Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls

By Kaela Rivera
New York, NY: Harper, 2021. Fiction. 334 pages.

When Cece Rios was a little girl, she wandered deep into the desert and encountered Tzizimitl, the Criatura of Stars and Devouring, who observed that Cece has a soul like water. Cece's family and fellow residents of Tierra del Sol, desert people who value their fiery souls and fear the criaturas, hear the pronouncement and decide that Cece has been cursed to be weak. Years later, Cece encounters another criatura, El Sombrerón - the Bride Stealer, who entrances and kidnaps her older sister Juana before she can react. Cece is determined to rescue her sister from El Sombrerón, a feat that has never been accomplished, even if it means becoming a bruja and competing in a series of increasingly dangerous battles that will test her inner strength.

This is an engaging and plot-driven novel steeped in Mesoamerican mythology with Spanish and Nahuatl text woven throughout. Cece is an instantly likable character, and readers will identify with her coming-of-age quest to prove her worth. Though the captivating plot can sometimes feel a little dark, there is a perfect balance of light-hearted humor and a colorful, fresh world that balance out the darker parts. This is a satisfying fantasy novel that definitely hits a sweet spot. A perfectly fun read.

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