Cece Rios and the Queen of Brujas - by Kaela Rivera (Hardcover)

About the Book

Cece Rios and her friends have escaped Devil's Alley, but the fight to save their world is just beginning. Despite her growing comfort with her curandera abilities, Cece is worried that she won't be strong enough to stop her most dangerous enemy yet: her tia, Catrina. Desperate for power and revenge, Catrina has seized the throne of Devil's Alley and set her sights on the living world. Catrina's first move is a brutal attack on the Sun Sanctuary that leaves Tierra del Sol reeling. And no matter how hard they try, Cece and her friends are always one step behind the bruja queen as she seeks to attain the powers of the gods and take control of the four elements. Cece Rios saved her sister. She rebuilt her familia. But can she take down her vicious tía before Catrina destroys everything Cece has fought so hard to protect?

Book Synopsis

This stunning conclusion to the Cece Rios trilogy is perfect for fans of J. C. Cervantes and Kwame Mbalia!

Cece Rios and her friends have escaped Devil's Alley, but the fight to save their world is just beginning.

Despite her growing comfort with her curandera abilities, Cece is worried that she won't be strong enough to stop her most dangerous enemy yet: her tía, Catrina. Desperate for power and revenge, Catrina has seized the throne of Devil's Alley and set her sights on the living world.

Catrina's first move is a brutal attack on the Sun Sanctuary that leaves Tierra del Sol reeling. And no matter how hard they try, Cece and her friends are always one step behind the bruja queen as she seeks to attain the powers of the gods and take control of the four elements.

Cece Rios saved her sister. She rebuilt her familia. But can she take down her vicious tía before Catrina destroys everything Cece has fought so hard to protect?

Review Quotes

"This book was such a joy to read! Cece Rios--scared, brave, cursed, blessed, and above all determined to save her sister from the evil El Sombreron--is the kind of hero no one can resist. Even the criaturas fall under her spell, their humanity slowly coaxed out from the layers of rage and bitterness that haunt them. A wonderful reminder that allies can come in all shapes, sizes and colors." - Chris Abouzeid, Belmont Books

"This is such an amazing story, and a whole new take on the magic/folklore stories I have read before. Cece is a wonderful heroine and I absolutely adore her. The world and magic of the story is so well built and described, and the writing is vivid and delectable with details you feel as though the desert wind is on your face as you stand right there with Cece. The words pull you in and you see her struggle, fail, and ultimately triumph not just in saving her sister but in finding her own strength. A truly, remarkable and exciting read!" - Marielle Orff, Town Center Books

"Aside from her ability to control water, Cece's greatest power is her empathetic, probing heart, which enables her to spread her light in even the worst situations.... A sweet, beautifully written adventure." - Kirkus Reviews

"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

"An astonishing and moving tale infused with spirit and unforgettable magic." - J.C. Cervantes, New York Times Bestselling Author of The Storm Runner 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

"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

"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

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

"With strong ties to Mesoamerican lore and culture, the story hits the sweet spot between dark and light. Lively, endearing, and full of character." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"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)

"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

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