Reviews

OH MY GODDDDD. I cannot rave enough about this book!!! The blend of cultures, the richness of the writing, the characters, the story, the mythology. It was all woven together so well I couldn’t put this book down. Yadriel ( gorgeous gorgeous name ), and Julian were everything to me, and the absolute angst and heartache I felt for these two toward the end before the BIG REVEAL. Ohhh, I was rooting them for them all the way. Maritza was the perfect supporting character, and the appreciation and absolute wonderment I have for the traditions and the community and the way of life in this book can’t be put into words. It really is a tale of love, and loss, and grief and acceptance, of gain and clarity. All told through Yadriel’s eyes, and his struggles in his community as a transgender Brujo. This is definitely one of my top 2024 reads thus far!

creativelifeofliz's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective 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? It's complicated

4.5

This was a really good book! I loved the characters and getting to know their world.

eyesofcrows's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional 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? It's complicated

3.5

It’s a decent book with a good storyline. Gives me some Witch Boy vibes but with a neat romance with a cute ghost. I wish there was more build up and stakes to Miguel’s disappearance and Julian’s death. I do understand the need to look in depth at Julian’s backstory to build up his relationship with Yads. I just wish for a bit more on the other plot. That pushed aside, it’s a nice plot.

I also wish there was more at stake in Yadriel’s sacrifice, such as him losing his powers. Or something else. It’s a personal preference but I think raising people from the death should have added consquences.

lbarsk's review

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4.0

4.5 actually, as I really enjoyed this! Yadriel was a WONDERFUL protagonist and I appreciate how his trans identity was woven throughout the book - and was, in fact, a plot point! - but wasn't the book's sole focus. This is what happens when you let trans and NB authors write whatever they want!! Getting to read a Latinx, brujx fantasy was a treat and I would happily read more stories set in this same world, as I thought the world-building was excellent. Plus, the evolution of Julian and Yadriel's relationship was really special. And WE LOVE A THOUGHTFUL, INCLUSIVE GHOST HOT BOYFRIEND. Julian's found family was rad and I want books about all of them, tbh.

The only thing that dinged this from a full 5 stars is that sometimes it was hard to keep track of all the various side characters? Though that's maybe more of a "me" problem, as this is a struggle that I have across all kinds of books I read, haha.

merireadstuff's review

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3.0

Actual rating: 3.5

Got really confused in the end about the whole we’re alive we’re dead thing but gndn it was cute and warm

emmabings's review against another edition

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5.0

great read in perfect time for fall!!
this book tugged on my heart strings so much. i am a sucker for YA / adult queer romances.
i loved reading and learning about yadriel's culture and family. this book was such an easy ready and i definitely will be reading more of aiden's books.
i absolutely adored yadriel and julien. the slowburn romance of it all FUCK. and then them being both water signs, iconic. i loved martiza and all of julien's friends. all the characters seemed to jump off the pages and aiden does a beautiful job describing everything - makes it so easy to visualize. i would LOVE for their to be a movie adaption in the future. i cried twice and practically screamed. this book definitely needs to be talked about more, not only for the cuteness but for the representation as well. also that plot twist really got me!!! immediately lending this to my girlfriend.

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