A review by deedireads
The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida Córdova

adventurous emotional mysterious 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? It's complicated

4.5

All my reviews live at https://deedispeaking.com/reads/.

TL;DR REVIEW:

The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina is a really lovely standalone low fantasy novel in homage to Latinx family ties, traditions, and heritage. It pulled me in and held me the whole way.

For you if: You like low fantasy (magical elements in a real-world setting) and/or want to read more fantasy by Latinx authors.

FULL REVIEW:

“When she'd met Orquídea Montoya, she saw a whisper of a girl who wanted to become a scream.”

What a fun, lovely, magical story that Zoraida Córdova has given us in The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina. It’s a standalone low fantasy novel (meaning the magical elements occur in a real-world setting) that almost feels like a modern-day fairytale, with great characters, a strong central mystery, and plenty of moments that tug on your heart.

Orquídea Montoya is the magical matriarch of a sprawling Ecuadorian-American family. One day, they all receive a letter inviting them home to claim their inheritance, as the time of her death has come. When they arrive, she’s begun a kind of transformation and leaves them with cryptic messages about staying safe. That sends a few of her grandchildren on a hunt for the truth — how Orquídea became Orquídea, what kind of deal she struck with whom, and who hunts them now.

This book is clearly a love letter to Ecuadorian family traditions, ties, and heritage; Córdova has written a story that sings with heart. I loved Marimar and Rey as characters, the magic sparkles, and I really enjoyed trying to solve the mystery as I read.

If you’re looking for a standalone novel that provides a quick, magical trip into an engaging story, pick this one up!

Expand filter menu Content Warnings