e-Audio, 07:27:02
Narrated by: Elena Rey
Release Date: April 18, 2023
Published by: Books on Tape
Read from: April 25-27, 2023
Stand-alone
Source: PRH App
TW: Death of a parent, Discrimination
For Readers Interested In: Mythology, Quests, MG, FantasyThe twelve-year-old daughter of La Llorona vows to free her mother and reverse the curses that have plagued the magical town of Tres Leches in this delightfully sweet and spellbinding adventure by beloved author Diana López.
When Felice learns that she’s the daughter of La Llorona, she catches a ride to the magical town of Tres Leches, where her mother is said to be haunting the river. Growing up with her uncle Clem in Corpus Christi, Felice knew that she had been rescued from drowning–it’s where her intense fear of water comes from–but she had no idea her mother remained trapped between worlds, looking for her. Guided by the magical town’s eccentric mayor, Felice vows to help her mother make peace with the events that turned her into the most famous monstruo of US-Mexico border lore. Along the way, she meets the children of other monstruos, like La Lechuza and the Dancing Devil, and together they free Tres Leches from magical and metaphorical curses that have haunted its people for generations.
Diana López’s electric return to middle grade–the first in a series–brims with magic, adventure, and Mexican folklore, and is perfect for fans of Ghost Squad by Claribel Ortega and the Jumbies series by Tracey Baptiste.
*MY THOUGHTS*
Y’all know I have a huge thing with La Llorona. So when I saw this a couple weeks before it’s release, I immediately added it to my TBR! And then it was also a questy book about Mexican culture and folklore? I was like “YASSSS!” All of that was right up my alley! So as soon as I saw it was available, I immediately started reading it. And I’m not at all sorry I messed up my TBR for this lol
Ok so I was really into the premise of this. Like why in the world did La Llorona and the other monsters have kids? And why were they so nice? it was so weird but I really liked it. The monsters that were depicted in the book weren’t at all like the usual stories that are told about them. It truly made me think differently about the things I’d heard about her before. It was weird to see that nice side of her.
The writing style was ok tho. It was cute in the beginning and the ending was good too. But the middle was a bit slow. It was still funny, but it just wasn’t amazing. I found myself having to rewind and re-listen to some bits over and over. The other plot line with the mayor lady was kinda crazy tho. Definitely wasn’t expecting it to end like that lol She was hella weird.
The setting and characters were so good tho. They were I do wish there was a bit more of the setting shown. The mud spot and the bell pepper plants thing was hilarious. And she was from Corpus, a city close to me and in the same state that I live in. I love being able to see some things that I know or can relate to setting wise in books. So not being able to see it in this one was a bit disappointing.
Another thing that kept me reading tho was the cast of characters. I really wish I had read the physical book of this. I would have loved to see any illustrations if there were some. Especially of the other characters. There was one whose mom was a witch owl…… IYKYK. I really want to see the other characters also get books. Please let this happen. Don’t let this flop y’all!
This was a weird concept, but I think Diana López really rocked it tho. Not only did it give me some new ideas about La Llorona, but it also gave me some other resources for other things. I really liked that as well. I really hope y’all read these and love all these same things too!
Overall, I give this
