by Mariposa Aristeo
publisher’s synopsis
Not even death can tell them apart.
In the wild and lush kingdom of Twinsbane, everyone has a look-alike, and each twin is cursed to die when their double breathes their last. When an ancient plague arises, the kingdom’s only hope is to sever these deadly ties. Yet King Daccias refuses to relinquish the cure, a legendary potion called the Separator.
Waruu, an orphan determined to break these ties, discovers he’s the king’s doppelgänger. He’s certain that if he can switch places, he can save the kingdom. But if anyone learns his true identity, he’ll lose everything—including the people he’s desperately trying to protect.
King Daccias wants nothing more than for his subjects to cease threatening to behead him if he doesn’t hand over the Separator. Intent on catching those opposing him, he finds himself ensnared in his own trap. If he doesn’t break loose, the kingdom will rest in the hands of an insolent boy who knows nothing about the truth behind the events unfolding around him.
To save their kingdom, both Waruu and Daccias must face their greatest enemy—each other.
The plot premise of everyone having a doppleganger is incredibly fun and creative, and lends itself perfectly to The Prince and the Pauper elements. The lush jungle setting added a fun twist. Fans of the cast from The Ascendance Trilogy will love the characters in Sons of Day & Night. Waruu and Daccius both have their own snarkiness and lively character voices.
Overall, a solid debut from Mariposa Aristeo that will leave readers both satisfied and ready for more.
Cautions: non-graphic, moderate violence
(I received an eARC from the author. All thoughts are my own! Sons of Day & Night releases in November 2025.)
Hailey Huntington 
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