Malinalli reimagines the story of a Nahua woman of the same name who acted as a translator for Hernan Cortés. This story adds a lot of context and depth to a controversial historical figure. 

Malinalli is renamed Malinalxochitl after the Aztec sorceress/goddess in an attempt to subvert a dismal prophecy. This association with the goddess plays a key part in the story as a source of power for the main character. Aztec mythology and symbolism are prominent throughout the book, and I am embarrassingly unfamiliar with most of it. This book has definitely inspired me to do a deeper dive into not only Malinalxochitl, but Aztec and Mayan mythologies as a whole.

I loved the descriptions of the setting. There are moments where I felt like I'd stepped into the magical and brutal world of 1500s Central America. 

I do feel that the pacing was off in the book and it ends rather abruptly. I would have loved to see more of how Malinalxochitl handles the cascade of catastrophies in the last 15-20%. It felt a bit rushed, and I feel like a lot of opportunities were missed. 

With that in mind, I am excited to see what Veronica Chapa writes in the future. She shows a lot of talent and potential, and I'd love to read more stories centered around Mexico's history and indigenous mythologies!

Thank you Netgalleu and Atria Books for this opportunity to read a digital ARC and provide my honest review.