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3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
adventurous
medium-paced
Solimar: The Sword of Monarchs is a cute middle grade read interweaving the true annual migration of monarch butterflies and rich latinx culture with the fantastic. Fans of Candice Yamnitz’s novel Unbetrothed and/or the movies Encanto and Brave will enjoy Solimar’s journey to save both monarch butterflies and her kingdom.
Nearing her joint quniceañera and coronation as princess, Solimar is nearly 15, However, she often reads more as 11-12 in her demeanor. Her new friend, Berto, also reads younger than stated. But I do like his character very much—reminds me a lot of Monkey D. Luffy from One Piece (except when he says his catch phrase, “I can fix that,” which makes me think of Sam and Kissing Kate from Holes).
Despite seeming to act younger in some regards than nearly 15, Solimar encapsulates bravery and is a courageous heroine, moving forward even when afraid. Along with themes of determination, the author includes messages of gender equality, family values, and the power of friendship. Middle grade readers will appreciate the culture nods to Mexico and Guatemala as well as the threads of magic—I can see this book being the start of a love for royal narratives with political intrigue and magic for many young readers!
Solimar has a bird companion, Lãzaro. He, along with the friendship of an enchanted doll, makes this very Disney-esque. I would happily watch a movie version of this book. With this book being published by Disney Hyperion, perhaps Solimar will be an official Disney Princess one day!
Nearing her joint quniceañera and coronation as princess, Solimar is nearly 15, However, she often reads more as 11-12 in her demeanor. Her new friend, Berto, also reads younger than stated. But I do like his character very much—reminds me a lot of Monkey D. Luffy from One Piece (except when he says his catch phrase, “I can fix that,” which makes me think of Sam and Kissing Kate from Holes).
Despite seeming to act younger in some regards than nearly 15, Solimar encapsulates bravery and is a courageous heroine, moving forward even when afraid. Along with themes of determination, the author includes messages of gender equality, family values, and the power of friendship. Middle grade readers will appreciate the culture nods to Mexico and Guatemala as well as the threads of magic—I can see this book being the start of a love for royal narratives with political intrigue and magic for many young readers!
Solimar has a bird companion, Lãzaro. He, along with the friendship of an enchanted doll, makes this very Disney-esque. I would happily watch a movie version of this book. With this book being published by Disney Hyperion, perhaps Solimar will be an official Disney Princess one day!
emotional
hopeful
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:
Yes
This was a lovely story where we follow our main character, Solimar, where she is about to have her quinceanera and how she gets a magical gift that she needs to use to save her kingdom. I enjoyed this so much. My only complaint is that Solimar read younger than 15. More like 12 to me. But if you are looking for a magical diverse read, I recommend this.
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This is an enjoyable adventure novel with a female protagonist. 3.5 stars. I initially was concerned because some of the language didn’t seem easy to follow for middle grade readers (eg a discussion about the hilt and porthole - without enough context for even me to understand). And I have other small quibbles about it as well (eg it felt like it only sort of wanted to take place in Mexico), but it was still a fun, light middle grades book with a likable, courageous main character.
Such an interesting and beautiful story. I've never disappointed with one of the authors books. She does such a good job of subtlety mixing in fantasy to her books.
Girl Power.
Challenging the rules
Grand adventures
Vivid Imagery
Deep connection to culture and family
Solimar: The Sword of Monarchs is an amazing adventure that I devoured in about three days. For this read I chose the audiobook and it immediately connected me into the world of Solimar as she visits the forest and embarks on her adventure. This book one i will definitely recommend to my friends who have little girls that are taking on the world.
On the brink of her Quinceañera, and her official coronation, Solimar visits the oyamel forest to sit among the monarch butterflies. There, the sun pierces through a sword-shaped crevice in a boulder, which shines on her and sends the butterflies humming and swirling around her.
After the magical frenzy, she realizes she's been given a gift—and a burden: she can predict the near future! She has also become a protector of the young and weak butterflies. This alone would be a huge responsibility, but tragedy strikes when a neighboring king invades while her father and brother and many others are away. The remaining villagers are taken hostage—all except Solimar.
Can this princess-to-be save her family, the kingdom, and the future of the monarch butterflies from a greedy and dangerous king?
Challenging the rules
Grand adventures
Vivid Imagery
Deep connection to culture and family
Solimar: The Sword of Monarchs is an amazing adventure that I devoured in about three days. For this read I chose the audiobook and it immediately connected me into the world of Solimar as she visits the forest and embarks on her adventure. This book one i will definitely recommend to my friends who have little girls that are taking on the world.
On the brink of her Quinceañera, and her official coronation, Solimar visits the oyamel forest to sit among the monarch butterflies. There, the sun pierces through a sword-shaped crevice in a boulder, which shines on her and sends the butterflies humming and swirling around her.
After the magical frenzy, she realizes she's been given a gift—and a burden: she can predict the near future! She has also become a protector of the young and weak butterflies. This alone would be a huge responsibility, but tragedy strikes when a neighboring king invades while her father and brother and many others are away. The remaining villagers are taken hostage—all except Solimar.
Can this princess-to-be save her family, the kingdom, and the future of the monarch butterflies from a greedy and dangerous king?
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
fast-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
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-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
Even for adult audiences this book is very engaging. The beginning was a little slow but besides that the pacing was good. I could see a lot of kids especially enjoying this book. The adventure aspect was engaging and the connection to conservation was especially interesting.
3.5 stars
I actually enjoyed this far more than I thought I would when I aged down the reader. Reading a book about a 14-near 15 year old protagonist that read more like a 10 - 11 year old person was annoying, but I get that Ryan wanted to latch onto the magic of a quince and its symbolism. PLUS, I'm a sucker for monarchs - I mean, it's the classic symbol of Mexican immigrants. How can you not love it?
However, if readers are wanting a book starring monarchs, adventurous young diverse girls and a grand mission, I would recommend "Little Monarchs" over this one.
I actually enjoyed this far more than I thought I would when I aged down the reader. Reading a book about a 14-near 15 year old protagonist that read more like a 10 - 11 year old person was annoying, but I get that Ryan wanted to latch onto the magic of a quince and its symbolism. PLUS, I'm a sucker for monarchs - I mean, it's the classic symbol of Mexican immigrants. How can you not love it?
However, if readers are wanting a book starring monarchs, adventurous young diverse girls and a grand mission, I would recommend "Little Monarchs" over this one.