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kenyuen1's review against another edition
5.0
That was a lot of fun! You're a brujoh, Yadriel!
The character are great and a lot of fun to be around. I love the community, the culture, and the Mexican mysticism. I get plenty of magic stories from Europe and Asia, so it's nice to delve into something different.
I haven't read a lot of stories where the main character is trans. I felt like this one was well observed. It really nails some of these points in the first chapter and epilogue.
None of the story beats terribly surprised me, but sometimes you want to go to the candy factory to get some candy. It's exciting to go to the candy factory because you know you'll like it. I like Yadriel and his family (although where is his brother for most of this story?). Julian is my favorite archetype, the well-meaning dummy (I'm a total Julian). And Maritza is great foil for these two, spunky, smart, and outspoken in a different way from Julian.
On top of that, the publisher did a great job with representation for the audio book and cover art. The reader is nonbinary and Latinx and their interview with the author at the end of the book is so cute and just the icing on the cake.
The character are great and a lot of fun to be around. I love the community, the culture, and the Mexican mysticism. I get plenty of magic stories from Europe and Asia, so it's nice to delve into something different.
I haven't read a lot of stories where the main character is trans. I felt like this one was well observed. It really nails some of these points in the first chapter and epilogue.
None of the story beats terribly surprised me, but sometimes you want to go to the candy factory to get some candy. It's exciting to go to the candy factory because you know you'll like it. I like Yadriel and his family (although where is his brother for most of this story?). Julian is my favorite archetype, the well-meaning dummy (I'm a total Julian). And Maritza is great foil for these two, spunky, smart, and outspoken in a different way from Julian.
On top of that, the publisher did a great job with representation for the audio book and cover art. The reader is nonbinary and Latinx and their interview with the author at the end of the book is so cute and just the icing on the cake.
bookish_yvette's review against another edition
3.5
very very heartfelt story that pulled at my heartstrings.
I loved the latine and LGBTQ+ representation and depiction of dia de los muertos
overall a great easy to read debut novel
I loved the latine and LGBTQ+ representation and depiction of dia de los muertos
overall a great easy to read debut novel
wwx's review against another edition
5.0
when you finally pick up a book and read it this far into the year and it’s THIS masterpiece :’)
mrgnjo's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
cinnarainbow's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
livruther's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
timbit29x's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
caffeinated_reads3's review
slow-paced
2.0
Predictable YA.
Living trans teen boy falls in love with a spirit while trying to prove himself to his family that he is worthy of being a brujo.
Pace was too slow. Very repetitive.
Living trans teen boy falls in love with a spirit while trying to prove himself to his family that he is worthy of being a brujo.
Pace was too slow. Very repetitive.
theforereffect's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I loved this book. I wish everyone would read this book. I wish it could be a YA classic. It should be a YA classic.
Well written (for a YA. The author knows their audience and writes accordingly), funny, unique, and with the most loveable Golden Retriever love interest I have ever come across.
I can't say enough good things about this book. I loved how the teenagers read like dumb teenagers. Yes, as an adult it was frustrating to read at times, but only because of the realism. The mom in me wanted to take these boys and knock their dumb heads together. And then feed them and do their laundry.
Absolutely perfect, just a great book and perfect for the season. Imagine if it was required reading for every high schooler? Not only would they get to read a great book, but the amount of empathy and understanding this book fosters through compelling storytelling?
The world needs more books like this. Fun, interesting, joyful, and with relatable characters written by authors with the lived experience.
Well written (for a YA. The author knows their audience and writes accordingly), funny, unique, and with the most loveable Golden Retriever love interest I have ever come across.
I can't say enough good things about this book. I loved how the teenagers read like dumb teenagers. Yes, as an adult it was frustrating to read at times, but only because of the realism. The mom in me wanted to take these boys and knock their dumb heads together. And then feed them and do their laundry.
Absolutely perfect, just a great book and perfect for the season. Imagine if it was required reading for every high schooler? Not only would they get to read a great book, but the amount of empathy and understanding this book fosters through compelling storytelling?
The world needs more books like this. Fun, interesting, joyful, and with relatable characters written by authors with the lived experience.