Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls - by Kaela Rivera (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

When a powerful desert spirit kidnaps her sister, Cece Rios must learn forbidden magic to get her back, in this own voices middle grade fantasy perfect for fans of The Storm Runner and Aru Shah and the End of Time.

Living in the remote town of Tierra del Sol is dangerous, especially in the criatura months, when powerful spirits roam the desert and threaten humankind. But Cecelia Rios has always believed there was more to the criaturas, much to her family's disapproval. After all, only brujas--humans who capture and control criaturas--consort with the spirits, and brujeria is a terrible crime.

When her older sister, Juana, is kidnapped by El Sombrerón, a powerful dark criatura, Cece is determined to bring Juana back. To get into Devil's Alley, though, she'll have to become a bruja herself--while hiding her quest from her parents, her town, and the other brujas. Thankfully, the legendary criatura Coyote has a soft spot for humans and agrees to help her on her journey.

With him at her side, Cece sets out to reunite her family--and maybe even change what it means to be a bruja along the way.

Review Quotes

"With distinct voices for the human and supernatural characters, Guerra's narration enhances the magical realism of the mythological fantasy. Listeners will be cheering for the endearing heroine to prove herself and rescue her sister." - Booklist

"Glorious world-building, pitch-perfect narration, and stellar storytelling." - Sean T, Audible.com editor

"Intertwined with rich Mexican folklore and culturally infused language, this is a brilliantly unveiled coming-of-age story not for the faint of heart.... Courage, determination, and unwavering love are the foundation of this debut." - School Library Journal

"...Packed with magic, adventure, friendship, and Latinx-inspired mythology... [Readers] will delight in exploring Cece's world." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Mesmerizing... With excellent pacing and rich world-building, debut author Rivera flawlessly immerses readers in the landscape of Tierra del Sol and Cece's journey." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Rich world-building and enticing characterization strike hope for a sequel about the dauntless Cece." - Horn Book Magazine

"An astonishing and moving tale infused with spirit and unforgettable magic."

"A new Narnia full of desert heat and danger, Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls mixes familiar myth, inventive magic, and vivid characters to capture readers." - Anna Meriano, author of the Love Sugar Magic series

"A beautifully written fantasy story with tons of heart!" - Ryan Calejo, author of the Charlie Hernández series

"Flush with incredible worldbuilding, mucho español throughout, and an unforgettable cast, this book reminds us that our greatest strengths can sometimes be found in the unlikeliest of places." - Pablo Cartaya, award-winning author of The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora

"Rivera's spellbinding debut feels incredibly fresh. Enchanted readers will hope for more from Cece and her extraordinary, magical world." - Booklist (starred review)

"Pokemon meets Coco in a spirited and moving adventure, at once familiar and tantalizingly strange, peopled by beautifully crafted and vivid characters." - David Bowles, award-winning author of They Call Me Güero