Middle grade books always pack such a powerful punch. Cece Rios taught us that it doesn’t matter what others think of you or what their version of strength is. What matters is you power and ability to believe in yourself and challenge the things that you know aren’t right or fair. Having a kind heart doesn’t make you weak, it’s just a different type of strength. 

Cece has been told since she was 7 that she’s weak and cursed with water. When her brave older sister is kidnapped by a dark criatura, Cece must confront her families shameful past and do the unthinkable: become a bruja to save her sister’s life. I loved the bond that Cece made with each of her own criatura and how we got a glimpse of all their stories. It was also amazing how she was able to find her inner strength and in doing so, helped them find theirs as well. 

Her papa being abusive upset me and I know we’re supposed to love and forgive those who hurt us but I want him far far away from her IMMEDIATELY. It was also wild how her entire town, including her mama, decided that because one bad thing happened a long time ago they could just try and rewrite history, that’s not how the world works. 

In the end, Cece came out on top and I can’t wait to read book 2!