A review by malkat007
The Encanto's Daughter by Melissa de la Cruz

adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious 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

3.75

 I pulled it because I wanted to read something from the author to give her another shot (earlier this year I read Blue Blood for the first time and it def felt dated 2005). Overall I'm very happy I read this book! It took longer than usual for me to read through it because I have zero knowledge on Filipino mythology or fairy tales. And probably as muck knowledge over the culture as well. That said I spent a lot of time looking up references. Which is another reason I wanted to read it. I wanted to expand my horizons and become immersed in another cultures approach to fantasy. 

 

I honestly forgot the age of MJ until the end when it mentioned her 18th birthday. The decisions and characterization of her and peers read closer to 15. Several choices they made were similar to what young teens opposed to almost adults. 

 

The world building was easy to follow and I really appreciated that especially, as mentioned, the cultural references were enough for me to Keep up with. 

 

Switching from adult fiction to YA is always a fun journey. Constantly expecting bigger stakes, betrayals, and romance. For a young teen book those elements were appropriately set! 

 

I am looking forward to reading the second one for whenever it releases.