Genre:
YA, Fantasy, Witches, LGBTQ+ (M/F and F/F)
Series: Brooklyn Brujas #1
Release
Date: 6 September 2016
A
few starting notes:
I
received a free digital review copy of this book via NetGalley.
NetGalley provides review copies from publishers in exchange for fair
and honest reviews.
You know sometimes there are books where you hear the premise and just have to read it?
This book was like that for me. I'm guessing it'll tempt a lot of other people too ;)
Premise:
'Nothing says Happy Birthday like summoning the spirits of your dead relatives.'
Alex is a bruja (a Latinx witch,) whose Deathday is coming up (this is a lot less fatal than it sounds.)
Her Deathday will mean accepting her powers and her legacy. But... what if she doesn't want to? Is that even an option?
Alex will have to face the consequences of her actions, and, along with local brujo (dude-witch) Nova, will have to face the dangers of the realm of Los Lagos.
Best
bits:
I know people say this a lot - but this is a page-turner.
It's pacey, it's got a chatty but fairly confident tone... and you'll totally want to know what happens next.
The rules governing magic here are clearly understood by the author - you're in safe hands, because she knows this world inside and out.
I like the way Córdova blends elements of different Latin American cultures deftly, while also adding her own unique elements - I love it when the author takes the effort to look effortless ;)
I thought Rishi was a quirky bundle of fun (and I'm a big fan of quirky,) and Alex responded in a realistic way to her situation (what teenager wants to be like their parents, after all,) but I actually had a real soft spot for Nova.
Nova is the bad-boy with a heart... or is he? Dun-dun-dunnnnn!
I guess I just felt a connection with Nova - someone who brings light to those around him, but is made dark by doing so. (And hopefully that was suitably vague enough to avoid spoilerage.)
(If you could avoid the urge to psychoanalyse that last paragraph...? Please & thank you!)
The heroine here though is most definitely Alex.
This bisexual Brooklyn bruja is a great blend of power and vulnerability - someone that people can relate to and look up to at the same time. She's awesome.
Not
so great bits:
There was the odd moment here where I was like, 'Don't do that. That is a stupid-a*s decision.' They did it anyway.
Sometimes you just can't talk sense into fictional characters, no matter how hard you try ;) But I guess that's part of what makes us so invested in the lovable little idiots.
There is also love of a geometric (i.e. triangular) variety. Less annoying than most triangles, but maybe just a touch rushed-feeling.
Sometimes you just can't talk sense into fictional characters, no matter how hard you try ;) But I guess that's part of what makes us so invested in the lovable little idiots.
There is also love of a geometric (i.e. triangular) variety. Less annoying than most triangles, but maybe just a touch rushed-feeling.
And I'm never going to be happy about animal sacrifice being part of the magic system in use in any particular book. It just goes too much against my personal beliefs.
There's violence and blood and stuff - as a warning to those who don't like those things. I didn't notice any swearing - but it's possible the odd word snuck by me.
There's violence and blood and stuff - as a warning to those who don't like those things. I didn't notice any swearing - but it's possible the odd word snuck by me.
Verdict:
This is a great book.
And if you're looking for a new fantasy series to get obsessed with?
(Yes nerdlets, I see you! You can't hide from me!)
This is a perfect candidate for your next fandom-level bookish fave.
And if you're looking for a new fantasy series to get obsessed with?
(Yes nerdlets, I see you! You can't hide from me!)
This is a perfect candidate for your next fandom-level bookish fave.
Liked
this post? Try these:
Wow this looks diverse to the core! I love diverse fantasies because they weave ancient stories and customs into the mix. This looks like a great read!
ReplyDeleteHa, that's a fairly good assessment :) And yeah, it's an awesome book :)
DeleteOoh this seems like it has to do with the day of the dead from that cover which is a celebration which interests me a lot. I like the sound of connecting with the main character and you're right - sometimes you can't talk to fictional characters to correct their actions no matter how hard you wish you could.
ReplyDeleteThe author used the day of the dead as inspiration for the Deathday ceremony I think. There's a lot of Latinx culture here, which I found really interesting - particularly blending it with the cultural elements :)
Delete*that should've been blending it with the fantasy elements. I'm not awake this morning, lol.
DeleteI really enjoyed how fast-paced and action-packed the story was. The fight with the Labyrinth guardians and the scene at the Meadow Del Sol were so fun.
ReplyDeleteI respect that you have a soft-spot for Nova. I do. One day I may forgive him as well.
I hope you do ;) I totally understand though - he does do some pretty damn sh*tty things (didn't mean to rhyme there, but anyway...) and it takes a lot to forgive people (and fictional characters!) sometimes.
DeleteYes! So much fun and action!!!! :) Just remember to never eat food offered by Faeries unless you damned well *know* it's ok! ;)