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marieintheraw's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoy Rena Barron's writing style. This story really was one that I could not put down.
hebrideanreader's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
laura_cs's review
5.0
I received an ARC of this title at YallFest 2019.
12 year old Maya lives in a South Side neighborhood in Chicago, full of interesting characters and raised on her father's stories of African folklore. Her father, frequently traveling for work, is Maya's idol; she loves him dearly and wants to be just like him. However, that may come true in ways she never expected.
When time suddenly pauses all over the world, and dark shadow creatures descend on her neighborhood, Maya learns that her father is an Orisha, a celestial being tasked with guarding the veil between this world and the dark. However, he is now missing somewhere in the dark.
Determined to rescue him, Maya and her two best friends--Eli and Frankie, both godlings themselves--brave the dark to mount on a rescue mission to save Papa and fend off the Lord of Shadows.
A brilliant middle-grade debut for Barron, Maya is a fantastic protagonist and this series is a fantastic take on the tales of demigods. Maya lives with both parents--even though her godly parent is frequently away for 'work'--and she finds that her community is built up of people who are like her or understand her origins. Then, of course, Maya has her fantastic allies--Eli and Frankie--who are with her through thick and thin. The world-building is fantastic, the stakes are high from the get-go, and Maya works hard to get through her quest. I can't wait to see where Maya's journey will take her next!
12 year old Maya lives in a South Side neighborhood in Chicago, full of interesting characters and raised on her father's stories of African folklore. Her father, frequently traveling for work, is Maya's idol; she loves him dearly and wants to be just like him. However, that may come true in ways she never expected.
When time suddenly pauses all over the world, and dark shadow creatures descend on her neighborhood, Maya learns that her father is an Orisha, a celestial being tasked with guarding the veil between this world and the dark. However, he is now missing somewhere in the dark.
Determined to rescue him, Maya and her two best friends--Eli and Frankie, both godlings themselves--brave the dark to mount on a rescue mission to save Papa and fend off the Lord of Shadows.
A brilliant middle-grade debut for Barron, Maya is a fantastic protagonist and this series is a fantastic take on the tales of demigods. Maya lives with both parents--even though her godly parent is frequently away for 'work'--and she finds that her community is built up of people who are like her or understand her origins. Then, of course, Maya has her fantastic allies--Eli and Frankie--who are with her through thick and thin. The world-building is fantastic, the stakes are high from the get-go, and Maya works hard to get through her quest. I can't wait to see where Maya's journey will take her next!
dragonrider18's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
medium-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? It's complicated
amybraunauthor's review
5.0
This book was so much fun! I breezed through it, and there was so much adventure to be had. Maya is a fantastic role model for young readers everywhere. She is brave and smart and determined, and refuses to give up no matter how hard things get.
I absolutely loved the addition of African folklore and traditions that were added. I learned so much from Maya and her clever friends. The action started quickly and kept up until the very end. Rena Barron clearly had fun writing this book and I see why.
A great book for any young reader looking for a role model to relate to, who wants to learn new things, and is looking for adventure!
I absolutely loved the addition of African folklore and traditions that were added. I learned so much from Maya and her clever friends. The action started quickly and kept up until the very end. Rena Barron clearly had fun writing this book and I see why.
A great book for any young reader looking for a role model to relate to, who wants to learn new things, and is looking for adventure!
mochomito's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
bannec19's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jaydionne's review
4.0
4.5⭐️
This was such a fun read. A wonderful way to introduce folks to the African Orishas. Plus who doesn’t love to hear snarky 7th graders lol.
This was such a fun read. A wonderful way to introduce folks to the African Orishas. Plus who doesn’t love to hear snarky 7th graders lol.
nicolemhewitt's review
5.0
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
Maya and the Rising Dark is a fantastical adventure based in African Mythology. Maya has always loved her dad’s stories of the Orishas and other magical creatures, but she never thought for a minute that they might all be real. So, she’s in for a big surprise when the Lord of Shadows starts appearing in her dreams and hinting at her father’s true identity—he is the guardian of the veil, the only thing keeping the Darkbringers from overwhelming the world of light. Turns out, her whole neighborhood is a haven for magical mythological (or so she thought) beings. When Maya’s dad is kidnapped, she and her two best friends take it upon themselves to do something about it. They find themselves in an alternate dark world full of danger, and discover their own abilities just when they need them most! One of my favorite aspects of this book is the tight-knit community that Maya lives in—it’s a positive portrayal of Chicago neighborhoods that you don’t get often. This book will definitely appeal to fans of Riordan’s books, many of whom would probably be introduced to a mythology they didn’t know much about. Plus, the trio of heroes are easy to relate to. This is a super fun read for the middle grade crowd!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley for review purposes. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
Maya and the Rising Dark is a fantastical adventure based in African Mythology. Maya has always loved her dad’s stories of the Orishas and other magical creatures, but she never thought for a minute that they might all be real. So, she’s in for a big surprise when the Lord of Shadows starts appearing in her dreams and hinting at her father’s true identity—he is the guardian of the veil, the only thing keeping the Darkbringers from overwhelming the world of light. Turns out, her whole neighborhood is a haven for magical mythological (or so she thought) beings. When Maya’s dad is kidnapped, she and her two best friends take it upon themselves to do something about it. They find themselves in an alternate dark world full of danger, and discover their own abilities just when they need them most! One of my favorite aspects of this book is the tight-knit community that Maya lives in—it’s a positive portrayal of Chicago neighborhoods that you don’t get often. This book will definitely appeal to fans of Riordan’s books, many of whom would probably be introduced to a mythology they didn’t know much about. Plus, the trio of heroes are easy to relate to. This is a super fun read for the middle grade crowd!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley for review purposes. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
steffiraquel's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
She didn't have to come for acne sufferers like that ;-;
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Death, and Violence
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, War, Xenophobia, Body shaming, Gaslighting, Bullying, and Stalking