mountains, Reina is on the verge of death until her grandmother, a dark sorceress, intervenes. Now dependent on the Doña’s magic for her life, Reina will do anything to earn—and keep—her favor. Even the bidding of an ancient god who whispers to her at night.
Eva Kesaré is unwanted.
Illegitimate and of mixed heritage, Eva is her family’s shame. She tries to be the perfect daughter, but Eva is hiding a secret: Magic calls to her.
Eva knows she should fight the temptation. Magic is the sign of the dark god, and using it is punishable by death. Yet it’s hard to ignore power when it has always been denied you. Eva is walking a dangerous path. And in the end, she’ll become something she never imagined.
Trade Reviews
Romero Lacruz debuts and launches her Warring Gods series with a spellbinding sapphic epic fantasy about two young women navigating a world steeped in prejudice, folklore, and ancient magic...The lush worldbuilding and delightful blend of love, betrayal, and curses set the stage for a powerful and promising new series. This is a gem.
04/24/2023—Publishers Weekly: Starred Review
Venezuelan American author Gabriela Romero Lacruz conjures an enthralling new world of gods and monsters in her first novel, The Sun and the Void, a sweeping epic fantasy inspired by South America...This spellbinding fantasy focuses on political intrigue and family rivalries as well as both friendly and romantic relationships between the women characters. Lacruz develops Reina's world with intricate alliances and histories, fearsome monsters, and opposing religions. This ambitious, thrilling series opener pulses with vitality and imagination.
07/28/2023—Shelf Awareness: Starred Review
Romero Lacruz excels in her enchanting world building, with lush descriptions of beautiful landscapes and vivid depictions of folklore and traditions with a hint of realism... Fans of N.K. Jemisin, Tomi Adeyemi, and Nisi Shawl will appreciate this fresh voice in fiction, especially when it comes to its commentary on colonialism, strong female characters, and the intricacies of magic used for good and evil.
07/01/2023—Booklist: Review
The lush and varied landscape as well as the clear effects of colonialism and revolution are all inspired by Venezuela, creating a rich, complex world... An ambitious new fantasy with a unique setting and broad cast of characters.
06/15/2023—Kirkus: Review
Written with passion by a debut novelist born and raised in Venezuela; all of the hallmarks of an epic fantasy are here.
05/01/2023—Library Journal: Review
Contacts
North America
Publisher: Orbit US
Publicist: Ellen Wright (ellen.wright@hbgusa.com)
United Kingdom
Publisher: Daphne Press
Publicist: Jamie-Lee Nardone (jamie@blackcrowpr.com)
Spain and Latin America
Publisher: Faeris
Italy
Publisher: Ne/oN Libri