I liked this, but didn’t love it. But I do want to read the companion novel.
So, what did I like? A non-European based fantasy is refreshing. And Ms. Ibanez weaved Spanish into the story. She rarely explained the language and food. Could that be frustrating? Yes, but it’s also realistic. Ximena would never translate in her own head. She made the politics it bit more complicated than most YA fantasy I read. And the animals were adorable.
But I also never fully connected with the stories or characters. I was interested but not deeply invested in the plot. The magic was interesting, but I don’t understand it. I don’t need a hard magic system, but I’d like some sort of explanation. Maybe the second one will help me better understand.
The thing that really bothered me was the romance. It felt so forced. And I love a good romance. There’s a twinge of chemistry, but I don’t buy that those two actually fell in love. Maybe they would someday, but not as fast as they did. Sometimes I think the expectations of a romance in YA weakens the story and that is the case here.
Thanks for reading!
Holly